In addition to being the cheapest option for a 960Wh 48V battery on Amazon, VATOSO 48V 20Ah offers all three components of safety, as a flame-retardant case, IP54 (splash and dust proof), and a proper 30A BMS. While you don't receive premium quality battery cells or a complimentary charger at this price point, this product is a reliable battery pack for a reasonable price.
Check the VATOSO 48V 20Ah on Amazon.
Specs and Design
The VATOSO 48V 20Ah has approximately 960Wh inside of its small frame size 10 x 4.25 x 2.75. In terms of sizing, this is equivalent to other downtube packs sold on Amazon and will likely fit within almost every standard downtube mount and/or rack.
The body is made of an extremely light weight plastic shell that provides some level of resistance to water and dust as specified by the manufacturers listing as meeting IP54. Additionally, the body contains flame retardant materials which provide a further layer of safety at this price point. An example of what IP54 means is that the product is capable of resisting rain and road spray. However, it is NOT intended to be used underwater nor subjected to pressure washing. That said, this limitation applies to essentially all products in this class.
On the inside of the unit is a 30 Amp BMS providing all of the standard protections including overcharge protection, undercharge protection, short circuit protection, and excessive temperature protection. As stated previously, the specifications for the 30 Amp BMS indicates that it will continue to allow up to 1440 W (or roughly 30A @ 48VDC) during periods when needed for the highest possible performance. This makes it sufficient for virtually all eBike hubs available today. Note that while there is virtually always going to be a slightly higher total power capability on the eBike itself due to losses associated with wiring and other equipment, you are generally going to have enough power for anything you would typically use the bike for at this price point.
BMS & Safety Features
The primary method for maintaining the safety of your battery pack is through the implementation of the 30A BMS. The BMS protects each individual cell from reaching unsafe voltage levels as well as cutting off the flow of electrical energy if a thermal runaway condition develops or if a short circuit exists in the pack. Both types of protections are typical at this price point and were performed correctly in the implementation of this particular product.
Another advantage of using this product is that it will recharge much faster than many other budget packs we have reviewed in the past. Assuming a suitable 48V Li-Ion charger that delivers at least 3-4 amps to the battery, you should expect to be able to fully charge the battery in around 6 hours, assuming everything else remains constant. Keep in mind that many budget packs require charging times ranging anywhere from 8-12 hours.
It is worth noting that no charger is provided with purchase of this product. In fact, the seller specifically states they sell just the battery and recommend purchasing additional items separately, such as a compatible charger. We've found that an XT60 connector is quite convenient since it is commonly used by many controllers. Check out our comparison chart to compare with other similarly priced options or visit our Blog Section for even more information regarding eBike Batteries!
Reviews on Amazon
Reviews of this product are currently scarce but are largely positive in nature. Several reviewers noted that the packing was excellent and were initially pleased to be able to successfully charge their new battery.
At least two reviewers mentioned that the battery was very easy to slide into their battery bag since it was relatively compact compared to larger alternatives. Several reviewers also noted that although the supplied connector was not standard, it did come with T-plug and XT60 adapters which would help facilitate installation onto their respective controllers.
Several reviewers noted that they had to do some minor soldering based upon their specific application but none indicated major issues with the process. All-in-all reviewers seem happy with the value received for their money, especially considering their requirements for casual use and/or light commutes. Overall, reviewers believe this is a good option given expectations aligned with the price point.
As compared to other budget options available for a 48V battery, the biggest benefit offered by VATOSO is that they provide a large amount of capacity (at least 960Wh) at a lower price than many other products. Many other comparable products utilize either less robust cells or less protective BMS ratings. They offer a moderate position in terms of price-to-capacity ratio relative to other similar offerings. It is certainly not the "best" battery available but it is challenging to find another 960Wh product with such safety features at a lower price.
Who Is This Battery Best Suited For?
Best For
- DIY builders
- Scooter and ATV owners
- Casual riders
- Users with compatible mounts
Less Ideal For
- Riders who need IP67+ rated waterproofing for harsher weather
- Customers expecting a charger included with their purchase
- High-current builds requiring over 30 amps
- Riders wanting name-brand cells, since the manufacturer is undisclosed
If you are looking for a simple 48V 20Ah battery pack that gets the job done without breaking your wallet, the VATOSO is a great alternative in the budget category. You can see current pricing on Amazon to compare.
FAQs
Will this battery work with Rad Power Bikes?
This will depend on your Rad model. Virtually all Rad bikes utilize proprietary connectors and mounts therefore you will need adapter cables along with potential custom mounting hardware.
What type of connector does it use?
This comes equipped with a T-plug plus an included XT60 adapter for compatibility with controllers utilizing that connector. Most standard controllers will accept one of the two without much trouble.
What charger should I use?
A 48V lithium-ion charger rated at 3A to 4A gives a full charge in about 6 hours. The battery supports fast charging with a compatible smart charger. Since no charger ships with the battery, plan for that cost when budgeting your build.
How water-proof is this battery?
This has an IP54 rating, which means it can withstand sprays from rain and dirt particles. However, it has not been engineered for immersion nor for exposure to strong water flows such as pressure washing. For most commuters, that splash protection is plenty for normal riding, though serious wet-weather riders should consider a pack with a higher rating.