How The 36V Electric Bicycle Lithium Battery Is Changing Riding

By Leslie Ball


The number of good-weather bicycle riders in most urban centers has dramatically increased. While not ideal for everyone, riding is a reasonable alternative to needless consumption of fossil fuels, especially when making short jaunts around town. The health benefits are unbeatable, but challenging terrain leads many to turn to models with extra power supplied by a 36V electric bicycle lithium battery.

Electric bicycles are not a cutting-edge concept. Design patents were issued prior to the twentieth century, but popularity waned along with electric cars after the introduction of personal transportation powered by oil. The undeniable reality of a changing environment has renewed that interest, and generated a new enthusiasm for developing power sources that are light, efficient, and do not burn gasoline.

These are not the same bikes that many people remember from childhood. The actual vehicles resemble most other two-wheelers, but with one critical difference. They includes a power pack that is undeniably the most expensive component, costing as much or more than the motor and bike itself, and the technology used is still under development. The cost per mile is staggeringly low, but the initial outlay can be quite significant.

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 an electrically powered bicycle is factory-ready, or the goal is to convert an older model to electricity, choosing the right lithium battery can be a challenge. There have been highly publicized reports of fires, and shipping regulations have become far more stringent. They are considered generally safe for use as a bicycle power source, and for most people the primary concerns are power and longevity.

Not all portable power sources are equal. It is important to know the amount of amperage involved, and experience highlights the wisdom of avoiding generic, unlabeled varieties, in spite of lower costs. China is the current center of production, but there are brands being produced in the United States. Most last one thousand recharges, and range varies according to voltage and amp hours. They can be installed in parallel for added strength.

Although riding is an undeniably greener way to get around, it is not without environmental concerns when batteries are involved. Lithium technology avoids the use of heavy metals common in other designs, but must be recharged, which requires a power plug that is often connected to a fossil-fuel generating plant. Those recharged using solar or wind energy exceed the efficiency of standard bicycles.

Those who have been early adopters of this technology are paving the way for future riders to enjoy a form of transport that makes a genuine difference in the amount of air pollution generated by vehicles. The initial investment may be significant, but makes good sense for committed riders who live where bicycling is already a practical and popular option.




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