REAR OR CENTER E-BIKE BATTERY – WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
The e-bike battery is an important part of a bicycle – probably the most important part of an e-bike together with the motor. This is because it stores the energy required to drive the motor. If you look at the range of different models offered by bicycle manufacturers, you will see that there are two different positions for the battery: at the rear or in the middle. But what effect does the position of the battery have on an e-bike? In this article, we explain the differences between an e-bike battery mounted at the rear and a centrally mounted e-bike battery.
Are all e-bike's the same? No way! As we have already learned in our blog on e-bike motors , there are many different designs for electric bikes with various drive positions. However, it is not just the motor that can be found at different places on the bike. Depending on the manufacturer, the battery can also be mounted at different points or integrated into the bike. The two most common positions for an e-bike battery are the center of the bike (usually in the bottom bracket area or in the down tube) and the rear wheel (usually in the frame or in a rack box). Each position of the e-bike battery has both advantages and disadvantages, which we would like to explain below.
OVERVIEW OF THE MOST COMMON BATTERY POSITIONS ON E-BIKES
- E-bike battery in the down tube: the battery is fully integrated into the down tube of the e-bike's frame. This is also called an intube battery. These batteries are barely visible from the outside and fit perfectly into the overall look of the bicycle. What’s more, the battery is ideally protected against external influences.
- E-bike battery on the down tube: the battery is mounted on the outside of the e-bike's down tube. These batteries are clearly visible from the outside and therefore do not blend in harmoniously with the bike's overall look.
- E-bike battery on the seat tube: this battery position is very rare. In this case, the battery is located on the seat tube of the frame. The advantage here is that the battery is easily accessible, the disadvantage being the overall design of such a bike, which looks rather bulky.
- E-bike battery on the rack: the battery on these e-bikes sits either on or directly below the rack.
REAR OR CENTER E-BIKE BATTERY – WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES?
After all, the position of the battery makes a big difference. If, for example, the e-bike battery is mounted in the middle, the weight is distributed more evenly over the bicycle. This is because if the e-bike has its battery in the middle, the weight of the motor and the battery are distributed evenly between the front and rear axles. As a result, the bicycle is more balanced overall and it is easier to steer. In addition, the battery is less conspicuous in this position and you benefit from short cable runs if the motor is also located in the center of the bike. Furthermore, if the battery is installed in them middle, the likelihood of it being damaged in the event of an accident is lower as it is located centrally on the bike. However, the central position also has some drawbacks: in bad weather, for example, the battery is more exposed to the forces of nature in the middle, because it comes into direct contact with water, snow and dirt splashing up from the road.
A rear-mounted e-bike battery is better protected against the weather. The more inconspicuous look also speaks for the rear position. The battery sits beneath the rack, for example, and usually blends imperceptibly into the overall look of the bike. However, this battery position also has its disadvantages. The altered center of gravity is worth mentioning here. This moves upwards, so that the handling characteristics can change. Although most frame builders incorporate the altered battery position and its effects into the frame design, there are occasionally cases where frame fluttering may occur with these bikes at high speeds. However, modern e-bikes with batteries on the rack should no longer have this problem – especially if the battery suspension is firmly welded to the rack or frame.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A CENTRALLY MOUNTED E-BIKE BATTERY AT A GLANCE
- The weight of the motor and the battery is distributed evenly between the front and rear axles.
- This makes the riding experience a little more realistic and more similar to that of a classic bicycle.
- The cables to a mid-drive motor installed on the e-bike are relatively short.
- These batteries can be discreetly integrated into the overall design of an e-bike.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A REAR-MOUNTED E-BIKE BATTERY AT A GLANCE
- A battery mounted on the rack provides better protection against splashes etc. than a battery mounted closer to the ground in the center of the frame.
- The battery blends in harmoniously with the design of the rack and thus with the overall look of the electric bike too.
- The battery is very easy to remove from most models. This can be particularly advantageous when charging at home.
You can also find the advantages of FIT batteries under the following link:
17.05.2022