Just ordered my E-Bike!
 

I just ordered my E-Bike!:D Its a 48V 1000Watt front wheel kit. It did not come with the batteries. (Which is what I wanted because I want to chose the batt's) I have a 29.3mi commute one way to work. So I was wondering if I could get everyones input on what you think I should get for batt's & what you think I need for AH's. I'm an electronics tech so I'm going to construct the batt pack myself. I thinking of going with NIMH batt's. Found a good site with good prices. All-Battery.com - Rechargeable batteries & Chargers Hopping to stay under $600 for the batts. I'm also hopping to avg 20mph to get to work in 1.5 hours. I was thinking of making a 20AH batt pack for this bike. What do you think?

I get about 12 miles out of my lead acid 36V x 12aH = 432WH

432WH / 12 miles = 36 WH per mile

30 miles X 36WH per mile = 1080WH

1080WH / 48V = 22.5aH

My system is not efficient, it is brushed. It is running at about 17mph and that is a 12 mile trip using almost all power, just a little pedaling, with very little reserve power left when I get home.

I think you are about right at 48V 20aH.

I would look at LiFePo batteries myself. The weight reduction is really worthwhile for handling and more importantly more miles per aH. It is more fun to pedal. But I am still running a lead sled so what do I know.

skyl4rk: Thanks for the info:thumbup: Looks like this may work then. The motor I got is brushless. I've looked at LiFePo batteries & the cost is INSANE! To get a 48V 20aH system would cost $1457!:eek::eek::eek:(two Prebulit 24V 20aH systems in series) VS. the NIMH batts cost of $556 (The one I will build). (Prebuilt system would be $959.9 and that would be a 26aH system) The weight is not worth it. The LiFePo system weights 27.8lbs. The NIMH system that I'm thinking of building will weigh about 30-32lbs (Batts alone will weigh 28.8lbs) (Prebuilt system weight= 40lbs. @26aH) Also the charging cycles state about 500 cycles on the LiFePo batts. NIMH says it has about 1000 cycles.:D Also I agree lead acids are VERY HEAVY which is why I've decided not to go with them. A 48V 20aH system would weigh 56lbs!! Though it would only cost $195 for them. I think the charging cycles is also a down side to them.

Looking forward to some reports with the new whip, :)

I was going to say LiFePo but you are right about the expense. Did you really shop around though for them? Are you making the NiMH packs yourself from D cells? Also remember the charging circuit you will need to use.

Subscribed. Looking forward to seeing your progress/results.

Ya I've done a lot of shopping around, & yes I plan to use "D" cells. (80 cells total @ 10ah per cells) Two 40 Cell packs. Each of them will be 10aH. As for the charger, I will use this one 48V Smart Universal Charger for 40-cell Battery Pack (1A) - USPC-48V1A It is a smart charger. Let me know what you think of this charger. I was thinking of "AA" cells (It would cost about $100 less, Probably couse that is the most populal), but I would need to use 320 cells:eek: (2.6ah ea). Thats a lot of cells & I'm thinking more cells=more to go wrong.

Just to keep everyone informed. I ordered the batts, and a bike basket. Basket should be here on monday. No word on the when the motor kit is comming. If not by wed (10 biz days after ordering it) I'll have to contact the company. Hope to have some pic's soon.

Where did you get the batts?

I got them from All-Battery.com - Rechargeable batteries & Chargers. I got 86 "D" size. Figuring that I may get a few duds, or ones the are on the low side for a full charge.