Battery: all you need to know about autonomy and service life
Battery capacity - expressed in watt-hours (Wh) - determines the range of your electric bike. The higher the capacity, the longer the distance covered on a single charge.
How do I choose the right capacity for my application?
Range - i.e. the number of kilometers you can ride on a charged battery - depends mainly on the battery's original capacity. Other factors, however, can have a major influence on range: the level of electric assistance used, the road surface and its gradient, weather conditions and your weight.
For information purposes, you'll find below the average range observed per battery capacity for different uses. We have assumed that the cyclist and his loads weigh 75 kg (excluding the weight of the electric bike) and uses an intermediate electric assistance mode:
Is it risky to buy a refurbished bike that still has its original battery?
No. The life of a battery is not linear: it can complete around 500 charge cycles before starting to lose significant and increasingly rapid range. Counting an average of 60 kilometers per charge cycle, this means thatan electric bicycle can cover 30,000 kilometers without any problem, and still maintain a very good range.. A bike bought on Upway is therefore only in its first life!
Unlike a conventional used bike website, at Upway our mechanics systematically carry out :
1. A diagnosis of the bike's battery when this is possible (this is the case, for example, for bikes equipped with a Bosch, Fazua, Giant or Shimano battery). We issue a service report containing the number of charge cycles already completed: this data is displayed on the bike's page.
2. After 6,000 kilometers or 6 years of service, an additional capacity test. If we judge the remaining capacity to be insufficient (i.e. less than 80% of its original value), the battery is reconditioned or replaced.
In practice, it is very rare to find problems linked to the age of a battery. Other factors, such as prolonged storage in poor conditions (bike parked in direct sunlight, battery left to discharge completely, etc.) can, however, reduce its lifespan: this is why we systematically test the battery beyond a certain age.
💡 The battery and electrical components on all our bikes come with a one-year warranty. So you can rest easy about the battery life of your future bike refurbished.
To find out more, see our article on battery reconditioning at Upway.
Does the position of the battery on the bike matter?
The position of the battery mainly affects :
- Easy removal for recharging
- The bike's stability, as the weight of the battery can shift its center of gravity
Battery on luggage rack
This type of battery is generally found on entry-level bikes.
It's very easy to remove, but tends to shift the bike's center of gravity backwards. It's also easier to steal than an integrated battery.
Semi-integrated frame battery
This is what we prefer: the battery is very easy to remove and its central position doesn't unbalance the bike. The ride is much more like that of a traditional bike.
The battery can be located on the downtube, downtube or even in the seat tube.
Frame-mounted battery
This is the most aesthetically pleasing solution. Weight distribution is ideal, ensuring excellent handling.
The battery may or may not be removable. In the latter case, make sure you have an electrical outlet close to where you store your bike, so you can recharge it. Maintenance must also be carried out by a professional.
Is it possible to continue pedaling normally when an electric bike's battery is discharged?
Yes, but don't forget that an electric bike is heavier than a conventional bike.
If the motor is positioned in one of the wheels, you won't encounter any particular resistance. On the other hand, if the motor is in a central position (integrated into the crankset), you'll encounter additional resistance.
Is it possible to replace the original battery with a higher-capacity one?
This depends on the battery model. Upway does not make on-demand modifications when reconditioning an electric bike. However, don't hesitate to talk to our experts to find out whether the battery model fitted to the bike of your choice can eventually be replaced by a higher-capacity battery. On average, a new battery costs around €500.
Last update: October 5, 2023