Need a pack that can carry a 2kw motor and won't fold under load? Then consider the Leonidas 52V 20Ah ebike battery. This pack has 1040 Wh of storage space using LG cells and a 50A BMS. It is intended to be used with motors ranging from 100W up to 2000W. As of today, the product averages 4.7 stars across 16 Amazon reviews. That is a very positive signal, especially considering this listing is relatively new. Feedback from customers tends to be overwhelmingly positive. Bman states it's excellent and claims he had no issues and no more worry about running out of juice. Similarly, whoknows reported that the battery was received well packaged and contained many quality parts.
So why should you even think about this option? Because if you own a 52V ebike or you're converting your bike to a 52V system with serious capacity and room for growth, this option definitely deserves consideration.
Specs and Build Quality
The first thing you need to know is how large this pack is. By taking 52V times 20Ah, you get 1040Wh. This pack is clearly in the long range category for a 52V build, far ahead of the typical 48V 13Ah commuter pack which is roughly 624Wh. In addition to having more overall capacity, the fact that this is a 52V pack is significant. When charged to its maximum level, this pack reaches roughly 58.8V. That allows for a greater amount of usable area before reaching cutoff, meaning additional mileage based on the same Ah rating.
Inside the case are LG cells. These are certainly better than generic Chinese made cells. As previously mentioned, the quality of these cells was specifically called out by the buyer whoknows. He stated that the battery arrived in excellent condition with all components appearing to be of high quality. While generic cells may work fine for someone who doesn't ride their ebike every day, they are not something you want to trust your life with.
On the back of the pack, the connector is an XT60. While this is not important unless you are purchasing another component that requires this type of connector, it is worth mentioning that it indicates the manufacturer designed this pack for ebike builders who need a bit more power. Additionally, since both male and female connectors are provided, connecting it to your controller is quick and easy. If you have a component with a different connector type, finding an adapter takes less than a minute.
As might be expected for a 20Ah battery at 52 volts, the size of the pack is substantial. If you are looking for high-capacity packs and don't mind lugging around a heavier unit, this could be an ideal solution. The packaging felt sturdy and well suited to withstand the elements and the vibrations of daily riding. Several reviewers specifically praised the durability of the pack.
BMS, Safety, and Design Features
There are several areas where many low-cost ebike batteries sacrifice quality. One of the primary ways this pack differs from lower cost packs is that it has a 50A BMS, and it incorporates several protective features that ensure safe operation:
- Over-charging protection prevents damage caused by excessive charging.
- Over-discharging protection prevents damage caused by excessive discharging.
- Over-current protection helps prevent overheating due to excessive draw.
- Short-circuit protection prevents fire hazards resulting from short circuits.
While safety considerations are important, so is the ability of the pack to provide sufficient headroom when operating with high-power motors. Since the BMS is rated at 50A at 52 volts, it can supply roughly 2600 watts continuously. While you may be able to operate up to 2000W motors with this pack, you'll likely never hit the limit of the BMS during normal operation. This headroom provides peace of mind during long rides.
In terms of external design, there are a couple of convenient details on this pack. First, there is an LED light indicating remaining charge that's visible from a distance. Second, there is a power on and off switch. Third, there is a safety lock feature. While none of these are flashy, each contributes to making your riding experience easier and safer.
Compatibility and Range
The compatibility of this battery really shines through. With a wide motor range spanning from 100W up to 2000W, it supports a variety of configurations:
- Bafang
- Tongsheng
- Voilamart AW motor kits, some of the most commonly converted motor kits
In addition to supporting various motor types, it can also be suitable for eMTBs, commuter ebikes, electric trikes, and fat tire ebikes. If you're converting your bike or upgrading your existing 52V kit, and assuming your entire system, controller, motor, and display, is 52V rated, then this pack should drop directly in.
When it comes to range, the benefits of a pack with 1040Wh show themselves quickly. Most people can expect around 40 to 50 miles per day of flat terrain with assist. Heavy throttle use and hilly terrain bring that number down closer to 30 miles. But regardless of whether you commute 15 to 20 miles a day or go on longer trips, this pack gives you more than enough range.
Finally, the benefits of a 52V battery become apparent when talking about top speed. Using similar motor components and increasing the voltage results in slightly increased top end speed. Anyone who operates a 1000W or larger hub motor will notice a difference versus a comparable 48V pack.
Who Should Buy This Battery?
The best candidate is someone who wants a lot of capacity and genuine headroom for power levels without spending up to the premium tier. Around 295 dollars gets you 1040Wh capacity, LG cells, and a 50A BMS. On a dollar per watt hour basis that works out to roughly 0.28 per watt hour, which is affordable for what you receive. See current pricing on Amazon.
Another group who would benefit includes:
- Anyone running a 52V Bafang or Voilamart conversion kit or any other similarly powered kit
- Riders who want serious capacity and comfort, meaning no worrying about range, for extended commutes or weekend rides
Additionally, riders who park their bike outdoors or charge indoors will appreciate the safety lock and on and off switches on this pack.
Note: if you are presently running a 48V configuration, please don't purchase this pack. It exceeds the voltage ratings for virtually all 48V controllers, motors, and displays. You risk damaging or destroying your existing components.
Also note: the seller offers alternative configurations, including 48V 20Ah, 48V 13Ah, and 52V 25Ah, so this review focuses solely on the 52V 20Ah version.
Compare different 52V packs using our battery comparison chart. Check our ebike battery reviews section for more information on other packs with varying voltages and capacities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 52V battery compatible with a 48V ebike?
No. A 52V battery exceeds the voltage limits of most 48V controllers, motors, and displays and can damage or destroy those components. Before ordering, confirm that your controller, motor, and display are all rated for 52V.
What range can I expect from a 1040Wh pack?
Most riders see roughly 40 to 50 miles on flat ground with pedal assist. Hilly terrain and heavy throttle use pull that down toward 30 miles. Buyers describe the range as enough to end range anxiety for commuting and day rides.
What motors does the 50A BMS support?
The 50A BMS at 52V provides around 2600W of continuous capacity. That supports motors from 100W up to 2000W, with real overhead for a 1500W setup. It is rated for Bafang, Tongsheng, and Voilamart AW motor kits.
What connector does this battery use?
It ships with an XT60 male and female connector. If your controller uses a different plug, inexpensive XT60 adapters are widely available and easy to fit.
Are the safety lock and on off switch useful?
Yes. The safety lock keeps the battery secure and tamper resistant when the bike is parked. The on off switch lets you kill the pack when the bike sits, which is a real convenience for anyone who charges indoors or leaves the bike unattended.
What is covered under the warranty?
The battery includes a one year warranty and lifetime tech support. That gives you a safety net beyond the buyer reviews, which already skew strongly positive on quality and durability.