20 Tips- Maximize the Lifetime of Your Battery

In TAKANI electric dirt bikes and TAKANI electric balance bikes, we use different types of Lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are the beating heart of your bike but more widely speaking, these batteries have become a cornerstone of modern technology and lifestyle, powering everything from smartphones to trains medical devices. They offer impressive performance, but their longevity can be impacted by how they are used and cared for.

To ensure your battery remains in tip-top condition and serves you well for years, it's crucial to follow some best practices. This guide will explore 20 essential tips to help you get the most lifetime out of your lithium-ion battery, maintaining its performance and safety.

1. Disconnect the Charger Timely

One of the simplest ways to extend your battery’s life is to disconnect it from the charger once it’s fully juiced up. Lithium-ion batteries don’t benefit from being left plugged in after reaching 100%. They don’t like or need trickle charging. Overcharging can stress the battery and accelerate cell degradation. By unplugging the charger promptly, you help maintain optimal battery health, safety and performance.

2. Allow the Battery to Cool Before Recharging

Charging a hot battery can exacerbate heat-related stress, shortening its lifespan. After using your device or bike, let the battery cool down for at least 30 minutes to an hour (to normal room temperature) in a shaded area before plugging it in. This cooling period helps prevent overheating and preserves the battery’s internal chemistry.

3. Recharge Timely After Complete Discharge

If your battery is completely depleted, it’s essential to recharge it as soon as possible after it cools down period. Prolonged periods of complete discharge can cause damage to the battery’s cells. Recharge the battery promptly to maintain its capacity and avoid potential performance degradation or defects.

4. Avoid direct Sunlight or Excessive Heat

Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to high temperatures. Exposure to temperatures above 40°C (104°F) can lead to accelerated aging and reduced capacity. To protect your battery, avoid leaving it and using it in hot environments, such as a hot car.

Direct sunlight can heat up your battery and can even cause overheating, which accelerates aging. When not in use, keep the battery in a shaded location to protect it from sun exposure and maintain optimal operating conditions.

5. Charge and Use Within a Safe Temperature Range

For optimal performance, charge and use your battery within a temperature range of 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F). Extreme temperatures can negatively impact the battery’s efficiency and longevity. Keeping the battery within this temperature range helps ensure it operates effectively and safely.

6. Charge to Around 80% Regularly

While it’s fine to occasionally charge your battery to 100%, routinely charging it to around 80% is beneficial. This practice reduces stress on the battery and can help prolong its lifespan. Full charges can increase wear on the battery over time, so a partial charge is often better for long-term health.

7. Avoid Long-Term Full Charges

Leaving a battery at 100% charge for extended periods can unnecessarily strain its cells and degrade its performance. Try to avoid keeping the battery fully charged for days or weeks. If you need to store the battery, aim for a charge level between 30% and 60%.

8. Don’t Frequently Discharge to Very Low Levels

Repeatedly discharging your battery to very low levels (below 10%) can put stress on the battery and reduce its lifespan. Aim to recharge the battery before it gets too low, ideally when it reaches around 10-20% capacity, to avoid undue stress (such as heat and high discharge currents) on the cells.

9. Recharge a Depleted Battery Quickly

If your battery has been deeply discharged, recharge it within a few hours after use. Storing a deeply discharged battery for extended periods can lead to damage. Regular recharging helps maintain the battery’s health and performance.

10. Avoid Exposure to Water and High Moisture

Water and high moisture levels can damage the battery and its connectors, potentially leading to short circuits or fires. Always keep the battery dry, and never submerge it in water.

11. Remove the Battery Before Cleaning

Always remove the battery before washing your TAKANI electric dirt bike or any other battery powered small vehicle. This prevents moisture from coming into contact with the battery and its connectors, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring a longer lifespan.

12. Don’t Open or Modify the Battery

DIY enthusiast, be aware! Opening, modifying, or repairing a lithium-ion battery can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious safety issues, including fires. It is not as simple as the12V lead-acid battery in your lawnmower or caravan. Always use Lithium-ion batteries as they are designed and avoid attempting any DIY repairs or modifications. If you detect any issues, please contact TAKANI or your battery retailer first. Do not attempt to repair it. This is a job for specialists.

13. Never Charge a Damaged Battery

If your battery shows signs of damage, such as swelling, discoloration, or unusual heat, do not attempt to charge it! Using a damaged battery can be hazardous and lead to fires. Store a damaged battery in a safe location, contact your retailer. Timely replace it with a new one. Pay attention to not dispose the old battery into the household waste as this can cause a fire. Return an old or damaged battery to a battery collection point in your local area.

14. Store and Charge at Safe Temperatures

Never store or charge your battery in temperatures below 0°C (32°F). The ideal storage temperature is between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Extreme cold can affect the battery’s performance and safety.

15. Avoid Storage in vehicles

Do not store or transport your lithium-ion battery in the internal passenger area of a vehicle or transport vans/trucks where temperatures can rise above 40°C (104°F). The temperature inside a vehicle (passenger seat area or loading compartment) can fluctuate significantly and may exceed safe temperature limits, potentially damaging the battery or even causing a fire.

16. Protect from Shock and Vibration

Avoid exposing the battery to severe shock or constant vibration, as this can damage its internal components. Use the battery safely attached in the vehicle’s battery compartment as outlined by the manufacturer. Handle the battery gently and ensure it is securely mounted in your device to prevent physical stress.

17. Clean the Battery Casing

Occasionally clean the battery casing with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris. This helps maintain the battery’s cooling efficiency and overall condition. Avoid using liquids or abrasive materials. Check the battery our while doing so.

18. Avoid Stressing the Battery Casing

Do not stress the battery casing by dropping it, bending contacts, kinking wires, or applying weight or pressure. This can lead to short circuits and potential fire hazards. Ensure that the battery and its connectors are handled carefully.

19. Transport Safely

When transporting the battery, ensure it is protected, isolated, and properly packaged. Never transport or store the battery with metal objects like tools or jewelry. Metal objects can cause short circuits if they come into contact with the battery terminals.

Also: Do not carry or transport the battery attached to your body, such as in a backpack or shoulder bag. This could increase the risk of accidental damage to the battery and in turn a health risk for your body. Instead, use a proper battery case or container and transport it in distance to a human’s body during the journey.

Careful consideration of transport minimizes the risk of damage and potential hazards. The best way to transport your battery is within your TAKANI electric balance bike.

20. Regularly Inspect for Damage

Regularly check the battery for any signs of damage or abnormalities, such as swelling, discoloration, or unusual heat. If you notice any issues, stop using the battery immediately and contact your retailer. Ensure the battery is kept away from flammable materials if possible.

 

By following these 20 best practices, you can significantly extend the lifetime of your TAKANI lithium-ion battery, ensuring it performs optimally and safely. Adhering to these guidelines not only enhances your electric dirt bike’s battery's longevity but also minimizes the risk of accidents and maintains the efficiency of your device. Treat your battery with care, and it will reward you with reliable performance for years to come.

If you have any questions around the batteries in TAKANI electric balance bikes, please consult the information on your battery, the user instructions or simply contact us at TAKANI. We are happy to help 😊