Bixpy Motors Usage & Care Tips

Bixpy Motors and Batteries are high quality and high performance propulsion devices for canoes, kayaks & SUPs that are built to last. However, with a little care and maintenance you’ll greatly improve the lifespan of both battery and motor.

Hobie Compass Bixpy K-1 Powered

Bixpy Motor Maintenance

Fortunately, the required maintenance is minimal. If commonly used in salt water a little more attention is advisable.

  • Whenever used in salt water environments it is recommended to rinse or even run the motor in fresh water for a few minutes. Then leave to dry and then store in a cool dry place. You can use also mild soap to clean your Bixpy, but avoid using harsh chemicals.
  • We recommend using a small amount of Dialetric grease on the connectors, which helps to protect the pins from salt water corrosion and also makes mating of connectors a little smoother.
  • Whenever necessary use a 3mm Allen key to open the propeller housing in order to clean out your propeller and safety grills (Pro tip – make sure that your battery is in the “OFF” position first)

Bixpy Motor Usage Tips

  • Do not run the motor with weed or sea grass in the propeller housing or wrapped around the prop. (see Bixpy Pop Guard for usage in weedy environments)
  • Do not run your motor in sand or mud.
  • Bixpy Motors are made to run submerged in water only. Do not operate the motor without the prop fully submerged. Doing so can ruin your seals and damage the electronics in the motor and/or battery. Damage caused by running the motors in air is not covered by warranty.
  • Never run your motor with a broken or damaged propeller. This will void your warranty.
  • Do not leave a Bixpy motor submerged in water indefinitely when not in use
  • Never open the charging ports or power ports under water.
  • Never force your connectors to mate. Mating them may be tough the first few times, but will get easier with use. Forcing them or using tools to mate them may result in broken tabs which will render your device completely unusable. Don’t use force, pliers or other tools to mate your connectors, and refrain from yanking on cables to remove plugs. Mating connectors will get easier on subsequent matings. Forcing the connectors may break their connecting tabs and render your entire device useless.

Bixpy Battery Usage Guidelines

Bixpy Batteries are shipped sealed and are not meant to be tampered with or opened. Here are some care and maintenance instructions for your batteries.

  • Tampering, opening of the case or modification to the batteries will void your warranty and may cause fires/explosions.
  • Do not power other devices or motors using Bixpy batteries.
  • You cannot run your Bixpy Motor on other batteries.
  • Lithium batteries cannot be connected in parallel like conventional batteries. Doing so WILL result in a fire and/or explosion.
  • All batteries drain slowly during standby. When not in frequent use, charge your battery every 90 days to keep it from getting permanently damaged. The Bixpy Warranty will not cover battery damage caused by over-drainage.
  • Never store a drained battery. When returning from your activity with a drained battery, charge your battery as soon as possible to prevent permanent shutdown of the battery.
  • Bixpy chargers have indicator lights that turn red when charging and turn green once the battery is fully charged. Never leave your batteries plugged in unsupervised or for extended periods.
  • Your Bixpy Batteries are supplied with a dedicated Bixpy Charger. Never use other chargers. Use only the charger that came with your battery to charge it. Bixpy PP-378 and PP-768 outboard batteries have different capacity chargers and should not be interchanged.
  • Never expose the battery to water with connector caps open and terminals exposed.
  • Make sure your batteries are not in the “ON” position when storing or transporting.
  • The PP-378 Outboard Batteries will take between 500 to 800 full charges before starting to experience some power loss. Under normal use, your batteries should last between 3 to 5 years.
  • The PP-768 Outboard Batteries provides consistent output during its 10 year expected shelf life.
  • The Bixpy Outboard Remote Control is equipped with a watch battery CR2032, a readily available battery on-line or at many retail stores. This battery will need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months depending on use. If the red LED light on your remote is flickering or not lighting up, you will need to replace the battery. Click here for a video on how to do this.
  • If you suspect malfunction in your battery, please contact SLH immediately. DO NOT open the sealed packs, tamper with the batteries or try to resolve the situation. Lithium batteries can be dangerous to handle and can cause serious injury, death or fires if not handled properly.
  • Damaged, punctured or compromised lithium batteries can cause very serious fires. If you suspect damage to your battery, please dispose of the battery in an appropriate manner immediately. Do not dispose of the batteries with regular trash. Check your local laws and dispose of the batteries in accordance with local code and requirements.
  • It is important that you secure your battery on-board when on a paddle board or kayak. If your battery falls overboard, there is a chance of damaging the cabling to the motor and/or battery housing in addition to being a danger to yourself or those around you. This sort of damage is not covered under warranty
  • If you run into problems with your Bixpy battery, check the “Trouble with Outboard Power Packs” section on the Bixpy troubleshooting tips page