This is the final video of the battery box fabrication. It shows soldering the internal charging connector, installation of the batteries, and installation on the bike. The battery box started as a prototype for future boxes. It has turned out nicely and Ill use many of the design elements for future projects. This box provides security so I can leave the batteries on the bike when locked up, it looks like its part of the bike with the wires hidden and protected, charging is easy with an external charge connector, and it provides weather resistance. For all posts relating to this project, go to electricbikebuilding.com For blogs about all projects, go to ElectricBikeBuilding.com
The battery box needed an external charging connector and a way to lock it down. This makes it more convenient for recharging and more secure when parking at the store. I can leave the box locked to the bike and charge it up without having to take it all apart. This video shows me installing the external charging connector and fabricating the latch for locking it down. I didnt mention in the video but this battery box is made out of a toolbox that I got at a garage sale for .
Video Rating: 4 / 5
I decided on a toolbox and a mechanism to hold it in for my project.
@ragonamuffin Thanks. Great idea about the pop out. That would be a nice feature.
OMG nice box! make it pop out quickly and easily and I want one.
@ElectricScotsman Thanks for the compliment. No performance data yet. I need to install a computer first. I’ll keep you posted.
Work of art, real nice work. You ever given it a full performance yet? Meaning: Speed, distance etc?
@danrasay Thanks Dan! I’m really happy with this bike. The experience gave me plenty of ideas on how to make ever better ones.
turned out great!
@DVMsucks Great question about the charging connector. I have that concern too. I wanted to mount it on the side but it wouldn’t fit. I tried but that was the only place it would go because of the available space inside the box. When I ride in the rain, I put a plastic bag over the whole thing. So far it hasn’t been a problem.
hey, very cool bike! i was wondering, why would you put that charging plug on top of the box where things and water can fall right in?
@cypher954 My friend got a balanced pack from them. He gives them an A++++++.
I did not know that. Thanks for the information about this.
Before you shell out the money for a LIFEPO4, make sure it is UN38.3 certified. most of the ones from China etc are not. Let’s say the BMS (battery management system) or a cell or 2 is defective and you need to ship it back. If it catches on fire ( for any reason) You get a $50.000 fine and there is no way to fight it.
Thanks for the link. I’ll check them out.
I’d like to get lifepo4 when my SLA wear out. I hope they fit in the same box. It’s nice to be able to have the batteries locked to the bike so I don’t have to keep taking them off when parked somewhere.
if you want to know where I bought my lifepo4…I got them at elitepowersolutions(dot)com…got them to me in one week and the batteries are great so far…I don’t even use a BMS with them…they are staying pretty well balanced so far…I use a black and decker charger to charge each 12v pack
I’d like to do something similar…I’ve got lifepo4 but almost as big as your SLA’s…I’ve got a topeak black bike rack on the back of my bike…it’d great to attach a black metal box that locks onto the back of it and be able to lock the batteries inside
Thanks SinisterScotsman. As soon as my SLA batteries wear out I’m going to switch to LiFePO4 too. The prices are coming down, they are lighter, and they are supposed to last longer. I should be able to fit them in the same box.
Real nice work. I also am running 36v -12ah SLA, but I just have them in a rack-pack with velcro straps holding it in place. I will be upgrading to a LIFEPO4 36v-15ah pack. A box like you made is a perfect idea.
5 stars