[0001] This application claims priority to our co-pending U.S. provisional application with the serial number 62/249816, which was filed on November 2, 2015. These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the invention is electric bicycles and battery kits for electric bicycles. Background of the Invention

[0003] The following descriptions include information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] There has been a growing interest in the use of electric bicycles for day to day and recreational transportation, sometimes in lieu of larger vehicles such as cars and trucks. While electric bicycles present various advantages such as speed, compactness, convenience and costs when compared to cars or non-electric bicycles, users can become frustrated with the difficulty in maintaining or repairing the numerous and complex electronic components, as well as the inconvenience and dangers associated with re-charging the batteries needed to electrically power their bicycles.

[0005] Some problems have arisen with respect to re-chargeable batteries catching fire. To safely charge a battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery), it has been recommended that the power input from a charger be below a maximum wattage determined by the characteristics of the battery. If a lithium-ion battery receives power from an incompatible charger, it is possible that the battery will catch fire or explode.

[0006] Additionally, as battery power can run out during an outing, forgetting the proper charger may render the bicycle without power, and temporarily defeat the purpose of an electric bicycle. [0007] When an electric bicycle malfunctions over time and is in need of repair, users often find themselves in need of an engineer or skilled technician to identify and replace the malfunctioning component(s). While the solution may be a simple and inexpensive one, the number of components involved and the differences in placement of those components from bicycle-to-bicycle make it difficult for a layperson to make the repair / replacement.

Furthermore, the solution is often not a simple and inexpensive one, for example where components are installed in a way that requires (or leads to) replacement of multiple components when only one component is defective.

[0008] Thus, there remains a need for improved electric bicycles, battery kits and devices, and methods thereof.

Summary of The Invention

[0009] The inventive subject matter is directed to kits, devices, systems and methods of reducing the disadvantages typically associated with the use, maintenance and repair of electric bicycles. In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, a battery kit is provided that advantageously contains several key components of an electric bicycle in a lightweight and compact package that can be carried as a single unit.

[0010] The battery kit can include a housing that defines first and second compartments, the second compartment having an open side. The first compartment could be sized and dimensioned to at least partially enclose a controller, a charger, and a retractable cord. In some preferred aspects, the first internal compartment is configured to completely enclose one or more of the controller, the charger, and the retractable cord.

[0011] The battery kit can also include a battery pack comprising a set of battery cells, and optionally a battery management system and fuse protector. The open side of the second compartment of the housing can advantageously be sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the battery pack, and at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90% of the battery pack' s volume could be secured within the second compartment of the housing.

[0012] When the battery pack is placed within the housing and secured in place, it is contemplated that the housing and the battery pack can form a single (optionally waterproof or water resistant) unit containing each of the controller, the charger, the set of battery cells, and the retractable cord. [0013] The housing can comprise one or more ports, including for example a charging port for external devices, a port allowing users to retrieve and extend the retractable cord coupled to the charger, a port through which cords connecting the controller to external components can pass, or any other suitable port. In some preferred aspects, the ports will include movable covers that seal the ports such that water and dust passage through to the internal compartment(s) is reduced or eliminated.

[0014] One should appreciate that the battery kits presented herein provide several advantages over known battery kits, including ease of use, maintenance and repair, and the ability to house several key components of an electric bicycle in a single unit having designated positions for each of the components. As used herein, a "single unit" can comprise multiple components, pieces or parts that are secured (e.g., fastened, coupled, attached) together in designated positions relative to one another.

[0015] If a battery kit of the inventive subject matter is damaged over time, a user or technician could simply remove the battery pack from the housing, and open up the housing (e.g., disengage first and second portions of the housing from one another) to examine the components contained therein. Preferably, the components will be electrically coupled to one another and physically coupled to the housing in a manner such that the components could be easily and non-destructively removed and replaced without causing any damage to the rest of the battery kit. For example, it is contemplated that a component (e.g., a controller) can be removed from the housing by only unfastening a set of screws that mechanically secures the controller to the housing, and uncoupling/unplugging an electrical connector(s) from an electrical connector(s) of another component (e.g., a battery or a charger).

[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of The Drawing

[0017] Fig. 1A illustrates an electric bicycle of the inventive subject matter including two battery kits (without any electrical connectors). [0018] Fig. IB illustrates a front portion of the bicycle of Fig. 1 A where a basket battery is coupled with the bicycle frame.

[0019] Fig. 1C illustrates a front portion of the bicycle of Fig. 1 A including a handlebar, brake and throttle.

[0020] Figs. 2A-2B illustrate a battery kit of the inventive subject matter mounted onto a rack of an electric bicycle.

[0021] Fig. 2C illustrates the battery pack being removed from the second compartment of a battery kit housing.

[0022] Figs. 2D-2H illustrate the upper and lower portions of the battery kit housing being disengaged to show components housed in the first compartment.

[0023] Fig. 21 illustrates components housed in or on the battery pack.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a schematic showing how components of a battery kit can be electrically coupled to one another.

[0025] Figs. 4A-4C illustrate another battery kit of the inventive subject matter.

[0026] Figs. 4D-4F illustrate the battery pack of the battery kit of Figs. 4A-4C.

[0027] Figs. 4G-4H illustrate some of the internal components of the battery kit of Figs. 4A- 4C.

[0028] Figs. 5A-5B illustrate some of the electrical connectors that can be used with an electric bicycle and battery kit.

[0029] Figs. 6A-6C illustrate a front basket battery kit. Detailed Description of Drawings

[0030] The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0031] The inventive subject matter is directed to kits, devices, systems and methods of providing electric bicycles and battery kits for electric bicycles. The battery kits

advantageously contain several key components in a lightweight and compact package, and at least some of the components can be readily removed for repair or replacement without causing damage to the battery kit (e.g., by only removing threaded fasteners and uncoupling a non-soldered electrical connector (e.g., pin connector, inductive connector, male-female connector, plug connector, push-in connector). Viewed from another perspective, all that is required for removal of some contemplated components from a housing is an

uncoupling/unplugging of an electrical connector (e.g., a connection between a controller and the battery cells), and removal or unfastening of a set of mechanical fasteners.

[0032] The battery kit scan be used with any suitable electric bicycle, but some preferred bicycles will include frame components having openings and hollow spaces sized, dimensioned and positioned to minimize the exposure of the cords passing from the battery kit to different devices on the bicycle (e.g., brakes, throttle, pedal assist, display screen, motor, lights).

[0033] In some embodiments of the inventive subject matter, a battery kit is provided comprising a housing that defines first and second internal compartments. The kit also can comprise a controller, a charger, and a retractable cord, each of which can be partially or fully enclosed or positioned in the first internal compartment. A battery pack of the kit can be electrically coupled to the controller and the charger, and optionally secured to (and at least partially within) the second compartment. When the battery pack is at least partially secured within the second compartment, the housing and the battery pack can form a single waterproof or water-resistant enclosure.

[0034] Viewed from a different perspective, a battery kit for installation on a bicycle frame can be provided comprising a housing non-destructively removable from the bicycle frame, and containing a battery and a controller. In some embodiments, the housing can be non- destructively removed from the frame as a single unit. Preferably, each of the battery and the controller is non-destructively removable from the housing for replacement or repair. [0035] The battery pack can comprise a set of battery cells, and the battery cells can be connected to one another in parallel, in series, or a combination of both. A battery management system can also be included in the battery pack, which can manage the battery pack, such as by protecting the battery cells from operating outside its safe operating area, monitoring its state, calculating secondary data, reporting that data, or controlling, authenticated or balancing its environment.

[0036] The batteries of the battery pack can be selected to provide a selected range and power to the electric bicycle. Some contemplated battery packs will comprise 48V10Ah batteries, 48V15Ah batteries, or 48V20Ah batteries, although all suitable sets of batteries are contemplated. The charger that charges the batteries should be compatible with the battery pack, and can comprise any suitable charger, including for example, a 2+.5 Amp charger, a 2-3 Amp charger, a 2-10 Amp charger or any other suitable charger.

[0037] In other aspects of the inventive subject matter, an electric bicycle comprising a motor can be provided that is electrically powered by one or more of the battery kits described above. The bicycle could include a bicycle frame component (e.g., a 6061 hydro-formed aluminum frame) extending from a front portion of the bicycle to a rear portion of the bicycle, which can include an at least partially hollow structure, a set of opening. Each of the openings and the hollow structure can be sized and dimensioned to receive an electrical cord that couples the battery kit to the motor.

[0038] Figure 1A illustrates an electric bicycle of the inventive subject matter including two battery kits. Electric bicycle 100 includes a basket 110 housing a battery kit 110A in the front portion of the bicycle, a seat, handlebars, tires, and a frame onto which the various components are fitted and coupled to one another. The frame includes multiple frame components (e.g., seat tube, seat stays, chain stays), which can include curved bars extending from a front portion of the bicycle to the rear portion, a rack for securing a battery kit, and two substantially triangular portions on opposing sides of the rear tire to which one or more saddle bags can be removably secured.

[0039] The frame components can include one or more openings 140A, 140B, 140C that are sized and dimensioned to receive a cord passing from rear battery kit 120 or battery kit llOAto another component of the bicycle being powered by the battery kit(s), for example motor 150 or display screen 130. The openings can include or be coupled to one or more O- rings made from an elastomer or other material to act as a water tight seal between the opening and the cord(s).

[0040] Figure IB illustrates a front portion of bicycle 100 where a basket 110 housing a battery kit 110A is coupled with the bicycle frame. The bicycle frame includes a cord receiver 170 that is sized and dimensioned to receive a set of cords extending from battery kit 110A (or battery kit 120) to different devices on the bicycle. Basket 110 includes a bracket 160, which can be mounted to cord receiver 170 or any other portion of the bicycle via fasteners 165A, 165B. Figure 1C illustrates a front portion of the bicycle 100 including a handlebar, brake 180 and throttle 190 (e.g., a thumb throttle).

[0041] Another exemplary basket for a bicycle including a battery kit is shown in Figures 6A-6C. Basket 600 includes first and second brackets 610A, 610B for mounting the basket to a bicycle frame. Basket 600 comprises a carrier portion 620 having at least one side barrier and a bottom barrier. The bottom barrier separates the carrier portion from a battery kit 630, which is contained in a housing beneath the bottom barrier. Battery kit 630 includes a power switch 634, and could include a charger, controller and other components as further described herein. Additionally or alternatively, battery kit 630 can also include a backup charging port 632 that allows the battery kit to be charged by an external charger. Still further, battery kit 630 can include a fan 636, for example a surface mounted fan that extends through at least a portion of the housing material. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6A-6C, battery kit 630 includes a retractable cord plug 640, and basket 600 includes an opening 642 that is sized and dimensioned to allow a user to pull the retractable cord plug 640 through the housing.

[0042] Although the electric cords are not shown in Figures 1A-1B, it should be appreciated that one or more of the cords could be coupled between front battery kit 110A and one or more of the different bicycle components (e.g., brakes, throttle, pedal assist, display screen, motor, lights), from the rear battery kit 120 to one or more of the different bicycle components, or any combination thereof.

[0043] Figures 2A-2B illustrate a battery kit 200 of the inventive subject matter that can be removably mounted on rack 205 of an electric bicycle (not shown). Battery kit 200 includes a connection port 250 through which cords can pass through the battery kit housing, for example from the controller to a motor. Battery kit 200 also includes a cover that can be pulled back or otherwise opened to access a 12 volt or other power port/socket 220. Socket 220 is electrically coupled to a power supply within battery kit 200, and can be used to charge or power an external devices and accessories such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, coolers, and other (small) appliances. Battery kit 200 also includes a light 240 visible from outside of the kit 200, which can act as a warning or signal to pedestrians and drivers passing by. Kit 200 also includes a key port / lock 230, which can be used to unlock the battery pack from within the second compartment. Battery level indicator 210, which shows a user how much battery power he has left until a re-charge is required, can also be included.

[0044] Battery kit 200 can advantageously be removably secured to rack 205 by fastening or removing a set of fasteners 260A-F from (a) apertures 265A-F of rack 205, and (b) corresponding fasteners of the battery kit 200. In some embodiments, fasteners 260a-f could each comprise screws with male threading, and the corresponding fasteners of battery kit 200 could include internal threading.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2A-2B, the battery kit 200 can be sized and dimensioned to fit within a rack of a bicycle. Viewed from a different perspective, it is contemplated that battery kit 200, including a battery pack, charger, controller, retractable cord and any other suitable components, could have a length of no more than 28 inches, no more than 24 inches, no more than 20 inches, no more than 18 inches, or between 8 and 18 inches, inclusive. Additionally or alternatively, battery kit 200 could have a width of no more than 12 inches, no more than 10 inches, no more than 8 inches, or between 3 and 8 inches, inclusive. Additionally or alternatively, battery kit 200 could have a depth of no more than 8 inches, no more than 6 inches, no more than 5 inches, no more than 4 inches, or between 1 and 3.5 inches, inclusive. For example, battery kit 200 can have a length of no more than 18 inches, a width of no more than 8 inches, and a depth (or thickness) or no more than 4 inches.

[0046] Figure 2C illustrates battery pack 200B being removed from the second compartment of a battery kit's housing 200A. In some preferred embodiments, the entire battery pack, or at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90%, can be positioned and secured within the second compartment of battery kit housing 200A,

optionally excluding components such as light 240 and battery level indicator 210. Where lock 230 is used to lock battery pack 200B in place within housing 200A, a user could advantageously unlock battery pack 200B from housing 200A with an external key to allow battery pack 200B to be removed from housing 200A for repair or replacement, among other things. In some other embodiments, battery pack 200B could be snapped into or otherwise secured in place within housing 200A. The battery pack 200B could advantageously be coupled with the housing in a manner such that the battery pack 200B seals an opening of the housing's second compartment, and forms a water-resistant or water-proof unit with the housing to protect the components positioned therein (e.g., controller, charger, retractable cord).

[0047] Figures 2D-2H illustrate first and second portions of the battery kit housing 200A being disengaged to show components housed in the first compartment (without various electrical couplings). First portion 270A and second portion 270B could be coupled to one another in any suitable manner, including for example, a snap fit, a slide coupling, or via mechanical fasteners such as screws and threaded hole fasteners (e.g., nuts) or seals.

[0048] Housing 200A includes a first (internal) compartment and a second (internal) compartment, wherein the first compartment houses several components of the battery kit, and the second compartment is sized and dimensioned to receive battery pack 200B through an opening. As used herein, a housing "compartment" can comprise a section of the housing that is divided by one or more physical partitions or walls extending in a generally straight line across a width or length of the housing (i.e., parallel or substantially parallel to the length or width), or could comprise a section of a whole that is designated for a specific purpose or purposes, even if not physically separated from any other compartment by a wall or partition. A wall or partition, wherein included, could comprise a complete wall that extends from one side of an internal surface of the housing to another side of an internal surface of the housing, and from a top inner surface of the housing to a bottom inner surface of the housing. A complete wall could be made of one, two or more pieces of material. A wall or partition could alternatively comprise partial wall that extends only partially between the two sides, or only partially between the top and bottom internal surfaces (e.g., only partially between the two sides, and only partially between the top and bottom).

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment can optionally comprise sub- compartments. The first compartment can take up any suitable amount of the interior volume of the housing (here, determined as if the housing was a closed housing not including an opening sized and dimensioned to receive the battery pack), including for example, no more than 70%, more preferably no more than 50% or no more than 40% of the interior volume of housing 200A. Similarly, the second compartment can take up any suitable amount of the interior volume of the housing. The second compartment can take up, for example, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or even 65% or more of the interior volume of housing 200A. Although housing 200A is shown to have only two compartments, it should be appreciated that a battery kit could include housings having more than two compartments. Preferably, housing 200A includes at least one opening that is sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of battery pack 200B for securing at least partially within the second compartment.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2D-2H, the first compartment of housing 200A is at least partially blocked off from the second compartment by a wall that extends along a width of housing 200A in a generally straight line. The first compartment includes sub- compartments separated by a partial wall extending along a portion of a length of housing 200A in a generally straight line. The first compartment houses controller 284, battery charger 282, electrical connector 278, a PCB mount power supply 276 (e.g., 12 volt output PCT mounted power supply), plug cover 272, electrical cord housing 274A, plug housing 274B, and lock 280.

[0051] A controller 284 is considered the brains of the electric bicycle, and connects various parts of the bicycle together (e.g., motor, screen, battery, light, sensor) and lets them work in harmony. Importantly, the controller 284 takes the electric current from the battery pack and delivers it to the motor. All suitable controllers are contemplated, including for example, a 20 amp controller, a 25 amp controller, a 26 amp controller, or a 50 amp controller.

[0052] Battery charger 282 can be configured to receive an electric current, for example via a power cord, and deliver the electric current to a battery pack (or a set of battery cells) that is configured to receive the electric current. In some contemplated embodiments the electric current received by the battery cell charger can be an alternating current (AC) while the current delivered to and received by the at least on battery cell can be a direct current (DC).

[0053] In some embodiments, the placement and position of the battery cell(s) and the battery charger(s) at least partially within the housing can be such that at least one spatial dimension (e.g., length, width, height) of the battery pack is reduced. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated in some embodiments that at least one of the battery charger and battery cell(s) are selected to reduce the weight of the battery pack. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the configuration of the battery charger and battery cell(s) are such that heat buildup during charge or discharge of the battery pack can be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated in some embodiments that the battery charger can be configured to reduce the time required to charge the at least one battery cell.

[0054] Figure 2D shows the components housed within the first compartment before they are secured in the compartment. Figure 2E shows controller 284 and charger 282 secured onto second portion (e.g., lower portion) 270B, and lock 280 secured in place on first portion (e.g., upper portion) 270A. Figure 2E also shows a multi pronged plug that can be used for power, lights, and charging, Figure 2F additionally shows plug cover 272 placed over an opening on upper portion 270A. Figure 2G additionally shows electrical connector 278 being secured on a wall of lower portion 270B between the first and second compartments. Figure 2H shows cord housing 274A and plug housing 274B being secured to upper portion 270A.

[0055] Each component enclosed in the first compartment could be secured to the housing via any suitable fastening mechanism. However, it is preferred that at least some of the components is non-destructively removable. For example, a component could include or be coupled with one or more tabs (e.g., 2 tabs, 3 tabs, 4 tabs, 5 tabs, 6 tabs, between 2-6 tabs), each of which include an aperture sized and dimensioned to receive a shank of a screw having male threads. The inner surface of the housing could include or be coupled with one or more fasteners having internal / female threads (e.g., 2 fasteners per component, 3 fasteners per component, 4 fasteners per component, 5 fasteners per component, 6 fasteners per component, between 2-6 fasteners per component). To secure a component to the housing, a user could align a component tab with a fastener of the inner surface of the housing, place the shank of the screw through the tab, and rotate the screw such that the male threads engage the female threads. Alternative contemplated fasteners can include snaps, bolts and nuts, adhesives, snap fit joints, or any other commercially suitable fasteners.

[0056] The positioning of the fasteners on the inner surface of the housing could

advantageously be used to identify a designated position of a component within the housing.

[0057] Figure 21 illustrates the internal components of battery pack 200B, which is at least partially secured within the second compartment of housing 200A. Battery pack 200B similarly includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and includes electrical connector 292, which is a multi-pronged plug suitable for power, lights and charging. Battery pack 200B also includes a battery management system 294, which manages a rechargeable battery cell or pack, such as by protecting the battery from operating outside its safe operating area, monitoring its state, calculating secondary data, reporting that data, or controlling, authenticated or balancing its environment. The battery management system can be configured to control the receipt and delivery of the electric current by the battery cell charger and the at least one battery cell. In some embodiments, the battery management system can be configured to monitor the charge status of the at least one battery cell.

Monitoring the charge status can include, among other things, monitoring the heat of the battery cell, the voltage across the cell, and the wattage being delivered to the battery cell by the charger. In some contemplated embodiments, the battery management system can be configured to increase or decrease the electric current delivered to the at least one battery cell in response to a condition of the battery cell (e.g. temperature of the cell or temperature of the battery pack).

[0058] Battery level indicator 210 and light 240 are coupled with at least one of the upper and lower portions (e.g., surface coupled or surface secured), such that they are visible to users without opening or disassembling the battery kit.

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic showing how components of a battery kit can be electrically coupled to one another. In the embodiment shown, battery pack 310, including a set of battery cells aligned in series and in parallel, is electrically coupled with (a) a power supply 320 via wires 370B and 370E, and coupling 360H, (b) a fuse holder 345 via wires 370F and coupling 360E, (c) a controller 305 via wires 370A and 370F, and couplings 360D and

360E, (d) a charger 300 via wires 370G and 370D, and coupling 360B, and (e) a charge port 350 (e.g., for an external charger) via wires 370H and 370C, and coupling 360C. The electrical couplings can comprises plugs that are color coded, and positive-negative controlled.

[0060] Charger 300 is also electrically coupled with a light 380 that indicates whether the battery pack / cells is being charged (e.g., red light indicating the battery is being charged, green light indicating the charge is complete), to power supply 320 via coupling 360F, and to the retractable power cord 335 and power plug 340 via coupling 360A. Power cord 335 can be contained in cord housing 330, and a user could pull on plug 340 to unwind the cord and insert plug 340 into an outlet. [0061] Power supply 320 is electrically coupled to an outlet 325 via electrical coupling

360G. Outlet 325 can be surface coupled or surface secured on a housing of the battery kit such that it can be accessed by a user without disassembling or opening the battery kit. One of more fans 315 can also be provided to cool one or more of the components in the kit (e.g., charger 300), and be coupled to power supply 320 via electrical coupling 3601.

[0062] Additionally, a power button 355 is provided and electrically coupled with battery pack 310, which the user could switch on and off to supply power to various components of the electric bicycle.

[0063] Figures 4A-4C illustrate another battery kit 400 of the inventive subject matter, which includes a battery level indicator 410 (positioned on battery pack 400B of Figures 4D- 4F), charger outlet 420 for charging external devices, and cords 405A, 405B, and 405C extending from within the battery kit housing (e.g., electrically coupled with a controller within the kit), and through the housing. A lock 438 is provided, which removably secures a battery pack at least partially in the second compartment of housing 400A (see Figures 4G- 4H).

[0064] The cords 405A, 405B, and 405C could be used to couple various components of the electrical bicycle to battery kit 400 (e.g., the controller of the battery kit). For example, cord 405A could be coupled with a front component cable 500, cord 405B could be coupled with a pedal assist component 550, and cord 405C can be coupled with a motor connector 510 that is also coupled with a motor (see Figure 5A).

[0065] Battery kit 400 also includes a set of fasteners 465A-G along a bottom surface, which include internal threads, and is sized and dimensioned to receive a set of fasteners having male threads. This allows a user to removably secure battery kit 400 to a bicycle frame having apertures that are sized, dimensioned and positioned to align with fasteners 465A-F and receive at least portions of the fasteners having male threads.

[0066] Figures 4D-4F illustrate the battery pack of the battery kit of Figs. 4A-4C. Battery pack 400B includes a surface coupled or surface secured battery level indicator 410 and light 440. In some embodiments, for example where the battery kit is used in a bicycle basket of the inventive subject matter as shown in Figures 6A-6C, light 440 can be excluded or positioned on another portion of the battery kit. Battery pack 400B also includes a power button 492, and a charger port 496 that allows a user to charge the battery cells of the battery pack with an external charger (e.g., a more powerful charger than included in the battery kit). Batter pack 400B also includes a fuse 494, which acts as a sacrificial device to provide over- current protection, and interrupt an excessive current so that further damage by overheating or fire is prevented.

[0067] Figures 4G-4H illustrate some of the internal components of the battery kit of Figs. 4A-4C. In Figures 4G, several components contained in a first compartment of housing 400A are shown with electrical connectors. In one portion of the housing (e.g., the top portion), a charger 430 including an internal heat disconnect, a controller 432, a power regulator 444 and a surface coupled or surface secured fan 430A are secured. In another portion of the housing (e.g., the bottom portion), a housing containing a retractable cord 436 and a housing containing a plug of the retractable cord 434 are secured, along with a 12 volt output power supply 442, which is coupled with a surface coupled 12 volt outlet, and a charge indicator light 434A. The components secured in the first compartment of housing 400A can be electrically coupled to one another in any suitable manner, for example through cords / wires 440A that extend between the components (e.g., between power regulator 444 and charger 430) and that are electrically coupled via plug connectors 442A and 454.

[0068] Lock 438 can also be included to at least one of secure the first and second portions of the housing, and secure a battery pack within the second compartment of housing 400A. Additionally or alternatively, a plug cover 434 can be included, which provides a user with access to the power plug and retractable cord without unlocking, opening or disassembling the kit.

[0069] Figures 5A-5B illustrate some of the electrical connectors that can be used with an electric bicycle and battery kit, which were partially described in connection with Figures 4A-4C. Cords 405A, 405B, and 405C of Figures 4A-4C could be used to couple various components of the electrical bicycle to a battery kit (e.g., the controller of the battery kit).

[0070] For example, cord 405A could be coupled with a front component cable 500. Front component cord 500 can include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a first connector 504, and a second end includes a plurality of connectors 502A-E. First connector 504 could be electrically coupled with cord 405A of the battery kit, which can allow several other components (e.g., one or more brake components 530 including a brake, a cord and a connector; front light component including a light, a cord and a connector; a display screen component 540 including a screen, a cord and a connector; a throttle component 520 including a throttle, a cord and a connector) to be electrically coupled with the battery kit. The front component cord 500 advantageously allows various components placed in the front portion of a bicycle to be connected with a battery kit (e.g., a battery kit positioned in a rear rack of a bicycle frame) with only a single cord extending from the battery kit to the front portion of the bicycle.

[0071] Cord 405B of the battery kit of Figures 4A-4C could be coupled with a pedal assist component 550. The pedal assist component can include a pedal assist sensor that sends a signal to the controller that the pedals are moving via a cord and electrical connector (e.g., plug).

[0072] Cord 405C of the battery kit of Figures 4A-4C could be coupled with a motor connector 510 that includes a motor component, a cord and connectors. All suitable motor components are contemplated, including for example crank drive motors, hub motors, brushed or brushless motors, or friction drive motors. In some contemplated embodiments, the motor comprises a 400-600W high-performance geared motor.

[0073] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0074] Also, as used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0075] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.