How Long Do Electric Bikes Last?

Electric bikes are an investment, so it makes sense that you’d want yours to last for a long time. Fortunately, e-bikes are very well-built, especially if you get them from Ride1UP, which designs them with high-quality, name-brand components. Couple that with proper care and regular maintenance, and you’ve got a ride that can last up to ten years (or about 10,000 miles) or more!

Components That Affect the Lifespan of an Electric Bike

Just like regular bikes and other motorized vehicles, e-bikes require some TLC. You’ll need to attend to it and provide it with maintenance. You also will likely have to replace some parts occasionally.

Every electric bike is different and each person uses theirs for various purposes and at varying levels and frequencies, which will affect its lifespan. Here’s what you need to know about how its different parts affect its lifespan:

Battery

Battery life is calculated in charge cycles or the number of full charges (0% to 100%) that they undergo. A typical e-bike lithium-ion battery will operate at its peak for around 800 to 1,000 charge cycles (depending on your e-bike and the battery itself), which would come out to around three to five years. After that, its efficacy will be reduced, though it will still hold power.

Motor

Motors can easily outlast other components of an e-bike. It could last up to ten years or more than 10,000 miles—which is about the same lifespan as the electric bike itself. Moreover, if it fails, you often can get it replaced depending on your manufacturer’s warranty, so it is a very low risk investment.

Because it has a motor, do you have to pedal an electric bike? Sometimes, no–some bikes can go even without pedaling if they have a throttle feature. How fast do electric bikes go without pedaling? The motor will assist you up to 28.5 mph, but It can even surpass the top speed limit for the bike on the motor depending on how hoard you pedal and what kind of terrain you are riding!

Brakes

You’ll need to replace your brake pads at least a few times during your e-bike’s lifetime. That said, it will take around two to three years of use (or around 2,000 miles) before this happens to a high-quality set.

Chains

Average electric bike chains need to be replaced every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, with regular cleaning and lubrication prolonging their lifespan. This length can be shorter or longer depending on your use or whether you are riding a mid-drive or hub-drive ebike. If you operate it on difficult terrain, you may need to replace them more often. Luckily, chains are generally inexpensive and easy to source.

Tires

Tires can last from 1,000 to 3,000 miles. If you’d like it to last longer, opt for tougher tires that are puncture-proof, avoid unnecessarily rough terrain, and rotate your back and front tires occasionally to balance wear and tear. 

Gearing Components

Gearing components like the cassette, shifter, and derailleur may, over time, need to be replaced. Much of this depends on how hard you ride, your shifting habits, and your maintenance routines. Some cassettes last a few years, while others break down more quickly, such as mid-drive ebike gearing components. This is due to higher torque being placed on these parts as compared to a hub drive. However, These are typically inexpensive, easy to source, and can be replaced at home or in a shop. 

How to Prolong the Life of Your Electric Bike

Here are some tips to add more years to your electric bike: 

Take Care of Your Battery

Keep your battery away from extreme weather conditions, storing it partially charged in a climate-controlled, dry place when not in use. Avoid using “ultra-fast” chargers; only use official ones recommended by your manufacturer, and avoid fully discharging your battery regularly.

Be Mindful of Where You Ride

Avoid unnecessary exposure to water. If you have no choice but to ride through the elements, afterward, make sure to give your e-bike a cleaning. Most importantly, dry the battery ports and ensure that it’s free from dirt, debris, and moisture.

Get Regular Maintenance Checks

Get your electric bicycle checked and tuned every once in a while to make sure that everything’s in tip-top shape. Ultimately, how often you get your ebike checked depends on the level of use but having a professional tune and maintaining your bike at a minimum of 1-2 times a year will increase the lifespan of your bike. Make replacements when needed, and ask advice from the experts when you feel like something’s wrong.

Ride1Up’s Best Value Electric Bikes Will Last You Years

If you want an electric bike that will last you a long time, you need to invest in one that’s designed with this in mind. Many competitors in the industry don’t mind if their bikes wind up in a landfill after less than a couple of years of use! Ride1Up’s e-bikes are made with trusted name-brand components to guarantee that you have high-performing bikes at the best value, for years to come. Check out Ride1Up’s catalog of Class 3 electric bicycles to find your next ride today!