Approx. 3-5 years or 500-700 charging cycles, depending on temperature, usage and recharging habits.
Why does the battery on my electric bike discharge so quickly? 7 reasons
Written by: Hanna Stevens | October 20, 2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes
Many cyclists find that their batteries drain faster than expected, even on newer bikes. This doesn't just depend on the battery's capacity, but on a combination of factors: temperature, riding style, weight, tires pressure, software and aging. In this article, discover the seven main causes of an electric bike battery that discharges too quickly, and what you can do about it.
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
- An e-bike battery works ideally between 15 and 25°C, with well-inflated tires and a moderate assistance mode.
- Poor loading habits and obsolete software are often overlooked causes of capacity loss.
- Charging between 30% and 80% and carrying out annual maintenance can extend service life by up to two years.
- After 3 to 5 years or 700 cycles, replacement or overhaul is usually unavoidable.
How does an electric bicycle battery work?
An electric bike draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, the same technology used in smartphones and electric cars. This battery powers the motor via a controller that determines the power delivered according to your pedaling effort, speed and chosen assistance mode. The efficiency of this system directly determines the range of your e-bike.
The 7 most common causes of a fast-discharging battery
1. Assistance too high
The more power the motor delivers, the faster the battery drains. Turbo mode can consume up to 40% more energy than Eco mode.
- Why: the motor draws more current to propel you faster.
- What to do: use lower assistance levels on flat terrain and reserve Turbo mode for uphill climbs or headwinds.
2. tires pressure too low
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Check tyre pressure every week (usually between 3.5 and 4.5 bar) to reduce fuel consumption.
- Why: too low a pressure deforms the tire and causes a loss of energy.
- What to do: check and adjust tires pressure every week.
3. Excessive heat or cold
Temperature has a direct influence on the chemical reactions of a lithium-ion battery. Cold (< 10°C): internal resistance increases, voltage drops and the battery delivers less energy. Heat (> 30°C): cells age faster, reducing their lifespan.
- What to do: store the battery at room temperature or use an insulating cover in winter.
4. Battery ageing
After 500 to 700 charging cycles (approx. 3 to 5 years), capacity drops to 70-80%.
- Why: electrochemical reactions become less efficient, so the battery stores less energy.
- What to do: have your battery checked every year by an authorized bicycle dealer.
5. Poor charging habits
Fully charging or discharging the battery accelerates wear and tear.
- Why: lithium-ion cells deteriorate faster at 0% or 100% charge.
- What to do: keep the charge level between 30% and 80%, and don't leave the charger plugged in unnecessarily.
6. Poor contacts or dirt
Dirty or oxidized connectors can cause voltage loss.
- What to do: clean the contacts regularly with a dry cloth and check for corrosion.
7. Obsolete software
The motor and battery firmware manages power distribution. An older version may result in excessive power consumption.
- What to do: have the software updated at least once a year by an authorized dealer (Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha, etc.).
How to extend the life of your e-bike battery
You can extend battery life by charging it intelligently, keeping it at the right temperature, performing regular maintenance and using the right parts.
1. Intelligent charging
Charge up to 80% and avoid charging below 30%. Don't leave the battery permanently connected: this wears out the cells prematurely.
2. Store at the right temperature
Batteries work best between 15°C and 25°C. Keep the bike indoors in winter or use an insulating cover.
3. Regular maintenance
Have the battery checked every year, clean the contacts, check the charger and update the firmware if necessary.
4. Use original parts
Always use a compatible charger (Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha).
An unsuitable charger may overcharge or damage the battery.
Upway 's reconditioned bikes come with tested and certified batteries, retaining at least 80% of their original capacity.
When should I replace the battery on my electric bike?
Even well-maintained batteries lose performance after a few years.
On average, a lithium-ion battery shows a noticeable decrease after 3 to 5 years or 500-700 charge cycles.
Telltale signs
- Reduced range: you travel 30% less than before.
- Slow or irregular loading.
- Indicator unstable while driving.
- Overheating when charging or climbing.
If several of these signs appear, it's best to consider a replacement.
A new battery often costs between €500 and €900, but a reconditioned bike or battery can be a more economical alternative.
Conclusion
Use your battery wisely, maintain it regularly and opt for quality, and you'll be riding longer and longer.
| Theme | What's happening | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption | Temperature, driving style and ageing influence the battery. | Ride more calmly, turn down the assistance. |
| Maintenance | Incorrect charging or dirty contacts reduce service life. | Charge between 30-80%, clean terminals, update firmware. |
| Service life | After 3-5 years, capacity drops to 70-80%. | Consider replacing or reconditioning the battery. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average life of an electric bike battery?
Why does my e-bike lose so much range in winter?
In cold weather, lithium-ion cells are less efficient: range can drop by 30%.
Is it bad to charge my electric bike every day?
No, but avoid loading it to 100%. 80% is ideal to limit wear.
Can a battery be reconditioned rather than replaced?
Yes, it's often more economical, provided the overhaul is carried out by a CE-certified professional.
How do I know if my battery is dead?
If the range drops suddenly, or the battery heats up or charges poorly, it's time to replace it.