Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Pedelecs Electric Bike Community

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

BB02 500w - cuts out under load - help!!

Featured Replies

Have a self build running a 500w Bafang BB02 mid (crank) motor with 48v battery.

 

System has developed a fault whereby all runs fine when back wheel raised and throttle applied. However, as soon as load of a rider is applied, motor cuts out and system shuts off i.e. VDU turns off. Removal and reinstatement of battery gets system back on until again load is applied.

 

Have checked all battery/power connections - all good

 

Can you assist by way of either diagnosis or, better still, solution

Have a self build running a 500w Bafang BB02 mid (crank) motor with 48v battery.

 

System has developed a fault whereby all runs fine when back wheel raised and throttle applied. However, as soon as load of a rider is applied, motor cuts out and system shuts off i.e. VDU turns off. Removal and reinstatement of battery gets system back on until again load is applied.

 

Have checked all battery/power connections - all good

 

Can you assist by way of either diagnosis or, better still, solution

What battery are you using? A link to vendor would be useful.

  • Author

Hi Fordulike

 

In short, not sure of the name of the battery manufacturer (if that is what you mean) and acquired it from the same Chinese company that sold me the Bafang 500w motor. Its a 48v 10.6 A/h

Hi Fordulike

 

In short, not sure of the name of the battery manufacturer (if that is what you mean) and acquired it from the same Chinese company that sold me the Bafang 500w motor. Its a 48v 10.6 A/h

Depending on how the Bafang is programmed, it can draw a lot of current from the battery under load. It may be that the battery is sagging badly under load and tripping out the BMS' low voltage cut-off.

 

It's not the Bafang's low voltage cut-off, as this produces a stuttering sensation in the motor unit, plus the LCD display stays on.

  • Author
Battery is old, but can confirm that a new BMS was fitted recently, and fault started almost immediately after that.
Battery is old, but can confirm that a new BMS was fitted recently, and fault started almost immediately after that.

Oh right, I assumed the battery was new. Most likely the battery can't provide enough amps for the Bafang then.

  • Author
Whilst I must bow to your knowledge of these things, can I check - when the bike is tilted onto its side, and I run the system on throttle only, it works absolutely fine. Would this still fit with your theory?
  • Author
to clarify last comment, i.e back wheel is off the ground and able to free wheel under throttle power
  • Author
Hi Brightonebikes - Battery insides slid out of their aluminium sleeve. On trying to re-insert, there was a small "pop", fizzying and smoke. Took it to a battery builder here in N London (UK), who spotted another burnt bit on the old BMS so replaced it.
Whilst I must bow to your knowledge of these things, can I check - when the bike is tilted onto its side, and I run the system on throttle only, it works absolutely fine. Would this still fit with your theory?

With rear wheel off ground, the Bafang will only draw a few amps maximum to spin the wheel. With the wheel on the ground, a person on the saddle and starting from standstill, it could require 20 amps+. This condition can cause an old worn battery to sag to BMS low voltage cut-off point.

Hi Brightonebikes - Battery insides slid out of their aluminium sleeve. On trying to re-insert, there was a small "pop", fizzying and smoke. Took it to a battery builder here in N London (UK), who spotted another burnt bit on the old BMS so replaced it.

 

I see. Do you know if they checked any of the strings or individual cells within the battery at the same time? Kind of false economy to replace BMS if the cells are near to the end of their usable life.

  • Author
Afraid do not know, Brightonebikes. Battery was old, but hadn't been used that much.
  • Author
Seems like a battery problem from what I can ascertain from you guys, and others on other forums. Will have to find another 48v to see if that resolves it
If you have access to another 48V battery, try process of elimination starting with the battery. From what you say and coupled with Fordulike's input it does sound like battery issue rather then the BBS02.

One of my bug bears on here peeps wanting advice but won't tell us where they live.

Sounds like the battery is sagging and can't cope however the LVC on the BMS could also be to high or is asking for to many amps to be supplied.

What is the full charge voltage hot off the charger and do you have a programming lead ?

  • Author
Hey Nealh - I've no problem telling people where I live - SW London, United Kingdom.
  • Author
Ah - nice suggestion Fordulike, but there is a very good reason why it has to be an old-style cylindrical battery - I had the frame modified to have a 100mm diameter seat post which houses the battery
Ah - nice suggestion Fordulike, but there is a very good reason why it has to be an old-style cylindrical battery - I had the frame modified to have a 100mm diameter seat post which houses the battery

No probs, just be sure that any battery you do buy is rated for a continuous 20+ amps.

Edited by Fordulike

Ah - nice suggestion Fordulike, but there is a very good reason why it has to be an old-style cylindrical battery - I had the frame modified to have a 100mm diameter seat post which houses the battery

Huh? Love to see a photo of this! Have you posed these questions to the outfit that recently fixed(?) the battery for you?

  • Author
Hi Brightonebikes - here is an image of the bike - you can see the extra wide seatpost housing a battery which slides out by pulling up the saddleSMUGOriginal.jpg.b86e4ac86c8ec1b723f7ab0a166e0097.jpg
  • Author

Many thanks, Tommie. Was one helluva job getting it done. Hard enough getting an engineering firm here in UK to do such a one-off job. Then had joy of modifying battery casing so that a female connector located on the base-cap would sit onto a male inside the seat-post. Got to thank a brilliant electronics engineer pal of mine who did the battery. Alas, has now moved to Margate (DOH!!) so have no-one locally to fix the sort of issues discussed above.

 

MESSAGE TO ALL - anyone know a London based electronics whizzkid (all ages considered!) wanting to join up with an extremely fledgling E-bike company. Please email warren@smugcycles.co.uk for a chat

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...
Background Picker
Customize Layout

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.