Well it arrived. The Eonyx Lithium-Ion 48V 20A battery. The case, looking like a lunch pail on steroids, is deceptively unobtrusive. The casing has a nice adjustable clip connector on the forward end that will clip in easily to most any bike rack available. After some experimentation I found that cinching the case to the rack using straps was the least time consuming method. The grooves at the top of the battery casing keep it from shifting side to side. At first glance I thought this was going to be a top heavy ride but after the initial run through turns, acceleration, stopping, etc. it was immediately apparent this was not an issue. Didn't notice any change in my ability to control the bike.

I had mapped out a route several weeks prior from a previous ride and felt this would be a good test course. I decided to add some extra weight to the ride being I'm somewhat sparse in that area (150 lbs.). The bike itself without additions weighs 29 lbs. The other items were:
NiMH 48V battery = 23 lbs., NiMH 14V battery (for headlight) = 2.5 lbs., motor = 23 lbs., controller = 5 lbs., video camera = 5 lbs. bike lock = 3 lbs.

Approximately 240 lbs. of combined weight that the Eonyx battery would have to manage. The entire loop was a little over 70 miles. It's advertised at Electric Rider (www.ElectricRider.com) to go a max. 60 miles (no pedaling) at 20mph. The day was overcast with a high temp of 67 degrees fahrenheit. The first half of the ride was 28.4 miles, riding at an average speed of 15mph with pedal assist. This was all city streets and yes, normal city streets, replete with potholes, cracks and uneven surface. The Eonyx performed flawlessly over this part of the route, including all the nice jarring bumps that probably would have done in lesser batteries housed in weak enclosures. Made sure the power was continuously on and kept the throttle open at 15mph while pedaling.

Now it was time for the battery to do the work. A 9 mile climb up a canyon road, ascending 1,500 feet, going an average speed of 15mph, no pedaling. Got to the saddle of the canyon without incident. No stammering or stuttering from either the battery, controller or motor.

The remaining 33 miles were mostly city streets, fairly flat with a few rises, potholes, cracks and unevenness included. I rode this section of the loop an average 19mph, no pedaling. As I neared the end of the ride I thought I'd give the battery another workout, climbing a hill that goes 470 yards at a rise of 130 feet. This was around mile 68 of the ride. Decided to climb at 14mph no pedaling. Went up the first quarter of the hill fine, then the power cut off momentarily. Pedaled a bit then engaged the throttle again. Went another 170 feet, then power cut again. Pedaled to the crest while engaging the throttle as it continued to run for a little ways, then cut off. Went down the other side, jubilant that I still had power left in the battery and the controller was fine. I completed the last 2 miles with power to spare, pushing it above 20mph at points. Seemed to settle down on the fairly level residential streets to home though the power still occasionally cut off.

Conclusions:
A. Performance
Without a doubt, this battery excels in it's ability to handle various rugged terrain without issue. My NiMH battery would probably not have survived with power even halfway through the course. It cannot climb significant hills without pedal assist.
B. Quality
The battery is secured by velcro straps to the base of the housing which locks it down fine. Padding is added to the sides of the bracing so the battery fits snugly and doesn't pivot from side to side. NOTE: I was given permission to open the case from Electric Rider. Very pleased with the design. Neat and organized. Connections are secure and easy to disconnect if and when service or part replacement is needed.
C. Service
This I have to say is probably the most important component of the battery. I have had occasions where things went awry such as wires breaking, motor not working, controller shorting out (all these partly my fault, partly road/weather conditions). In each case I was promptly replied to by Mike in sales at Electric Rider, where he acknowledged the situation and offered possible remedies. All very reasonable and fair. Replacement parts were shipped out promptly and arrived in excellent condition.

I can only add that if you're really are interested in commuting via bicycle, this setup is about the best you can get right now. It's quiet, it's reliable, it's environmentally friendly, it's safe and it's backed up by a wonderful company that cares about their customers.