SLA batteries - do i leave on constant charge?

real_ale

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jul 20, 2010
15
0
My bike uses SLA batteries, the instruction booklet says to charge for 6-8 hours and then unplug. However my parents in law have used electric golf trolleys with SLA batteries for over 30 years and say I should leave them on charge constantly, what is the best way for a bike?
Thanks.
 

Scimitar

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 31, 2010
1,772
40
Ireland
All depends how smart the charger is. Most supplied chargers ram in an initial charge rate and keep on charging, even though the batteries are topped up. This does them no good. What's needed is a smarter charger that will switch to a low rate of maintenance charge at the end of the main charge.
The golf trollies you describe might have a smarter charger, might not. It depends on useage, too. If the vehicle will be used the following day, it's not that much of a problem with a dumb charger. What you should avoid with a dumb charger, is leaving them on it for days on end.
Iiwy, I'd heed the bike supplier's instructions.