How Long Can An Electric Bicycle Lasts?
Electric bikes are a huge investment, so it’s understandable to wonder how long yours will last. The good news is that e-bikes are very well made machines. With proper care and regular maintenance, a good e-bike can be a friend for many years.
On average, an electric bicycle lasts around 10 years. This number may be higher or lower, depending on the type of bike and how you use it. If you take good care of your e-bike, it can last for over ten years. However, even with proper maintenance, various parts such as motors and chains need to be replaced periodically.
Below, we’ll review the shelf life of the average electric bicycle and offer some advice on how to keep your e-bike in good shape over the long term.
How long can an electric bicycle last?
Like regular bicycles, even high-quality e-bikes require care and maintenance. While an e-bike as a whole can last 10 years or more, different parts will need to be replaced during that time. Everyone’s bike is different, and a lot depends on how often you ride it.
Wear and tear is normal over the years, and parts of a bike wear out at different rates. Here is a rough breakdown of the useful life of various e-bike parts:
Battery
People are often concerned with battery life—both daily range and how long it takes for a battery to be replaced.
The Hotebike’s battery can go up to 90 miles on a charge, although how and where you ride the Hotebike will have an effect on the terrain, rider and level of pedal assist used will affect the distance traveled.
For most electric bikes, the battery lasts about 1,000 uses. This usually takes about three to five years.
Batteries are usually easy to replace and are provided by your electric bicycle manufacturer. The process of changing the battery varies by e-bike company and its design.
Motor
Of all the components in an e-bike, the motor has the longest lifespan. In fact, a quality motor will usually last as long as the e-bike itself. The rear hub motor is sealed from corrosion and the elements and requires minimal maintenance.
If your motor fails, you can replace it. You can contact your manufacturer and have a replacement installed at home or with the help of a local bike shop.
Chains and Tires
Chains and tires typically last 1,000 to 3,000 miles before needing to be replaced. This means that for the average rider, they will typically last a year or two. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the chain will prolong its life.
Those who ride their bikes a lot and traverse difficult terrain may need to replace their chains and tires more frequently. However, these supplies are relatively inexpensive and can usually be replaced without taking your electric bicycle to a mechanic.
Gear
As far as longevity goes, the gears are a bit iffy. The gears on a well-made bike can often last as long as the bike itself, but certain types of gears tend to wear out sooner.
For example, the cogs that hold the chain in place may fail sooner. Cogs found near the front cogs are also more prone to damage.
While some gear may only last three or four years, gear is inexpensive and easy to replace yourself. Regular maintenance and adjustment of your derailleurs and gears will help prevent problems.
How can I make my e-bike last longer?
While no e-bike lasts forever, there are a number of things you can do to ensure your bike lasts as long as possible. Proper care takes little effort and will pay off in the long run. A well-maintained e-bike can last more than 10 years.
The weather can be bad for your e-bike, especially rain and snow. Store your e-bike away from the elements, preferably somewhere inside. Rusted parts wear out faster and can affect the overall lifespan of your e-bike.
Never store batteries at full capacity. This affects the battery’s recoverable capacity, reducing its overall lifespan. The optimal range for storing batteries is between 40% and 80%.
Dirt and dust can affect your bike’s motor and moving parts, so it’s always a good idea to wipe it down after a long ride. However, e-bikes require a gentle wash to prevent damage to the bike suspension and drivetrain. Never hose down your bike or use similar pressure washing techniques.
Always keep your tires inflated. Underinflation can make tires more prone to punctures. Check the bolts frequently to make sure they are not loose. If your bike breaks down while you’re riding it, this could injure you and possibly cause more damage to your bike.
The Bottom Line
A high-quality electric bike can last a long time. While no piece of machinery is forever, electric bicycle last much longer than conventional bikes. With proper care and regular maintenance, you can enjoy riding an e-bike for over a decade.
If you think an electric bike is right for you, start your search at Hotebike. We offer stride bikes, road bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes, tricycles and more at reasonable prices. Believe it will make you fall in love with it!
