Lead Acid batteries for electric bicycle

Thread Starter

withoutego

Joined Dec 22, 2015
26
Hello all, This might be my first post here. I am looking
for someone with specific experience of using lead acid
batteries for powering an electric (assist) bicycle. I would
use Lithium chemistry but I live in Ecuador and importing
anything is a hassle.....those batteries top the list because
of their nature and history.

I would use deep cycle types. The load, the motor, hasn't
been purchased (I am making the trade-offs now) but
something between 350W and 1500W. The trip time is
short. Any tricks to make the normal lead acid a better
fit with the requirements of peddle assisting?

I might just try to use a normal (and less expensive) vehicle
battery. Then match the demand of a car...ie a dead
short (the starter) a couple of times a day (going full power
up a hill) and otherwise a 20A drain to 80% capacity and
daily top off. Should then last as long as it would in a car.

I think I'll build the bike in Maine in the summer and when
I fly south again take it with me. Still can not fly with the Li ion
power pack I would want. 4800 Watt hours would be nice

Thanks.....KC1CCG
 

tcmtech

Joined Nov 4, 2013
2,867
Standard UPS unit batteries work really well for small EV applications beng they are basically a mini deep cycle battery and designed to work with high load applications with the high likely hood of having to sit in a discharged state for some time before being recharged.

If the bike is for a full sized adult I would go with the biggest motor and batteries that you can fit. 350 watts doesn't do much for anyone who is much over kid sized.
 

Thread Starter

withoutego

Joined Dec 22, 2015
26
I read thru the reference links, thanks. I was surprised that in China the
SLA was most common, price being an over "riding" criteria.

I would agree with the power level. Having 1500 watt motor doesn't
mean the rider must run at that power level all the time.

I am in Ecuador most of the year and that is the wild card in these
projects. Otherwise Li ion and ebay, slam dunk....not easy here. But
then I am not shoveling snow right now, another trade off.

Thanks all for the input.
 
Top