What major technological limitation plagued early electric bicycles using lead-acid batteries?
Answer
Heavy weight offering limited range and power
The primary obstacle preventing the widespread adoption of early electric bicycles, despite inventive designs like Bolton's hub motor, was the state of battery technology. The prevalent lead-acid batteries were excessively heavy, which dramatically curtailed the practical operating range and overall power output achievable. This weight penalty meant that if the battery depleted, the heavy machine became extremely difficult or virtually impossible to pedal effectively, thereby negating the inherent advantage of retaining a bicycle frame capable of human propulsion.
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