The Yose Power 48V 13Ah downtube ebike battery is a lower-cost option in the 624Wh category. However, with a very limited amount of user feedback (only a handful), and being such a new product, it is difficult to tell how reliable this battery would be compared to a known product from a reputable company.
That being said, Yose Power has produced a battery in the past (52V 13Ah model) with many of the characteristics listed below, and based on our review, they did a great job with the build-quality, connectors, etc. and the price-point is very reasonable. So, if you're looking for a affordable solution and don't mind trying something new with virtually no data available on reliability and performance, then this might be a good choice for you. Also, please note that you may need to contact the seller directly to obtain detailed specifications.
Specs and Build Quality
From all appearances, the headlining specs show that this battery is capable of delivering approximately 624 watts/hours of energy. That is competitive with a 48V 15Ah battery, but in a thinner package. Based on these specs alone, this battery could likely cover most of your commute without having to recharge.
There isn't too much information provided in the listing regarding the build quality of the battery itself. However, we were able to determine that the packaging includes a standard downtube mounted enclosure. As with all downtube enclosures, you'll need to ensure that the size fits your frame. We recommend measuring your existing battery slot or your current pack before placing an order. Downtube batteries aren't universal. Therefore, a few millimeters' variation in the mounting foot print can render a new pack unusable.
In addition to providing the aforementioned specs for the battery, the packaging includes a 4-pin connection for discharging power from the battery. In terms of physical dimensions, the packaging does provide some information, although not enough to completely determine whether or not this battery will fit inside your frame. To ensure proper fitment and compatibility, you will need to compare the dimensions listed by Yose Power against those of your existing battery or battery slot.
BMS and Design Features
As previously mentioned, when building a down-tube battery like this one, safety needs to be paramount. The BMS provides the necessary circuitry to protect users from potential hazards associated with electrical components. Specifically, the BMS functions as a cell balancer and disconnects the supply at both low and high voltages to prevent damage to individual cells.
The design features for this particular battery are somewhat unique in relation to others we've seen in recent months. One major advantage that sets this apart from similar products is that it comes equipped with a "safe-lock" mechanism. The safe-lock allows users to attach the battery to the frame and secure it via a mechanical latch. This will allow users to safely store their bicycles in public areas while minimizing their chances of theft due to the increased difficulty in removing the battery. While this does offer added security benefits, it is essential to remember that it does not create an impermeable barrier. Water resistance remains unaffected, but thieves will find it more difficult to remove the battery.
Another aspect of design that deserves attention is the inclusion of a USB port for powering accessories or charging phones. Although it is not designed specifically for rapid charging, it will certainly help bridge gaps between access to charging infrastructure. An additional feature is an integrated LED status light located on the housing, allowing users to quickly gauge the state-of-charge for their battery without requiring additional displays or interfaces.
Range and Real-World Performance
When comparing apples-to-apples (i.e., similarly-sized packages) the 624 Wh of energy contained within this battery equates to a range of approximately 20 miles on average when used during normal commuting scenarios on relatively level terrain using moderate levels of assistance. When considering hills and/or extended periods of heavy throttle input, this estimate decreases rapidly, as expected given that Wh = Energy.
An important consideration is that the 10 Amp standard and 20 Amp maximum discharge ratings for this battery represent significant limitations. If you pair this battery with a motor that consistently draws over 20 amps under load during operation, you may experience sudden loss of power due to activation of the BMS. No cyclist likes losing power mid-ascent!
One final item worthy of mention involves charging time. Due to use of a slow-charger (i.e., 2 amp at 54.6 volts), a complete charge cycle will require nearly 7 hours. Therefore, if you operate your bike daily and rely upon quick top-ups between each use-case scenario, this may present an inconvenience.
Who Is This Battery For
This particular battery seems best-suited for riders with certain types of bikes:
- Riders who have downtube frames,
- Riders who have motors ranging in output from 100 Watts up to 900 Watts,
- Riders seeking a durable 624 WH pack without paying premiums,
If none of these categories apply to you and you are instead seeking more information about batteries suitable for your type of bike or riding style, consider reviewing our Battery Comparison Table for side-by-side comparisons among various voltage/capacity combinations.
Additional Considerations
While we believe that this battery offers excellent value at its price point, we feel obligated to highlight two concerns related to purchasing a battery such as this:
- Feedback: At the time of writing this review, there were only a handful of reviews posted for this product. Essentially no real-world data exists yet.
- Fit: Although the packaging contains information detailing physical dimensions for mounting, you must verify that this battery will physically fit your frame prior to making a purchase.
Please refer to our FAQ Section for answers to questions we felt warranted further explanation.
Check the current price and buyer reviews on Amazon before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What motor sizes does this battery support?
A: According to the listing description, Yose Power recommends motors ranging from 100W through 900W. These are common operating ranges for many commuter-style hub motors.
Q: How long does it take to fully charge?
A: The smart charger included with this battery is set to 2 Amps at 54.6 Volts. Since it uses trickle charging technology, it will take approximately seven hours to reach 100% SOC from completely depleted.
Q: Will this battery fit my bike?
A: Not necessarily. Batteries vary slightly in sizing. You must verify that the size of this battery will fit your bike's downtube area prior to ordering.
Q: What does the Safe-Lock Mechanism do?
A: The Safe-Lock mechanism attaches the battery securely to your bicycle's downtube. It prevents someone from simply lifting your battery out of your bike. However, it does not prevent water from entering your battery case.
Q: Why are there so few reviews?
A: At the time of writing this article, there were only two reviews for this product. Neither rated above three stars. Please check back periodically to see if more reviews have been added.
Q: Can I use this on a 48V bike with a 54.6V charger?
A: Yes. Your bike runs at 48V DC. The charger supplied with this battery outputs 54.6V DC, which happens to be exactly what your bike requires. Please do not use chargers supplying different voltages, e.g., 52V or 36V. Incorrectly applied voltage can cause premature failure or reduce overall performance.