Interchangeable batteries

[Joe EE]

Been having so much fun with my Voltbike Yukon 750 that I decided to add another bike so I can tandem ride with a friend. I purchased a Surface 604 Colt which is in transit. My question, if anyone knows off the top of their head is; is it possible the batteries on these 2 bikes are interchangeable? They look to be roughly the same physical size and construction, power ratings etc. Just wondering if the manufacturers purposely make the connections proprietary to prevent this. Back in the day Compaq computers used to do stuff like that so they could sell more Compaq specific RAM and such. Thanks in advance.

 

[Alex M]

You won't know until it arrives. It "looks" like a common form-factor, they sometimes call it a Tiger Pack. The trend to making ebikes with proprietary parts is raging - much worse than it is in computers. RAM is cheap, and only a handful of machines won't accept an off-brand hard-drive.

Not important, IMO. You'll be on the same trail, so if your friend runs out of juice, there is a good chance that yours will be very low then, too.

 

[JRA]

Looks iffy

 

[Joe EE]

Thanks fellas. I know what ya mean Alex but I was just hoping to be carrying a "free" spare when I'm out alone. And JRA, I agree but ya can never tell with the perspective in these pics. The battery on my Yuke could end up being bigger lol.

 

[Larry Ganz]

Why didn't you just buy another Voltbike if you wanted to have a compatible battery?

 

[Trail Cruiser]

Why didn't you just buy another Voltbike if you wanted to have a compatible battery?

Good recommendation. Joe EE. you can buy a mid drive version of Volt bike
https://electricbikereview.com/voltbike/enduro/
with superior climbing power and a change of cycling experience for an expanded overall exposure to electric bikes. Makes cycling even more exciting!

I had a similar dilemma in the past where I had a hub drive (2015 Izip Dash) and I wanted to have an extra battery. The battery at that time was hard to find and was very expensive. I saw a highly discounted mid drive with the same battery (2015 Raleigh Tekoa). I grabbed the opportunity and now I am rotating my ebikes everytime I go out for a ride and appreciate the unique advantages of each drive system.

Addendum: I think you can also unlock the speed limit of the mid drive using the display setting.

 

[Joe EE]

Hey Larry, battery compatibility would be nice but it wasn't essential to my decision making. That Surface Colt looks like a really nice bike also and I wanted to diversify a bit, try something else. I like the torque sensor on the Colt, the hydraulic brakes, the chainguard and the adjustable handlebars. Not sure if there is a Volt with all those features.

 

[Larry Ganz]

Hey Larry, battery compatibility would be nice but it wasn't essential to my decision making. That Surface Colt looks like a really nice bike also and I wanted to diversify a bit, try something else. I like the torque sensor on the Colt, the hydraulic brakes, the chainguard and the adjustable handlebars. Not sure if there is a Volt with all those features.

Would you say that the new bike will become your first choice when riding with friends, or you just wanted it for variety?

I'd like a variety of different bikes as I do with my watches, but I can stash 60 of my watches in less space than one eBike, although many cost a lot more than my Trek.

I'll probably stick with Bosche powered bikes for a while, like when I upgrade or buy one for my son, etc. then we can swap batteries. My wife would have a Bosche powered Trek Powerfly if the stand over height had been lower for a 5 foot 1 inch rider. So we can't swap batteries since her Neko uses Shimano - like you, a choice we had to make.

 

[Joe EE]

I don't know which will be my preference but I'm looking forward to finding out. I'm just really happy to be riding again. The second bike quickly became a necessity because anyone riding a standard bicycle is at a total disadvantage going out togethe,r so it seemed like a forgone conclusion. I love the Volt but I am very interested in the comparison I am about to make.

 

[Joe EE]

Hey, thanks so much for the very detailed answer.

 

[Joe EE]

I'm expecting it tomorrow unless I'm not in to sign for it. Then it won't be till the weekend or at the latest next Wednesday. Anticipation

 

[Joe EE]

Hey @SuperGoop. The Colt has arrived! The batteries are not the same size. Just FYI. I think I'm going to love this bike also, a nice contrast to the Yuke.

 

[Bob H]

Hey @SuperGoop. The Colt has arrived! The batteries are not the same size. Just FYI. I think I'm going to love this bike also, a nice contrast to the Yuke.

Hello Joe EE,

I hope you like the Colt. I bought one in the middle of April and just hit 1000 miles. The bike is built like a tank and I have had no real problems with it so far. Keep us advised of how you are finding it and if you have any questions about the bike, I'll try to answer.

 

[Joe EE]

Thanks Bob. First ride later today! Get back to you with first impressions.