This VODIPOWER 48V 10Ah battery is a utility pick for cramped frames and budget conversions. The 30A BMS runs motors up to 1000W, and the seat tube bracket mounts where a downtube pack cannot. You give up range, 480Wh is commuter territory, and you plan around a 5-hour charge. For the right bike, that trade makes sense.
Specs and Value
As listed, the battery has a 30A BMS. This rating theoretically allows the battery to produce approximately 1440 watts. When paired with a motor producing approximately 1000W, this amount of power will allow the battery to supply adequate current to your motor while climbing. As a result, the battery will continue to provide power to your motor through even the steepest inclines. However, if the BMS was set at a lower rating, the battery may shut down immediately when you attempt to climb. In addition, the battery will also shut down due to overheating caused by excessive current demand. Therefore, the ability of the battery to maintain performance under heavy loads is primarily dependent upon the 30A BMS.
The total energy content of this battery is approximately 480Wh. For casual commutes this represents sufficient storage capacity. The included 54.6V 2A charger can fully recharge the battery in approximately 5 hours. Compared to many newer models of high-speed chargers, 2A is relatively slow. If you fail to charge the battery each evening prior to departure, you may find that you lack sufficient energy to complete your ride the following day. Further, charging a battery slowly (and therefore generating less heat) will ultimately contribute to increased longevity. If you compare different packs and their specifications, we have created a battery comparison table that organizes the entire market based on price per watt hour.
Lithium-Ion cells are used in construction of this battery with a stated cycle life of 1000+ cycles. Therefore, if you utilize this battery regularly (i.e., drain it every day), you can anticipate that the battery will remain functional for multiple years. However, after prolonged use, you may begin to notice a decrease in range. Eventually, the capacity of the battery will be reduced to such a degree that it will be unable to support a full charge.
Design and Installation
Seat-tube mounting is the defining characteristic of this product. To install this system into your frame, you attach the removable bracket behind your seat post. This design is ideal for frames that do not contain a hollowed-out downtube where a traditional battery can reside. By utilizing a seat tube mount, you can easily remove the battery from your frame and carry it indoors to charge it. Essentially, you can treat this product as a backpack-style option for your bicycle rather than a suitcase-sized option attached directly below your frame. This versatility makes it an excellent option for older mountain bicycles or custom-made frames.
The size of the product is approximately 14.4 x 3.4 x 5.12 inches. Given the amount of capacity contained within (10Ah), this is surprisingly compact. The exterior of this product contains a black-plastic casing that serves as protection against minor impact damage from external sources. Unfortunately, if you were to drop this product onto concrete, there exists a risk that the casing could become damaged. Damage to the casing can potentially lead to moisture entering into the electronic components contained within. As such, you must carefully handle this product to avoid potential internal failures.
The discharge port for this product is located on top. Most products place the discharge port on the bottom. While this is convenient in terms of routing cables along your frame (to exit near your motor/controller), it creates issues when your controller cable is routed low on your frame. If you encounter an issue similar to this, you will either need to purchase a longer cable or route the cables around your frame.
The appearance of routing cables around your frame can appear sloppy/unattractive if you are not careful with your zip-tie placement. Loose wires are susceptible to becoming entangled in branches or moving parts on your bicycle. Ensure your wires are tightly secured and protected from friction caused by contact with your frame.
Real-World Range and Performance
Given its 480Wh capacity, real-world range estimates vary widely. Amazon reviewers indicate possible ranges anywhere between 15 and 22 miles depending on how much you weigh and what type of terrain you ride in. If you are heavier or consistently riding uphill, those numbers may decrease further. Depending on these factors, you may find yourself needing to push your heavy bike back home after attempting longer rides. The purpose of this product is not intended for cross-country riding but instead for short trips to work and school, errands around town, and short recreational rides.
The real strength of this product lies in its 30A BMS. This enables it to operate effectively with 1000W motors. Attempting to drive a higher-power motor on a battery with insufficient BMS capabilities will result in sagged voltage levels. Sagged voltage results in poor acceleration and inadequate torque when trying to accelerate quickly. Due to its internal component ratings, however, this battery maintains consistent flow rates.
This product weighs in at approximately 7.94 pounds. Although it attaches high on your frame via seat-tube attachment method, it raises your bike's center of mass slightly. A heavy product placed high on your frame will cause instability during cornering maneuvers as you will need to expend additional effort to counteract the effect of its placement.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
There are three customer reviews on this listing so far, all providing a 5-star rating. All three customers provided positive feedback regarding pricing/value and customer service response times (reportedly responding within 24-hours). One review is in English, two are in Spanish, and all three praise the battery and the seller's responsiveness.
Customers state that installation is easy and requires minimal tools. Customers state that the bolts that come with the kit appear compatible with most standard frame sizes. Potential compatibility issues arise if your frame size is thicker. You may require longer bolts to secure properly.
One unique feature included with this product is a keyed-lock mechanism which secures the battery in-place preventing theft when left unattended (locked-in position). Only when unlocked can the pack be removed from the frame and taken indoors for charging.
Who Should Buy This
Use this option if you plan on doing a conversion project on an older bike (or one with limited frame space). It also suits you if you require a removable battery for security reasons, or if you wish to have a flexible option for charging indoors. It is an inexpensive entry point into ebiking.
Do not consider purchasing this option if you wish to achieve greater than 50 miles of range per charge (this is why larger-capacity options typically cost more money). Do not consider this option if you require high-performance or competitive level racing capabilities (the added weight and raised center-of-gravity of this product negatively affects handling). More hands-on guides live on the gomotorbikes blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which motors does it support?
This unit is rated for use with motors ranging from 100W up to 1000W. The 30A BMS will provide enough continuous discharge current to service any motor in this power range.
How long does it take to charge?
It should take about 5 hours to fully charge using the included 2A charger. This is the normal charging time for a 10Ah battery when charged at 2 amps.
How much does it weigh?
The total weight of the unit is 7.94 pounds (3.6 kg) including the battery case. It does not include the mounting bracket or charger.
What is included in the box?
Included in the package are the battery, a mounting bracket, the 54.6V 2A charger, two keys, six screws and an owner's manual.
Where is the discharge port located on the battery?
The discharge port is at the top of the battery. Therefore if your controller cable connects out of the bottom of your bike you would have to either run the wire down into the bottom of the frame and back up again or add some type of wiring extender to allow the cable to connect properly.
How do you attach it to your ebike?
You mount the bracket to the seat tube of your ebike by tightening screws. Once mounted you simply slide the battery into place and lock it in with one of the provided keys. No special tools are needed to install this unit.