Suggested upgrades
While IN warranty
Charger – I highly recommend
upgrading the charger or buying a second one. You want a smart
charger that shuts itself off but one that charges at a higher rate
than 2 amps for shorter charge times(although too many amps will
degrade over all life span). The higher the amps the faster
it'll charge (also the more expensive the charger). Chargers start at
about $80 for the 2 amp chargers. Having a second charge means you
can keep one at work and one at home. Here is one on ebay for
about 50 after shipping
Cargo Saddlebags
Surge Protector.
Plug your charger
into a surge protector and the surge protector into the wall socket. I
can not stress this enough. The quality and stability of the power
coming from the power grid to your home is not to be trusted with
expensive electronics. Chargers has a 3.1 amp fuse to protect your
batteries from surges.
Purchase Tire tube inserts to protect
against flats. Like Mr Tuffy etc..
http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Flats-Bicycle-Liner-Protector/dp/B0018GH2TC
Have the steel frame sprayed for anti corrosion. (Have the electrical wires, connectors, controller and DC converter covered so they don't get sprayed.) Check the frame periodically for rust and paint any spots found with a metal paint.
Pedals – upgrade to metal pedals, preferably with small teeth to grip your shoe bottom. Fold-able pedals would be nice.
GPS tracker – needs to be 48V or have it's own small battery. I suggest a pager type alarm over a siren type alarm, though they are more expensive.
After warranty Expires
For
Large wide scooter style bikes. Install
a 12 volt fan blower to blow air on the controller to keep the
electronics cool on hot days and long rides. Can be wired into the 12
Volt power supply from the DC converter.
Purchase a portable air compressor 12V
and wire in a power socket to the 12V power supply on large wide style
bikes. Switch 100 does not have a 12V socket..
Replace the 12/48volt incandescent lights with 12/48volt LED lights where possible to reduce power draw.
The first time you change a tire tube, drill a second tube inflation hole and install two tubes in the tire. When one goes flat inflate the other one. Drilling through the Rim is a BIG job. Make sure to drill on the opposite side of rim to maintain balance. Also offset the hole from the center.
Replace the Lead acid batteries with
Nickel metal hydride or Lithium
batteries. Use a 48Volt pack. As high
a C discharge rate as you can find. Purchase the proper type of
charger(s) for the battery chemistry, and a battery management
electronics package.
