The LiGo returns: Bike Friday Electric Bikes Fly Again!

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What you need to know about using the LiGo 10X with your Bike Friday

The long-awaited return of the world’s only airline-checkable e-assist bicycle battery, the LiGo, is here! After several years of anticipation, Bike Friday is thrilled to announce the arrival of the newly redesigned LiGo battery, available starting this summer.

Originally halted due to pandemic-related computer chip shortages, the first-generation LiGo batteries were highly praised by hundreds of Bike Friday customers worldwide. Now, our partners at Grin Technologies in Canada have taken the opportunity to significantly upgrade the design while waiting for global supply chains to stabilize.

Technical Highlights

  • Voltage & Capacity: Each module delivers 36V at 2.75Ah, with a nominal pack energy of 99Wh.

  • Charging & Connectivity: Equipped with four XT60 connectors per module for versatile charging and discharging.

  • Compact & Lightweight: Each module measures 55mm x 78mm x 89mm and weighs just 640 grams (1.3 lbs).

FAQ's

What makes the LiGo battery unique?
LiGo batteries are unique because they comply with airline regulations, allowing you to carry them aboard passenger aircraft in your carry-on luggage. They consist of modular 99 Wh units, stackable to create a larger battery.

How many LiGo modules do I need?
We recommend at least 3 modules for standard rides. For longer distances or steeper terrain, 4 modules are advised.

Can I use these batteries with my existing Bike Friday e-assist system?
Yes, but you’ll need a Rhinowalk Saddle 4L+ bag and an adapter, both available in our parts store. 

Why are LiGo batteries more expensive than traditional battery packs?
LiGo batteries cost more because each module has its own integrated safety systems, connectors, and durable enclosure, making them safe and convenient for air travel.

How do I travel with my Battery?
To comply with airline regulations, you must transport your batteries in your carry-on luggage, ensuring each module is disconnected from the others.

Do I require the Rail System?
No, the rail system is not required to mount the batteries to your Bike Friday, we recommend using the Rhinowalk TF552 Bag for this which will protect the batteries and provide a neat mounting solution.

Can I retrofit the new LiGo 10X batteries onto my older Bike Friday model if I live outside the U.S.?
While we offer retrofit services at our factory, if you’re overseas, it’s best to find a local shop familiar with e-assist systems. If that’s difficult, we can guide you remotely or arrange for a retrofit at our headquarters.

Can I mix my older LiGo batteries with the new LiGo 10X modules to extend range?
Mixing old and new batteries isn’t generally recommended due to differences in performance and technology. We suggest consulting directly with Grin Technologies for specific compatibility advice if you’re considering this.

Will the LiGo 10X battery and retrofit kits fit all Bike Friday models?
Most of our bikes can be retrofitted, but certain older frames or special models may need evaluation. Contact our team with your bike’s serial number and model, and we’ll help confirm fit and compatibility.

New Bikes, Upgrades and Retrofits

We have the conversion kit listed on our webstore here. The 4L bag allows you to carry up to 4 LiGo batteries. If you only need 3 batteries, you can probably fit them in the same bag that you have for the older version and you only need the adapter found here.
 
For the batteries, it is easier to order them straight from Grin Technologies in Canada. You can jump to the product page here. Note that you need at least 3 batteries for normal use. We suggest getting 4 if you live in an area with hills or intend on doing longer rides. Make sure you get at least one key.
 
There may be tariff duties to pay depending on your location.

 

Summary

 

  • New E-assist Bike Fridays – You can add Ligo Battries to your order on the product page or speak with your sales rep. Contact Sales@bikefriday.com for assistance.

 

  • Existing E-Assist Bike Friday Owners – Let us know you’re ready, and we’ll help you obtain a new bag and adapter. For the fastest delivery, we will provide you with a direct link to order LiGo 10X batteries from Grin Technologies.

 

  • Older Non-E-Assist Bikes for Retrofitting – email our sales team to get a quote on adding an electric assist retrofit kit to your existing bike. Sales@bikefriday.com

Open Manual

Further details on our E-assist solutions

10 Responses

  1. I live in Canberra Australia. Is there anyone here who could retrofit the batteries to an old NWT?

    Reply

    1. Mimi, good question. We don’t know of anyone, but if there’s anyone familiar with electric assist retrofits, they might be able to help you out. Generally, such folks are hard to find, which is why we offer a retrofit service.

      Reply

  2. I might want to purchase one LiGo Unit to use as a way of extending my travel distance.. Currently, after using my e-assist NWT during the 2025 bicycling season & putting on 2500 miles the battery is still allowing me to travel for 50+ miles. Of course I use the gears more than increasing the power level.

    My questions would be:
    1. Could I fit my current battery & one LiGo unit into the Rhinowalk TF552 bag.
    2. Will I need the LIGo Basic or Base Runner controller unit?
    3. Can I use my current control unit with my current battery attached to the single LIGo unit?
    4. I don’t think I’ll need the extra LiGo unit until mid July or early August.

    Reply

    1. Harvey, to answer your questions:

      1. Unlikely. Maybe, but unlikely.
      2. You don’t need the GRIN controller, as we already supply a controller.
      3. There’s no real way to use both batteries in tandem and the single battery will do you little good on its own. To be honest, neither will two LiGOs. Better to get a spare standard battery which would cost a lot less and should provide you more additional capacity.
      4. Well, it certainly wouldn’t be any earlier. It’s quite possible it could be with the standard battery, though.
      Reply

  3. We have an Ever-E-Day cargo bike with four of the old LiGo batteries. Those work fine, but we’d like to add a little more battery capacity. If we get a couple of new 10X batteries, could we connect them up and power the bike with all 6 batteries?

    Reply

    1. Scott, I don’t know of a way to combine old and new batteries, but there may be one. Contact the manufacturer and see if they can provide any help.

      Reply

  4. Question first, will your mid drive fit my old Pocket Rocket Pro?, and how much is the mid drive and the Ligo batteries?

    Reply

    1. Allen, none of the mid-drive options will work with any of our folding bikes. This is why we use hub motors. If you have to have a mid-drive, I would look at the All-Day, but it’s not compatible with the LiGO batteries.

      Reply

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