powersupply said:
Sorry, don't know which controller, but check around here, and get a really simple/inexpensive one.
No need to replace motor, never had issues as mentioned. I had issues with what turend out to be the wiring from/to the controller.
Both of mine are brushless, I guess yours, too.
Yes, passenger in back is totally Ok, like with a fitted bicyle (i.e. own seat and footrests).
But both dirver and passenger must have (bicycle) helmets.
That is the only big amendment for these powered thigs here in CA.
I, too had a nasty, arrogant, horse riding cop who refused to even look at that printout of the law. He looked more like a polished toy doll than a cop.
I finally asked for his supervisor (there is a way to challenge cops, don't want to go too much into detail here), and that was it, he left, with the wind up key purring in his back.
But in recent time, younger and intrigued cops actually insisted demonstration that it is a bicycle, so far just showing the pedals was enough.
Most are really nice and just curious.
I always offer them to take a ride.
Cheers. Hmmm, I swear my controller said brushed on the sticker but I'll have to double check. Hopefully won't get too much grief from the fuzz and I'll always have the paperwork and pedals on me anyway.
Sunder said:
It's why I hate contradicting others, but when maths and reality conflict, 99.9999% of the time, reality is wrong. Like you said, he probably got a dud controller, because there's no chance of over-volting with a new battery that doesn't even go to the same voltage as the old one!
That said, you were nervous about getting a 13S battery, so you bought a 14S battery instead? That baby hits 58v on full charge. Still safe on 63v caps, so I don't see any problems, except that now you're ignoring Powersupply's advice.
I hear you, I just think in his case it was the controller not the battery at fault.
Here's my logic for going for this battery:
In both speaking to people on here and the very helpful guys at Lunba Cycle (especially richard) I came to the conclusion that the mighty mini wasn't going to do it. Richard also explained that more so than anything else, the battery is the single most important (and expensive) one thing on the bike and if this bike doesn't work out, I've at least got a good battery to try in a different bike.
I may have the same issue eventually as Powersupply with the controller (if they just used crap ones altogether) but seeing as a decent controller is only $50-100, It really didn't make sense to get a lower powered and lesser performance battery due to a much less expensive "bottle neck component. Also the economics just didn't make sense: a decent 48v 6ah LiPo is still going to cost $300, whereas a 52v 14ah is only just over $400. The extra $100 for all that extra power and distance is a no brainer, especially when the life cycles of the cheaper one is going to be at it's limit.
Also, at least with the readily available batteries here in the USA, the trend has moved away from 48v - that's really a throwback to SLA's due to the easy 4 x 12v configuration of small automotive batteries (motorbike, golf cart etc). Now more advanced batteries are being specced by the cell, 52v (and even 60v) are becoming far more popular. Makes sense seeing as in a lot of situations, you can drop in the bigger battery in to a previously 48v rig and get more from it.
So given the economics, what the spending priorities should be focussed on (battery), the fact the fears about the controller might not be warranted due to Powersupply maybe just being unlucky with a dud and finally that 52v offers better performance and longevity, it really doesn't it makes sense to go with a battery that would have just met the old specs.
One thing I wanted to highlight to you all (and I hope Luna Cycle are listening) is that while their front end support (Richard/Technical sales) were FANTASTIC, their backend operations are sadly seriously lacking.
I placed the order on Thursday lunch time for items that were all in stock in the hopes it would be shipped out that day for delivery the next day. Richard made it clear he couldn't promise it but would see if they could.
Aside from an automated email which arrived as soon as I checked out the order, complete radio silence. On friday, I called them all day long and no one picked up until Richard had seen someonme blowing up the phone and called me back around 5:30pm.
it seems technical sales and operations and virtually two completely different entities and when you call for support you're being diverted to someone that more than likely isn't at Luna Cycle or their mobile phone. There is absolutely NO WAY to actually speak to anyone physically at Luna Cycle (I tried - all you can find is the 800 support line).
We eventually found out they were due to ship it on Friday but I have a feeling if I hadn't pestered them it wouldn't have been shipped and I would have even got an update. The really dumb thing about it was that I could have gone down there to pick it up but the only way they allow that is if you cancel the order, and go down to pay cash (no cards etc). It would have meant getting $500 cash out and cancelling the previous order and waiting 5 to 7 days for the refund.
It's in transit now so i won't get it until monday but my advice for anyone buying from Luna, don't try to place a order if you need it quick - they are really badly set up in that respect.