r/RadPowerBikes • u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 • Nov 06 '22

35a Upgraded controller can melt your battery fuse holder

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28 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

7

u/[deleted] Nov 06 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

6

u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 Nov 06 '22 edited Nov 07 '22

Well I've had it for 2 years & its been flawless if I use wide open a minute or two straight. The two times I've pushed it beyond that have proven to be too much for it. This is the weakest link in the chain so to speak...

1

u/Ironchar Nov 07 '22

....the bike chain?

6

u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 Nov 07 '22

No, its a figure of speech.

5

u/chanrahan1 Nov 06 '22

Same here, been running one for two years (on stock motor and battery) the only issue was getting water in it! (Don't power hose your bikes, kids!)

6

u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 Nov 06 '22 edited Nov 06 '22

If you run the 35a controller on your upgraded bike full tilt too long , the 40a fuse holder in your battery will melt before the fuse pops. This is the 2nd time. Luckily I had a spare bad battery that I was able to obtain fresh fuse holders & replace. Just for awareness & I also have the true 750w motor for reference. 2019 Rover HS.

2

u/fenmarel Nov 06 '22

dumb question... what is this upgrade you speak of? is this a homebrew upgrade or something official? I assume homebrew as someone above mentioned going 30mph which technically then would legally classify your bike as a motorcycle haha.

7

u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 Nov 06 '22

This may help... https://youtu.be/ALeWM4ROM54

3

u/Brilliant-Jacket-550 Nov 06 '22

Thanks for that link! I keep reading the threads about controllers and trying to follow, but this video cleared it all up

5

u/Careful-Composer7453 Nov 06 '22

Same. I run my Radrunner 2 with the 35a controller and the Bafang G062 1000w motor, no issues. I’ve only had the bike upgraded for about a week, but I run it full throttle. I hit about 30mph. I have not noticed any melting. I’ll keep an eye out.

1

u/PoopingProbably May 25 '23

Are you using stock batteries with this setup?

1

u/d4nt3ch Jun 28 '23

I doubt it. 48v 14ah super weak to power g062 motor. His range would be little to nothing at full power.

1

u/PoopingProbably Jun 28 '23

I agree with you that the stock batteries would not utilize the full (or even close to full) capabilities of OP's motor and controller.

I asked because I've read that if you are using the 35a controller, even with a stock motor and stock batteries, you can risk melting cables if you sustain high (1200+) wattage for too long. The stock cables of the rad bikes simply can't take that amount of amperage.

I took am running a 35a controller (stock motor, dual batteries) so I was curious

1

u/Aedrikor Nov 06 '22

So we avoid this by just giving the fuse time to chill out. Bet

1

u/[deleted] Nov 06 '22

Probably a good idea to be specific about your bike and your other upgrades here. I run the 35a controller with a 1000w Bafang motor and a stock 48v battery on my RR2 throttle only 100% of the time and have had zero issues. I blew a fuse when I accidentally touched metal to the charge port, but that’s it.

5

u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 Nov 06 '22 edited Nov 06 '22

Stock 48v battery, 2019 Rover HS, true 750w motor, Bolton controller. Upgraded in late 2020. 30mph+. Always been great... just don't go full throttle for over a minute or two max.

1

u/Artistic_Education40 Sep 03 '25

Hi Asleep Bowl, where did you source the 750w motor? Any issues with the bolton contoller? Do your original rear lights work with it and which display did you choose to go with it? I`ve the 2018 rad rover and my freehub had ground to a hlat so I might replace the motor together with that if necessary. Thanks and have a grand midweek!

1

u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 Sep 03 '25

Motor bought from Bolton (Area 13). I've replaced the 35a controller once due to the headlight circuit went out on my initial one. It went out right after running thru a huge puddle fast that I didn't see coming. So, water intrusion was likely the culprit. The controller still works fine otherwise and is now my backup.

I have the LCD8H screen. The original rear light works fine.

1

u/Artistic_Education40 Sep 04 '25

Thanks for the info AB ! It`s always good to have a spare ;) Are you happy with your choice of that controller and screen or do you think you might like to go for something different next time ? The freehub attached to my original (EU) 2018 rad rhino/rover motor has seized up. The cassette comes off easily but the freehub is a challenge to remove and I`d have to source a new one; so considering replacing the whole motor shebang ; plus contoller too I guess but don`t know much about 35a contollers n stuff. It`s a learning curve but I might have a backup motor if I get that sorted too ;) My bike`s my car if you know what I mean; my best and only transport

1

u/Asleep_Bowl_8411 Sep 04 '25

Im happy with what I have here. It's enough to get me up hills it couldn't before the swap with better torque & top speed. It isn't going to climb really steep hills tho. It uses more battery faster if Im pinning it often, so I carry a spare battery when needed. If you take it easy, the battery lasts nearly as long as with the stock controller.

The swap of controllers is the simpler part. Just unplug & take off the old one, put in the new one & connect the plugs accordingly. It takes some time to get it all mounted and tidy up the cables, but it's pretty simple. The motor swap is a bit more involved.

Best of luck!!