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In looking around one will see a wide range of prices for electric bike kits spanning anywhere from a few hundred to near one thousand dollars. While the wattage of the motor, quality of the kit, kit amenities, and local technical support available all play a role, the most significant cost difference is due to the type of battery. A sealed lead acid type battery will save hundreds of dollars during the initial purchase, but leave the buyer needing new ones in less than a fifth the time of a Lithium (LifePO4) battery. So the heavy SLA batteries will need to be replaced many times when compared to the LifePO4's. In addition, the Lithium batteries are going to take you 50% plus further (often much further) on a single charge vs. the SLA's. All of this said, however, the sealed lead acid battery is a viable place to start if one is not sure about the technology and wants to start off investing a minimal amount of dollars. In the long run it will cost more and make for a heavier bike that goes a shorter distance per charge, but it is a place to start. One final thought on batteries: it stands to reason that the higher the voltage and amp hour rating the more power and distance one will get. So what is optimum? Depends on the rider, but in most cases 24 volts will leave you wanting, 36 volts with at least a 9 AH rating and at least a good 350 watt motor will provide the torque, speed, and distance to satisfy most riders; while 48 volts will be fun and fast...possibly a little too fast if it propels a 170 lb. rider faster than 20 mph on flat ground with just the motor (without pedaling). See Federal Electric Bike Law.
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June, 2009
Promoting an Automobile Lite Lifestyle with an Electric Bike Kit