INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL E-BIKE BATTERY? HERE ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

The e-bike boom continues unabated. According to the latest market data from the German Association of Motorcycle Industries, 43% of all bicycles sold in Germany alone are equipped with an electric motor – a trend that is likely to continue in the years to come. For end consumers, however, this not only means an ever-increasing choice of e-bikes, but also a number of questions when it comes to purchasing decisions. We want to clarify one of these in this blog post – is it better if the e-bike battery is installed internally? Or is it an advantage to buy an e-bike with an external battery?

The e-bike battery is an important component of an electric bicycle. It stores the energy required to drive the bicycle and, in conjunction with the electric motor, makes electrically assisted cycling possible in the first place. Battery and e-bike motors can be mounted on the pedelec at very different points, as described in our last blog post on e-bike batteries. A fundamental question that designers of electric bicycles frequently ask themselves is whether an e-bike should be equipped with an internal e-bike battery or an external e-bike battery.

INTERNAL E-BIKE BATTERY VS. EXTERNAL E-BIKE BATTERIES – THE OBVIOUS DIFFERENCES

The biggest difference between an internally installed e-bike battery and an externally installed e-bike battery is immediately apparent. While an internal e-bike battery is completely integrated into the frame of the bicycle, the external e-bike battery is usually located in a special bracket on the down tube, seat tube, or luggage rack. The former is usually the much more elegant solution, as integrating the battery into the frame looks much better, after all. But even an externally installed battery can look good if the bicycle manufacturer makes an effort. Batteries mounted under the rack, for example, are particularly inconspicuous, and simply look like part of the rack.

FURTHER DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL E-BIKE BATTERIES

However, there are also other differences between internal and external e-bike batteries that may be relevant to the purchase decision – while an internally installed battery clearly scores highly when it comes to integration, this integration is also its greatest disadvantage. Replacing a defective internal battery is relatively time-consuming, as removing it from the frame takes longer than removing an external battery. One advantage is the lower risk of theft – ultimately, an external battery is much easier to remove – even unintentionally. An e-bike battery that sits in the frame is, in turn, better protected against moisture, dirt, and stone chip damage.

THE SEMI-INTEGRATED E-BIKE BATTERY AS AN INTERIM SOLUTION

Due to the various advantages and disadvantages, some manufacturers are now opting for an interim solution – the semi-integrated e-bike battery. It is integrated into the frame design but it is also easy to remove. Batteries like this are better protected against external factors and also fit much better into the overall look of an electric bicycle. Many e-bikers tend to love the flexibility of an easily removable battery. Even more so because with this design, you can also take a second battery with you to increase your range.

INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL E-BIKE BATTERY – WHICH SOLUTION IS THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU?

Internal or external battery – both battery types clearly have advantages and disadvantages. There is therefore no definitive answer to the question of whether an e-bike should be equipped with an internal battery or an external battery. The decision depends on a wide range of factors and is best made to suit your individual circumstances. If you are still unsure which to go for, we recommend consulting a specialist retailer.

INTERNAL E-BIKE BATTERY – THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE

Advantages:

• The battery is inconspicuous and blends in with the overall bike design.
• The battery is better protected against dust and dirt.
• There is a lower risk of the battery being stolen.

Disadvantages:

• Replacing a defective battery is often more complicated and time-consuming. 
• An internal battery is usually more expensive than an external battery. The same is true of the total price of the whole e-bike.

INTERNAL E-BIKE BATTERY – THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE

Advantages:

• Installing and removing an external battery is easier than with an internal battery.
• Replacing a defective or empty battery is therefore much easier and quicker.
• An external e-bike battery is generally cheaper than an internally installed e-bike battery. The same is true of the total price of the whole e-bike.
• It's easy to remove the battery to charge it. So you can park the e-bike in your garage, for example, but charge the battery inside your home.

Disadvantages:

• The battery is clearly visible, so the overall look of the bike is not as streamlined.
• The risk of theft is higher because the external battery is easier to steal.

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