When buying an electric bicycle the single most expensive component is the battery. The battery specifications are the determining benchmark of price and performance of all ebikes. When you are shopping for an ebike, the same old adage applies, you get what you pay for. Pricing fluctuates drastically based on a number of metrics which we will outline below.
Hands down the industry leader in ebike batteries (cells) is Samsung, as they have proven to be the most consistent, reliable, and allow the most rated recharges. A typical off brand battery will get 50% less rated charges and a less sophisticated battery management system.
Driven batteries are powered by 48 Volt Samsung Lithium Ion Cells, which are fully charged at 54 Volts and typically empty at 42 Volts. Most quality ebikes (including ours) provide a live voltage reading next to the battery icon which offers a much more reliable source of determining range. While the battery indicator is also an excellent resource for determining remaining battery, they tend to fluctuate based on current demand and can at times produce an inconsistent battery reading. Range is typically the biggest concern when considering an ebike, hence the importance of voltage readings to truly understand the capabilities of your ebike. To put it more clearly, as the indicated voltage ticks down from 54 Volts to 42 volts, you are gradually reaching a dead battery.
Battery maintenance
To get the most longevity from your battery, new batteries should be fully drained if possible for the first 3 charges. This is critical just as in other devices with Lithium Ion batteries, such as your cell phone. Optimal battery utilization is to limit charging until a lower range goal like 42-46 volts is met (again, the importance of the voltmeter) for shorter rides. If planning a longer ride, fully charge the battery as needed. Batteries not in use should be charged at minimum every other calendar month. We have included a reminder calendar link below to aid in your proper battery maintenance.
With proper maintenance, your battery should exceed 5-7 years or 1000 charges.
Battery Range?
This is always the first question when shopping for an ebike… How far can I go? Well the range of an ebike varies widely depending on the demand for the user. Simply put, higher speeds with more throttle usage, shorter range. Slower speeds using the advanced peddle assist technology produces a much longer range. The chart below shows the mileage you should expect in reference to speed or demand you set on the ebike.
Steps you can take to extend your range? Most quality ebikes offer a laundry list of setting that you can easily access thought the manufacturer's manual and one of the easiest ways to extend your battery life is to limit the top speed of the bike through those factory setting. If you are a current or soon to be owner of a Driven ebike, find these control setting below
To alter you max speed setting:
Hold the top and bottom arrows simultaneously within the first 5 seconds of turning on the bike
Press the Power button to edit the settings (green arrow will flash yellow while editing)
Chose the desired top speed
Lastly, hold the power button to exit settings
Some ebikes offer speed in Kilometers per hour so reference the conversion chart below to make your desired selection.
16KM = 10 MPH
25KM = 16 MPH
32KM = 20 MPH
45KM = 28 MPH
A full programming video overview of the LCD8H from our friends at Bolton Ebikes is below.
As always, thank you for checking out our blog. If you should have any further questions about ebikes, please contact our tech representatives info@drivenbikes.com And they would be happy to assist you.
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