Powacycle battery price increase

[flecc]

The £99 Windsor/Salisbury battery that I originally recommended as a source of a cheap pack for recelling Giant etc batteries has now sadly increased in price to £129.

That's still reasonable, and it's a credit to Powacycle that they managed to maintain the old price for so long, including during the nickel shortage when all others increased their prices.

For some it will change the economics of recelling though, but for Twist owners faced with Giant's £250 battery price, recelling is still the best option.
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[Ian]

Hopefully now that the price of nickel is more stable prices may soon begin to fall, or am I being too optmistic.

 

[4beeches0]

I was shocked (electrically ?) to receive a quote for £250 for an additional Lithium battery for my eZee Liv. I see the NiMH battery is 'only' £200 but I would need an additional charger bringing the total back up to £250. Last time I ordered a spare NiMH battery for my previous bike it was £99. Which option would you experienced guys choose ?

John

 

[Ian]

Lithium batteries have allways been considerably more expensive that NiMh types although recent massive price increases brought on by a worldwide nickel shortage have narrowed the gap.

When choosing a seccond battery it is important to consider how much use it will get as Lithium types will deteriorate over time whether used or not. If the spare battery is to be used only occasionally then a NiMh + charger would be the better option as with care this should last several years. The Nimh batterv is approx 1kg heavier and in theory has 90% of the lithiums capacity, however the lithium will lose capacity at a faster rate, even if unused, so after a few months the NiMh is likely to have the larger capacity.

My own preference is for NiMh, of which I have 3.

 

[flecc]

I concur with Ian and also mainly use NiMh.

To some extent the territory influences things though. Those in flat areas lie the Eastern Counties do enjoy longer lithium life and the slightly better performance they bring, since without hills to slog up, the batteries are not stressed. If lithium is suitable, the main convenience is the ability to charge at any time, part charging after every use and never having to run them down to empty to keep them in good health as we have to do occasionally with NiMh.

NiMh will still tend to last longer though.
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[4beeches0]

Thanks Ian and Flecc. I was interested in your view flecc that territory influences battery considerations. Nearly all my cycling is around the York area which doesn't feature any significant hills and is blessed with a good choice of cycle tracks many of which are based on reasonably level former railway lines. Whilst I can see the advantages of NiMH batteries I think on balance I will stick with Lithium mainly for the convenience of part charging and the lighter weight (particularly as I will be carrying two batteries !). Your observation on type of territory has swung the argument for me. Thank you both very much - this site is an excellent resource on a most pleasurable mode of transport - even if the batteries are outrageously expensive !

John

 

[flecc]

Yes, York is a good place for kindness to Lithium batteries, John.

My North Downs area is the opposite, I either ride up or I ride down, something near to level ground a very occasional luxury.
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[Jimblob]

The £99 Windsor/Salisbury battery that I originally recommended as a source of a cheap pack for recelling Giant etc batteries has now sadly increased in price to £129.
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We still have some left at £99

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[flecc]

Nice one Jim, many thanks for that info.
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