The bike and it's battery is starting it's Fourth year, and though still holding enough charge for 20 miles, it occurred to me to look round for a new battery, and having seen an earlier thread where someone had done so, replaced the 24v 8AH battery with a 36v 8AH one, a simple matter as they are the "Little Frog" style, and simply pushes on to two contacts on a carrier plate, and locks in place with a turn of the ignition key.
Initially I was impressed with the power even on the lowest setting of the handlebar control, but this soon paled, as the bike was far less controllable and simply went up in speed to the point where I couldn't pedal fast enough to contribute to the work.
I ended up touching the brakes now and again to turn off the power and lower the speed, to allow me to pedal, and since I wanted the bike to assist me and provide much needed exercise it was quite simply no longer the Ebike I wanted it to be.
I quickly realised that it would have to have a completely new control system of the right voltage that allowed greater control of the power at the lower end, and since it worked fine on the original 24 volts, why bother?
Today was the second day and after five miles suddenly the power died completely, so after a pedal back against a strong wind it looked as it I had blown something.
Arriving home I thought I would try the old battery and to my delight all was back to normal, so i went out again in the original set up, I'm pleased to have made a mistake, but learned a useful lesson.
As soon as I can spare the cash I shall be buying a battery of the correct voltage and disposing of the 36volt one.
The Viking stepper actually came to me as an exchange for my old Honda 125cc Scooter, so it owes me nothing.
I know it is at the bottom of the list when compared with quality E bikes, but i have to say i have done 2000 trouble free miles in the year that I have owned it, apart from punctures, and it has been very enjoyable to own and ride.
It is still rust free and the quality of the components more than adequate for the job.
I use it every day, except when away in summer caravanning where I use my Sparticle Brompton.
Initially I was impressed with the power even on the lowest setting of the handlebar control, but this soon paled, as the bike was far less controllable and simply went up in speed to the point where I couldn't pedal fast enough to contribute to the work.
I ended up touching the brakes now and again to turn off the power and lower the speed, to allow me to pedal, and since I wanted the bike to assist me and provide much needed exercise it was quite simply no longer the Ebike I wanted it to be.
I quickly realised that it would have to have a completely new control system of the right voltage that allowed greater control of the power at the lower end, and since it worked fine on the original 24 volts, why bother?
Today was the second day and after five miles suddenly the power died completely, so after a pedal back against a strong wind it looked as it I had blown something.
Arriving home I thought I would try the old battery and to my delight all was back to normal, so i went out again in the original set up, I'm pleased to have made a mistake, but learned a useful lesson.
As soon as I can spare the cash I shall be buying a battery of the correct voltage and disposing of the 36volt one.
The Viking stepper actually came to me as an exchange for my old Honda 125cc Scooter, so it owes me nothing.
I know it is at the bottom of the list when compared with quality E bikes, but i have to say i have done 2000 trouble free miles in the year that I have owned it, apart from punctures, and it has been very enjoyable to own and ride.
It is still rust free and the quality of the components more than adequate for the job.
I use it every day, except when away in summer caravanning where I use my Sparticle Brompton.
