Originally Posted by
linberl
Do you have a sense of the actual mileage you get with that battery? ...I want something super light as well and I like the idea of being able to have spare batteries. Leeds told me any other their batteries can be used with the PBJ so the option to upgrade to a larger capacity later exists. But I'd want to start out light. On flats, using it sporadically with pedaling, what sort of distance do you think it would get? thanks...
To clarify, the “PBJ” is just a battery which is one of seven
https://tinyurl.com/j26g6f7 that Leed offers for their 250-watt hub system.
Leed apparently tests on level ground and says, “All of our estimated electric bicycle battery distances are measured WITH pedaling, so I always tell customers if they won’t be pedaling, they should plan on about 40% less performance.” Leed claims the range of the PBJ to be 4 to 5 miles which would be 2.4 to 3 miles without pedaling on level ground. I’ve tested the PBJ, with pedaling, and can get about 2.75 miles of range per charge over a route that includes about 1 mile of 4% grade and 3/4 mile of 7% grade.
If you plan to ride on flats, using it “sporadically" with pedaling, I would expect the PBJ range to easily exceed 5 miles. The wild card is how much you actually press the little power button.
Leed’s next step up in battery size is their 2.75lb Samsung 5.2ah which is 1.8 lbs heavier than the PBJ and has double the range. With my project, I rationalized that if the tiny PBJ didn't work out, I’d keep it as a ‘get me over the last hill’ backup and buy the 5.2ah for my main power source. But, for errands within a 5 mile radius of home the PBJ seems to be perfect for my use.
Fwiw, when considering multiple batteries be aware that swapping frame-hung packs can be a fiddle and the plug connectors are not really designed for that kind of repetitive duty. If the resulting wiring maintenance would not be enjoyed, it might be wiser to get a single battery sized to fit your need.