If you are experiencing issues with your Rad Power Bike battery charging, there are a number of possible causes and solutions.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common reasons why a Rad Power Bike battery might not be charging, and what steps you can take to fix the problem.
The most common possibility is that the charger is damaged internally, which can be fixed by replacing it with a new one. You can also try resetting the Battery Management System by holding down the power button for 10 seconds.
If it doesn’t work, there could be another issue…
How to Fix Rad Power Bike Battery Not Charging Issue?
#1. Try another Charger
When an e-bike is not charging, the common cause is a damaged charger.
If the charging cable is faulty, it can lead to issues with charging.
Therefore, it is important to verify if the charger itself is defective. Additionally, ensure that the cable is securely connected to both the charger and the battery.
To check if the charger is defective, try charging the Rad power bike with another charger.
#2. Charge the battery outside the bike
Sometimes, the charging port on the bike may be faulty or dirty, preventing the charger from connecting properly to the battery.
To rule out this possibility, you can remove the battery from the bike and try charging it directly with the charger.
If it starts charging normally, then you know that the problem lies with the charging port on the bike.
You can either charge the battery outside the bike from now on or take your bike to a specialist shop and have them look at your charging port.
#3. Cool down the battery
Some batteries that have just been used on a bike may not start charging immediately.
This is because they need some time to cool down before accepting a charge. It’s fine to plug in the charger right away, but don’t expect it to start charging right away.
Wait for about 15 minutes and then check if the charger’s indicator light has turned red. If not, try unplugging and replugging the charger or pressing the charge level button on the battery.
#4.. Exit Ship Mode
Newer batteries are configured with a ship mode to ensure that they do not provide power to the electrical system during shipping. To exit ship mode, you need to press and hold the battery button for at least three seconds.
You should see some lights flash on the battery indicating that it has exited ship mode. You can then try charging it normally.
#5. Adjust the temperature
The temperature of your battery can affect its performance and charging efficiency.
The optimal temperature range for charging batteries is between 50 °F–77 °F (10 °C–25 °C). If your battery is too hot or too cold, it may not charge properly or lose charge faster.
To avoid this problem, you should find a location within the optimal temperature range and try charging your battery there.
#6. Replace the fuse
Some batteries have a fuse that protects them from over-current or short circuits. The fuse may blow for no apparent reason or due to an external factor such as a power surge or a faulty charger.
When this happens, the battery will not charge at all. To check if your fuse is blown, you need to locate it on your battery (usually under a rubber cover) and inspect it visually.
If it looks burnt or broken, you need to replace it with a new one of the same type and rating. You can find instructions on how to replace your fuse on the Rad Power Bikes website.
#7. Charging the Battery in a Different Location
The ambient temperature and humidity may affect the battery’s ability to charge properly.
The optimal temperature range for charging batteries is between 50 °F–77 °F (10 °C–25 °C)². If you are outside this range, you may want to find a location within this range and try charging again.
Be sure to give your battery some time to warm up or cool down to this temperature zone before plugging in the charger.
How do I reset my Rad Power bike battery?
There is no official way to reset the Rad Power bike battery, but you can try some troubleshooting steps to fix any issues with the battery. Here are some possible solutions:
#1. Check the battery charge level
With the battery in place on the bike, use the key to turn on the battery. Press and hold the status button next to the LEDs.
The LEDs on the battery gauge will light up. The higher the number of green LEDs that are lit up, the higher your current battery level.
If the battery gauge is showing no or low charge, charge the battery following the steps HERE.
#2. Check the battery fuse
If the battery is properly connected to the charger but won’t charge, follow the steps HERE to check the 5A battery fuse. You may need to replace the fuse if it is blown or damaged.
Check the battery and mounting tray terminal contacts
Remove the battery and inspect the contacts for any dirt, damage, or moisture. If you notice any problems, contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support. If the contacts look normal, reinstall the battery and use the key to turn on the battery.
#3. Check the display connector
Locate the connector by tracing the cable coming from the display to the silver metal connector at the front of the bike. Unplug, inspect, and plug in the connector following the steps HERE.
#4. Check other connectors and wiring.
Follow the steps HERE to check all other connectors and wiring for any loose or damaged connections.
If none of these steps work, you may need to contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support for further assistance.
5 Tips For Rad Power Bike Battery Charging
1. Charge the battery fully after each ride so that it can power you for the full range the next time you ride.
2. Charge the battery at ambient temperatures of 41°F to 77°F (5°C to 25°C) for best performance and to minimize wear and tear on components.
3. Keep the battery uncovered with the light facing up on a flat, stable, hard, unheated surface while charging.
4. Only use a battery charger designed for your bike and supplied by Rad Power Bikes.
5. Stop using your battery and charger and contact Rad Power Bikes immediately if you notice any signs of damage, leakage, overheating, or abnormal performance.
Why is Rad Power Bike Battery Not Charging?
1. Loose or Damaged Charging Port
Over time, the charging port on your bike can become worn or damaged, which can prevent the charger from making a solid connection.
To determine if the charging port is the issue, take a close look at the port itself. If you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks or corrosion, this could be the cause of the problem.
Additionally, try wiggling the charging cord while it is plugged into the port to see if the connection is loose.
If you suspect that the charging port is the issue, you may need to replace it. Rad Power Bikes sells replacement charging ports on their website, and you may be able to find similar parts from other retailers as well.
2. Dead Battery
The battery may be completely drained or damaged beyond repair, preventing it from holding any charge.
This may happen due to over-discharging, over-charging, overheating, freezing, physical damage, or aging.
To check if your battery is dead, you can try charging it with another compatible charger for at least 8 hours and then testing its voltage and capacity with a multimeter or a battery tester.
If the battery shows no signs of life or has very low readings, it may be time to replace it.
3. Damaged Battery Pack
The battery pack consists of several individual cells that are connected in series or parallel to provide the required voltage and capacity. The cells may be unbalanced, mismatched, faulty, or worn out, causing the battery pack to malfunction or fail.
To check if your battery pack is damaged, you can open it carefully and inspect each cell for signs of leakage, swelling, corrosion, or physical damage.
You can also measure each cell’s voltage and resistance with a multimeter and compare them with the specifications. If you find any abnormality or discrepancy in your battery pack, you may need to replace it or have it repaired by a professional.
4. Faulty Charger
The charger may be defective or damaged, preventing it from delivering the correct voltage and current to the battery.
To check if your charger is working properly, you can use a multimeter to measure its output voltage and current. Alternatively, you can try using another compatible charger to see if it makes any difference.
5. Battery Management System (BMS) Issue
The battery management system (BMS) is a critical component of electric bike batteries that controls the charging and discharging process, monitors the battery’s temperature, and prevents overcharging or discharging.
If the BMS malfunctions or fails, it can prevent the battery from charging or discharging properly.
There are a few things you can check first. If you notice any abnormal behavior from the battery, such as the charge indicator flashing rapidly or the battery not holding a charge, this could be a sign that the BMS is malfunctioning.
If you suspect that the BMS is the issue, contact Rad Power Bikes customer support for assistance.
6. Outdated firmware
The firmware is the software that controls the battery’s functions and communication with the bike and the charger. It may be outdated or corrupted, causing compatibility or performance issues.
To check if your firmware is up to date, you can visit the Rad Power Bikes website and download the latest version for your battery model. You can also contact customer support for assistance on how to update your firmware.
7. Temperature Issues
If you have been storing your bike in a location that is either too hot or too cold, this could be the cause of the problem.
To avoid temperature-related issues, store your bike and battery in a location that is within the recommended temperature range.
Additionally, if you are using your bike in extreme temperatures, such as during a heatwave or in the middle of winter, take extra precautions to protect the battery.
For example, you may need to adjust your riding schedule to avoid the hottest or coldest parts of the day or use a battery cover or insulating material to keep the battery at a stable temperature.
FAQs
#1. Why is my Rad Power Bike battery not charging?
#2. How can I tell if my Rad Power Bike battery is dead?
#3. Can I repair a damaged Rad Power Bike battery myself?
#4. How can I prevent my Rad Power Bike battery from not charging?
#5. Can I use a third-party charger to charge my Rad Power Bike battery?
#6. Can extreme temperatures affect my Rad Power Bike battery’s performance?
#7. What should I do if my Rad Power Bike battery is still not charging after trying these solutions?
Conclusion
A Rad Power Bike battery not charging can be a frustrating experience, but there are a number of possible causes and solutions.
By identifying the root of the problem and taking the appropriate steps to fix it, you can get back to enjoying your bike with a fully charged battery.
If you are unsure about any of the steps or are uncomfortable with bike repairs, always consult a professional for assistance to ensure that the problem is fixed safely and effectively.