Early Lafree with SLA batteries strange charging

[emtemt]

Hi

I recently purchased what I understand is a very early lafree. It works pretty well but the range is limited. The odd thing is when charging. This lafree has a charger built into the top of the battery box. The LEDS on the box operate as per the instructions when you start charging but never indicate a full charge. If you leave it on charge for a long period the complete battery/charger assembly gets very hot. At the moment I am assuming the batteries are near the end of their life but it maybe a faulty charger. Has any one any experience of these?

Also does any one know the original capacity of these batteries? I have access to a battery tester that can test the actual AH of a battery which is showing about 4.3AH at a 1 amp discharge rate.

Regards

Ian Eagland

 

[flecc]

That's the old Lafree "E" series Ian, made in three models, E-Trans, E-Race and E-World, and not related to the later Lafree Twist with the Pansonic unit. Yours was probably made before 2002.

I don't remember the original battery capacity, but it sounds as though your batteries might be spent. These didn't sell well in the UK so there's little knowledge of them around. However, a PDF manual has been available from Giant Bicycles, so you could ask them to mail you a copy. Here's the link to use.

aftersales@giant-bicycles.co.uk
.