source: Alibaba
The Ebike has seen a lot of acceptance and modifications since its invention in the 1890s. Virtually a bicycle powered by an electric motor, it has grown in popularity and application over the years and at this present age, used for recreational activities such as cycling or leisurely commute.
The device started out with heavier batteries such as the Lead acid batteries to power the motor. These batteries were initially mountable forms, sometimes mounted in the front and in the back of the bike. Presently, mountable batteries are no longer preferred or used, giving way to an aesthetic successor: Integrated Batteries.
Reasons behind the preference for Integrated ebike to regular bicycles, is simply the freedom! You can choose to pedal or not when you use an Ebike. Also, The Ebike has a sleek and futuristic feel to it. Before the use of integrated batteries on Ebikes, mountable batteries were a thing but this option distorts the look of the bike. Also, these batteries are of different forms. Also using
However, bending to demands, manufacturers have turned to producing integrated forms. This makes choosing the best Integrated battery for your frame a task! But this article will highlight solutions to this problem.
Things To Consider
• Your Bike Frame:
The frame is the main component of the bike made of the front square and rear square. It is strong but relatively light. Some other models of bikes may have different shapes but its important to note where you want your it integrated. Mountable batteries usually sit behind on the carrier or mounted up front. Most Integrated batteries are located along the lower shaft of the first triangle.
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source: Alibaba
• Choosing The Best Specs For Your Battery Based On Use:
Based on your use for the bike, picking a suitable battery for your ebike has economical advantage. Starting from the cheapest to the most expensive, ebike batteries include:
Lead Acid Battery:
The pioneer battery that came with Electric bikes in the 1890s; It was dumped for a good reason too! They weigh a lot heavier than other batteries flooding the markets. On the bright side, they are cheaper but only because asides being heavy, they are also vulnerable to quick damage and easily run flat, they have short life span of 200 to 300 charge cycles. This wouldn’t be recommended for anyone; old or young, athletic or commuter.
Nickel Cadmium Battery:
Although it is much lighter than the Lead acid battery, It is still heavy! It has better power capacity but still not an advisable choice. Cadmium is a dangerous pollutant that’s difficult to recycle. Also, this battery is quite expensive.
Nickel Hydride Battery:
It offers a better power capacity and easier disposal, still, It’s costs more than NiCad batteries. It is still an unpopular choice.
Lithium Batteries:
This is the favorite choice in the market. It is a sophisticated option with better power capacity. Lithium-Ion Polymer batteries can be molded into interesting shapes and as such does not have heavy cases like the others. Lithium Cobalt batteries are said to be the best from the Lithium series, being the most applied battery in high tech devices by manufactures. All this sounds good but they do cost as much as they offer. But looking at the previous options, Lithium Batteries are the best deal present, they have a life span of 500 to 1000 charge cycles.
• Choosing A Motor:
Crank Drive Motor:
This is an amazing motor. It is located in the crank of your bike and delivers augments the speed whenever you pedal. It was developed first in the 1990s and has since been modified since then. They can be adjusted to suit your condition and environment. They can have up to six gears. It is especially recommended for Hilly areas or for hauling load.
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source: Turbo bob's bicycle blog
Hub Motor:
This is a cheaper alternative to the crank motor. Basically have one gear and situated in the rear wheel of your bike, they are the most common motor. They have high torque but with just one gear, it’s not so great for hilly places unless the bike comes with extra gears.
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source: ebikeschool
Friction Drive Motor:
This motor is cheap and works by a spinning roller in constant contact with the back of the rear tire. It is a light motor that cannot bear too much power and should only be considered if you plan to use your bike less than often. This motor wears easily and is not an advisable choice for long distance journeys.
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source: Truebicycles
Brush And Brushless Motors:
These are DC motors. The brushed motor being the more robust selection. It however is no longer produced in larger quantities although it was relatively cheap. Brushless motors was later produced and succeeded the former. The Brushless motor offers good hill climbing capacity at a moderate price. It also cut down on the noise and size synonymous with its predecessor.
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source: Electric bike reviews
Permanent Magnet BLDC Motors:
A newer version of brushless motors with an upped sense of reliability. The armature is detected by a magnetic field and as such, no sensors. They may become the most common or reliable option in time.
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source: AliExpress
Issues With Integrated Batteries:
Repair Is A Nightmare:
Most advanced Electric batteries will eventually develop fault. Ascertaining that there is a fault is a task of its own and locating it is another hurdle. Advanced batteries need care when disassembling to find the problem. It’s advisable to leave this to an expert.
Heavier Batteries:
The commonly used Bosch Tube Electric batter is heavier and is attached to the lower shaft of the bike frame. This reduces the center of gravity and demands greater care in handling your bike.
Most Are Not Long Distance Friendly:
Some detachable models of integrated batteries are slender and long but don’t have the capacity for long distances. Taking a second or spare battery along is important, but imagine that weight in your backpack while you cycle. Not a friendly experience.
Overheating:
Accelerating to high speeds fully on motor throttle can cause your batteries to heat and in the process lead to the disconnection of the drive unit.
Vulnerability To Damage:
Some models are loaded onto lower part of the bike frame are vulnerable to chaffing and significant damage. This is something to note, especially because replacement is quite expensive.
With all this being said, it makes you wonder where the bright side is?
Well, Lithium Batteries stand out as the best option however they come in different shapes and sizes as well as bicycle frames besides the other issues associated with Integrated batteries. Choosing one that best fits with your frame and use is important. Also, having in mind their capacities and the motors installed on your bike is important. Choose one that can supply sufficient voltage to your motor comfortably.
Also Crank drive motors stand out as the best choice for all forms of commuting. I'm glad you read this far. If you liked this read be sure to Upvote and follow!
