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Electric bicycle reliability.

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schmitt trigger:
I have done a lot of biking my entire life, but with the older age I cannot bike as far or as challenging.

Having said that, I borrowed an E-bicycle the other day and was beyond delighted! I plan to purchase one soon, perhaps this coming Christmas season.

However, my concern here is reliability, and specifically, battery reliability.
Those packs are expensive, and I don't want to be replacing packs every couple of years.

Are there any bicycle enthusiasts out there which also can share experiences on E-bike ownership?

maginnovision:
I had one about.... 15-20 years ago. Used SLA batteries but was still good for about 20mph uphill(with my 210lb body). I'd ride it to work fully powered. Ride during lunch unpowered, then ride back home powered... Battery was never an issue and in 4 years I don't think I ever replaced it and charged it every day. Motor never failed. I'm assuming you want lithium experience though?

NiHaoMike:
One girl's adventures in DIY bicycles:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyjfBfFp2v2o_zug1bsCYm0C476x8Y58n
Keep in mind that was back when lithium batteries were harder to come by so there was a lot of savings salvaging cells out of faulty packs. Nowadays, just buy a pack from places like Battery Hookup.

I would suggest making it a hybrid designed to run on pedal and electric power at once, rather than electric with the pedals purely for backup. In other words, sense the chain tension to set the power.

schmitt trigger:
Nowadays, all I can find are units with lithium packs.

Someone has advised me that I should plan replacing them every 5 years.

Those packs are expensive, thus I wanted to know if anyone has had actual riding experience.

And yes, I plan to actually exercise with my bike. The battery assist will be mostly used when biking up hills or against the wind, which as I age I am finding tougher to do.

maginnovision:
I will say that it depends on so many factors that 5 years is a guess no better than 1 year or 10. Perhaps you could find one with a smaller(capacity) battery pack since you mostly want it for assist, not primary propulsion like many people. That way it's not as much of an issue when it does require replacement.

If you're doing it for your health I would recommend getting what you can afford and maybe set some aside every month for repairs etc... If you save more than you need it's a bonus. My SLA bicycle never had (brushed)motor issues or battery issues and was used 5 days a week. If you're not riding in extreme weather(hot/cold) and not doing full charge/discharge you likely will have years from the battery. Lifepo batteries have many charge/discharge cycles so that could even stretch to 10 years depending on primary factors. They typically are rated for 2000+ cycles.

Other li-ion and lipo packs I think are typically rated for only 500 cycles.

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