Controller amps specifications

Adwb

Pedelecer
Dec 2, 2022
29
2
Please can I find out if looking for the specifications for a controller does the max rated amps allowed change with motor watts?
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,791
3,133
Telford
Please can I find out if looking for the specifications for a controller does the max rated amps allowed change with motor watts?
The motor watts is a meaningless number. It has no bearing on how much power the motor will give, nor how much it can handle.

The controller maximum amps determines the maximum power from any motor. The battery volts also affects it in direct proportion.

The power you get is approximately in direct proportion to volts x amps. If you want more power, it's always better to use a 48v system. remember, if your system allows high power, you can always turn it down, but if it doesn't allow enough, you can't turn it up.

It might be better if you say what you want the bike to do, then we can recommend a motor and controller.
 

thelarkbox

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 23, 2023
1,199
363
oxon
When looking at controllers its the peak power rating thats quoted like hifi speakers in the 80's ;)

Its that and the battery voltage that dictate the maximum power the motor can draw.

The other crucial metric to be aware of is the maximum draw of the battery used this must be in excess of the amps the controller can draw.
 

Adwb

Pedelecer
Dec 2, 2022
29
2
So if my batteries are panasonic rated as 48 volt - 15Ah - 720Wh. And
48 volt - 17.5 - 840Wh
the controller should be what rated amp and what max amp please?
 

Peter.Bridge

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 19, 2023
1,250
576
So if my batteries are panasonic rated as 48 volt - 15Ah - 720Wh. And
48 volt - 17.5 - 840Wh
the controller should be what rated amp and what max amp please?
The 15Ah/ 720Wh and 17.5Ah / 840 Wh is a measure of capacity not maximum power / current. It will usually have max continuous current stamped on the battery (max peak current is not that helpful)

You need to consider

1) max continuous current from the battery
2) max current that the controller can supply
3) the motor. If you use the motor at very low speeds with high current it will eventually overheat. Different motors have different properties / usage envelopes

What motor are you using / thinking of using ?
 
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saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,791
3,133
Telford
So if my batteries are panasonic rated as 48 volt - 15Ah - 720Wh. And
48 volt - 17.5 - 840Wh
the controller should be what rated amp and what max amp please?
You should look at the listing from where you bought them. it should say maximum continuous current x amps.
 

portals

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 15, 2022
619
179
I have a 52V 17.5Ah LG Hailong that the controller can draw 1800W from at peak.

My controller is 17A continuous and 35A peak, the nominal value is meaningless and just made up for marketing.
 
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