Can I use 5ah SLA packs for my 4 mile commute?

[mst3kpimp]

Ok I'm rigging up my bike with a high tek 600w 36v front hub kit. This will be used a few times a week to go to and from work which for me is less than 2 miles each way. I'm in FL so mostly flat run, I weigh 220lb so I want to save weight. Could I realistically use 3 12v 5ah packs for my commute? Now keep in mind I will prob use alot of throttle and I dont want to have to have a charger at work. After 4 miles will the 5ah packs be dangerously drained or will I be in the "safe zone"? What are the pros and cons of such a setup? I know its not good to get them too low. Will I still get the same amps as a higher rated pack? Also from Ive been reading B&B seems to be highly regarded SLA is this pretty much the go to brand?

 

[scoot]

My opinion is that you would be pushing the limits on range and the "on demand" acceleration and/or sustained current draw it sounds like you are wanting. Even with B&Bs, you probably should consider doubling the battery capacity. It won't be too long, especially when taking them to full discharge, before your capacity and range will decrease anyway... and at a much quicker pace when stressing the lower capacity cells. Then there is the significant voltage sag that always occurs with SLAs, which will be magnified by using smaller capacity SLAs. Also, leaving them partially charged for extended periods will further shorten their life expectancy and reduce their performance. Having had similar usage needs as your own in the past, I would go for the HR9-12 B&Bs, and keep a seperate charger at work. Your SLAs will last a lot longer and the performance will be much improved. :wink:

 

[dogman dan]

Yes, you will make the distance for awhile. But it will cost you in cycle life, and soon you won't be making it. If you must use sla's get some decent 12 ah ones at least. If you have any cash at all though, 5.8 Ah of good 30c lipo would work. Like two of these. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9935

 

[The Mighty Volt]

Oh sure, you can use them. You can use them as a sort of weight lifting exercise as you push the remaining 1 mile into work.

 

[Madness]

Hi

I can talk on experience on this one as im currently running a 7Ah 24V SLA setup and without a doubt your gonna want to go with something better then SLA or bigger AH.

I have been running this pack for under a year and without me pedeling most the time these would never cover the distance (my trip is 2 miles each way to work and back).

They hit low voltage cutout due to sag on my 250W setup (yes i know its low power, im working on something bigger) sometimes before i even get to work. The max i can pull from them before they are unusable is about 3Ah.

I would spend out the money and get some LiPo's which are made to take the high C rates or if your thinking long term look at a ping battery. In both cases you would be saving alot of weight.


Madness

 

[veloman]

I got 17 miles (safely) out of my 36v 12ah setup using a 450w unite my1018z, only assisting on hills, at 175lbs. But I didn't do that for long, so who knows how well that would of worked eventually.

 

[mst3kpimp]

hmm lots of good information. well anyway I got a great deal on some 5ah packs so I'll give it a shot. I think my commute is closer to 3 miles and Perhaps I wont feel the need to do full throttle constantly. I'll post back with the resullts.

 

[torker]

I used to get 10 mi. from my 7.5 ah sla but after only about 50 cycles I am down to about 5 mi. Mine are not B&B they are cheapie ups batteries eg. the worst kind