How to Charge Your Electric Two Wheeler the Right Way?

A battery is the most important component of your electric two-wheeler, and if it is ill-maintained, the charges for its repair or replacement without two-wheeler vehicle insurance could burn a sizable hole in your pocket. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the right way to charge your electric two-wheeler and have insurance for the bike to protect yourself against uncertainties.

Tata AIG two-wheeler insurance ensures complete protection of your electric bike, and if you are a new bike insurance buyer, the trouble-free processes make it easy to buy a comprehensive bike insurance policy online.
To extend the life of your battery, here are some tips to charge your electric two-wheeler the right way:

• The Right Charging Duration

It is essential to remember to entirely charge your electric bike, especially if you have purchased a new one. You may be required to charge your bike for up to 12 hours to ensure that the current reaches every part, promising a healthy battery condition.

• The Right Charging Frequency

Avoid letting the battery completely run out of power. Instead, recharge it every time it reaches 30% to 60% of its running capacity. Experts recommend emptying the battery after you have charged it more than 40 to 60 times. Apart from these occasional instances, charging your bike regularly encourages its frequent use.

• The Right Charging Temperature

The battery of your electric bike is sensitive to extreme temperatures. For prolonged battery life, it is recommended that both charging and usage are done during neutral weather conditions. Neither blazing nor freezing temperatures are favourable during battery recharge. For optimal battery health, charging should be done when the temperatures are ranging from 60°F to 70°F.

• The Right Charging Time

Do not charge the battery beyond the necessary requirement. Apart from wasting unnecessary power, overcharging also harms the health of your battery. There is a common misconception to charge your battery overnight; however, it is essential that you supervise the e-bike while it is charging.

• The Right Storage Method

There may be occasions where you need to store the battery of your electric bike. These could be because you are planning a trip or because the weather conditions are unfavourable. Whatever your reason may be, never store an empty battery. Ensure that the battery capacity is at least at 40% to 70% and is not empty.

If you are purchasing a new electric bike, check the following:

• The travel range of your electric bike • Your budget for purchasing an e-bike • Whether local service centres have essential parts handy and be aware of the authorised service station locations

Types of Electric Bikes

The popularity of electric vehicles is not limited to e-bikes but also electric cars. There are essentially three types of electric vehicles in the market that are segregated based on the battery type: • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are powered only by electric batteries and no gas engine parts. • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are similar to the regular hybrid vehicle but employ a larger battery and electric motor. • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are low-emission vehicles that use an electric motor to assist gas-powered engines.

Electric Bike Insurance

As electric bikes don’t fall under the motor vehicle category, it is not mandated by the law to have two-wheeler vehicle insurance for an e-bike. However, an e-bike is designed using expensive parts, the repair and replacement of which is an expensive affair without comprehensive insurance for the bike. Additionally, there is no way to predict road mishaps and so having new bike insurance for a new e-bike is highly recommended.

How to Buy Tata AIG Bike Insurance for Your E-Bike?

As mentioned before, because an e-bike has not yet been categorised as a motor vehicle, finding bike insurance for it can be challenging. However, you can buy a bike insurance policy online with Tata AIG. Our bike insurance secures the rider from all kinds of road risks and allows customisation through a choice of seven unique riders for enhanced protection. To buy Tata AIG two-wheeler insurance, simply visit the website and:

• Fill the online form to get a quick quote and other bike insurance details • Pick the right insurance that is most suitable to your lifestyle and • Once you make the payment, you will receive a soft copy of your purchased insurance policy

As a quick recap, here are the commonly asked questions with regard to charging an electric bike:

• Should I charge my e-bike after every ride?

Charge your e-bike every time it reaches 30% to 60% of its running capacity.

• How often should I charge my electric bike?underlined text

It is recommended that you charge your electric bike regularly. This would also encourage you to use it often.

• Do electric bikes charge when you pedal?underlined text

In the case of electric cycles, there exists a technology that allows recharging through braking where a sensor kicks into 'reverse mode' and charges the battery using the energy of the bicycle's forward motion.

• Can you overcharge an electric bike battery?underlined text

Yes. Leaving your battery charging for days on end can harm the battery’s health. Therefore, it is recommended to always supervise the charging to prevent overcharging your battery.