The Right Battery Choice for You
Every RidekickTM trailer comes with a battery, and the battery choice is yours!
We talk about a battery value in watt hours (Wh). Watt hours are determined by multiplying the volts (v) times the amp hours (Ah). The higher the Wh, the more power and capacity of the battery.
Ridekick power trailers have a 24 volt system, so 24v x 12 Ah = 288 Wh, 24v x 20 Ah = 480 Wh, and 24v x 30 Ah = 720 Wh. The higher the Wh, the farther a rider can go with that battery.
Distance estimates are based on industry standard variables: 160 lb rider, 20 lb cycle, flat terrain, 70⁰ F temperature, no wind, cycle tires inflated to maximum, and one non-stop path.
The main feature of your battery choice is the chemistry. Batteries are made with different chemistry. That affects the way it charges, how you need to charge it, how it performs in extreme temperatures, and how long the battery might last (in months/years.)
think about how you might use a Ridekick power trailer
SLA – Sealed Lead-acid
Battery chemistry similar to a car battery.
- Tried and true technology
- Most economical up front cost
- Offers about 400 charge cycles (recharging to full)
- A well-cared-for battery will give about 4,000 miles of support
- Heaviest
- 8 – 10 miles on a charge
- Must be charged at the end of each ride
- Made with recycled materials and easy to recycle
It’s a very functional and reliable entry-level battery for riders who want to give the RidekickTM trailer a try. Many riders find that they ride more often when the boost, so either upgrade to a lithium battery or add a second SLA. The beauty is that the trailer carries the weight!
Lithium 20 Ah – LiFePO4
Battery chemistry used for wheelchairs and solar powered lights.
- Newer modern technology
- Safest lithium chemistry
- Higher upfront cost, but over the life of a well-tended battery averages <2 cents per charge
- Offers about 1500 charge cycles (recharging to full)
- A well-cared-for battery will give about 25,000 miles of support
- Lightest of our batteries
- 20 – 25 miles on a charge
- Can be charged every few days if not depleted on a ride
- Made with new materials, recyclable through specific channels
This is a safe and efficient mid-range battery for riders who want to ride more or be able to continue riding more easily.
Lithium 30 Ah – LiFePO4
Battery chemistry used for wheelchairs and solar powered lights.
- Newer modern technology
- Safest lithium chemistry
- Highest upfront cost, but over the life of a well-tended battery, it averages <2 cents/charge
- Offers about 1500 charge cycles (recharging to full)
- A well-cared-for battery will give about 45,000 miles of support
- Slightly less weight than the SLA
- 40 – 45 miles on a charge
- Made with new materials, recyclable through specific channels
This battery choice supports riders who want to go on longer rides (35 – 45 miles) without having to worry about running out of boost. Often riders who ride with a group of stronger-ability riders like this battery because it will give a consistent boost for the duration of the ride.