Forum menu
I realise this is a 'how long is a piece of string' question but I charged my lights for a ride last week that I couldn't go on in the end. This started me thinking how long they will keep a useful charge. I will get out tonight but was wondering how long you can leave unused batteries with recharging and still expect them to give a reasonable light duration?
How long is a piece of string? 🙂
All in one commuter light holds charge for months with no issues. Aldi rear light seems to go dead from full charge in a week. Battery pack for off road light will last months but instructions recommend topping it up every 6 months or so.
In general if you're storing it long term charge it around half way and make sure it doesn't drain completely.
A quick search - https://www.thomasdistributing.com/Battery-and-Charger-FAQs_ep_46-1.html
Usual caveats apply.
Well, yesterday it took 4 hours to discharge the batteries I last used 2 years ago in 24/12, so that I can recharge them today.
Varies with type. Nicad are mediocre, nimh worse and li-ion, lead-acid better. Though there is variation within those categories too. And anything should last a month ok unless it's half-buggered anyway or you really need the absolute max run-time.
Lithium stuff will hold for ages. However to maintain condition you're often recommended to not store them at full charge but more than half charged, and to top them up every few months of non-use.
A lot of batteries are knackered by improper storage.
It will also depend if there is any very weak background load attached. Fancy touch sensitive soft switches often have a basic draw to detect use and so will flatten much quicker than a nice solid mechanical switch.