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Almost all e-bike batteries sold to consumers are ridiculously overpriced[1] relative to their components. Especially those from reputable brands like Bosch and
by patrickk 5y ago
Almost all e-bike batteries sold to consumers are ridiculously overpriced[1] relative to their components. Especially those from reputable brands like Bosch and Shimano which supplies most of the better e-bike brands on the street.
It’s a combination of having relatively well-off consumers, who lack the time/knowledge to start messing with their expensive machines and lack of generic spare parts due to the likes of Bosch locking down their components, and creating specialised computers (similar to how modern cars work) so that only authorised repair shops can work on them.
[1] https://ampedcycling.com/e-bike-battery-prices-what-can-i-expect-to-pay/ https://ampedcycling.com/e-bike-battery-prices-what-can-i-ex...
- tda 5y agoBut for anyone that can break the protection and manufacture a somewhat descent generic replacement battery the potential profit is enormous. I am sure some Chinese are well aware and hard at work on circumventing the DRM
- jacquesm 5y agoIt is unfortunately not that simple. The likes of Bosch have had a decade or two to learn how to lock up their automotive systems and they're using every trick in the book to do the same to e-bikes.
- tda 5y agoPerhaps, and then I hope they will be made obsolete as all the essential parts for making e-bikes are becoming commodities. 250W electric motors (max allowed in EU dor normal e-bikes) are not exactly rocket science. My jigsaw even has a 300W motor (though probably not rated for hours of continuous use)