Deep discharge

[ding-dong]

Hi Guys.
I live in a hilly area so I do'nt want to run my battery flat while I am out (I live at the top of a hill which I can't even walk up, I'm an old geezer with a gammy leg). has anyone got any advise on how to drain the battery at home. I am thinking along the lines of 3 12v bulbs in series (making 36v) (that took some working out). If this seems ok, what wattage bulbs would you recommend?, how long would it take to flatten the battery?. All ideas taken on board, thanks a lot.
Ed. (ding-dong).

 

[Scimitar]

You don't need to do that at all. Just make sure the battery is fully charged afore you go out. Small topup charges are much kinder to the battery than full-cycle discharges, anyway.

 

[flecc]

In fact you could damage a lithium battery by discharging with bulbs. It's very important that it only discharges on the bike where it's protected against excess discharge which can destroy cells.

 

[ding-dong]

Thanks flecc & scimitar
I must say you both seem pretty confident in your replies, it's just that Iv'e read a few instructions (on here) about conditioning new batteries, some from dealers as well. I only use my bike to pop down to the village to get a few groceries and have a pint (or 3). I built the bike to give my legs a bit of exercise, to proud to get a motorized invalid chair just yet, must be that macho thing. I charge the battery after every trip or 2 which is only about 5k in total. Thanks for your replies, Ed. ding-dong,

 

[flecc]

It's correct that new lithium batteries should be run down to empty one or twice to condition them and set the meter zero where the battery includes a level meter, but that must be done by riding the bike. That way the bike will shut off power at a safe low voltage point to avoid cell damage.

Once conditioned, lithium batteries should be charged often for longest life, not run flat if it's possible to avoid that.