Battery Help

[rsy0394]

I just registered so I don't really know too much about how this site works.  Anyway, I have a Pedal Power Electric Motor System that I attach to my conventional bicycle that I haven't used for a number of years and I don't have the battery any more.  I would like to fire it up again and the only thing I remember is that it took a deep cell lead acid battery.  The battery dimensions are about 7" long by 5" deep by 6" high judging by the size of the battery box which is slung under the horizontal bar located between the front and rear tire.  Where can I buy a new battery, how many volts does it need to be (if that is important to match the electric motor) and are there any better batteries I could use now that would increase the range?  Can anybody help me with this?

[leitmotif]

You MUST know the motor rated voltage to pick the correct battery.

Some people will tell you you can run 6V on 12 etc etc.  True but there is a question of how long equipment will last on a higher voltage it is not rated for.  From 40 years of motor control experience they last longer if correctly chosen and that for sure includes voltage.  Look on motor nameplate - hopefully it is built by someone with pride in their product and they give you a nameplate.  Otherwise look in shop manual - if you dont have one get one - after that the owners manual.

Dan Bentler