As avid e-bike riders, we understand the importance of keeping our batteries in good condition. After all, a healthy battery means more time riding on the trails and less time worrying about running out of juice.
Like most of us, this brought back memories of our first ride around on our new electric fat tyre bikes. We were full of excitement to explore the local trails without worrying about exhaustion, but after a few hours of riding, a low battery became our biggest concern.
Even though we don't intend to cut our rides short, we still make it home unscathed, but we need to make a more conscious effort to improve the battery life of our e-bikes. Now that we've learnt how to charge our e-bike batteries to extend their life, we're excited to share our tips with you!
Understanding electric fat tyre bikes and their battery systems
Electric Fat Tyre Bicycle Overview
An electric fat tyre bike is an electric bike with oversized tyres. These tyres are typically 4 inches wide or wider and provide excellent traction and stability on a variety of surfaces including sand, snow, mud and gravel. As a result, electric fat tyre bikes are popular with outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy riding in challenging conditions.
In addition to off-road capabilities, electric fat tyre bikes offer a number of other benefits, including:
1. Smoother ride
Wider tyres absorb bumps and vibrations more effectively, resulting in a smoother ride, especially for riders with back or joint pain.
2. Enhanced stability
The wide tyres on electric fat tyre bikes have a low centre of gravity and are therefore more stable and less likely to roll over. This stability is especially important for riders who are new to e-bikes or plan to ride on challenging terrain.
3. Versatility
Electric fat tyre bikes can be used for a variety of activities, including commuting, trail riding and fat tyre biking. Their versatility makes them a great choice for riders who want one bike for everything.
4. More Comfortable
Electric fat tyre bikes typically have wider tyres, softer suspension and a more upright riding position than other types of e-bikes, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
![fat tyre ebike]( "fat tyre ebike")
Battery system: The heart of the e-bike
The battery system powers the motor and provides range for the e-bike. It is the heart of the e-bike and has a major impact on its overall performance. Electric fat tyre bikes usually use lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, have a high energy density and a long service life. They are also relatively maintenance-free, making them an excellent choice for electric bikes.
The capacity of an electric fat bike battery is measured in ampere hours (Ah); the higher the Ah value, the longer the bike's range. However, you must understand that the range of an electric fat tyre bike can also be affected by a number of other factors such as the rider's weight, terrain and level of assistance.
When choosing an electric fat tyre bike, it is important to carefully consider the battery system. It is best to choose a bike with a battery system that has enough capacity for your needs. You should also consider the type of battery used and the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Maximising Battery Life: Charging Considerations
Charging Basics: Getting Started
To charge your electric fat tyre bike, follow these steps:
1. Switch off your e-bike.
2. Locate the charging port. The charging port is usually located on the battery or on the bike frame near the battery.
3. Plug the charger into the charging port.
4. Plug the charger into an electrical outlet.
5. The charger light comes on to indicate that the battery is charging.
6. When the battery is fully charged, the charger light will turn green.
7. Disconnect the charger from the electrical outlet and charging port.
Safety Precautions:
1. Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer. Third party chargers may not be compatible with the battery and may damage the battery.
2. Charge the battery in a safe place, away from flammable materials.
3. Do not overcharge the battery. Overcharging can damage the battery and shorten its life.
4. Do not charge the battery in extreme temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can damage the battery.
The Ideal Charging Method to Extend Battery Life
Partial charging charges the battery to less than 100%, which contributes to longer battery life because it reduces the number of charge cycles. To partially charge a battery, first charge the battery to the level required for riding and then disconnect the charger.
The ideal charging time for an electric fat tyre bike battery varies depending on the capacity of the battery and the charger used. However, a general rule of thumb is to charge the battery for 4-6 hours.
It is also important to avoid prolonged charging. Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect the charger. If you will not be riding for a long time, it is best to keep the battery at about 50 per cent. Avoid storing the battery in a low or fully charged state as this can damage the battery.
![electric fat tire bike]( "electric fat tire bike")
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Charging Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving the battery plugged in for long periods of time can damage the battery and shorten its life. Unplug the charger when the battery is fully charged. Extreme heat or cold can also damage the battery. Therefore, avoid charging the battery at extreme temperatures.
Here are some other charging mistakes to avoid:
1. Do not let the battery drain completely. Always keep the battery level above 20%.
2. Do not use a damaged charger. If the charger is damaged, replace it immediately.
3. Do not charge when the battery is wet.
Bonus tip: Charge anywhere, anytime
Portable chargers are a lifesaver on long rides. You can charge your battery while riding or away from an electrical outlet.
It is best to use a reliable portable charger that is compatible with electric fat tyre bikes or the one that comes with your e-bike when you buy it. There are several different portable chargers on the market. When choosing a portable charger, make sure that it is compatible with your fat tyre electric bike battery.
Keeping Batteries Healthy: Care and Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your e-bike battery is not rocket science. The care you take of your e-bike battery will affect the overall health of your e-bike. So let's take a look at some best practices for caring for your e-bike battery.
Correct storage: Battery-friendly practices
How you store your electric pneumatic tyre bike and its battery during periods of inactivity can greatly affect the life of the battery. Here are some tips for optimal storage:
1. Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the battery in direct sunlight or near temperature extremes.
2. Keep the battery at about 50% charge. Avoid storing batteries at low or full charge.
3. Check the battery level every few months and replenish it if necessary.
In addition, keep in mind the following additional tips for storing your electric pneumatic tyre bike:
1. Store your bike in a clean, dry place.
2. Cover the bike to keep dust and moisture out.
3. Inflate the tyres to the recommended air pressure.
4. lubricate the chain and other moving parts.
Regular checks: Keep an eye on your battery
It's important to regularly check your electric pneumatic tyre bike battery for signs of damage or wear. Below is a list of the main battery components that need to be checked:
1. Battery casing: Look for any cracks, dents or other signs of damage.
2. Battery Terminals: Make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
3. Battery Connector: Make sure the connector is secure and undamaged.
If you see any signs of damage, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician immediately. Below are some common battery problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- Battery will not charge
Check the charger and charging port to make sure they are working properly. If the charger and charging port are working properly, the battery may be damaged.
- Battery will not charge
This may indicate an aged or damaged battery. If the battery is new, it may need to be calibrated. To calibrate the battery, fully charge it and then completely discharge it. Repeat this process three times.
- Battery overheating
If the battery overheats, stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
Conclusion
This article shares tips and best practices for charging an electric fat tyre bike and maintaining battery life. You need to charge the battery, using the charger that comes with the bike, on a regular basis, but avoid overcharging it. Especially when not in use, store it in a cool place. Regularly checking tyre pressure and avoiding cycling in extreme temperatures will also help to extend the life of your battery and maximise your riding experience.
If you're looking for an electric fat tyre bike with long battery life and reliable performance, we highly recommend Green Pedel electric bikes. Our electric fat tyre bikes are designed for longer distance riding, so you can confidently explore further afield and ride for longer.
