Hi folks. My wife and I just purchased our first e-bikes. We rented e-bikes in Niagara Falls and were instantly hooked. I’ve had 2 hip surgeries and am limited in pursuing the many activities in which that I was interested/active. Mine is a Gotrax Tundra and my wife has a Himiway Zebra. Both are step-thru frames. I was thinking of purchasing a second battery for both. Luckily both bikes use the same battery and would be interchangeable. I am worried that something will happen to the batteries and am considering purchasing a backup battery for both. Tariffs are on the horizon and I’m concerned that the price will become ridiculous. Any thoughts on our choice of bikes and purchase of another battery for each bike?
Yes, yes, yes! Get additional batteries. The largest capacity you can find. Read everything on Batteryuniversity.com about getting the most out of lithium batteries. Read up on the Grin Cycle Satiator; it can help triple the battery life. Remember that if you ride a bike, you will fall, just like when you were a kid. Unfortunately, it's inevitable. Show some pics. I'd love to see the bikes and see where you are.
Stay safe.
Welcome, from SE Wisconsin!
Are you having an issue running out of range with your current batteries? Taking long rides? If not, then I wouldn't buy more batteries, because they do need some maintenance. They should cycled now and then and stored near 50% state of charge. Four batteries would be a lot to keep rotated and at charge levels where they will last longest. Even the two batteries is something to worry about leaving sitting, as you have long winters in Ontario. (I don't know if you plan to ride in the winter, but I do; fat tire bikes are pretty good for it)
Are you having an issue running out of range with your current batteries? Taking long rides? If not, then I wouldn't buy more batteries, because they do need some maintenance. They should cycled now and then and stored near 50% state of charge. Four batteries would be a lot to keep rotated and at charge levels where they will last longest. Even the two batteries is something to worry about leaving sitting, as you have long winters in Ontario. (I don't know if you plan to ride in the winter, but I do; fat tire bikes are pretty good for it)
Thanks for your advice. I will try to upload some pictures of the bikes. Still trying to decide on a new saddle for my bike. My wife’s bike came with a huge saddle that will be replaced by mine. I’m waiting for better weather so I can try out a new saddle. The store that I’ll be dealing with has a return policy that if you’re not satisfied, return the saddle and exchange for a different one within 30 days. That should give me enough time to figure out which saddle works best for me. Just received a second helmet. The size I needed was very difficult to find and I ended up ordering one from a bike store in Quebec. Also, I have to figure out how to upload photos of both bikes. I’m located is SW Ontario and our winter is not giving up just yet.
Cheers
Thanks for your input and advice. I know that batteries require some maintenance - I’m dealing with 4 boat batteries that I seem to be managing to keep working well year after year, and do see your point. Any mechanical device requires regular maintenance and I’m prepared to invest the time and effort to keep things in optimal condition.
I’m new to e-bikes and have never ridden in winter. Would be fun to try, just for the sake of extending the riding season. I too am from Ontario (SW) and winter is not over yet around these parts. I also had to make sure to receive my second helmet (which was nearly impossible to find at a decent price and in the right size) - I ordered one from a bike shop in Quebec and recently got it shipped to me.
Can’t wait to get these bikes on the road/trails. I tink I actually found an activity they both my wife and I can enjoy and we have friends that are excited to go on bike adventures together. We are very lucky to live in our area because I was told that we have a huge trail system that links various parts of this area together. Hoping the weather improves and that we can get out riding together soon (unfortunately my wife is a fair whether rider, just like I’m a fair weather golfer)
Cheers
BiggKidd
Well-known member
One thing I didn't know when I started dealing with L-ion batteries is you do NOT want to leave them fully charged. They say around 30-70% is much better. Honestly I'm not sure why.....
CoffeeandBikes
Member
Maybe it's just bad to keep topping them? I don't see why charging them once then leaving them would be bad. Most devices I purchase online come with batteries around 80% charged. I always assumed that's a safety issue?
Batteryuniversity.com: Read everything on Li-ion batteries. You shall see the light!
Stay safe.
CoffeeandBikes
Member
It appears that the batteries "prefer" no higher than 80% and no lower than 20% charge. It's more about heat and degradation. They do naturally discharge some when not in use. Do you fully charge your bike batteries?
I have 40Ah 58.8V (2352Wh) packs. I usually charge to 56.8V about 86% capacity and never discharge past 45.4V. If I think I will exceed 70 miles, I top the battery up to 100%, 58.8V, just before leaving.
If you want the battery to last as long as possible, look at a Grin Satiator for charging.
Stay safe.
If you want the battery to last as long as possible, look at a Grin Satiator for charging.
Stay safe.
Because the cells are under great stress when they're fully charged.
No, they're usually closer to 30%, as that's the law for shipping and it's also a safe storage level. Maybe some manufacturers open the package, charge them, then re-package, but that can't be too many.
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