E-Bike Battery Locations: Rack, Frame & Seat Post
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 28, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Electric bike designers have a few favored spots to position e-Bike batteries. Find out what they are and how a battery’s location can affect the look and feel of your next e-Bike!
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
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E-Bike battery under the rack, in the frame, or behind the seat post?
These are the main considerations when comparing e-Bike battery positions:
- Weight distribution: Batteries add significant weight, affecting the balance and handling of the bike. A lower and more centrally-located center of gravity increases bike stability.
- Appearance: Batteries are too large to go unnoticed when it comes to the aesthetics and look of an e-Bike. The location and frame design can cleanly integrate an externally mounted battery while integrated batteries can be cleverly hidden inside the frame.
- Convenience: Externally mounted batteries are easier and quicker to remove for off-bike charging or battery storage.
Battery care is key to e-Bike maintenance— learn how to store an electric bike battery, especially in these cold winter months where battery temperature control is a top priority.
E-Bike battery under the rear rack
Placing a battery under the rack will add several pounds to the rear of the bike. This can help balance out the weight of a front-drive e-Bike, but may compound the rear-heavy distribution of bikes with rear hub motors. This battery location, for example, is a favorite for city electric bikes from our friends over at Pedego.
Pros:
Cons:
- Convenient battery removal
- Battery can be hidden by panniers
- Weight over the rear wheel
- Exposed to the elements
- Visible location
E-Bike battery mounted externally on frame
Pros:
Cons:
- Simple, convenient placement
- Standard frame and tubing shapes
- Low, balanced center of gravity
- Exposed to the elements
- Highly visible location
- Can be damaged in falls
E-Bike battery inside the frame
Pros:
Cons:
- Hidden from view
- Protected from the elements
- Sleeker look and frame design
- Low, balanced center of gravity
- Can appear like a standard bike!
- Requires a larger downtube
- Hollow space in the frame can lower stability
- Some integrated batteries are non-removable
E-Bike battery behind the seat post
You may be sitting right on top of your e-Bike’s battery. Certain e-Bikes take advantage of the space between the seat post and rear wheel to squeeze the battery in, mounted vertically to the part of the frame we call the seat tube. If there’s ample room, riders can simply slide out the battery to remove it— some models even have a lever on the saddle to instantly flick it out of the way.
Many cargo e-Bikes— like the Benno Boost E 10D Performance— position the battery behind the seat post because there’s sufficient space there due to the extended wheelbase. This battery location is most common on longer e-Bikes like cruisers and cargo models.
Pros:
Cons:
- Easy to remove (some batteries can pull handles)
- Balanced center of gravity
- Efficient use of extra frame space
- Exposed to the elements
- Visible location
Does e-Bike battery location matter?
It’s worth knowing the differences between battery positions, but it’s rarely a dealbreaker when deciding between models. Buying from good brands ensures that the e-Bike is well-balanced and, most of the time, the chosen battery placement makes sense for the specific e-Bike. For example, our friends over at Gazelle have put together an excellent guide to the battery positions and types of their high-quality electric bikes.
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Key Takeaways
- Weight and Handling: Frame-integrated batteries improve stability, while rear-mounted options can create a rear-heavy feel.
- Convenience vs. Style: External batteries are easy to remove but more visible, while integrated ones offer sleek protection but may be harder to access.
- Fit for Purpose: Rear rack batteries suit cargo and city bikes; integrated designs enhance aesthetics for cruisers and long-range models.
