TaoTao Galaxy 150 Battery Recommendation Please?

[hansgroenewold]

Hello Forum Members,

I'm in need for a battery for the aforementioned scooter in the subject line.  Would someone be kind enough to recommend a good battery for this particular scooter?  I would deeply appreciate it.  Thank you very much.

Best regards,
Hans

[FrankenMech]

I like to use the Sealed Lead Acid batteries (SLA) like the ones used in computer UPS power units, emergency lights, etc. I just match up the battery physical dimensions to fit the battery compartment and make sure the chosen battery has 1/4" terminals. Convert your old bolt on terminals to the 1/4" terminals available at any auto parts, hardware, or even home box stores. Once you have done that batteries are cheaper, terminal corrosion is gone, and starts are easier. The SLA batteries last longer, don't leak, and have more starting capacity. Some high end scoots use them as OEM equipment. I don't know why they all don't use them. I have even used a battery out of a computer UPS unit that supposedly would not run the UPS anymore but served me for over a year in a scoot before I went ahead and replaced it anyway. Save yourself some $$$ and headaches.

Remember when replacing a battery OBSERVE THE CORRECT POLARITY, even a momentary reversal will destroy your electrical system.

[GrumpyUnk]

i must have a half dozen of more batteries from UPS. Some are deceased. Some had voltage, but I more or less let them die. On the sad side, I just ordered two new, and one seems to not work in the UPS. Installed it, and it would not stay lit. Hit the power button a couple times and it made that 'poof' noise when a semiconductor goes to heaven. At least that's what I think it was. Ordered 10 from ali, but have not installed.
If I get it, you added push on connectors, a length of wire, and an eyelet(?) to connect to the scoot eyelet.
I have not given much though to how to connect to the scooter, and an eyelet using a nut & bolt seemed the quickest, but there must be some drawback... shorting inside the plastic battery box?? dunno.
Any way, might just give one of those a try. I have pulled the tops off, removed the 6 rubber caps, and installed a drizzle - 5cc? - of condensate water(dehumidifier output) when it looks as if the cells are 'dry'.
Is that reasonable or am I killing any possible use after the UPS whines that it wants a new one?
tom

[FrankenMech]

The whine is an objection, and once you let the magic smoke out the UPS is dead. If you let those semi-depleted UPS batteries sit for 6 months without charging they will die.

I just cut the old bolt connector off and used the push-on connectors directly. You can also buy nifty twinning connectors and doubled connectors with a female connector and a male tab that are handy for adding that 12V power port for the phone charger or the ignition switch (fuse) power wire, etc.

[hansgroenewold]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it. It looks like it's a sealed unit and it's close to 4 years old anyway, so I'll get a new one ordered. I'm assuming that the "7AH" in "12V7AH/10HR" refers to amps? Does "10HR" refer to hours? I would obviously want the same but if I can't get the same exact one, is it OK to go to "8AH".  I'm guessing that a little higher for amps is OK but not lower?  Just want to make sure I get the correct one. Thanks for your patience.

Best regards,
Hans

[FrankenMech]

The 7AH refers to amp hours which is a measure of capacity so 8AH would be more. The 10HR is the hours the drain is applied. Things get complicated after that. Use a google search for the meaning for more explanations.

I have found the push on F2 terminal types to be cheaper than the screw terminal types made for scooters and motorcycles. It is probably an economy of scale type situation. They probably make 10,000 of the F2 (0.25") terminal types for every one of the bolt on screw terminal types.

Good luck

[GrumpyUnk]

I have bought from both huge online selling sites. My take is all the batteries of the 7AH size are about the same. I would not and have not paid for a brand name over an unknown. The $75 Die Hard riding mower battery has the same or less warranty than the $20 Everstart from wally. The scooter battery brands are prolific, with none standing out AFAIK.
Be aware of the terminal placement L/R. It may be necessary to get a replacement with the same layout. If you go with the UPS style, push-on terminals, it is less likely to matter if indeed they sell different options.
Most will fit fine as far as terminal layout, but motorcycles are more picky. Check the LxWxH if you go for one that has more AH of capacity to be sure it will fit into the battery spot.
Most of these batteries, both terminal types, have material that holds the electrolyte rather than liquid sloshing around as automotive Flooded Lead Acid - FLA - batteries normally do, unless they are AGM or other chemoistry. Thus the batteries can be used in any position. In UPS, I position them in service such that the battery sits with the vent caps(hidden under a plastic cover) are facing up. Just because.
tom

[hansgroenewold]

Thanks for all the good input. I ended up going with this one, seems like a good bet. Same specs, dimensions, SLA, terminal size and configuration. I appreciate your responses.

Best regards,
Hans