What I liked about the LOCKBUS 48V 20Ah battery was its competitive pricing (under twenty cents per watt-hour) and included charger. In terms of comparing it against 48V batteries found in our ebike battery comparison chart, the LOCKBUS battery falls into a very good area when considering price and features.
Build and Specifications
Dimensions on this 48V 20Ah pack are 10.47 x 4.72 x 2.76 inches and weigh approximately 8.37 pounds. Although slightly heavy, it is 2.5 pounds lighter than the least expensive generic 48V 20Ah pack available today.
The housing is made of waterproof PVC material that can withstand all weather. The terminal uses a T-Plug style connection, as well as wiring harness. The pack will work with both high-powered (up to 2000W), as well as low-power (as little as 200W) e-bikes.
A 54.6V 2A charger is provided with purchase. While many generic packs do not come with chargers (the cheapest option around one thirty), the LOCKBUS does provide one.
Built-in BMS and Safety Features
The unit contains a 30 amp built-in BMS (battery management system) that protects the battery from damage by detecting and preventing overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, over-voltage, short circuit and temperature abuse. These are the same protections required on any lithium-ion battery you plan on putting in your ebike.
The BMS is designed to continuously supply 30 amps, therefore can support a maximum peak output of approximately 1440 watts. This should cover most riders who have smaller to medium sized motors (e.g., 500-1000W). However, excessive use of the throttle while going up steeper hills or prolonged periods may cause the BMS to shut off the battery due to heat generated within the cells and/or the BMS itself.
To help prevent water from entering the housing and causing cell or BMS failure, the PVC material used to create the housing is fully waterproofed. It will tolerate some rain and snow while riding, but is not intended for submerged operation.
Estimated Ranges and Expected Real-World Performance
As stated earlier, this battery has a total of 960 Wh. Assuming normal usage, you would expect ranges of 20-40 miles per charge. A larger rider utilizing levels of assistance (pedal-assist, etc.) 2-3 can get closer to the top of that range. Heavier throttle use or extreme grade climbing will likely reduce overall distance traveled per charge. The 960Wh capacity puts this battery in a good sweet spot for most commuters who need enough range for a full week of riding between charges.
Intended Use
As mentioned earlier, this battery is primarily targeted towards DIY ebike builders and those looking to replace an older battery pack. As it includes both the charger and wiring harness, users don't need to make additional purchases prior to installing the product in their ebike. Additionally, this battery can be utilized in a variety of different non-ebike applications including power wheels, solar systems, backup power generation and various other types of DIY projects where a 48V system is desired. The compact size and pre-connected T-Plugs allow for easy installation in a wide array of applications. For the DIY crowd, having the charger included means you can test the battery right away without waiting for extra parts to arrive. The wiring harness also includes standard connectors that match most common ebike controller inputs, which saves time during installation.
Price vs Quality
When we compare prices to similar products on our ebike battery chart, this battery stands out as a great value at under twenty cents per watt hour with a charger included. While it's not the absolute lowest cost option available today, the quality of the product and the inclusion of a charger justify the increased cost above generic options. The LOCKBUS feels more substantial than the rock-bottom alternatives, with better sealing and a more robust connector setup.
Please keep in mind that while we've done extensive research regarding this product, there currently aren't any customer reviews associated with this listing. As a result, when making your purchasing decision you'll need to rely upon the specifications and warranty offered by LOCKBUS to determine if this battery is right for your needs.
LOCKBUS states they have 24/7 technical support and a 1 year warranty on this product. They claim to respond quickly to any warranty claims submitted via Amazon contact. If you want to compare this against other options, check out our full ebike battery comparison table or browse all reviewed products on the blog for more detailed write-ups on specific models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this battery work with my current ebike controller?
If your controller operates on a nominal 48 volts, yes it will work with this battery. Most standard ebike controllers operate in a nominal 48 volt configuration. Be sure to check your controller documentation to confirm compatibility. Most controllers designed for 36V or 52V will not work correctly with this pack.
What is the warranty?
LOCKBUS offers a 1-year warranty along with 24 hour response time technical support. Warranty claims should be directed through Amazon. This is better than some generic sellers who offer only 30 days of support.
Can I safely use this with my 1500W motor?
While the 30 amp BMS will limit output to approximately 1440 watts (peak), if you're operating near max capacity, you risk tripping the BMS while operating at such high loads. If you plan to utilize a motor greater than 1500 watts, you may wish to consider a battery with a BMS capable of handling higher load currents. For most 500W to 1000W builds, this battery is a good fit.
Are these connectors standard?
Yes - this uses a standard T-Plug connector along with wiring harness. The charger utilizes a standard 48 volt li-ion charger port. The included T-Plug to XT60 adapter gives you flexibility for different controller connector types.
How long does it take for the charger to fully recharge?
Using the included charger (a 2A charger at 54.6 volts), it takes approximately five to six hours for the charger to fully recharge the battery from empty. This is typical for a standard 2A ebike battery charger. If you need faster charging, you could use a higher amp 54.6V charger, but the included one is perfectly fine for overnight charging.
Does this fit into a typical downtube mounted holder?
No. The LOCKBUS battery has a rectangular form factor suitable for mounting onto a rear rack mounting system or custom enclosure. It will not work with standard frame-mounted battery trays designed for shark or dolphin style packs.