Samsung cells in a 52V 20Ah battery pack for an affordable price. That's the basic idea behind the Varstrom 52V 20Ah ebike battery. Budget batteries in the same range often use generic Chinese cells whose specifications are uncertain. Varstrom is transparent about using Samsung cells, a definite plus for those who care about how many times they can charge and discharge a battery, and about consistently good performance. It also has more social proof than most packs at this price point, with an average of 4.4 stars based on 26 ratings.
Specs and Build Quality
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah is a standard rectangular box-shaped ebike battery. The design of the case is not shaped like a downtube, rather it is a more universal rectangular block that will work with several different types of mounts. The 52V 20Ah ebike battery holds 1040 watt-hours of energy, the typical amount of energy for this type of battery.
What you get is:
- Voltage: 52V (full charge = 58.8V)
- Capacity: 20Ah (total = 1040Wh)
- BMS: 30A continuous current
- Cells: Samsung (no model specified)
- Charger: included 58.8V 3A smart charger
- Range: 30 to 45 miles per charge
- Charge time: approximately 6 to 7 hours
- Waterproof case with lock and key
- LED display indicating remaining battery level
The overall feel of the case appears to be sturdy. The case is waterproof rated, which is significant because many people ride through rain or store their ebikes outside. The lock and key system is an excellent way to provide additional security when you leave your ebike unattended in public areas. There is an LED light located on the side of the battery, allowing you to quickly assess your current state of charge.
There are two things to know concerning the physical shape of the battery. First, the shape of this battery is not an industry standard Hailong or shark style. As such, you may need to find alternative methods of securing this battery to your frame. The package includes a mounting bracket designed specifically for the Varstrom 52V 20Ah ebike battery, however, you should check to ensure compatibility with your frame prior to purchasing. See the Varstrom 52V 20Ah listing on Amazon for the full spec sheet, and check the current price before you decide.
BMS and Safety Features
The BMS built into the Varstrom 52V 20Ah ebike battery is rated at 30A continuous current. The BMS provides sufficient capability for motors up to 1 kW. While there are some high-end packs with a 50A BMS rating, a 30A BMS will likely meet the requirements of a standard 500W or 1000W hub motor ebike build. In addition to the BMS providing over-discharge protection, short-circuit protection, temperature cut-off, and overload protection, the BMS provides over-charging protection.
The inclusion of Samsung cells in the Varstrom 52V 20Ah ebike battery is perhaps the largest selling point. Samsung is among the leading lithium-ion cell manufacturers worldwide. Their products are utilized in virtually every aspect of power tool applications including electric bicycles, hybrid cars, and trucks. To include Samsung cells within a sub-300 dollar ebike battery pack is an extremely attractive offering.
According to Varstrom, the ebike battery pack will retain greater than or equal to 80% capacity after more than 1000 charge cycles. Based upon these claims, and assuming the BMS functions correctly, this would appear to be a realistic expectation for an ebike battery containing Samsung cells. Using a 3A charger to fill the ebike battery pack will require approximately six to seven hours. This is representative of the total amount of time required to recharge most ebike battery packs with capacities in excess of twenty Ah.
Additionally, another advantage of this product line is that it features a fully waterproof enclosure. Unfortunately, many budget ebike battery cases do not provide sufficient weatherproofing to protect your investment during rainy rides or storage outdoors. An added layer of security via lock and key also protects your ebike battery from theft.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Based upon its twenty-six customer reviews and four-star rating, there is enough evidence to support its purchase decision-making process. Overall comments were generally favorable toward this product with a few recurring topics.
Customer advantages associated with this product include:
- The battery performs as indicated by the manufacturer in terms of distance traveled per charge cycle. More than a few customers reported achieving distances ranging from thirty-five to forty miles per charge cycle with their respective 1000-watt motor configurations.
- Solid construction exists throughout the entire product. Many reviewers described the casing as being constructed with quality materials and that it has performed satisfactorily thus far with no defects identified.
- The inclusion of Samsung cells provides confidence to customers regarding the durability of their ebike battery.
- The lock-and-key function is greatly appreciated by customers commuting during the daytime with their ebikes since it allows them to secure their bikes while leaving them unattended.
- Mounting was relatively easy for most customers who purchased this product.
Some negative comments regarding this product include:
- A few customers experienced difficulty mounting the provided bracket due to an imperfect fitment with their frames requiring modifications prior to installation.
- Two customers experienced a trip of their BMS under maximum load with their respective 1000-watt plus motors.
- Customers felt that instructions could be improved. At least three reviewers stated that the diagrams illustrating wiring connections were ambiguous.
- One reviewer commented that the battery weighed significantly more than anticipated considering its size and configuration.
In summary, buyer comments indicate that the majority of purchasers are satisfied with both its performance and quality aspects. Although comments exist regarding fitment issues with the mounting bracket and potential limitations with regard to BMS functionality under extreme loads, the overall rating (four stars) along with twenty-six purchases suggest increased confidence relative to a limited number of purchaser comments.
Who Is This Battery For?
This product would be beneficial to individuals desiring reliability with branded components without having to pay a large premium. This product should appeal to:
- Individuals constructing a standard ebike utilizing either a 500W or a 1000W hub motor and seeking dependable range from their ebike.
- Commuting cyclists needing ranges between thirty-five and forty-five miles per charge cycle.
- Cyclists parking their ebikes in outdoor locations where locking and unlocking their bikes would be necessary, therefore appreciating the lock-and-key feature as part of the battery package.
- Anyone preferring branded components versus generic options.
However, less suitable candidates for purchasing this particular ebike battery would include:
- Builders constructing high-powered ebikes exceeding 1000 watts. The limiting factor with this BMS being thirty amps.
- Cyclists experiencing unique frame designs. Verify mount compatibility prior to ordering.
- Individuals requiring rapid charging capabilities. Three amps is typical for standard chargers.
For more options, browse our full selection. Check our gear review comparison for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cells does this battery use?
The Varstrom 52V 20Ah uses Samsung lithium-ion cells. Samsung is among the leading lithium-ion cell manufacturers worldwide, and including their cells in a sub-300 dollar ebike battery pack is a genuinely attractive offering for the price.
What motors is this battery compatible with?
The 30A BMS provides sufficient capability for motors up to 1 kW. A 30A BMS will likely meet the requirements of a standard 500W or 1000W hub motor ebike build. For builds exceeding 1000 watts, the 30A limit becomes the limiting factor.
How far can I ride on a full charge?
Customers reported achieving real-world distances ranging from thirty-five to forty miles per charge cycle with 1000-watt motor configurations. The manufacturer lists a range of 30 to 45 miles per charge, which depends on motor wattage, rider weight, terrain, and assist level.
Is the case really waterproof?
Yes. The battery features a fully waterproof enclosure, which is significant because many people ride through rain or store their ebikes outside. The lock and key system also protects the battery from theft when parked in public areas.
How long does the charger take?
Using the included 58.8V 3A smart charger, it takes approximately six to seven hours to fully charge the battery from empty. This is representative of the time required to recharge most ebike battery packs with capacities in excess of twenty Ah.
How many charge cycles does it support?
According to Varstrom, the battery will retain 80% or more of its capacity after more than 1000 charge cycles. Based on these claims, and assuming the BMS functions correctly, this is a realistic expectation for an ebike battery containing Samsung cells.