A Complete Kit Under 200 Bucks. Most silverfish packs for sale today include almost nothing except the battery (and often even omit the USB port). The YLuBik 48V 13Ah Silver Fish comes with a mounting kit, a USB port and more, making it one of the most competitive kits available today for a first-time ebike builder.
The YLuBik 48V 13Ah is a new offering from YLuBik. They have had a larger 18.2Ah version of the silverfish for some time now and this newer 13Ah version represents the entry point for the company. YLuBik wants to give buyers a completely self-contained, drop-in compatible battery system that costs significantly less than many competitor products while still providing many of the must-have features at this price. As such, YLuBik has added the USB charging port to make it easier to charge your phone or other devices on the go without having to carry a second device to provide power.
Specs and Build Quality
The specs for this battery provide plenty of capability for casual commuting and light trail riding. Specifically, you can expect:
- 48 volts nominal
- 12.5 amp hours of usable capacity
- Approximately 600 watt-hours of total usable energy.
- Based on average ebike usage patterns you can expect approximately 20 to 35 miles of range. Again, please note the usual caveats regarding throttle usage, hilly terrain and your personal pedaling efforts.
The battery's outer casing is made from silver aluminum and follows the typical silverfish shape. It is mounted via a bracket attached to the seatpost (the bracket is included in the kit) and includes a built-in LED charge level indicator. The battery also includes a keyed lock to prevent unauthorized removal from the bracket once installed. Finally, it includes a built-in USB port for charging small devices like phones, cameras, etc. on the fly.
YLuBik states that the battery supports motors up to 500 watts to 800 watts. Given that most 48V geared hub motors and smaller mid-drives fall within this range, this provides ample motor support.
The battery management system (BMS) that controls the battery is designed to protect against excessive charge/discharge currents (overcharge/undercharge), short circuits and excessive heat. Unfortunately, YLuBik did not specify the continuous discharge rating for this particular battery. However, assuming an average ebike motor load of around 50% to 75%, we estimate the continuous discharge rating to be in excess of 20 amps (this would result in 1200 watts of power output from the battery). At 600Wh of usable capacity, this suggests that YLuBik will support a very wide range of applications including heavy-duty commuters and mountain bikers alike.
Features Included
As stated above, YLuBik includes all parts needed to assemble and operate the battery in addition to the battery itself. These items include:
- Bracket and bolts for attaching to your bike
- Keyed lock for securing the battery to the bracket
- Charger
- USB charging port for connecting small devices to charge on the go
Check the current price on Amazon.
Installation Process
Installing a YLuBik 48V 13Ah silverfish battery is quite easy if you have previously assembled similar types of battery mounts. The installation process involves attaching the bracket (with its mounting bolts) to the back of your bike's seat post. Next, slide the battery down into position on top of the bracket until it clicks into place and secure it using the provided keyed lock. Attach the discharge wires from the battery to your bike's controller. Once completed, simply turn on your bike and test for proper operation. The entire installation process should take about 10-15 minutes if you are familiar with this type of installation.
Specifications Summary
Battery Type: Li-ion Nominal Voltage: 48V Capacity: 12.5Ah Total Energy: 600 Wh Motor Support Rating: Up to 500W to 800W Controller Connector Pin-Out: Please consult YLuBik prior to order placement
Warranty Information
Please refer to YLuBik's website for detailed information concerning warranties offered on their products. You can also browse our full battery reviews to see how YLuBik compares with other budget brands across different capacities.
Comparison To Other Products In Same Category
In general, a major difference between the YLuBik 48V 13Ah and other similarly priced ebike batteries is that the YLuBik product includes the complete mounting kit and charger. While there may be additional differences depending upon which product you compare it to, these two factors alone give it a significant advantage when compared to others in its class.
For example, many other manufacturers' low-cost ebike batteries require customers to purchase each component individually, including brackets, bolts, chargers and possibly additional components. When comparing prices, you should always be careful to account for these additional purchases.
Additionally, as noted earlier, this is one of only a few products currently available in its class that includes a built-in USB port for charging small devices. Therefore, if you are interested in adding more functionality to your ebike (such as a GPS unit or camera), then this feature may provide you with greater flexibility and cost savings.
We recommend that you review our ebike battery comparison chart for further comparisons and reviews of various ebike batteries currently available. This will enable you to determine which ebike battery best meets your requirements for both function and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this product include a charger?
Yes. The charger is included with this product.
How much real-world mileage can I expect?
Real-world range depends a lot on how you ride. With 600 watt-hours of capacity, expect roughly 20 to 35 miles on flat ground with moderate pedal assist and a 500W motor, and less if you lean hard on the throttle or climb hills. It is an entry-level capacity, so it works fine for short commutes and recreational rides but is not built for all-day marathon runs without a recharge.
Can I use this ebike battery with an electric motor that produces more than 800 watts?
No. The manufacturer recommends using this ebike battery with motors producing no more than 800 watts. Using this battery with higher powered motors may trigger the BMS over-current protection under hard acceleration or climbing, and could void the warranty.
What warranty does YLuBik offer?
YLuBik generally offers a limited warranty on its ebike batteries, though the exact terms can vary by listing and batch. Check the product page on Amazon for the current warranty details before purchasing. Standard for this category is usually 12 months against manufacturing defects.
How do I mount my new ebike battery?
Mounting an ebike battery is relatively simple. First, locate your bike's seatpost and attach the mounting bracket (which was provided with your ebike battery purchase) securely in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Next, slide the battery down into place on top of the bracket until it clicks into place. Secure your ebike battery to the bracket using the provided keyed lock. Finally, connect your ebike's motor controller to your ebike battery according to manufacturer instructions.
Will my new ebike battery work in rainy conditions?
While it is unlikely that rain will damage your new ebike battery (due to its weather-tight design), extreme exposure to rainwater may cause damage to certain electronic components such as control systems or connectors. We therefore recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to rain or excessively humid environments whenever possible. Additionally, if you plan on exposing your ebike to rain frequently, we recommend taking steps to protect your ebike electronics from moisture. Examples of protective measures include applying dielectric grease to electrical connections, installing a waterproof connector housing and using a sealed battery compartment cover. By implementing these precautions you will help ensure long-term reliability and optimal performance from your new ebike battery.