What happens to a battery left unused for 2-3 years?

[lectureral]

We are relocating to Cambodia in a month and need to decide what to do with the Mantra iStep with a Bionx system - sell it or store it, possibly for several years. My wife would like to hang on to it (ie leave it here) but if we are going to need to replace the battery on our return it's probably not worth it. The bike is 6 months old and has probably done about 750 miles. What does the board think?

 

[eddieo]

Ebay......

Cambodia, how exciting, have a smashing time!

 

[NRG]

Yep, battery wont last that long.

 

[amigafan2003]

If it's lithium (not lifepo) then charge it to 40-60% - roughly 3.7v then pop it in someones fridge, wrapped up in cling film.

At 5c lithium batteries only loose approx 4% to 5% of capacity per year.

Fully charged at room temp they lose 20% per year.

 

[eddieo]

But the deveopments in e bikes is now gathering pace..You have a nice bike that will attract a goood price. In 3 years what will it be worth? not a lot I think.....

 

[Scottyf]

As above you can store but at the moment you have a newish bike that you could still get a good 70% the original value. In your shoes I'd say to sell it and use the money for your return to get another bike.

Like others have said. Battery advancements are coming out and in 2-3 years time the tech will be old hat.

 

[lectureral]

Thanks for all the advice - it confirms what I was thinking.

 

[eddieo]

where did you buy the Mantra from? Have never seen one here......

 

[lectureral]

It was in the LBS in Ferney - he had a few different brands but I guess they weren't going very well because he discounted them quite heavily.