BroadwayJoe

A very small (couple mA's) panel is all that's needed to prevent plate sulfation in lead chemistry. Other chemistries need not apply though - SLA (lead) is the only chemistry I'm aware of that benefits from even a small trickle of current back into the battery immediately following a drain.

It doesn't need to replace any measurable charge, just something (trickle) flowing back into the battery immediately following use is what helps keep the plates clean.

Riders that drain their lead batteries and leave them sit a few days before recharging experience the worst battery life - 50-100 cycles in some cases as opposed to 300 or more if you practice charging immediately following a ride.

ianrodness

yeah, but you'll a lot further from where you started!

topeka111

Finally received the "Watts up" meter and installed it. This thing is great! Well spent $60

topeka111

Took my bike with the newly installed "watts up " meter on a ride specifically to run the battery down while the meter was keeping record so I could get a handle on how many watt hours I had available in my battery pack. I ran full throttle with no pedaling for 17 miles. It started to rain so I had to quit before the battery was drained. I get back to the garage and disconnect the battery pack (ARGH). The meter (running off the battery pack) loses all the information I had been gathering! I did remember that the voltage on the battery at the beginning of the trip was about 52.5 volts. At the end of the trip it was 48 volts. Does this tidbit tell me anything??

bigbirdlover

Where did you buy it? I live in rural Iowa, only 1 shop.

topeka111

Atomic hobbies online

I saved a few dollars but I had to wait almost 2 weeks for delivery. Next time I will go straight to the maker.

topeka111

Finished a 21 mile ride on the katy Trail with one of my sons. Got distracted while unhooking the battery pack from the bike and the pack falls on the concrete! How tough are these batteries?

topeka111

Went to harbor freight and bought two small 9 led flashlights and some nifty hose clamps (with wing nuts instead of screw heads). Secured them both to the handle bar, Solid as a rock and looks good too!