Slim form factors (like the LGNUO) mean capacity compromises. The LGNUO 48V 13Ah fits 624 watt-hours into a bottle-style profile of a seat-tube and requires compromises. Check it on Amazon.
Specifications & construction
LGNUO’s 48V 13Ah has dimensions of 15.5 x 3 x 4.4-inches, weighs in at 7.94-pounds and is suitable for seat-tube or bottle-cage mounting. With the cell configuration, we multiply out to 624 watt-hours. The maximum constant discharge rate is 30-amps. this allows you to safely operate a 1,000w motor without exceeding the limits of the BMS. LGNUO comes with a 2-amp charger. Therefore, it may take a few hours to fully recharge the battery. The case is rated ip65, and there is a four-bar LED power indicator, an anti-theft lock using two keys, a molded carry handle, a mounting bracket, and both xt60 and 4-pin connectors. There are also extension cords supplied in the package.
The silver Fish form factor utilizes a conventional cell layout used by all budget lithium batteries. This standardization helps keep costs lower and allows interchangeability among silver Fish battery models. In comparison to similar priced products, the build quality of the LGNUO seems to be satisfactory. The textured finish of the case should help resist scratching. See the LGNUO listing on Amazon for current fitment notes.
The LED indicator is positioned at the top of the case, allowing you to simply tap the display to determine how much battery life remains. The anti-theft lock can accept either key, adding another level of security. Removal of the battery does not require any tools.
The 30-amp BMS rating is accurate for this type of battery size and is not exaggerated like some smaller, less expensive brands are prone to doing. The casing appears sturdy enough for everyday commuting use. Both types of connectors provided (xt60 and 4-pin) allow you to connect directly to most mid-drives, while the additional 4-pin adapter is required to connect to pedal-assist bikes utilizing the more popular 4-pin system. The UL certification listed is a plus in regards to added assurance of safety for users storing their batteries in indoor locations.
Installation & every day use
As the name suggests, the LGNUO will install in the same manner as your frame's seat tube connects to your downtube. 4mm bottle cage thread. Since almost all newer bicycles utilize bottle cage mounts as a standard accessory, installation should be very straightforward. 4mm bottle cage thread, step-through frames without a seat tube may attach the cage to the downtube and still obtain a low profile installation.
You can remove the battery from the frame by lifting upward and removing it from its holder. The molded handle allows you to accomplish this task with ease. By carrying it inside and charging it indoors, you will ensure that your pack is always ready for your next day's ride.
Since the ip65 rating indicates resistance to dust entry and water spray, you can ride through rain showers without having to remove the battery from your bicycle. However, you shouldn't use a high-pressure washer on it. The "splash resistant" designation is important because it does not indicate complete waterproofness. The xt60 connector is your main source of output and works with just about any 48-volt ebike controller. The four-pin cable will give you flexibility since it is intended for use with 4-pin configurations instead of needing to purchase an adapter to convert to a different configuration. This flexibility eliminates the need for purchasing individual adapters.
The 30-amp BMS will enable operation of a 1000-watt motor at maximum constant power without limiting discharge. The integrated carry handle does not stick out beyond the rest of the case and serves as an alternative method of carrying the pack when mounted on your bicycle. The mounting bracket spreads weight throughout the threaded cage mounts as opposed to concentrated at one single location. Older frames that have become worn at these points will benefit greatly from this feature. Additionally, the compact nature of this battery ensures that neither pedals nor cables will experience interference during regular operating procedures.
Real world performance & Range
Your estimated Range will depend on multiple variables including your riding style, motor specification and terrain. On average, 15-20 watt-hrs/mile on a moderately assisted 500-watt setup results in approximately 31-41 miles on a single charge. Riding flat terrain and being light will result in the upper estimate (41-miles). Heavier riders and/or riding uphill/riding aggressively will result in shorter ranges (i.e., less than 31 miles).
To calculate your approximate mileage based on the above Specs: divide your total watts/hour rating (in this case 624 watt-hours) by your assumed watt/hour consumption (between 15-20 watt/hours per mile): 624 / (15-20) = ~31-41 miles.
This may seem somewhat short compared to larger pack sizes that offer upwards of twice that amount of Range. however, it compares favorably to thinner batteries that commonly offer only 10Ah or less. When compared against those options, a thin battery offering 13ah represents a significant advantage.
Temperature impacts lithium battery performance by affecting capacity. specifically for commuting applications Cold temperatures severely impact watt hour availability. You can anticipate losing approximately 20% to 30% of available capacity in freezing temperatures. Chemistry-wise, lithium cells simply do not perform efficiently well when they're Cold. Try warming up your battery prior to each ride if feasible. Store your battery in a warm/heated space. extreme heat is not as detrimental although extreme temperatures can decrease capacity over time. Cycling lithium batteries between -10c and 40C is optimal for longevity purposes.
While the BMS enables this pack to provide sufficient energy for 1000-watt motors without reducing power delivery, riding a 1000-watt motor at full throttle will drain available Range quickly. therefore, if maximizing Range is paramount then research more battery options that provide comparable capacities and evaluate their respective capacity ratings.
Who is this battery for?
Amazon lists numerous units sold by LGNUO. Unfortunately, there currently are no customer reviews regarding this particular product listing, which creates data value in itself. Lack of user review means you receive no validation from other customers regarding how well the battery operates upon extended periods of use. Customers haven’t reviewed anything related to long-term charge retention. customers haven't evaluated whether the LED indicator continues functioning after a year. customers haven’t reviewed whether the lock functions reliably. These lack-of-review elements are themselves valuable information sources. If this is an urgent situation requiring replacement and you’re willing to sacrifice potential longevity for your budgetary needs then this pack is certainly worth evaluating.
If you wish to maintain aesthetics on your clean-looking bicycle and desire a compact bottle-cage mount that maintains aesthetic appeal then this battery is an ideal choice for you. If you ride an urban bike or step-through frame then you know a rear-rack-mounted pack increases bulk. If the UL-certification provides comfort regarding battery safety. then this battery is an excellent option for you too! If you're simply an occasional commuter that doesn’t require extreme Range capabilities then this battery should cover virtually all your daily trip distances. you'll be able to bring it indoors for charging thereby eliminating theft concerns.
Avoid this battery if you need maximum Range capability. At best, this pack will only provide approximately half that of larger-sized packs capable of providing upwards of 20Ah of Range. Avoid it if you are a heavier rider requiring every watt-hour for your daily commutes. Avoid it if you tend to misplace your keys. losing both means you won't be able to lock the battery and thus anyone wanting to steal it won't face many obstacles attempting to do so.
Avoid it if you prefer faster charging times. although a 2-amp charger comes with this unit, a faster charger (such as one capable of delivering at least 4-amps) will shorten charging time by nearly half. you can find faster chargers available online from reputable sellers that match these specifications. Avoid it if your bicycle doesn't have bottle cage mounts. Installing bottle cage mounts on your frame will cost you both time and money.
If you'd like to view the current price offered by Amazon and see whether or not the trade-off is suitable for your riding preferences then visit Amazon to find out. While UL-certification alone may prove what separates this option from one of the numerous cheaper non-branded units that raise doubts about liability/safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this battery function properly on my 36V system?
No! This is a 48v battery designed for use exclusively with 48v controllers/motors! It is incompatible with 36V controllers/motors! The cell configuration was optimized specifically for 48v systems! Operating it on a 36V system will destroy your controller!
May i mount it without attaching it to my seat tube?
Yes! The battery uses a standard bottle cage mount attachment system. Attach the supplied mounting base to any portion of your frame that supports a standard bottle cage mount thread (typically 25.4mm). Many step-through frames can mount it on the downtube if it lacks a seat tube. and many cyclists choose to mount their battery elsewhere (e.g., handlebar or steering column). but most importantly: any modern bicycle made within recent decades likely has standard bottle cage mounts as an integral component.
What's its expected cycle life?
Lithium ebike batteries generally have an operational life span of around 800-1500 charge/discharge cycles before their capacity decreases significantly! Unfortunately, LGNUO did not list any number as an example in reference to cycle counts for this particular model! Real world cycle count largely depends upon how often you charge/discharge your battery. storage conditions (temperature). and how deeply you discharge between charges! Maintaining proper care practices will extend battery life. i.e., charge frequently. avoid leaving totally drained. store in cooler environments... Etc.! Regardless of good maintenance practices: lithium materials will eventually deteriorate chemically over time due to age... Therefore: eventual decline in usable capacity will occur regardless. Compare 48V options on the battery table or see the LGNUO price on Amazon.
Does its ip65 rating protect against daily rain exposure?
Ip65 implies that the battery will be resistant to water sprays/dust invasion. therefore: everyday rain exposure will pose no problems! You don't have to remove it when encountering light/moderate rain showers! Do not submerge it in water or spray with high pressure to clean it! Water spray/rainfall protection are covered under this rating. full waterproofing is not! If you reside in areas known for frequent heavy rains then perhaps consider bringing it indoors as a precautionary measure... Better safe than sorry!
See where this fits against the rest of the market in the comparison table.
Browse more riding and buying guides on the blog.