Bionx PL350 vs SL350

[Osric]

I'm completely new to electric bikes, but decided to fit my bike with a Bionx system after riding a number of choices at the local shop.

I went with the PL350 because it's $300 cheaper at my shop than the SL and the only advantage the shop owner cited for the SL was greater range, saying that essentially the kits were otherwise identical. Now I'm second guessing myself; here are my questions:

- turns out the SL motor is a fair bit lighter than the PL motor; will I be able to tell the difference?

- it seems easy enough to remove the speed limit if desired; will the SL motor be capable of a higher top speed? What are the actual top speeds possible with these kits?

- the SL charger spec looks like it charges almost twice as fast as the PL charger - the PL charger charges at 2A and the SL at 3.75A; will I notice a difference?

Opinions appreciated, as if I'm to make any change in my order it'd probably need to be in the next 24h.

thanks
Osric

 

[el_walto]

looks like there is a difference for sure, but not many people around here knwo bionx stuff. You might be better off contacting the company directly.

Weght can make a difference, but ligher not always better.

4amp charger will charge in half the time of a 2amp charger, but most people don't care if the bike takes 8 hours to charge instead of 4.

 

[alan]

I started with the PL and after about 14000 miles I upgraded to the SL (the PL is still in good shape with about 80% of the original battery capacity). I have about 3000 miles on the SL now. The Bionx system is perfect for me, letting me get the exercise I want while adding 3-5 MPH to my commute speed (I ride at the lower power levels only on a 11+11 mile commute).

The SL is noticeably lighter in the motor and battery. The funny thing is, the PL battery is a bit easier to carry by hand because the grip (which is the lock lever) is more comfortable in the hand. I think the combined motor+battery weight difference is less than 2 pounds. The SL has more power and range, too. The battery connector is nicer on the SL (one handed is easy without needing to hold the battery/bike steady, while the PL is best plugged in with two hands, but is still easy). I'm guessing the SL has more of the charging circuitry inside the battery case because the power cord is 2-wire on the SL and 4-wire on the PL.

With that said, none of the differences are big, except the price. Whether the added cost is worth it is a personal choice. The PL is a great system. I'm glad I upgraded to the SL. You won't go wrong with either one.

-- Alan

 

[Osric]

Thanks for both replies. My case is just like Alan's - trying to speed up a commute, and it's great to hear that there's not much difference for you between the systems.

The price is not that big a deal for me; sounds like the main reasons you're glad of the SL are the lower weight and greater power. Is that right? If you're only adding a small assist to your commute why does the greater power make a difference for you?

thanks
Osric

 

[Osric]

After much teeth gnashing I went with the SL. I just see less ways that I could be disappointed and I can handle the price difference.

Osric

 

[alan]

The main difference for me with the SL is the longer range. On occasion, I will add a stop on my way home, and with the PL system, that stop needed to be within a few miles or on a non-windy day, as otherwise I was too near my range limit, or would have to take my charger to work with me, or count on a few miles with no assist. With the SL, I rarely use even 2/3rds of a charge on a windy day, and I like having the large reserve.

For me, Bionx is a very elegant, well designed, extremely reliable system that fits my needs excellently, and is well worth its (high) price. Hope you love your Bionx system as much as I love mine.

-- Alan