Moving to US - what to do about charging battery?

[kodokan]

Hi all

I have a 2009 Raleigh Dover, using the normal sort of standard Panasonic battery fitted to Kalkhoffs, etc.

I shall be moving to the US in a few months, and would obviously love to continue using my gorgeous electric bike (even though I'll no doubt look like a weird European loon).

Does anyone know if I can just buy a replacement charger to use in the US 110 volt system, and use that? Or run my normal charger, but through a converter? Has anyone done this before?

I'd rather not have to replace the battery too if I can help it, as I've only done about 1500km on this one and it still holds a charge really well.

Thanks for any insights.

kodokan

 

[flecc]

You only need to change the charger kodokan. They do two types, one being a travel charger and you'll see both on my Panasonic support site on this page.

Both will be available from Kalkoff USA when you get there, here is their contact webpage:

Kalkhoff USA contact point
.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi you need to look at the Mains voltage on your charger it may be OK

If not you can buy from BMS in china you may need to change the plug into the battery

use the one off your charger

you need to order the right charger volts in volts out and type off battery Ie Li-ion


Alloy Shell 400W LiFePo4/Li-Ion/Lead Acid Battery EBike Charger - BMSBATTERY

Frank

 

[flecc]

Unfortunately it's a special Frank, using 3 contacts to share charge management between battery and charger. The English language manual says 220 volts, unusually with no multi-volt capability mentioned.

 

[kodokan]

Thank you so much flecc, that's exactly my charger and just what I needed to know. I'll get in touch with the US Kalkoff people and see how much it'll be - a lot less than a new bike, anyway!

(I've also emailed the UK Raleigh ebike website, so I'll let you know if they tell me any different.)

Thanks again for such a prompt reply.

 

[kodokan]

Just following up - I emailed Kalkhoff USA yesterday, and they'd replied when I got up this morning! Reply was:

"Since the charger is European and is designed for 220v and we utilize 110v in the U.S., all you need is a simple plug adapter and can use your current charger.

There is not a special charger for the U.S. market; all of our customers use the European standard charger."

So great news, no different charger/ battery required, and one more thing ticked off my pre-moving list. Thanks again to flecc for the contact details.