E-Bike Battery in Delivery: Real Range, Wear, and Replacement

On a recreational e-bike, the battery lasts for years. In delivery, it does in a year what a casual rider does in five: 300 to 500 charge cycles. It's the most expensive component on the bike, and the one that decides whether you finish the day or go home pedaling. Here's how to manage it.

Real range, not catalog specs

Advertised range is measured flat, unloaded, at minimum assistance. In delivery — loaded, in the city, with constant stop-starts and often high assistance — expect significantly less. A 500 Wh battery might suffice for a light day, but a heavy day demands more.

The second battery: real peace of mind

Many couriers run with two batteries: one on the bike, one charging at home or the pickup point. It's insurance against running out of juice mid-shift. Check that your bike accepts a compatible spare battery.

What ages a battery faster

• Charge cycles: each full charge counts. Topping up often with small charges wears less than waiting for 0%, then charging to 100%.
• Extreme heat and cold: charging a hot battery or letting it freeze damages it. Let it return to temperature before charging.
• Prolonged storage at 100% or 0%: for breaks of several days, aim for ~50-60%.

Track state of health (SoH)

The real indicator is remaining capacity (State of Health) and cycle count, readable in the motor maker's diagnostics (Bosch, Shimano STEPS, Specialized, Bafang depending on the motor). When range drops noticeably, the battery is approaching end-of-life — better to plan ahead than be stranded mid-route.

Replace affordably

A replacement battery is pricey (often €400-900). Before buying a used e-bike for delivery, battery condition is THE criterion — estimate the value, which factors in the motor and condition, to avoid overpaying for a bike with a spent battery.

Motor error code, unexplained range drop? L'Atelier's assistant decodes the symptom and tells you if it's the battery, motor, or a sensor.