powabyke lithium

[carpetbagger]

If anybody out there has invested in a powabyke lithium battery it would be nice if you could give us any feedback as to how it is peforming .Thanks in advance.

Mick

 

[fcurran]

Hi Mick,

Im using a Lithium on my commuter and loving it. I do about 5-6 miles a day on generally gentle terrain but accasionally venture up some of the steeper hills of Bath without a problem. I've had it for about 12 months now and was shocked when I had to ride my bike with the lead acid battery as I've gotten so used to the lightness of the lithium! I must admit I am quite lazy when it comes to charging it and probably only charge it about once a week but even then I don't really need to charge it as all lights still remain on the battery indicator, this is probably due to the fact I do enjoy assisting the bike aswell as using the power! I know Im probably quite biased but I think you need to try one to believe how much better the riding is!

I hope this helps!

Regards

Frank
Powabyke Ltd

 

[carpetbagger]

Frank,
Powabyke was quite late on the scene as regards lithium batteries so is it fair to assume that more substantial tests have been made on these batteries ? Others seem to have had quite a few problems.I am quite heartened by the fact that you charge yours once a week despite the low mileage.Is the approx 34mile range still the same or could we expect a longer range due to the weight saving ? Perhaps if you go the long way home tomorrow after a full charge !!!
Cheers
Mick

 

[fcurran]

We have been doing lithium for about 18 months now with no real problems. We have previously been testing them with the University here in Bath for about a year before we launched them on to the market. We had several different types of batteries that were tested and opted for the one we use now for a couple of reasons, one being it doesn't require a battery management system and the other being it gives a greater range to the others we tested. On the Uk road, I would say there are close to 500 Powabykes using the lithium battery.

I'll be honest will you, I'm not that technically minded so I couldn't comment on the various discharch curves and rates etc... sorry!

 

[carpetbagger]

When my piggy bank allows.....is the lithium charging the same as lead acid...ie charge after every use (i know you have stated that you charge weekly) or is it best to do as you do.... bearing in mind i need it to last 10 years until i have saved up for another !!!!

 

[fcurran]

Hi Mick, it doesn't really make any difference with the Lithium battery weather you charge every use or do as I do once a week. Longevity should not be effected either way.

 

[carpetbagger]

Frank please see
Airstream Group
Is this the uk supplied battery ? I notice that the power only/power assist show 30/43 mile range which is quite an improvement over lead acid....or are they just guessing ?

Mick

 

[fcurran]

They are our Canadian Distributor. The batteries they have are the standard lead acid that are supplied here in the UK. The figures he is quoting are more than what we normally quote, however we are very conservative with our ranges and in fact are more likely to closer to what they are quoting. David Henshaw from AtoB has tested our commuter to do 53 miles in pedal assist but there is no way we could claim that as standard! If we did then everyone would expect to do this sort of range and we would have a lot of legal battles for false advertising on our hands!!

It is also why they probably only offer a 3 month warranty as the range would drop off if used 40 miles a day 7 days a week for 3 months.