For enthusiasts diving into the electric dirt bike scene, finding reliable and robust power solutions is paramount. While purpose-built dirt bike batteries are an option, exploring versatile alternatives like ego dirt bike batteries can unlock a world of possibilities. This journey began unexpectedly, not in the dirt bike track, but in a quest for a quieter, emission-free lawn care solution.
My household, split between two homes, one a secluded off-grid haven, embraces eco-conscious living. Gasoline-powered tools are largely absent, even the generator runs on propane. The wild, expansive lawn demanded attention for a wedding reception, leading to the initial foray into cordless lawnmowers. A disappointing 40V model was quickly replaced by the EGO 56V cordless lawnmower, a purchase that unexpectedly sparked an idea far beyond lawn care.
lawnThe Ego mower impressed with its power, tackling even dense overgrowth. The 4Ah battery, providing around 30 minutes of heavy-duty mowing, recharged rapidly, seamlessly integrating with our solar power setup. This isn’t a review praising a lawnmower, but rather a revelation about leveraging readily available, high-quality lithium batteries – like those from Ego – for high-demand applications such as ego dirt bikes. Buckle up, as we explore how these batteries can power your electric adventures.
A 4Ah Ego battery runs about 9 at any Home Depot storeA 4Ah Ego battery, a durable power source, is commonly priced around $199 at major home improvement retailers. Purchasing it as part of a tool combo, like with a chainsaw or lawn mower, often presents a more economical deal.
My own battery mishap – accidentally ruining a set of lead-acid golf cart batteries – ironically paved the way for this exploration. In the aftermath of a smoking battery box and a hefty replacement bill, a “borrowed” Ego lawnmower battery became the subject of weekend ebike experiments. The moral? Perhaps avoid entrusting me with battery longevity.
Previously, sourcing compact, reliable lithium packs with integrated Battery Management Systems (BMS) was challenging. Ego batteries offer a smart solution, readily available with warranties from your local hardware store.
You can a fast charger (left) or slow charger (right) and 56v batteries in a variety of different sizesweights and power capacities.Ego offers a versatile ecosystem with fast and slow chargers, alongside 56V batteries in various capacities and sizes, catering to different power and weight needs for applications like electric bikes and potentially, ego dirt bikes.
Decoding the 56V Misnomer: Understanding Voltage in Ego Batteries
It’s worth noting the “56V” label is a marketing convention. Industry standards would typically classify these as 50V, 51V, or 52V packs, reflecting the nominal voltage. The 56V refers to the peak voltage immediately after charging, exceeding 57V slightly. While technically not misleading, it can be confusing. Regardless, most power tool brands market their 14S packs as 56V. Consider it industry jargon.
The battery and charger together are pretty heavy. The quick charger is even heavier.The combined weight of the Ego battery and its standard charger is considerable, especially when considering portability for applications beyond stationary tools, such as ego dirt bike conversions. The rapid charger option adds even more weight.
Modifying Ego Chargers for Electric Bike Integration
Testing the Ego battery involved two approaches. Initially, a modified charger was used, proving cumbersome due to its weight. Subsequently, the charger was disassembled to isolate the connector. A used slow charger was acquired affordably online, and its internals were accessed using security Torx screwdrivers. The positive and negative leads were then snipped, and wires soldered to Anderson Powerpole connectors. Heat shrink tubing insulated the connections, and a small notch was created in the charger casing for wire routing. Duct tape and a zip tie provided strain relief, securing the cable.
solderA simple soldering modification allows for adapting the Ego battery connector for custom applications, taking only about 10 minutes to complete.
This setup, while functional, felt impractical due to the charger’s added weight during rides. Further disassembly led to removing just the battery conductors, which could be directly inserted into the battery terminals. These conductors proved surprisingly secure, even with vibrations from off-road riding, making for a lightweight connection solution.
This ziptie will end up inside the case as a strain relief with the case biting down on the duct tape to protect the wire insulation.Utilizing a zip tie inside the modified Ego charger case creates a strain relief mechanism, protecting the wire insulation where it exits the housing, enhancing durability for demanding applications such as ego dirt bike builds.
Ego Batteries: Robust Performance for Demanding Applications
The Ego battery pack exceeded expectations in off-road tests with both BBS02 and BBSHD ebike motors. The BMS handles 30 amp bursts, performing optimally at 15-20 amps without overheating. The low voltage cutoff is set conservatively, indicated by intermittent power delivery as the battery depletes. Notably, these batteries incorporate a phase-changing material for heat management, absorbing significant heat energy as it transitions from solid to liquid, effectively preventing overheating under heavy loads.
Using a phase change battery wrap is an ingenious way to capture excess heatPhase change material technology in Ego batteries offers an innovative approach to thermal management, crucial for maintaining performance and longevity in demanding applications like ego dirt bikes where heat dissipation is critical.
While the BMS is waterproof, the battery pack itself is ventilated and not designed for submersion. However, anecdotal evidence suggests resilience to harsh conditions. For wet environments, a waterproof bag or backpack is advisable. Testing was conducted with a 4Ah pack, and performance may vary with smaller 2Ah versions. Specific output ratings and cell specifications are unavailable, but estimations suggest configurations using reliable 20R and 25R cells, commonly used in power tools. These cells, while not boasting the latest capacity advancements, offer consistent 20A output and are cost-effective, likely contributing to Ego’s competitive pricing.
lightThe Ego battery and charger combination features an illuminated indicator, adding a modern touch to its robust design, appealing to users looking for both performance and user-friendly features for projects like ego dirt bikes.
Ego Battery Packs: A Viable Option for Electric Conversions?
The accessibility of Ego batteries at major retailers makes them appealing for DIY electric projects. A 4Ah pack can provide around 40 minutes of pedal-assist riding, suitable for shorter commutes or recreational use. Compared to less engineered 14S 56V packs, Ego batteries offer a more robust and refined solution. Ego’s 3-year manufacturer warranty, exceptional in the industry, adds further value, though modification for ego dirt bike use would likely void it.
The best way to use this pack is with the conductors wedged in the slotsUtilizing the Ego battery pack by directly inserting conductors into the slots offers a lightweight and straightforward method for powering custom projects, potentially simplifying the battery integration for ego dirt bikes.
The Evolving Battery Landscape and Future Alternatives
While Ego batteries present a compelling option, the market rapidly evolves. The emergence of lighter, more powerful packs like the Luna Cycle 6Ah 14S2P 30Q pack, weighing just 3.3lbs, signals the direction of battery technology. This compact pack offers 30A continuous output and impressive range, outperforming Ego packs in power-to-weight ratio. Its small size allows pocket portability, a feat impossible even with the smallest Ego pack. A forthcoming review of the Luna Mighty Mini pack is anticipated.
The industry progresses relentlessly, continuously rendering older battery technologies obsolete.
Thanks to RonSpinningmagnets for the inspiration behind this article.
It’s not easy being green, but powering your ride with readily available and adaptable batteries is a step in the right direction.
Ride On.
