Battery shape/size question?

[smee]

Being very new to electric bikes, and having ordered a Freego Eagle that won't be here for a few days, I have been reading a lot of online info while I wait.

A question occurred to me about batteries - do they come in standard sizes and form factors? I see batteries on many different bikes that look similar to the one on the Freego I have purchased, and I see some being sold on online web sites (such as Alibaba and even eBay) that look very similar.

In short, am I able to buy a compatible spare battery from other sources, or do I have to only buy them from the original bike manufacturer?

 

[trex]

you will have to buy from Freego dealers. Mounting rails, lock, dimensions, input connector, output connector and its position are usually subtly different.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The basic form is the same. There are a couple of different base-plates, so compatibility is not guaranteed. The BMSBattery one comes as a complete kit, so it'll definitely work as a replacement battery but not necessarily as a spare battery.

Not all batteries are equal. What's inside the case can be totally different, which doesn't matter functionally, but the difference in quality can affect the performance or life.

 

[smee]

I think I understand.

Just looked at BMS (this battery http://www.bmsbattery.com/36v/475-36v-15ah-lithium-ion-electric-bicycle-battery-pack.html) which helped me understand what you mean by baseplate and rails etc.

At least, it would appear that if the local dealer goes broke, I'll still be able to fit a new battery/pack system myself in 2 years time, if my battery fails after that.

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 4366]

You'll never need to worry about a replacement battery, but some other bikes with low volume sales and special batteries would worry me a bit; however, there's always something you can do.

 

[smee]

I take it you are saying the supplier is from a larger reputable company, but I have the added problem that I am buying this bike in Australia, so if local dealers don't keep batteries, the problem of buying overseas (and they are classed as Dangerous Goods, I expect) is not attractive

But yes, basically, I have a machine that needs a 36V power supply, and there will be many ways to achieve this, and, as you say, there's always something you can do.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

That's right, but you can buy batteries from a number of sources in China, like BMSBattery, who can send you the battery by air. somehow.

 

[smee]

True, I guess it's just an extra charge for the shipping.

 

[Eaglerider]

If you look after your battery it should last well over two years. I have the 16A/H on my Freego Eagle, and whilst it has lost some capacity over time, it will still do 40 miles plus no problem. It is 2 years and 9 months old and has done around 3350 miles.

 

[smee]

If you look after your battery it should last well over two years. I have the 16A/H on my Freego Eagle, and whilst it has lost some capacity over time, it will still do 40 miles plus no problem. It is 2 years and 9 months old and has done around 3350 miles.

Thanks. When I asked that question, I was just about to order the bike. I was checking that I wouldn't be stranded if the suppliers weren't around in 2 years time, as much as anything I guess. It's the most expensive thing on the bike that I may need to replace, and as long as I have options, I feel safer.

Anyway, since then, I am more confident in the suppliers, local and in the UK, and look forward to at least 2 years riding before I need worry.

 

[mountainsport]

If you look after your battery it should last well over two years. I have the 16A/H on my Freego Eagle, and whilst it has lost some capacity over time, it will still do 40 miles plus no problem. It is 2 years and 9 months old and has done around 3350 miles.

Hello Eaglerider, may I ask how often do you ride your bike and do you recharge it ever time you use it?

MS.

 

[mountainsport]

Thanks. When I asked that question, I was just about to order the bike. I was checking that I wouldn't be stranded if the suppliers weren't around in 2 years time, as much as anything I guess. It's the most expensive thing on the bike that I may need to replace, and as long as I have options, I feel safer.

Anyway, since then, I am more confident in the suppliers, local and in the UK, and look forward to at least 2 years riding before I need worry.

Well at least you had opted for the 15AH battery and not the lower one.

MS.

 

[Eaglerider]

Hello Eaglerider, may I ask how often do you ride your bike and do you recharge it ever time you use it?

MS.

I guess two or three times a week mostly, dependent on weather and the like.

If I do less than 10 miles, I usually don't re-charge immediately afterwards. Anything over 10 miles and I charge straight after using the bike. I try to keep the battery around the 70% to 90% charge state all the time. The longest gap without charging is two weeks.

If I'm off on a 20 miler or more I will top up charge just before riding, it does go that little bit better straight off the charger. On returning from a long ride where the battery has two lights on the gauge (out of 4 lights max) or less, in a static no load state, then I re-charge at once after a half hour rest to let the battery chemistry stabilise. Seems to work so far, I expect to get at least another year out of the battery.

 

[mountainsport]

I guess two or three times a week mostly, dependent on weather and the like.

If I do less than 10 miles, I usually don't re-charge immediately afterwards. Anything over 10 miles and I charge straight after using the bike. I try to keep the battery around the 70% to 90% charge state all the time. The longest gap without charging is two weeks.

If I'm off on a 20 miler or more I will top up charge just before riding, it does go that little bit better straight off the charger. On returning from a long ride where the battery has two lights on the gauge (out of 4 lights max) or less, in a static no load state, then I re-charge at once after a half hour rest to let the battery chemistry stabilise. Seems to work so far, I expect to get at least another year out of the battery.

You are a million% spot on about settling the battery chemistry for cell stabilization before recharging which I was told, but how do you keep the battery between 70%-90% topped up? Do you stop the charging process when you see three led lights on the battery gauge illuminated ?
Anyway I am happy to hear that you are getting your moneys worth from your battery pack.

MS,