Electric Bike Batteries come in all shapes and sizes, but there is one thing they all have in common, and that’s that they need to be balanced.

In your ebike battery packs, there are individual battery cells, that make the complete pack of your battery. Here’s a photo of what the inside of your casing looks like:

Basically, you’ll be charging up each individual cell, which is what we call balancing your battery. The BMS (Battery Management System) also plays a role in making sure all cells are in balance and stay that way. Sometimes cells can have a different voltage reading than others, so it is required to balance your battery, to ensure longevity and strength. It is especially important to perform this right when you get your bike, as you have no idea how long your battery has been sitting.

  1. Fully charge your battery when you get the bike. Most likely the battery has somewhat of a charge on it, but it’s important to just go ahead and throw it on the charger as soon as you unbox the bike.
  2. Once the battery is full, take your bike out on it’s maiden voyage. Plan to take a few hours to complete your ride, so that you drain the battery to around 20% (or 1 bar). Side Note: You’ll NEVER want to drain your pack completely, so make sure you’re close to your charger, or make sure you’re carrying another battery with you to swap in.
  3. Once you’re home for your ride, charge the battery to 100%, and ensure you leave the charger plugged in for 8-12 hours (the timeframe is really dependent on how big your pack is and/or how fast your charger is). I would just set an alarm for 10 hours, and check if the light on your charger is green. It will turn green once it’s reached the max capacity.
  4. Once you have fully charged the ebike battery pack, take it out for another spin. Make sure you plan your ride soon after you complete the battery charging, as it’s not healthy for the pack, for it to be sitting at 100% for a long period of time.
  5. Repeat the drain/charge process a total of 3 times. – Drain > Charge > Ride – 3X – This can take a few rides to complete, so be patient!
  6. Once you have completed this, your battery should be working at it’s optimal state, and your cells should all be balanced. It is wise to do this every month or so, to keep your battery healthy.

Key Tips!

  • Remember, when storing your battery for a long period of time, it is best to have it sitting at around 70-80%. Never store it outside in the elements. If you are going to store your bike outside or in the garage, bring the battery inside a climate controlled room.
  • Never leave the battery on the charger for more than 12 hours. You risk the chance of a fire if you avoid this one important rule. Though the BMS in the battery should stop anything bad from happening, what happens if that fails?

Balancing an e-bike battery is an important process that helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your pack. Stick to the information above, and you will be set and your battery will stay healthy for years to come!