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

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

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

By Leslie Ball


The numbers of people riding bicycles has expanded exponentially in some cities. While not a practical option for all, it has become a popular alternate form of transportation for short urban trips, and the personal health benefits are undeniable. Uneven or steep terrain can become challenging, and results in many riders choosing bicycles enhanced by a 36V electric bicycle lithium battery for additional pedal power.

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.

Early models often relied on heavier lead-acid batteries, but for real practicality a lighter device that is powered like a laptop or smartphone makes more sense. The range of a bicyclist is usually limited only by physical ability and topography, but a lithium battery pack allows beginners to go up to 40 miles between charges, at speeds up to twenty miles per hour. This is completely adequate for short urban trips.

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 lithium power packs are the same. Prospective buyers should understand the role amperage plays, and why it is important to avoid unlabeled generic products that save money but are less reliable. Currently, China is the center of production, and the latest offerings can usually be recharged up to one thousand times, and have varying ranges based on amp hours and voltage.

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 many technologies undergoing development, not everyone can be an early adopter. Those who do support this alternative transport are paving the way for future riders, and are making a dent in the air pollution produced by cars. The initial investment can be considerable, but makes good sense in urban areas where standard bicycling is already encouraged by adding bike lanes and dedicated pathways.




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