How Long Will an Electric Bike Last?

Electric bicycles are rising in popularity and are seen being used for commutes, off-road adventures and city exploring. Many people are finding joy in riding electric bikes for both short and long distances and making the initial investment into a world of fun!

When making such a large investment, it’s important to consider the longevity of the bicycle. How long can someone expect their electric bike to last, and what kind of things can you do to ensure a long and healthy lifespan for your bike? We will aim to answer those questions here! 

Many new riders considering an electric bike wonder why they should take the jump from a traditional bicycle, which many people keep for years, to a newer electric bicycle with more moving parts.

One major advantage is their ease of use. Because an electric bicycle is equipped with a motor, the bike is prepared to help you with pedal assist, or with a throttle! This means much less strain on the rider’s muscles which leads to a longer ride. New trails and adventures open up with the ability to travel farther!

For commuting, electric bikes offer a consistent and reliable form of travel while still being cost and fuel efficient. E-bikes allow commuters to enjoy the outdoors while getting from one place to the next.

Electric bikes can last a long time when properly cared for, just like a traditional bike! There is no need for concern as long as the bike is maintained. 

Because an electric bike has more components than a traditional bicycle, it is important to note that the bike overall is impacted by the longevity of each part. Purchasing a high quality bike initially will ensure a longer lifespan as the parts will be of a higher caliber in most cases. Choose HappyRun electric bikes for adults and get high-quality electric bikes at the best price!

The motor, battery, brakes, wheels, tires and frame must be cared for in order to extend the lifespan. With minimal attention to maintenance and care, an electric bicycle could last upwards of five years but with a commitment to regular maintenance and cleaning, an electric bike could carry you through the next ten years! 

An electric bike motor could last only three years, or could last upwards of ten years depending on the quality of the motor! Because the motor is the heart of the bike, the lifespan of this piece typically determines the lifespan of the bike. While some will replace the motor once it is time, others will purchase a new bike entirely.

In terms of motor choice, electric bikes are equipped with one of two types: mid-drive motors and geared hub motors.

In a geared hub motor, the gears will spin as the wheel spins. The internal gears will spin at a higher rate of speed than the wheel which will over time wear out the motor. Depending on the quality of the motor, these types may need replacing around 3,000 miles or after 10,000 miles. Depending on the cost of a new motor and potential labor costs, some will opt to replace the bike. The advantage of a geared hub motor is the cost efficiency as it is less expensive to replace than a mid-drive motor.

Mid-drive motors offer more capabilities than geared hub motors but are more costly to replace. Their components can be more likely to rust over time as well. It is likely that a mid-drive motor will not need to be replaced before 5,000 miles but a replacement can be very expensive and may outweigh the cost of a new bike instead.

The motor can not operate without power, and the battery is exactly where that life comes from! A battery should last anywhere from one to three years but this is dependent on how they are cared for.

Storing batteries properly and keeping them charged between 20%-80% can help. The material used is also important. A lithium battery can be charged around 1,000 times before needing to be replaced. Nickel batteries can be charged around 500 times and lead batteries can be expected to be charged around 350 times.

When you have finished riding, make sure to check your battery levels and store them properly to maintain their health. 

Surely, the tires of an electric bike take on the most stress. The tires are the contact point of the bike and go through the most use. Narrow-style tires will often need replacing more often while fat-tire e-bikes may last a bit longer.

In order to ensure a long life, it is important to check the PSI, cleanliness and wear on the tires before and after each ride. Looking for things like worn tread, tears or rips and fixing them as needed can make your tires last much longer. Some will need to be changed after 1 year and others will not require a replacement until 3 years or more. Tires can be replaced easily and without too much cost, making them an easy fix.

A bike is unsafe and unusable without brakes but these can be easily cared for! Every month or two, depending on how much you are using your bike, it is important to check your brakes and their connections. Rim brakes can last around three thousand miles and disc brakes can last around six thousand miles! It’s important to pay attention to what type of brake your bike will come with.

These should last around two to five years with normal use. Because some electric bike brakes are connected to the motor, they will need to be replaced when the motor is replaced. 

The chains, display, throttle and seat are also common repairs or replacements on some e-bikes.

Chains can be maintained by regularly greasing them and keeping them clean. As long as this is done properly, your chain should last around 2-4 years or two to three thousand miles. This is normally an easy fix and can be done at home or by a local shop.

The display is important to see the status of your battery, your speed and how your bike is performing. If this is kept clean and safe from damage, it should last for years. Some companies offer replacements in the event of a malfunction or issue and these replacements are typically simple. This aligns with the seat, as most companies offer replacements or even upgrades to the seat of your bike! 

As with any investment, it is important to maintain proper care and maintenance. Caring for your battery, motor, brakes, chain and tires can keep your bike running for the next decade! Many guides and videos are available to help with the learning curve of caring for an electric bike as well and the process becomes even more simple. Choose a HappyRun electric bike, and you can plan to enjoy your ride for years to come!