Bosch battery holder

[Blew it]

I don't normally pester other members with requests for information, but as I am about to purchase a Bosch powered machine, I would very much appreciate some close-up ( in focus ) photos of the contacts in the bottom of the down-tube battery carrier. All I really need to know, is how many contact prongs there are. I'm hoping it's just two, +ve and -0v.

The reason I need to know this before going ahead with the purchase, is because I need the machine to provide 1:1 assistance for a forty mile ride. The standard battery fitted to the Bosch machines is 288 watt-hours at a nominal 36V . Given my average consumption of around 9 watt-hours per mile on my Panasonic powered machine, I would only achieve thirty odd miles of one-to-one assistance with the Bosch battery.

There is plenty of scope to fit an additional 10ah block of Ping LiFePO4, configured cuboid, on a platform fitted within the frame triangle above the motor housing. When the additional battery is in use, then of course the Bosch battery would have to be strapped to the rear carrier out of the way.

As I already own a Ping LiFePO4 10ah battery, this would be a very much cheaper way of extending the range as apposed to purchasing an additional Bosch battery at £600.

Even if the Bosch battery had the more usual 360 watt-hours (10ah) available, I would probably run out of assistance towards the end of the ride, just when I need it most.

My thanks in advance to any Bosch powered bike owners who could provide a photo of the bottom contacts of the battery holder.

All the best
Bob

 

[eddieo]

some of the step through Bosch bikes use a battery on a rear rack. On German forums chap has added one to his bike, giving a 16 Ah range. Maybe worth remembering that 1.5 hr charge gives you 90%? they give you a small bag to attach small 4.2 amp charger to bike.....are you likely to do 50 miles without a break

Here is thread:

Google Translate

Go to : ready pedelec - Bosch - (thread near bottom) BOSCH Power bike with 16 Ah battery (576Wh)

This thread is from the excellent Gervais, when he covers a topic he nails it....it shows the lead, and lists parts etc.... and where to acquire the parts. will probably make perfect sense to you....

Maybe worth a PM to James at justebikes he may be able to take picture? or E Tim he has 2 Haibikes....

 

[Blew it]

Edd....you're a star!!, that's exactly what I wanted. I've book-marked the thread for further reading. As I suspected, there's just two pins, +ve and -0v. Fortunately, they have not added a third pin as Panasonic have.

I have plenty of engineering quality black plastic, from which I can machine up a non reversible plug using the charger plug as a pattern.

Recharging on route would be a problem, plenty of cows, sheep and fields of wheat, but not too many 13 amp sockets up on the downs.

Thanks for the link to Gervais's thread, very much appreciated.

Regards
Bob

 

[indalo]

Bob, you haven't said which Bosch-powered bike you have in mind but as several makers chose to rack-mount the battery, that narrows it down somewhat. Should it be one of the Haibike models you are considering, is it not possible that 40 miles might be achieved comfortably by cycling part of any journey unaided, given the lightness of those machines?

I understand if you don't wish to do any pedalling unassisted but it seems like a lot of bother when 40 mile trips are only likely to be an occasional venture. Moreover, I shouldn't think it'll be very long before Bosch increase the amps in their standard battery as 8Ah has been one of the major criticisms from some. Even a small increase in amperage would probably suffice for your needs.

Looking forward to hearing your opinion of the reality of day-to-day living with Bosch power,

Indalo

 

[flecc]

Fortunately, they have not added a third pin as Panasonic have.

This third pin is only a feed for the handlebar meter and can be omitted by anyone connecting to another battery, though with up to 18Ah batteries available that's not so likely.

 

[neptune]

This thread brings up the question of charging " on the fly " . Even in an area with plenty of cows and sheep , there will be isolated farmhouses and dwellings . It is all down to diplomacy .One would need to emphasise the small amount of electricity you are asking for . You need to make a good first impression , because you are going to be there for a while . It would be interesting to hear if anyone has tried this . Also , if you are passing through a town , the local bike shop might help . Or a wayside inn , or cafe if you buy a drink . I would offer 50 pence to more than cover electricity costs .One option is to pass the time by leaving your battery and charger , and pedalling around the local area .

 

[eddieo]

Indalo, Bob has his eye on same model as you ...The Haibike trekking.

Probably down there buying the last one as we speak!lol

Neptune true what you say, but in Bobs case he has a shed load of batteries and the like so may as well make use of them.... + its what he loves doing....

 

[indalo]

Indalo, Bob has his eye on same model as you ...The Haibike trekking.

Probably down there buying the last one as we speak!lol

That's ok Ed. I'm in no rush. Incidentally, your inbox is full.

Indalo

 

[Blew it]

Indalo, after much thought, the final choice is the Haibike EQ Trekking.

The range with the Bosch 8ah battery will be more than enough to complete the 26 mile Swindon Urban Loop, which I ride a couple of times each month throughout the year. During the warmer months, three or four much longer 'expeditions' are undertaken.

My prefered level of assistance, irrespective of how long the ride, is one-to-one. My average cadence over a two month period was a utility style forty-eight rpm. These two conditions represent my 'steady-state', the pace which I can easily maintain on extended rides without undo tiredness spoiling the enjoyment. At the age of 69 years, jumping up and down on the pedals, sprinting and hill-storming are no longer part of my remit, steady-state it is!

On the occasions when I ride alone, I tend to stick with the original plan. But when accompanied by another (usually younger) rider, these plans invariably go out of the window, and we finish up with many more miles on the clock than originally intended. One such trip which started as a pootle around, but somehow extended to forty-three miles, fortunately I had the BMZ battery on the Kalkhoff...... there was precious little left in it when returning home. On such trips, I would carry my old Ping 10ah battery mounted on the Haibike in the way described in my reply above, but only three or four times a year as you have guessed.

And yes, I expect I will post one of my garballed ramblings masquerading as a 'review' in due course.

 

[indalo]

And yes, I expect I will post one of my garballed ramblings masquerading as a 'review' in due course.

Cheers Bob. Look forward to it.

Indalo