Battery life

[Jjames]

Good day folks
Apparently, if one doesn't use the bike for an extended period, one should 'cycle' the battery every few months?
Does anyone know how (a plug in device/dummy load?)
How much (drain to 70%?
And how often?

Thanks

[handlebar]

Cycling will help NiCd and NiMh, but I haven't heard of it with Lithium ion.

An ebike battery that sits for months will get out of balance as some cells have faster self-discharge than others. I just balanced one that had sat three months. Before letting it continue to sit, I should run it down to maybe 49 volts. Thanks for the reminder.

[John Rose]

Does anyone know how (a plug in device/dummy load?)

I imagine that leaving the headlight on would eventually run it down, and probably so slowly that you could check the battery voltage once a day. I have not been able to determine the wattage of the stock headlights and taillights, so I can't do the math.

[mrgold35]

I have 3 batteries from my two 2016 Radrovers (4000 miles on each rad) and one battery on my 2018 Radcity (1000 miles).  I've lost about +/- 20% range on these batteries.  I usually only charge to max levels before a ride.  I leave it a the whatever charge level in-between rides (30%-90% power range).  I can probably count on one hand when I needed to use 100% battery power on +8000 miles I put on the ebikes.  The range loss really isn't a factor for my riding habits.