Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries
Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2026 7:29 pm
My daughter has a Yamaha Neos electric bike. As well as the two main batteries that provide the motive power there is also a small 12v battery that takes care of the instruments, clock, etc. Unfortunately, this battery, if the bike is left unused for a month, discharges, resulting in a dead motorcycle.
OK, just charge it up and all will be well, however, the bike's handbook tells me the 12v battery is a Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery, (yes, news to me as well!) and goes on the say
"To charge a VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery, a special (constant-voltage) battery charger is required. Using a conventional battery
charger will damage the battery."
I have a basic Optimate charger, an Optimate 1 (Duo) which makes no mention of VRLA batteries. I have asked the question of Optimate but, so far, no response. Does anyone know if an Optimate 1 Duo is a constant voltage charger?
Thank you
OK, just charge it up and all will be well, however, the bike's handbook tells me the 12v battery is a Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery, (yes, news to me as well!) and goes on the say
"To charge a VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery, a special (constant-voltage) battery charger is required. Using a conventional battery
charger will damage the battery."
I have a basic Optimate charger, an Optimate 1 (Duo) which makes no mention of VRLA batteries. I have asked the question of Optimate but, so far, no response. Does anyone know if an Optimate 1 Duo is a constant voltage charger?
Thank you