Our 5 Tips for Choosing an E-Bike Battery

When deciding on a new battery for your electric bike, two factors are particularly relevant: the battery capacity and the battery range.

• Battery capacity: The capacity of an e-bike battery is measured in watt hours (Wh). This indicates how much energy the battery can store. If you are looking for a lightweight city e-bike for short tours, then a battery capacity of between 250 and 400 Wh is certainly sufficient. However, if you are planning long tours with a lot of meters in elevation, then it is worth looking for an e-MTB or trekking e-bike with a battery of 750 Wh or more.
   
• Battery range: The battery range depends on the battery capacity. Basically, the higher the watt hours, the further you can ride on a single charge. However, it is important to keep in mind that a higher capacity often goes hand in hand with a higher battery weight, which in turn affects the overall weight of your e-bike. Weighing up e-bike range and weight is essential here.

E-bike batteries can either be seamlessly integrated into the frame or attached externally to the frame. Integrated batteries not only offer an aesthetically pleasing look, but also ensure balanced weight distribution. External batteries, on the other hand, are easier to replace. Your decision therefore depends on aesthetic preferences, but also on practical considerations – such as being able to take the battery home with you to charge it.

By the way: Even perfectly integrated batteries can often be removed. However, this depends on the model and the manufacturer.

Also consider the weight of the battery and its position on the electric bike. A heavy battery can affect the handling and make handling more difficult – especially when cornering or lifting the bike. This also applies to the different battery positions on the bike:

• E-bike battery on the down tube: The battery is visibly located on the down tube of the frame and can be removed.
   
• E-bike battery in the down tube: Here, the battery is fully or partially integrated into the frame.
   
• E-bike battery behind/in front of the seat tube: The battery is located behind or in front of the seat tube, i.e. between the rear wheel and the main frame.
   
• Luggage rack: In this position, the battery is located directly on or below the luggage rack.
   
• Two e-bike batteries: Also known as a "dual battery". With this option, two batteries are used at the same time. The dual batteries can be installed in different positions. Both discharge alternately and ensure an even greater range. However, the weight is higher.
   
• Range extender: A special form of "dual battery". So-called range extenders are small battery packs that increase the range of your e-bike.

The charging time of an e-bike battery can vary depending on the model and capacity. Some batteries can be fully charged within a few hours, while others require more time. Some companies also offer their batteries together with so-called fast chargers. But these can have a negative impact on the service life of your battery. It is therefore advisable to consider the charging time in relation to your individual needs.

Equally important is the expected lifetime of the battery in terms of its charging cycles. High-quality e-bike batteries can usually go through up to 1,000 charging cycles or more before their capacity noticeably decreases.