Thursday, March 5, 2015

The 36V Electric Bicycle Lithium Battery Is Changing The Future Of Riding

By Leslie Ball


In most major cities the number of bicyclists has increased dramatically. While riding is not an option for everyone, it is a workable alternative to burning fossil fuels needlessly on short trips around town, and the health benefits are indisputable. Hilly terrain poses a challenge, however, and some riders are turning to bikes powered by a 36V electric bicycle lithium battery for extra help negotiating inclines.

The concept is not new. Patents for similar vehicles were being issued prior to the beginning of the 20th century, but like many types of electric transportation, were eclipsed by the rise of the personal automobile powered by gasoline. Modern technology has given e-bikes a boost, and increased awareness of environmental concerns make them a practical and serious alternative in many locations.

These bikes are not in the same category as those from childhood. They look similar, but with an important difference. They rely on a power pack that usually costs more than the bicycle frame itself, including the motor, and the technology used is not yet completely mature. While the cost per mile to ride one is surprisingly low, getting started can prove expensive.

Some of the earlier designs depended on bulkier lead-acid batteries, but devices similar to those that energize smartphones and laptops have proven more practical. Bicyclists are traditionally limited in range by local topography and personal physical condition, but electronic riders can stretch forty miles from a charge, and achieve speeds of twenty miles per hour, perfect for stop-and-go city jaunts.

Whether a rider wants to buy a factory-ready electric bike or to convert an older standard model, choosing and finding the best lithium battery for the job can be challenging. Availability is limited in some locales, and there have been highly publicized reports of them catching fire during shipping, a problem that has sparked more stringent regulations. As a power source for bikes they are generally considered safe, and a more pressing concern is longevity and strength.

Not all stored power sources are equal. People should know how much amperage they will need, and it makes sense to avoid bargain basement, unlabeled generic models, regardless of the savings. Most ready-to-use packs are made in China, can last up to one thousand charges, and have a range that is regulated by voltage and amp hours. Some can be installed in parallel for added power.

Bicycling is considered a green form of transportation, but there can be environmental concerns when batteries contain heavy metals. Lithium technology avoids that issue, but recharging usually involves some fossil fuel consumption, depending on local power sources. When charged using wind or solar power, efficiency exceeds bicycles relying on muscles alone.

Like most developing technologies, early adoption is not for everyone, but those who do take part are supporting alternate forms of transportation that can make a real difference in the amount of pollution released by fossil-powered engines. The initial investment makes the most sense in locales where daily bicycle use is already a practical option.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment