Electroped my first electric bike

[marcusvictoria]

Just got myself a cheap electroped, just paid £80 for it and all it needs is a charger.
It is quite possible that the batteries are shot as I believe its around 10/15 years old but I cant find much information about them.
Its red with a single gear and in really good condition with front basket (now removed)
and rear box.
I want to start riding it to work so got a charger for ebay and its on charge now off the bike, so fingers crossed.
If the batteries are shot does anyone know a good/cheap place to get them as on ebay(if there the correct ones) are £120.

I hope to be using the bike everyday as on a charge it should do 25-30 miles on the minimal info I have found so should do me 3/4 days on a charge and will save me driving my old Golf Gti.

If anyone can help me in any way or provide any advice/info that would be cool.

cheers
Marcus in Eastbourne

[flecc]

Those batteries on your Electroped are certain to be at end of life if that age. That £120 is not too bad for 3 x 12 Ah SLA batteries, it's important that they are the right high current drain types, but hopefully someone else will know of a lower cost source.

[marcusvictoria]

Ok thanks for the advice. Just plugged the battery in the bike after a 2 hour charge with absolutely no signs of life, so I think they are shot.

[marcusvictoria]

I am going to pop open the battery holder this afternoon to see what I have.
Marcus.

[flecc]

Do make sure it's a working bike before buying the new batteries Marcus, try checking for any sign of life once you've ascertained the battery connections etc are ok.

If it's one of those top models I've linked to, it should be three 12 volt 12 Ah batteries wired in series to give 36 volts.

[marcusvictoria]

Leaky batteries.

[marcusvictoria]

would a 12v car battery show signs of life or will it not be enough.?

[marcusvictoria]

Just found a pack of 4 for £50 delivered. but I will check its actually a working bike before I purchase.

[flecc]

I'm afraid 12 volts might not be enough to get it to kick. If you could borrow another one or use someone's jump starter and couple them in line to give 24 volts, that should give enough reaction to see it's working.

[marcusvictoria]

ok cheers will give it a go sunday morning.