How Long Does An Electric Bike Motor Last?
Even though a good electric bike costs quite a bit more than a traditional bicycle, they also come with many additional features and benefits, making them worth the extra money.
But those features are provided by a number of electrical components that can wear out or fail with frequent use.
The electric bike motor is one of the most expensive and crucial parts of the electric bike. The lifespan of the motor is a major factor that is considered.
How long an electric bike motor lasts depends upon several factors including the type of motor, how well it is maintained, along with your riding style and terrain you ride on. But on average an electric bike motor lasts approximately 10 years. It can go even longer when cared for properly.
What about the other components such as the tires, brakes, and batteries? Let us dive in!
Understanding Electric Bike Motor
An electric bike motor lasts up to 10,000 miles and can be more depending on how well it is maintained. The motor is made from sturdy and high-grade components. This makes it last longer than other components such as batteries, brakes, tires, and chains. It is important to understand that regardless of how long the motor lasts, most parts surrounding it does not last long.
Techniques can be applied to ensure the electric bike motor lasts longer. One of them is avoiding bodies of water. Riding through deep rivers and puddles should be avoided.
When cleaning the motor, a pressure washer should not be used as well.
Types of Electric Bike Motors
Geared-Hub Motors – The electric geared-hub motors last between 3,000-10,000 miles. It spins faster than other types of motors. The motors are an advantage for people who ride over the hills. It enables the user to go faster while going downhill. It also helps with the ease of getting over the hills.
Geared motor hubs are prone to friction and wear and tear. The result is a short lifespan and replacement. The motor is however easy to replace and install. The replacement depends on how frequently the electric bike is used. The hub motors are affordable, durable, and require less maintenance.
Mid-Drive Motors – The mid-drive motors last for 10,000 miles with good maintenance and protection from moisture.
It offers power directly to the chain since it is connected to the crank. It is capable of sustaining power of 250W+ compared to a rider who sustains a higher of 100W. The mid-drive motors put more stress on sprockets, the derailleur system, and the drive chain leading them to wear faster. It also has a high chance of building rust and overheating.
The mid-drive motor features a thicker motor chain. It is due to the strain caused on the chain and the need for it to last longer. In most cases, the derailleur system, sprockets, and chains are replaced before the motor. Maintaining the mid-drive motors is hard thus the need to keep them away from wetness for longer periods.
Direct Drive Hub Motors – The direct-drive hub motor lasts for about 10,000 miles. It is can be placed on either the front wheel or the back wheel. The motor provides propulsion through stator windings (on the axle) and the magnets inside the surface of the hub. Other than the bearings, the motor does not feature any other moving part, hence, durable.
It is prone to rust and overheating which affect the lifespan of the motor. The motor and other elements can get extremely hot and melt due to running on too much power. The wet climates have a significant effect on the motor, therefore, it should be dried out after using in wet places.
There are also electric bike conversion kits that allow you to turn your traditional bicycle into an e-bike.
This video goes into more details about the differences between e-bike motors:
Lifespan of Other Electric Bike Components
- Battery – the lithium batteries last for about 1000 charging cycles. It is about three to five years before the capacity begins to decline.
- Chains – With less stress on the sprocket and chain, they can go for up to 2,000-3,000 miles. The lifespan depends on the type of motor in use. Some render the chain to hit a higher while others hit a low number of miles.
- Brakes – brakes can last long but that depends on the riding style, components quality, and road and weather conditions among others. The disc brakes last for about 6,000 miles while the rim brakes last around 3,000 miles with normal wear and tear.
- Gears – The gears wear along with other components of the electric bike. For example, a chain stretch will wear the gears.
- Tires – The tires vary with the type and quality. The back tire wears off faster than the front one. A set can provide around 3,000-5,000 miles.
How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Battery?
The bike battery has about 1000 charges that can last for three to five years. Knowing when to replace the battery can be hard. However, there are notable factors that can be put in place to understand when the battery is wearing out. When the battery starts to hold less charge and becomes inconvenient, then it is time to replace the battery.
The cost of charging an electric bike depends on various factors. They include:
- Size of the battery
- How the bike is ridden – off-road, flat or hilly terrain, or commuting
- Weight of the rider
In as much as electric bikes are easy to maintain, they are not all the same. Charging the battery is a factor that makes a significant difference. Batteries that are fully charged can last between 20 and 40 miles. The cost per charge can be between $0.04- and $0.08.
Conclusion
Maintaining an electric bike is very simple and can yield a long lifespan. Keeping the electric bike clean and dry should be a priority. Taking the electric bike for services and maintenance helps in knowing if there are underlying issues. Chains and other moving parts should be oiled regularly as well. Charging the battery and maintaining it is a crucial aspect of the overall well-being of the electric bike.