Dost Dual Battery Question

[6zfshdb]

With the dual battery option, do both batteries discharge at the same time or does one deplete first and then switch to the other? If both batteries discharge simultaneously, both will have to be recharged after every ride even if neither is fully depleted. With only one charger, this will require charging one battery first, then connecting the other. This means a 2 step charging process after every ride, even if it's a short one. I suppose this issue could be solved by buying a second charger or a "Y" connector if one exists.

 

[crst4s]

From review on this site:
If you purchase a second battery, you can choose to drain it and the main pack simultaneously or start with the main pack and then switch the second pack on. There’s a little on/off toggle switch on the range extender pack that lets you decide. In fact, I think you can completely remove the integrated battery and run solely off of the optional external pack if you wish!

 

[6zfshdb]

From review on this site:
If you purchase a second battery, you can choose to drain it and the main pack simultaneously or start with the main pack and then switch the second pack on. There’s a little on/off toggle switch on the range extender pack that lets you decide. In fact, I think you can completely remove the integrated battery and run solely off of the optional external pack if you wish!

I watched that part of the review but I still don't understand if the batteries are put in parallel when that switch is thrown. How does it affect the battery gauge? I'm sure there is some internal circuitry to handle this but I'd like to know how it operates. I emailed Drost with a few questions but they have not yet responded.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[crst4s]

I had 2 Dost Drops delivered last month but have not ridden them yet, nor did I order the extra batteries. My understanding of the review is that the second battery is not activated until the switch is thrown. If that is the case, it could function in parallel or as a reserve battery to be used when the main battery becomes depleated. Dost should have some data on the most efficient method for battery deployment. Hopefully you inquiry will prompt them to post on their website. They have been quite good responding to my questions.

 

[6zfshdb]

Dost responded to my battery inquiry:

Shara (DOST BIKES INC.) Jan 11, 2021, 11:56 PST Hello Rick, Thank you for your interest with our DOST bikes! The measurement is from the saddle seat all the way down to the ground floor. In terms of the batteries, you can only charge one battery at a time and when in use the power will only read which battery has the highest power and once that battery runs out it switches automatically to the next battery. If you prefer to have batteries be charged at the same time, you'll need to purchase an extra charger for the secondary battery. Each bikes at DOST only comes with a cadence sensor at this time. Please let me know should you have further questions and I'd be happy to help. Cheers, Shara Carpio Customer Experience Specialist DŌST BIKES 1(833) 247-3678

It mostly answered my battery question.

My only reservation with this bike is the lack of a torque sensor. It does use a 24 magnet cadence sensor but without test riding, it's unclear how the bike will perform. Court didn't go into detail on this point in his review.

I understand the need to keep costs down since torque sensors are pricey. In my case however, I'd be willing to pay extra for that feature.