E-bike battery: positions and types
No e-bike without a battery! A conventional bicycle is powered purely by muscle power, whereas an e-bike is supported by an electric motor. The e-bike battery supplies the motor with the necessary energy for this pedalling assistance and must correspond with the same power and reliability. Have you been guided by capacity and range so far? Then you should know that the position of the e-bike battery also plays an important role. This influences the riding experience and the centre of gravity of the system. Here you can read about the different battery positions and types and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
E-bike battery under the rack, in or on the frame?
The position of the battery affects the appearance, handling and practical use of the e-bike. However, the battery also makes the electric bike heavier. Together with, among other things, the e-bike motor, the battery means that an electric bike is on average six kilograms heavier than a normal bike. This additional weight naturally affects the balance of the electric bike and its centre of gravity. The following applies: The lower the battery is mounted on the e-bike, the more stable the road holding.
The following three battery positions are available on Gazelle e-bikes: Under the luggage carrier, mounted on the frame or integrated into the frame. Here you can read about the advantages and disadvantages of the different battery positions
E-bike battery under the luggage carrier
Many e-bikes are equipped with a battery under the luggage carrier. On electric bikes with a front-wheel motor, this ensures an optimal balance. On e-bikes with a mid-motor, it results in the centre of gravity being at the rear of the bike.
Advantages:
Easy to mount and remove
Unhindered access
Can be well hidden by attaching bicycle bags
Disadvantages:
Weight is rear-heavy
Susceptible to dirt, moisture and stone chips
Visually conspicuous
Not all bicycle panniers can be attached to the luggage rack
The centre of gravity is high, which can have an impact on the stability of the carrier
E-bike battery mounted on the frame
You can also find electric bikes with an e-bike battery mounted on the frame. On e-bikes with frame-mounted batteries, the centre of gravity is in the middle of the bike.
Advantages:
Compact design
No hollow space in the frame, high frame stability
The centre of gravity is lower
The e-bike has a more stable road position
Disadvantages:
At risk in case of falls
Susceptible to dirt, wetness and stone chips
Visually conspicuous
The battery can be in the way
Some batteries have to be removed in a cumbersome manner
E-bike battery integrated in the frame
More and more e-bikes have a battery that is integrated into the frame and is therefore sometimes only visible at second glance. The e-bike battery is located in the down tube, where it is better protected against moisture, dirt and stone chips.
Advantages:
Visually inconspicuous
Well protected from environmental influences such as stone chips and moisture
Protection from direct sunlight and frost
E-bike easy to steer due to stiff position
The centre of gravity is lower
The electric bike has a more stable road position
E-bike is almost unrecognisable as an electric bike
Disadvantages:
Requires wide frame
Low frame stability due to hollow space
Not all integrated batteries are removable, in which case charging can be somewhat uncomfortable
Do you want a fixed or removable battery?
If you want flexibility when charging the battery, choose a removable battery. This comes with a charger that can be plugged into any power outlet. You only need to disconnect the battery from the e-bike and you can charge it directly at the nearest socket. Do you often transport your e-bike on a bike carrier? In this case, it is advisable to buy an e-bike with a detachable battery. An electric bike is much lighter without a battery and can be lifted onto the rack more easily.
Advantages of a removable battery
You can easily remove the battery for charging and in extremely warm or cold weather.
The battery can be easily replaced (even on the road for a spare battery).
The battery can be easily recharged at any power outlet.
Which type of battery is the best?
The battery supplies the motor of an e-bike with electricity. The battery type - like the range - has an influence on the number of kilometres you can cover with an e-bike. There are five different battery types, four of which are still used in current e-bikes. The NiCd type - the abbreviation stands for "nickel-cadmium" - is only found in second-hand electric bikes. We will now introduce you to the remaining four e-bike battery types:
Discover the different battery types
NiMh battery for e-bikes
The NiMh battery for e-bikes is the successor to the NiCd battery and is currently the standard in Europe. This type of battery needs regular charging, even if the e-bike is stationary (for a longer period of time). The battery must remain connected to the charger at all times. The charger ensures that the battery condition remains optimal. With this type of battery, a charging time of 4 to 6 hours can be expected.
Li-ion battery for e-bikes
Lithium-ion is a collective term for the many batteries that contain lithium. This type of battery has a low self-discharge rate and a long (or longer) service life. However, the price of this type of battery is higher.
LiPo battery for e-bikes
The LiPo battery is one of the better battery variants in the range with Li-Ion batteries. The battery is even smaller than an average Li-Ion battery. If you do not use your e-bike for a longer period of time, it is recommended to store this battery with 40% charge (preferably in a cool environment).
E-bike LiFePo4 battery
The latest battery generation is called LiFePo4 (or an abbreviation derived from it: LP4, LFP, LFP4). This battery has been improved in every respect and is therefore currently the ultimate. However, the price of the battery also corresponds to this. Mathematically, the purchase of an e-bike with a LifePo4 battery is worth considering, as the battery lasts longer and it is less likely that it will need to be replaced before the electric bike itself is due for replacement. Currently, only a limited range of e-bikes are equipped with this type of battery. The supply will increase in the future.
Which e-bike battery is right for you?
Do you still have questions about the different positions and types of e-bike batteries? Then you can make an appointment at a specialist dealer near you. There you can meet experts who can answer your questions.
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