Ok... I think im getting to that point when Im gonna be needing to change my SLA batteries for my Wilderness energy ebike. Before I buy 3 new replacement batteries...Im doing a little research about batteries and what Im wondering is what I should go with? I understand that the old SLA's are very heavy but they also worked very well. I gotten well over 20 miles on one charge and maintains a constant 20mph. So here are some questions...

1. Whats to gain by switching to a different type of battery?
2. could I expect more range per charge by switching?
3. Is weight savings the only real advantage?

Any input is welcome.
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So many factors invovled...

for example...I weigh 260 lbs and my bike electric weighs another 50 lbs { without the 48 volt lipo] ....for my scenario...it would not be logical to use four SLA batteries because of their weight....


Nicds/Nimhs are better technology then SLA batterys..BUT...you may find that nicds/nimhs with enough A/H and voltage will be almost as much in cost as lifepo4 battery ! ..

so IMHO...there are mainly two choices..

SLA
--

or

lifepo4..

did you know you can get 48 volt -20/aH lifepo4 off ebay, brand new and shipped to your door for around $550 ? ...

so if you onyl need 36 volt and 10-15 A/H...you may be able to get them off ebay for near $400 .

IMHO...lifepo4 batterys/technology will continue to drop in price, to the point that in a few years, SLA batterys for electric bikes will become largely illogical.

If I went with 4 SLA...in series to try and match the 20 lb lifepo4 I have, the total battery weight of the SLA would be 60- 80 lbs...compared to 20lbs...

there are many advantages to reducing battery weight...including less stress on the spokes/ brakes/ rims , etc...



If I were you, and you are pleased with SLA for your current needs, I would stick with them..and wait another 1-2 years when you need to replace them again..by that time, I believe you will be able to get a lifepo4 battery for your needs , within the $200-$ 300 price range....

and here ya go !!!


$299 shipped to your door !

https://cgi.ebay.com/36V-15AH-LIFEPO4...item1e5b4c2f8c

and much lighter then your current SLA batterys !

and I predict in 1-2 years...the price of this battery will come down to $200 or less !

all of the lifepo4 battery prices are coming down...and this is just the begginging.

keep in mind, the above price INCLUDES..your lifep4 battery..lifepo4 charger and BMS...

the battery weighs about 12 lbs...I would guess your 3 SLA batterys weigh a total of about 40 lbs ? ...if so , you are losing about 80% total weight...

28 lbs less you would cycling with !!!

the ebay link above is 15 A/h battery lifepo4....

if you onyl need a 10A/h lifepo4 ...then your price will be even lower...But I think you should go with at least 15 A/h ...its always better to have a little more juice then you need..then less juice ....

And if money isn't an issue..
Get a 36v 30ah batt and two motors and controllers set for only 15a max and I promise you, you'll get at least 50miles distance at 20mph.