| Lithium Polymer batteries were the next step from the | | | | The batteries have also changed things for custom |
| Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) and Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) | | | | motorcyclists. The batteries take up far less room that |
| batteries. While these batteries had served their | | | | a traditional battery on the motorcycle and weight |
| purpose the developments in personal electronics | | | | about a quarter of what a lead acid battery would |
| created a need for lighter, longer lasting batteries. In | | | | weigh. These batteries are also more environmentally |
| 2002 the first of the Lithium ion Polymer batteries | | | | friendly than traditional lead acid batteries when they |
| arrived. Though it is a secondary market for these | | | | do reach the end of their lifespan. The batteries |
| batteries remote control and motorcycle hobbyists | | | | superior charge capabilities make it possible to attempt |
| also jumped at the chance for a lighter, more | | | | to start the motorcycle enough times that the starter is |
| advanced battery. | | | | no longer working before the battery stops working. |
| The old Nickel Cadmium batteries had a flaw in that | | | | When using a battery you must be very aware of the |
| they developed a 'memory'. Each time a user charged | | | | safety hazards to get the best use of your battery. |
| the batteries they took a little bit smaller charge until | | | | The batteries build up heat while they are charging and |
| they eventually don't take a charge at all. Even if the | | | | should never filled with a turbo charger or left |
| batteries are fully drained after each charge as | | | | unattended during charging. If using a trickle charger the |
| recommended there best life expectancy was about | | | | batteries require a balancer, which is often built into the |
| six months. | | | | charger, to ensure that all cells charge equally and that |
| So called 'memory' was not a problem with the Lithium | | | | the battery is at its best performance. |
| Polymer or ion Polymer batteries. This allowed the | | | | It is vital that a damaged battery is never used |
| batteries to last far longer, even years. Mostly these | | | | because there is a risk of explosion. Keeping the |
| batteries are used in personal electronics. Your cell | | | | battery protected and away from any kind of |
| phone battery might be a slim rectangle with two | | | | corrosive or water will help to maintain the life and |
| contacts at one end, in which case it is one of the | | | | safety of the battery. |
| most common Lithium ion Polymer cells. | | | | Properly cared for, a Lithium ion Polymer battery will |
| Remote control hobbyists use a different type of the | | | | last for years. Lighter and holding more charge that its |
| battery that is made up of two or possibly three cells. | | | | earlier counter parts, the Nickel Cadmium and Nickel |
| Hobbyists favor these batteries because they weight | | | | Metal Hybrid batteries and more environmentally |
| one third what and old Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal | | | | friendly the lead acid auto batteries, Lithium ion |
| Hybrid battery. This lesser mass combined with a | | | | batteries have changed the way we use our personal |
| superior capacity gave the batter nearly three time the | | | | electronics, motorcycles and radio control models. |
| life. | | | | |