Daily maintenance and servicing required for electric vehicles

Proper daily maintenance and care of electric bicycles not only ensures convenient and safe riding but also extends the vehicle's lifespan.

1. Before use, inspect the bicycle's condition to ensure it is in good working order. Check that tyre pressure is adequate, front and rear brakes respond promptly, there are no unusual noises from the frame, all bolts are secure, and the battery is sufficiently charged.

2. When starting the vehicle, accelerate gently to avoid sudden surges that could damage components. To prolong battery and motor lifespan, utilise pedal assistance during vehicle start-up and hill climbing.

3. While ensuring safety, minimise frequent braking and acceleration during travel to conserve energy. When braking, release the throttle grip to prevent damage to the motor and other components. When dismounting to push the vehicle, switch off the power supply to avoid accidental throttle activation causing sudden start-up and potential accidents.

4. When charging, avoid using chargers from other brands. Each brand's charger is specifically matched to its battery performance; only dedicated chargers achieve optimal charging results.

5. Chargers contain high-voltage circuits; do not disassemble them. During charging, keep the charger uncovered and place it in a well-ventilated area. Prevent liquids and metal particles from entering the charger, and avoid dropping or impacting it to prevent damage.

How can charging extend the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries?

The vast majority of electric bicycles currently on the market utilise lead-acid batteries without memory effect. While numerous opinions exist regarding optimal charging methods for lead-acid batteries, we present several insights summarised by our Luqing Company Technical Service Department over recent years from maintaining Panasonic and Haibao batteries. These include charging methods and precautions for extending battery longevity.

1. Charge frequently to avoid deep discharge. Develop the habit of charging your e-bike daily after use. Regardless of distance travelled, always fully recharge the battery rather than waiting until it is completely depleted.

2. When charging the battery on the bike, ensure the ignition switch is off. Never charge the battery upside down. Aim to fully charge it in a single session. Should any unusual odour be detected or the battery overheat during charging, cease charging immediately and send the battery to Luqing's technical department for inspection. When removing the battery for charging, avoid touching the terminals with wet hands or metal objects such as keys to prevent burns.

3. During prolonged storage, recharge the battery once a month. Ensure the battery is fully charged before storage; never store it in a discharged state.

4. Use only the designated charger supplied with the battery. Due to variations in battery formulation and manufacturing processes, technical requirements for chargers differ. Compatibility between specific chargers and battery brands varies, so never interchange chargers.

5. To protect the battery, users may charge it as needed during use. However, avoid riding with the voltage recovery function activated to prevent severe discharge. When the battery is depleted, switch off the power and proceed by pedalling.

6. During charging, do not immediately cease charging when the indicator displays full charge. Allow a float charge for an additional 2–3 hours.

Why are high-speed motors noisier than low-speed motors?

Currently, electric vehicles primarily utilise three types of motors:
(1) Brushed high-speed motors. These offer high efficiency, strong overload climbing capability, and high starting torque. Power is output via a reduction gear mechanism, resulting in noise. (2) Brushless low-speed motors. These lack reduction gearing, offering maintenance-free operation and noise-free performance. However, they require complex controllers, draw high starting currents, and exhibit weaker overload climbing capability. (3) Brushless low-speed motors. These also lack reduction gearing, featuring simple construction and low cost. They demonstrate poor starting, climbing, and overload performance while consuming significant power.

Brushed high-speed motors operate at elevated speeds (3000 rpm for high-speed motors versus 500 rpm for low-speed motors). They require reduction gearing to deliver high torque, resulting in relatively higher noise levels compared to low-speed motors. High-speed motors involve more complex manufacturing processes and higher costs, typically adding around £20 to the price. Consequently, premium electric vehicle brands often opt for high-speed motors. Unbranded, low-grade, and assembled e-bikes often utilise low-speed motors to reduce costs. When selecting an e-bike, do not dismiss high-speed motors solely due to their slightly louder operation. Bikes equipped with high-speed motors typically retail above 2000 yuan, whereas low-speed motor models generally fall below this price point. Buyers should exercise caution: do not assume that a motor's lack of noise or wear guarantees superiority. The primary indicators for an electric motor are efficiency and power output. The main drawbacks of low-speed motors include low efficiency, susceptibility to magnetic demagnetisation, heavier weight, poor power delivery, lacklustre riding performance, and high power consumption. Currently, the electric bicycle market is flooded with brands, most originating from small and medium-sized enterprises. If you intend to purchase an electric bicycle, please conduct thorough research and exercise caution in your selection.