How long an e-bike battery lasts depends mainly on how you charge and store it. Charge at room temperature, don't let it run completely flat, only charge it fully when you need to, and store it indoors and half full when the bike isn't used for a long time. With those habits you keep the capacity up for as long as possible.
Why your range varies from ride to ride
The range listed for an e-bike is a manufacturer's figure. On the road, the range depends on wind, hills, the weight of rider and luggage, the assistance level you choose and the temperature. For the Bohlt Rebel the stated figure is up to 80 kilometres with a 627 Wh battery. For the Bohlt F20 it is 45 to 55 kilometres with a 375 Wh battery.
Cold has the biggest effect. Around freezing point, a lithium-ion battery temporarily delivers less energy, so you don't get as far. That is not wear. As soon as the battery is back up to temperature, you get that capacity back.
Four habits that spare your battery
1. Only charge fully when you need to. You can top up a lithium-ion battery at any time, and interrupting charging does no harm. For a short daily ride it doesn't need to be completely full every time. If you are planning a long ride, simply charge it to 100 percent.
2. Don't let it run completely flat. Deep discharge is bad for the cells. If you have run the battery very low, put it on the charger as soon as possible.
3. Charge indoors, at room temperature. Don't charge in a cold shed or garage. When you come in after a cold ride, let the battery warm up first before putting it on the charger.
4. Store it half full when the bike isn't used for a long time. If you won't use the bike for a few months, store the battery somewhere dry and frost-free with a charge level between 30 and 60 percent. If the level drops below that, top it up a little.
How long does a battery last?
A battery rarely fails suddenly. It wears gradually and holds a little less energy per charge each time. You notice this because on the same ride and at the same assistance level you don't get as far as when it was new.
How quickly that happens depends on how often you charge, how far you run it down and at what temperature you use and store it. That is why the four habits above make the difference. They take no effort and you don't need to buy anything for them.
Removable: charge indoors while the bike stays outside
With a removable battery, those habits are easy to keep up. The bike stays in the shed, storage room or bike shelter, and you take the battery inside to charge at room temperature. In winter you store it frost-free in the same way.
The Bohlt Rebel, the Bohlt F20 and the Bohlt Fat Twenty all have a removable battery. On the Rebel and the F20 you take the battery pack out of the frame with the battery key. The F20 and the Fat Twenty also fold, handy if the bike needs to go in a camper van or car boot. The full range is under e-bikes.
Charging time per model
How long a full charge takes varies per battery. According to the specifications, the Rebel charges from empty to full in about 7 hours, the F20 in about 6 hours and the Fat Twenty in about 5 hours. Topping up in between is possible with all three, so you don't have to wait until the battery is empty.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to charge the battery after every ride?
No. You don't have to, but you can top up a lithium-ion battery at any time, and that helps prevent it from running completely flat. Charging fully is mainly useful for a long ride.
Can I keep cycling with a flat battery?
Yes. Set the assistance to zero and keep pedalling as on an ordinary bike. Do bear the weight in mind: the Rebel weighs 30.5 kg and the F20 and the Fat Twenty weigh 28 kg, each including the battery.
Can the bike stay outside in winter?
Yes. But do take the battery inside. Store and charge it at room temperature and only put it back in the frame shortly before your ride.
How long should I wait to charge after a cold ride?
Give the battery at least an hour indoors to warm up. After that you can put it on the charger as normal.
What peace of mind do I get with a Bohlt e-bike?
You get a 24-month manufacturer's warranty and a 30-day cooling-off period. Ordered on working days before 21:00, it arrives within 24 hours, and delivery is always free.
