Battery dying slowly?

[Steve Plattner]

I bought a used gold battery for my ST-1 a year ago. Seemed to be ok, but now may be on its last legs. I can leave it on the charger for hours, but it doesn't seem to want to go above 76% of full charge at the moment.

Does this mean what I think it does--that it is losing it's ability to hold a full charge and will soon be pretty useless? I am not thrilled by the prospect of buying another battery.

Any thoughts?

 

[Ann M.]

Steve, the battery might have sat uncharged and unused for a while and if it was already a few years old, it might be normal aging. Look for one of the saturating chargers that can do a better job at bringing the battery up without overstressing the cells. Also, are you using the battery or storing/charging the battery where it's fairly warm? If so, this can age a battery faster and trying to charge a lithium battery (or any battery) where the temps are high or the battery not really cool will result in a less complete charge.

Battery University has an interesting and detailed article about what causes Li-Ion batteries to die.

 

[Stromer Bomber]

That started happening on my Gold 14.5 Ah battery after 2.5 years and within a month it dropped to only charging in the 30% range, and a week later 15% - which was useless. You can try charging the battery out of the bike to see if that helps - that's what a Stromer tech told me to try - but it could be a sign that it's time to start saving up for a new battery. These bikes are no fun riding without assistance.

 

[Steve Plattner]

Steve, the battery might have sat uncharged and unused for a while and if it was already a few years old, it might be normal aging. Look for one of the saturating chargers that can do a better job at bringing the battery up without overstressing the cells. Also, are you using the battery or storing/charging the battery where it's fairly warm? If so, this can age a battery faster and trying to charge a lithium battery (or any battery) where the temps are high or the battery not really cool will result in a less complete charge.

Battery University has an interesting and detailed article about what causes Li-Ion batteries to die.

Thanks Ann. In this case I have been charging it often and have been using it probably 2x a month. It has been very warm and humid in my garage here in Cincinnati, so that may influence things. I will be using it in some 50-70 degree weather this weekend on the Greenbrier River Trail in WV, so that will be a good time to test it and see if it performs as it used to.

Where would I find a saturating charger? I would love to have a backup charger, especially since I go on long 100-250 mi. rides from time to time. Having my charger die when I am out of town for several days would be a drag.

Thanks.