Swapped battery for first time - proper orientation of lock pin

[FrankR]

I ordered a spare battery, and today I did a swap for the first time.

Fortunately, the new battery went in and the bike powered up. But, the battery I pulled out: what is the proper orientation of the pin when out of the bike. Pin in or out? Does it matter?

Thank you.

 

[Johny Rocket]

Pin goes in. If it sticks out the pin will prevent the battery from sliding into the bike.

 

[FrankR]

Understood, at the time of insertion. But for storage, is it ok for the battery to be stored with the pin in?

 

[harryS]

Depends on your battery. If it is the SIlverfish with the pin on the upper rear of the battery, the key is also an on/off switch and you know that if you turn the key all the way to the right, the battery turns on, allowing power to the bottom contacts, If that gets wet, it's not good.

On most other batteries that I've seen, the key doesn't turn on the battery. It's either always on, as with the low end Hailongs, or you have a switch. I would suggest leaving the pin retracted. This will allow you to re-install the battery w/o a key on many bikes, just in case you misplace the key.

 

[Johny Rocket]

Store it with pin in. The Lectric battery is turned off to the exposed contact pins when the pin is all the way in and safe to prevent accidentally shorting the contacts. It is also when you're able to remove and insert the key. You should not store the battery fully charged for long periods of time. Time charging your battery in a way that is close to the time that you will be riding. Store the battery at 46-48 volts the rest of the time as best you can. Try not to store the battery fully charged or below 46 volts as best you can. Your battery will last way longer if you practice these guidelines as best you can. I use a smart plug with my charger that makes it super easy to plan ahead for 5-6 hr charges. Every few months an overnight charge before ridding will keep the batteries "in balance".

 

[Johny Rocket]

And to be clear, the position of the pin is also about how to store the battery installed in the bike. All the way in to remove/install battery, halfway to lock the battery in the bike with the battery off, pin all the way out to turn the battery on. Very helpful since the key and label is under the bike and can't be seen easily.

 

[BeenLectric]

The smart plug is a great idea. May end up looking for a smart power strip if I can find one that has a timed feature. Ever come across any of those you'd recommend?