BATTERY QUESTIONS
Q: What is the difference between Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries?
A: Nickel Metal Hydride battery technology is slightly older than Lithium- Ion battery technology. NiMH batteries typically have a life span of approximately 500 charge cycles.
Lithium-Ion battery technology is the most current technology that is commercially available. Lithium-Ion batteries are much smaller in size and weight with very similar capacity. We use Li-Ion batteries because of their energy densities, no memory effect and slower loss of charge over time.
Q: Why use rechargeable batteries?
A: Rechargeable batteries allow our products to leave a lower carbon footprint on the environment compared to disposable batteries. Additionally, Li-Ion batteries are smaller in size which allows us to design lighter, more compact lighting systems that are also more user-friendly. In order to continue our environmental responsibility, we recycle all of our used/damaged batteries and encourage riders to do so as well.
Q: Why am I getting short run times?
A: Short run times can be caused by the following: weather during use, battery age, care, and charge times.
Riding in cold weather temporarily reduces the battery run time. To counter this, try charging the battery for several minutes right before use to warm up the battery.
Short charge times may not fully charge a battery resulting in shorter run times.
Older batteries slowly begin losing their capacity over time and should be replaced accordingly.
Q: Does cold temperature effect my battery's run time?
A: Yes, cold temperatures can reduce run times. If you ride in a cold environment, charge your battery for 5 minutes before your ride to warm up the battery. This will ensure that you get the maximum run time out of your battery.
Q: Are older Cygolite batteries compatible with the newer Cygolite lighting systems?
A: Not all Cygolite batteries are compatible between models. Contact Cygolite customer service to confirm which batteries are compatible with your lighting system.
Q: Are Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries better than Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)?
A: Lithium-Ion batteries are smaller and lighter then NiMH batteries, but they have similar energy densities. Li-Ion batteries also have a slower self-discharge rate compared to NiMH while not in use. Li-Ion batteries are particularly better in that they do not have a memory effect, meaning that a Li-Ion battery can be charged at any charge level without having to worry about losing battery capacity.
Q: Can I change from Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) to Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries on my Cygolite system?
A: No, due to the voltage differences in Lithium-Ion batteries and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, the batteries are not interchangeable. To prevent damage from occurring, the plug sizes on the Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers are different sizes.
Q: Does a recently purchase battery have to be fully charged?
A: Cygolite does give the batteries a partial charge when packaged so customers should not expecting the full run time as specified in the manual the first time. However, after purchasing your new Cygolite system or battery, we recommend giving the battery a full charge and doing so every time thereafter.
Q: How do I maximize the life of my battery?
A: Battery lifetime can be maximized by making sure the battery always has a charge and is never drained completely. If not being used for extensive periods of time (months) we recommend storing the battery with approximately 30% charge. Every 2 months that the battery is not in use, take it out and give it a 1 hour charge and put it back into storage.
NOTE: Using a non-Cygolite charger or battery is not recommended. It will damage the Cygolite headlight system and a replacement will be necessary.
Q: Battery cables are not listed as a spare part. Can I get this part if my cable is damaged?
A: You must send the battery unit to us so we can make the appropriate cable repairs.
Lithium-Ion (LI-ION)
Q: How do I take care of my Lithium-Ion battery properly?
A: To maintain your Lithium-Ion battery properly, only use the provided Cygolite charger to charge your battery. Never let the battery completely drain, and store your battery in a dry place and at room temperature when not in use. If not being used for extensive periods of time (months) we recommend storing the battery with approximately 30% charge. Every 2 months that the battery is not in use, take it out and give it a 1 hour charge and put it back into storage. Following these few steps will insure that you get the full potential from your Lithium-Ion battery.
Q: Should I drain the battery completely before every charge?
A: All of our Li-Ion batteries do not have memory function and can be charged at any state. However, we do recommend that when charging, to give it a full charge before it is taken off the charger.
Q: The Lithium-Ion battery cable is too short to mount to my top tube, where should I mount it?
A: Because of its small size and weight, the Lithium-Ion battery is designed to mount on top or underneath the handlebar stem. For proper mounting instructions refer to the operation manual that came with your light.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Q: How do I take care of my Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery properly?
A: To maintain your Nickel Metal Hydride battery properly, only use the provided Cygolite charger to charge your battery. Never let the battery completely drain, and store your battery in a dry place and at room temperature when not in use. When storing your battery for extensive periods of time, give the battery a full charge and recharge the battery every 3 months it is not in use.
Q: Do I have to completely drain my Nickel Metal Hydride battery and charge it completely to maintain its usual run time?
A: No, Nickel Metal Hydride batteries can be partially charged and do not have to be drained before recharging.