Continuos charge or removal from charger when charging complete???

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[stephenc]

Hi all, I've just got an electric bike  for my wife and am wondering if I should permanently leave it electric charge or take it off when charged. It could sit for a week without being used

[48 volts]

It depends on whether the charger automatically detects when the batteries are fully charged and switches into a "maintenance mode" or trickle charge. If it does this, then leaving it connected to the charger is probably OK. But if it continues to charge at the full rate once the batteries are fully charged, then it will damage the batteries. What does the instruction manual say to do?

[stephenc]

Thanks 48 volts, I bought the bike used from a Chinese lady. She brought it over with her from China and there are no instructions with it.  I don't even know what make it is other than it says 'Leading Electric' on the frame. I did a search on Google but can get no information at all about it (pictures of bike attached)

The batteries are located behind the seat. I took the lid off to discover what appears to be 3 sealed batteries connected side by side

Any advice appreciated thanks, Stephen

[48 volts]

Stephen,

What does the charger look like and how does it indicate to you that the batteries are fully charged?

Also can you remove the lid of the battery box again and take a photo of the batteries please?

[stephenc]

I've tried to take some photos of the battery etc. It seems to be 3 12v batteries connected in series making it up to a 36v. Is this not unusual?

I've also photographed the green and red 'dash' indicating lights

Stephen

[48 volts]

Stephen,

What you have there is 3 x 12v sealed lead acid batteries (SLA's) - yes, this is a typical arrangement. Judging by the specifications and the lights on the front panel, the charger looks to be a "smart" charger - ie one that is designed to detect when the batteries are fully charged and then switch into a maintenance mode.

However, as I can't read the Chinese characters, I'm not certain of this. I assume when you first connect the charger after a ride, one or both of the green lights are unlit. They then light up when the battery is fully charged.

If it were my bike, I would follow the advice in this article -  http://www.steveduncan.net/html/caring_for_slas.html

If you have to use a questionable charger, disconnect it after the charge cycle is complete. Learn what an appropriate “finishing” voltage is for your brand of SLAs and then see what your charger is really doing.

Tip #3: Charge before and after every ride.

Topping off your SLAs before a ride will give you the longest ride and maximum initial power. Charging immediately after a ride will prevent sulfation of the plates from starting to occur. You may wish to let your batteries cool before charging, just to be nice.

So I would disconnect the charger after a full charge is reached and then recharge again before I went for a ride. Or If the bike isn't used for a while, I would give the batteries a charge every few weeks.

Hope that helps.

[stephenc]

Thanks for this; I feel a lot wiser about how to charge these batteries now  that you have answered my question

Can I also just ask you please, do you know this type of bike? Is it based on a similar UK type bike which I can obtain parts for if required? Are there many of these around?

Stephen

[48 volts]

Stephen,

No I don't know this bike and couldn't find any info via Google either. But that doesn't really matter as it is a fairly standard configuration - a hub motor, controller, throttle and batteries. If any of those parts fail, an experienced electric bike shop should be able to supply an alternative part that would work. If you need help, look for a shop that specializes in importing hub motors - they will be most familiar with your bike's setup.

[stephenc]

Just want to say thanks for your help, regards, Stephen