There has been a remarkable shift in transportation as electric bikes gain traction across the nation. With their zero-emission electric propulsion and affordability, electric bikes are revolutionising the way people commute and navigate through bustling Indian cities. As cities grapple with air quality issues, switching to environment friendly transportation seems to be a viable option for the conscious city dweller. Having said that, owning an electric vehicle entails that you ensure your vehicle is charged properly at all times. Read on to find out more about how to charge an electric bike.

What is an electric battery?

With slight differences between manufacturers, electric batteries are quite the same across the board. Most electric scooters use lithium-ion batteries, same as those in your phone and laptop. Once you have decided to go green and adopt this attractive option for your commute, you must ensure you go through the user manual, as different bikes may have varying charging requirements, so it’s best to refer to the user manual for specific instructions. 

When do I need to charge my electric battery?

Most bikes will indicate when you are close to a battery discharge. This makes it easy for the user to plan their commute and ensure a healthy battery life for the vehicle. Most electric bike batteries can be charged at home or in public areas. It is often suggested that to keep your battery working optimally, it is important that you never allow your battery to fully deplete or reach a hundred percent charge.

How to charge electric bikes?

A relatively straightforward process, here is a step-by-step guide on how to charge electric bikes:
After you have decided on a charging station, locate the charging port on your vehicle, plug the charger’s connector into the charging point of your scooter and ensure it is connected securely.
Depending on the capacity of your battery and the model of your electric bike, your charge time can vary. It is recommended you browse through the user manual to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.
Once the charging process starts, your bike will display a small green light indicating a complete charge.
Once the bike has reached its desired charge level, unplug the charger from the power outlet and store in a cool, dry and safe place for your next use.

How do I improve the battery life of my EV?

To ensure the long life of your vehicle, it is important that you ensure optimum charging practices. Try to avoid frequent full discharges of your battery. Lithium-ion batteries tend to have longer lifespans when they are charged at the right time. Try to charge your bike before the battery levels drop too low.
It is important that you store your battery in a cool dry place. Both, extremely high and low temperatures can affect the battery performance, so it is important you store it at the recommended temperature.
Apart from knowing how to charge electric bikes, it is also important to practice efficient riding habits. Gentle braking and acceleration can increase the overall efficiency of your battery by reducing stress. A consistently moderate speed ensures that your batteryis not drained quickly. This in turn gives you the maximum out of your vehicle and its battery.
Once you know how to charge an electric bike, just like a car, you must also focus on the regular maintenance of its battery. Long periods of inactivity coupled with a fully depleted battery can lead to irreversible damage. There is a lot of information available online about the firmware and software of batteries. As an EV user, it is important you stay abreast of the latest in technology.

Where can I charge my battery?

With the advent of green transportation, there is not much you need to do when you think of how to charge e bikes. Many modern residential homes come with charging ports in their parking lots. You could also charge your E-bike at an electric charging station.
AC CHARGE: This is an alternating current source that typically flows from the wall outlet to charge the bike’s battery. This is the simplest way to charge your EV, however, it is still important to look at specific instructions on the user manual of your vehicle.
DC CHARGE: This is probably one of the fastest ways of charging your vehicle. It refers to charging your bike’s battery using a direct current power source. Dedicated DC charging stations provide 50kW power and above. You can top your battery charge anywhere between thirty to forty minutes to ensure a hassle free ride.

DON'TS

• A few simple things can go a long way in caring for both your vehicle and your battery:
• Don’t cover your battery while it is charging.
• Avoid charging in below freezing or extremely hot temperatures.
• Don’t expose the battery to water or excessive moisture.
• Don’t try to dismantle the battery.
• Keep it away from young children.
• Don’t use incompatible chargers for your vehicle.
• Don’t expose the battery to direct sunlight.

If you have decided to make the switch from conventional transport, it is important that you take the time to understand the mechanics of your EV. Simple things like knowing how to charge your electric bike can go a long way towards extending the life of your EV.