Bernie2

I'm sorry but I don't quite understand your reply. I can certainly measure the voltage at the end of the charge cycle and frequently do but what does that tell me in so far as knowing if my charger has switched off. Or are you saying I could measure the current when the green light appears and whilst the battery is still connected. That would probably tell me if the charger has stopped charging or whether it continues a trickle charge. As I don't want to get any shocks while I'm doing this, can you confirm that that is what you had in mind, as I regret that I don't understand your second sentence.

No, it has no indication on it whatsoever, other than the code number quoted in my original post. However, I am absolutely sure, I have seen an identical one to mine on Ebay but can't find it any longer. As mentioned, it just has the number and the three colour codes on it but I have a feeling it was advertised as a Powerbyke charger. That's all I know.

Yes I am, although I have only just started getting used to riding a bike again, let alone an electric one. The last time I got on a cycle was over 70 years ago, so you can guess what fun I had learning to ride the Sakura. I thought first of all it was too heavy (40 kilos) but I have gradually got used to it and have bought it mainly to get me to and from my Golf Club. I am getting rid of my car and going back to basics but only time will tell over the Winter whether I manage it or not. With regard to the Sakura, as long as the batteries last and my knees don't give way, I am very happy with it. By the way, the only concern I have is the location of the battery L & N connections at the bottom of the battery case where they sit in the frame and connect to the motor wiring circut. When it rains, have you ever experienced water forming in the bottom tray and affecting the electrics, as it seems an obvious water trap to me. I have not been out in the wet yet, so don't know if I am worrying over nothing but perhaps you can enlighten me. Regards Bernie

Many thanks Electric Mike. Until I find out if my charger has or does not have, a cut off facility, I think I shall do as you do and allow say an hour after the green light appears and then switch it off. I must say I can never understand why original bike users leave you with a charger but not the instruction manual. Still, that's the way it is I suppose.

My apologies, I should have mentioned my batteries are Lead acid in my original query but I am grateful to you for taking the time and trouble to reply. All I need now is to know if anyone can confirm if my charger switches off or not because at my age, I worry that I may forget it is on charge and if it does not switch off automatically, I will have to invest in a timed plug socket to be on the safe side.

Again, many thanks for your reply. However, I am still a little confused because I have read articles specifically about charging lead acid batteries and they all agreed that leaving a battery on continuous charge between use, will shorten its life over time. From what you are saying, it seems there is no point in having a charger that switches itself off on the basis that no charge will flow anyway, once fully charged, so why do manufacturers bother to make batteries that switch off ? I am not trying to be argumentative, it is simply that I am getting conflicting information about charging lead acid batteries and all I want to know is whether to leave mine on charge overnight or to switch it off when the green light appears. And of course, it would be nice to know if my charger has or has not the shut down facility.

Many thanks D8VEH. The trouble is I have no idea if my battery has a " Balancing function", so really I am no wiser. I do know however, that you should not leave a 12 volt lead acid battery on continuous charge as it will eventually damage it and therefore I am still hoping that someone can recognise my battery from the description I have given and can tell me if it has what you call a Balancing Function.

The Charger supplied with mu secondhand 36v Sakura E bike shows the state of the batteries during charging namely:- Red - 0%, Orange - 80% and Green - 100%. My question is " Does the charger automatically shut down when it shows Green or will it carry on charging until I switch it off". If anyone knows the answer, I'd be much obliged. The only manufacturers mark on the charger is the number G4M20211-2347-E-16

I think that about sums it up really. It seems that if you are unlucky enough to receive the attention of the professional bike thief, it probably doesn't matter how well protected the bike is because they have the means to get over any obstacle. I think the only thing we can do is make it as difficult as possible for them to do so, in the hope they look at weaker prey but mind you, my bike weighs over 30 kilos which is a bit of deterrent in itself. In reply to one of the other members comments above, my bike only cost £250 and not worth spending half as much again on security. However, I do intend to instal a gold Secure D bracket to the rear wheel and frame with a chain around the front wheel and post which is probably the best I can do for the money. Thanks everyone for your interest and replies

Many thanks Electric Mike. I'm in my eighties, so I am hoping the bike will see me out!! Bernie

All I can tell you that it is the S305 model about three years old but is in new condition. It has obviously not been ridden that often and has been kept well maintained in a garage or similar. I bought it from a local cycle shop and expected the batteries to be suspect but they are workin just fine. I appreciate the firm has long since gone bust but I am hoping with the help of this forum, I can carry on maintaining it. I have not had time yet to take photos but when I do, I shall add it to my profile.

Many thanks Electric Mike. That was my interpretation of the expression "HD" - I just wanted someone to confirm it. It would seem that to be sure of getting something that stands a chance of making life difficult for the thief is to go for a "hardened steel chain and lock shackle" as a minimum which should put off the oportunist thief. However, if anyone else has something to add, it would be appreciated.

I have just bought a used Sakura E-bike which I only intend to use now and then and I have been looking at the chains available on Ebay and other retailers. I have noticed all the modest priced ones (which is all I can afford) refer to the chain as "Heavy Duty Motorbike Chain" and even some of the dearer ones have the same description. What does this mean exactly? Is it Heavy Duty because it weighs heavy or is it definitely a stronger steel or what. Any information would be gratefully received to enable me to choose the right one. Bernie

I have just bought my first electric cycle ie a second hand Sakura e-bike and through this forum, I am hoping to learn a lot more about maintaining it and e-biking in general. Cheers. Bernie