Electric Bikes - SLA Battery Replacments for an out of production bike

Two seasons ago I bought a Strong GT-S210 from Canadian Tire. Not the best e-bike but I liked it.

I didn't get to ride it much last year to do a job change and I have only been able to occasionally lurk through the forum.

I tried to follow instructions and keep the battery topped up every 3-4 weeks but it looks like the battery is done.

I can let it sit on the charger for 8 or more hours and the charge light never goes off (red light stays on). If I unplug it and then plug it back in a few minutes later the full charge light (green) might come on 45 minutes later but no consistency.

The volt meter show a full charge (my benchtop meter will read about 36v).

Put it on the bike and with in 250 meters the charge indicator on the bike goes form full to empty. Drains completely to the point where the bike will stop drawing power form the battery.

I think I have read that two years for SLA batteries is about best to be expected.

My question is what is the likely-hood of replacing the batteries. Strong went out of business in Canada over 1 1/2 years ago. Canadian Tire doesn't seem to remember the bike and the only thing I found on-line so far is what appears to be the exact same bike but I think on a France website.

Can anyone recommend a way to replace the batteries in the Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario or even the Ontario area of Canada?

Is it plausible to replace the batteries with anything other than SLA batteries?

My new business/work may actually let me get out and ride again and I hope to be able to start commuting to work with the ol' e-bike if only I can figure out my battery problem.

Thanks

You just need three deep cycle SLA batteries wired in series, or else some other type that will give about 36 volts and a reasonable number of amps for your system. Deep cycle SLA batteries shouldn't be too hard to find in your area. The most popular choice aside from SLA is LiFePO4. "Ping" on e-bay has a good reputation for selling reliable, affordable LiFePO4 batteries.

I also own a Strong GT .It is easy to replace the three batteries.On a table you install the case and unscrew the four screws.You take apart the cover.There you have your batteries .Then you have to find a way to unweld the six posts(easy for someone with minimal skill).This done take a battery to a battery store and ask for the same model:36volts and 10ah .If this store offers a service department they may put the new batteries in the case and weld the six posts.Wich is a must.
It is also possible to fill the same case with a Lithium battery.I prefer the Lithium Polymer type for safety and performance.Since that type of battery takes less room than a sla you could upgrade to 36v 15ah.That would increase the performance of your e-bike.But here comes the question of price.The three sla should cost about $150 total.The 36/10 lithium around $500.The 36/15 around $750.BUT we have to consider that the Lithium Polymer battery will last three times longer than the lead battery.Also if you choose Lithium you will need a specialist to build the pack.
The url of the french company that sells this bike is :www.velo-electrique.com.There is a ton of informations .
Hope you have nice rides!

I also own a Strong GT .It is easy to replace the three batteries.On a table you install the case and unscrew the four screws.You take apart the cover.There you have your batteries .Then you have to find a way to unweld the six posts(easy for someone with minimal skill).This done take a battery to a battery store and ask for the same model:36volts and 10ah .If this store offers a service department they may put the new batteries in the case and weld the six posts.Wich is a must.
It is also possible to fill the same case with a Lithium battery.I prefer the Lithium Polymer type for safety and performance.Since that type of battery takes less room than a sla you could upgrade to 36v 15ah.That would increase the performance of your e-bike.But here comes the question of price.The three sla should cost about $150 total.The 36/10 lithium around $500.The 36/15 around $750.BUT we have to consider that the Lithium Polymer battery will last three times longer than the lead battery.Also if you choose Lithium you will need a specialist to build the pack.
The url of the french company that sells this bike is :www.velo-electrique.com.There is a ton of informations .
Hope you have nice rides!

Thanks for tips! Hope you won't mid a few more specific questions.

What type of "battery store" did you use? I'm in Ontario, Canada and not sure where you find a battery store (other than the source by circuit city and the like).

And, did yo go with SLA or upgrade to the Lithium?

You mentioned that I could upgrade to the Lithium but I would need someone to make a new pack...do you mean having someone to install them properly in the current battery box for the Strong or would it be an entirely different pack? Maybe mounted on the back or something?

If I go Lithium it sounds like this would need a different charger than the one that come with the strong....is this a correct assumption? And would any thing else electrical on the bike need to be changed (throttle, etc).

Thanks...I am starting to think i may be back up and running soon!
~Phil

Kitchener is by no mean a small place.There are certainly several places where you can find sla batteries.
I still ride with sla but I may change this year.
Your Strong GT was built with a 36v controller so if you dont upgrade the voltage(like with a 48v or more)you dont change anything.But you can upgrade the ah up to 20ah.That would be a nice improvement.
The lithium battery is made of numerous cells.Is has to be prepared by a specialist.You could buy a pack with the specific size and have it adjust and plug in the battery box.
The simplest would be to go to a good ebike strore with a good mechanic and ask them to do the job...if the price is right.Best of luck!

I have been sourcing out places ever since I got my conversion kit last year.

The local alarm company installer tells me they use the same SLA batteries I do.

There is a alternator/vehicle battery place here which I am sure would be able
to supply them too.

Most electronic shops, would not have or even know what your are talking about.

Good Luck, and good riding!

you could take a drive to one of these places or just mail order it from them

http://www.active123.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/storeLocator/storeLocator.cfm&displayStoreLocatorSearchResults=Y&var=d&ckey=CA

The canadian tire website still lists the Strong replacement batteries, but they are available 'in store' only. perhaps you should check to see if there are any more of them in stock somewhere near kitchener.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443296294&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672212&bmUID=1238865817928&deptid=1408474396672192&ctgrid=1408474396672200&subctgrid=1408474396672212

(http://www.canadiantire.ca/checkinventory/check_inventory.jsp#)this store claims to have a Strong battery in stock, I'd call ahead, the inventory system can be unreliable with low volume items.

KITCHENER WEST, ON (http://www.canadiantire.ca/checkinventory/check_inventory.jsp#) 1400 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH
KITCHENER, ON
N2E 4E2
Phone: 519-743-1113
Map (http://www.canadiantire.ca/checkinventory/check_inventory.jsp#)

http://cid-734b8f2abb2a1c06.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Public
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