I use high quality batteries built with 15 LG MJ1 cells (10.5ah), but the genuine Makita or very inexpensive clones will work as well. The LED voltmeter on each battery gives a quick check to help prevent that error. Since 3 are in wired in series, it is important that all 3 be in the same state of charge. I use a Watt meter which displays volts,amps,watts and keeps a true record of ah and wh consumed.
As with any aftermarket battery, the BMS will not report the battery charge state to the display, but voltage based capacity displays are not acceptable to me anyway. It doesn't, but the current is reduced 15% at the 20 mph top speed so the range using 3, 10.5 ah batteries is nearly double the OEM battery.
I'd hoped for increased top speed using throttle mode. The Izip and all 48v bikes I've tested work fine (better) at the higher voltage. Since Makitas are actually 18v (5*3.6v), 3 in series is 54V. The mount fits nicely in the Izip's battery slot. Rather than replacing the 48v8.7ah (really 46.8v) battery, I built a simple tool mount for 3 Makita mount batteries. Nice bike, bad battery, very cheap price. I bought a 2014 Izip E3 Dash last weekend. Reason? Battery failure and owner's not willing spend $700 for another proprietary battery that will likely fail much sooner than advertised. I find quality ebikes being dumped for a few dollars on Craigslist.
