Giant LaFree e+2 battery issue

[Dede]

I have had my Giant LaFree e+2 almost two years and love it. Recently replaced brake pads and rotors (I live and cycle in very hilly country, so not surprised). I have a battery electrical issue that I imagine it need to take in for service, but thought others might have an idea - service wait is so long now and not sure how I can live without my bike for two weeks! Fully charged, it first happened toward the end of a 40+ mile ride, though still more than half charge left; the bike just powered off. I stopped the bike, and then powered on, no problem. A few miles later it did it again. Then it got me all the way home (including up very long hill set). One other day it did it once on a shorter (12 or so mile ride), but no problem getting home. The battery still shows plenty of charge, and nothing else seems amiss. The second ride it did it, I noticed it was after hitting a bump in the road so I’m thinking it is a battery contact issue. Would love some sense of this before I plan for a service visit (or even better if there is something I can do that’s easy!!). Thanks!!

 

[DaveMatthews]

Bummer Dede.
Do you charge the battery while it's on the bike?
Curious if you have removed the battery and inspected the connectors for being loose or dirty?

 

[Dede]

Thanks Dave. I do both depending on the season. On quick look everything is normal but that’d be next is to look more closely. I thought first I might hear of someone having this issue and pin pointing it - but good suggestion. Thanks.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Thanks Dave. I do both depending on the season. On quick look everything is normal but that’d be next is to look more closely. I thought first I might hear of someone having this issue and pin pointing it - but good suggestion. Thanks.

Yes, hopefully someone with Lafree experience will chime in. It's a pretty popular bike, so I'm hopeful.

 

[Dede]

Looks like it’s just you and me Dave. Figured I’d report out in case anyone comes along. I did take my battery off, dust the connectors off without getting too “into” them. I also locked the battery in place - I’ve never been sure if that is proper practice rather than just snapping it in (which feels fairly secure). Anyway….since I did those two things I have no had an issues and I have ridden my 26 RT commute nearly a dozen times since then. Yay.

 

[PatriciaK]

Hmmm ..I always take my La Free battery off for charging, and just snap it in place when I put it back on - did not even know about locking it in.

No problems as of yet, but I'll certainly make note of checking connections, and locking in battery.

Thanks for posting about this, Dede!