CleanTechnica Tested: The Lectric eBikes XPedition Dual Battery Cargo Bike
The Lectric eBikes XPedition Series represents a step forward for the Phoenix-based company and brings a ton of new capability, power, range, and hauling capacity into the Lectric lineup. We were impressed after our first ride of a few pre-production builds and eager to see what the final version looked like so when they sent one our way, we were eager to get out onto the streets with it.
The Build
When assembling a bike, you get to know it at a more intimate level. The quality (or lack thereof) is more evident and the amount of thought put into the design, packaging, and shipping are exposed. The Lectric XPedition Series e-bikes are the first e-bikes from Lectric without a fold in the middle of the frame so they ship in larger, full-sized e-bike boxes.
Just like on Lectric’s other e-bikes, the handlebars and upper stem still fold down, meaning you can drop the seat and fold the handlebars down to make it a vertically more compact bike. This is handy for folks with SUVs and wagons where you can just fold down the handlebars and fit it into the back of the vehicle in an upright position.
Many folding bikes to date feature folding pedals with their bulbous centers. For the XPedition Series, Lectric fixed this with a completely new design featuring a snap-in, quick release pedal system. To insert the pedals, the locking mechanism pulls back, allowing the pedal to slide into the crank. When the locking mechanism is released, the pedal locks into place. The new quick release pedals are also thinner than a standard pedal meaning less weight. It’s a really slick system and a nice solution to keeping the horizontal profile of the bike as narrow as possible while still preserving the overall riding experience.
The XPedition is a bit of a tank when it comes down to it. It was built to haul anything and everything and that shows when it’s time to hit the scale. The dual battery build we tested tips the scales at 75 pounds without any accessories. With so much power from the motor, the weight isn’t very noticeable when riding, but it is likely to impact how it’s stored, moved around, and assembled.
This is understandable given it’s carrying capacity, but when it comes to assembly it makes it a bit unwieldy. For our assembly, we simply cut the corners of the box down to the ground to avoid having to lift the bike out of the box. From there, we were able to complete the assembly.
Earlier this year, Lectric eBikes started including slime tire sealant in the tubes of all of its bikes. That is a huge step up and while sealant is not terribly expensive, it was one of the things we would add to every single review bike, given the hassle of getting a flat on an e-bike. Combined with ubiquitous puncture resistant tires, sealant is a great way to reduce tire punctures and if nothing else, it notifies you when there is a puncture and helps identify the location. We also recommend adding a tire liner to the formula for what is a nearly invincible combination for puncture resistance.
The footrests on the XPedition bolt to the frame as part of the assembly. They felt a bit flimsy out of the box, but when bolted into place, they seemed serviceable. It’s not like you’re going to be doing jumping jacks on them. They exist for rear passenger comfort, but with a 300-pound rear rack capacity, they might be a bit light on support.
The Ride
The first ride of any new bike is a tuning ride. It’s a quick trip around the neighborhood to ensure all the critical systems are working. We check everything from brakes to tire pressure, fender alignment, derailleur tuning, and seat height. We didn’t have any issues on the first ride of the XPedition and it was ready to take out on the town for its first official showing.
The geometry of the XPedition makes it possible to set up with either a more aggressive, forward-leaning posture or as more of a cruiser style bike with upright seating. The adjustable stem on the XPedition makes it easy to move the handlebars forward for more aggressive riding or back towards the rider for more casual riding with the flip of a lever. This capability also makes it a breeze to share the bike between different riders who can quickly adjust the seat and handlebar position to their preferences. A double extending seat post further extends the customization of the bike for riders ranging from 4′ 11″ / 150cm to 6′ 5″ / 195cm.
The adjustable stem enables Rapid adjustment of handlebar height and position. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica
The XPedition absolutely shines on the open road. The frame is sturdy and paired with a set of oversized 22″ x 3″ street tires, makes for a ride that is comfortable and controlled. The smaller diameter tires keep the weight of the bike and any cargo in tow low to the ground for even more stability.
The star of the show on the Lectric XPedition is definitely the rear motor. It boasts an average power output of 750 watts, which keeps it within the federal guidelines for the three official classes of electric bikes. The secret sauce for the motor on the XPedition is its peak power output of 1,310 watts. At nearly double the average output of the motor, the peak output feels like a kick in the pants when you spike the throttle or kick the pedal assist to level 5 for maximum boost. It’s what makes the XPedition series so fun for individual riding and capable when hauling a full load of cargo.
For context, 1,300 watts is nearly two horsepower and while the XPedition isn’t a motorcycle, it definitely pushes the limits for what’s possible under the current electric bike guidelines in the US. At only 1,399, this amount of motor paired with the larger battery and the rock solid frame makes the XPedition series an extreme value.
For normal use around town, the XPedition series is more than up to the task. With an adult up front, it’s hard to overload the bike unless you’re really, really trying to do something that you would need a full-size SUV for. You’re not going to fit a family of four on this thing but with a bit of work and assuming you can stay under the cargo limit, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be able to handle it.
The XPedition’s twin batteries live vertically in a custom cage behind the seat tube. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica
On the electric side of things, Lectric stepped up the battery capacity with the XPedition Series to 14 amp-hours for a single pack and 28 amp-hours for the dual battery build. That’s significantly larger than the 10 amp-hour batteries on the iconic Lectric XP. The larger battery enables the XPedition to go farther, do more, push harder, and to carry more weight than all of Lectric’s previous offerings by a long shot.
Accessories
Lectric eBikes offers a range of new and existing accessories that you can quickly add to the XPedition to kit it out for whatever mischievous adventures you’re planning. The company sent us a set of its XL Cargo Bags, designed to have enough structure and volume for two bags of groceries, and while it would be nice if they folded flat, they are absolutely voluminous, leveraging the full length of the rear rack for side storage. If you’re looking to haul more humans around with you, Lectric offers the Orbitor, a rear rack support for two kids and the Plus 1 Chair to make it easier to bring larger humans along for the ride.
The Lectric eBikes XPedition kitted out with a set of their XL Cargo Bags. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica
Lectric also offers cargo platforms, insulated cargo bags, infant car seats that snap directly in to the rear rack, front racks and the like. Head over to its accessories site to see the full list.
Overall
The Lectric eBikes XPedition bikes are so capable, it’s almost stupid. It’s harder to imagine tasks they wouldn’t be able to do than it is to explain the lengthy list of configurations they can support. The quality they bring to the budget e-bike space is hands down, bar none, the best in the game. Sure, it would be nice to have a better derailleur, chain, and gear system, but you can always upgrade that later. The core bits that really matter — the frame geometry, frame material, motor, battery system, controller, and capacity — are all rock solid, begging to be put to use.
The XPedition can easily handle small tasks like running to the grocery store, picking up supplies at the hardware store, a quick sprint to Target to pick up some Hot Wheels, or a trip to the mall. Truth be told, the electric e-bikes XPedition series will have you wanting to take more trips than your local infrastructure can probably support.
It will almost immediately have you asking where can you actually lock up your e-bike when you go to the mall, Lowe’s, Dairy Queen, and the like. You’ll quickly identify the streets where it’s safe to ride your bike and where more cycling infrastructure is needed in your area. And with all of the limitations of what e-bikes could or should do blown out of the water, you’ll finally just might realize just how damn fun electric vehicles are and invariably end up slapping yourself in the face, because you didn’t buy two of them from the start.
To learn more about or to purchase the Lectric eBikes XPedition Series, head over to the official website.
Lectric eBikes XPedition Dual Battery Cargo Bike Specs
- Motor: Rear hub motor pushing out 750 watts continuous, 1,310 watts peak power w/85Nm torque
- Dual Battery: 1,345 Wh / 28Ah twin removable batteries w/NMC cells
- Range: Throttle only: 50 miles, Pedal assist level 1: 150 miles
- Frame: Long tail cargo frame built with 6000 series aluminum
- Brakes: Front and rear hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors
- Rear Rack Capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
- Color: Fog Grey
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Electric bike FAQs: your top ebike questions answered
If you’re wanting to ride further, take more exercise or avoid using public transport, but want more control over the effort involved in cycling, an electric bike could be the perfect solution.
An ebike provides electric assistance as you pedal, via a small motor and battery. You can also tailor the amount of assistance you receive, depending on your desired speed, your fitness or the length of your ride and the terrain. There’s an increasing range of ebike models out there that will cater to everyone from the casual rider to the more serious mountain biker, road rider or tourer.
As with any emerging technology, buying an electric bike can be a confusing process. How can you make sure you’re getting the right bike for you and what are the key things to look out for? We’ve answered 14 of the most important ebike questions in this electric bike guide. Use one of the links below to skip to your question or read on for the full FAQs. Otherwise, check out our buyer’s guide to the best electric bikes.
How fast can an electric bike go?
In the UK, the EU and Australia, the motor on an ebike has to stop providing assistance at 25kph (15mph). Above that speed you’re required to pedal by your own steam. But if you live in the US, the motor can legally keep going up to 32kph (20mph).
If you’re fit enough to keep up a pace beyond that speed under your own pedal power, or you’re maybe going downhill, there’s nothing to stop you going faster, although you’ll want to make sure that you’re fully in control because an ebike’s extra weight can increase stopping distances compared to a regular pedal-powered bike.
Some ebikes are designed with this in mind. Canyon’s Endurace:ON AL has longer chainstays and disc brakes with 160mm rotors in an attempt to help keep it more planted when descending.
Some ebikes are designed to travel faster than 25kph (15mph) and have more powerful motors, while some designs have motor output controlled by a twist-grip ‘throttle’ on the bars, but these are legally considered to be mopeds.
In the UK and EU, you need to have a licence and insurance to ride them, and you must wear a helmet and have paid relevant vehicle taxes.
Do I have to pedal to get assistance on my electric bike?
We’re sorry to have to break it to you, but yes you do. An ebike assists your pedalling rather than taking over completely. If you don’t need to pedal, it’s classified as a moped – see the next question below.
An ebike will have a torque sensor built into its drivetrain, to measure how much effort the rider is applying to the pedals. Then the motor’s output will be regulated to match this, so it doesn’t take over and provides power in a measured way to reflect how you are riding.
You have control over how much extra push the motor is providing. On Canyon’s Spectral:ON e-mountain bike you use a controller on the left side of the handlebar to select from three different levels of assistance. So you might select a higher level of support to get you to the top of a trail, then drop it back to conserve your battery and enjoy the ride down the other side.
The motor means there’s a substantial reduction in the effort you need to put in. Select the highest assistance level and you should be able to keep up a reasonable pace without working up a sweat, meaning that you won’t arrive at the office a damp mess if you’re commuting.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more of a workout or want to extend the range of your ride, selecting a lower assistance level will mean that you’re putting in more effort. And you can always use the controller on the bars or frame to switch between levels mid-ride to match your mood, the terrain or how fit you’re feeling that day.
Do I need a driving licence to ride an ebike on the roads?
If you’re over 14 in England, Scotland and Wales, you can ride an electric bike on the road without tax, insurance or a licence, although it’s always a good idea to have insurance against personal accident and third-party damages. You don’t need to wear a helmet by law.
All that applies to a ‘standard’ electric bike or EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycle), where you need to pedal, which has a motor that provides up to 250 watts of assistance and where motor assistance is speed limited to 25kph (15mph).
An electric bike doesn’t have a throttle. Instead, the amount of power that the motor delivers is determined by how hard you are pedalling and the assistance level chosen.
Any ebike that doesn’t meet EAPC criteria is classified as a moped or motorcycle. You need to tax it and have a licence and insurance to ride it, and you also need to wear a crash helmet.
If you live in Northern Ireland, ebikes were previously treated like mopeds and required a licence. You also needed to register, tax and insure them, and display the registration mark before you can ride them on public roads.
However, as of 13 May 2020, those regulations have been changed to bring Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK – tax, insurance or a licence is no longer required.
There’s a range of different rules in other countries too, so it’s best to check local regulations.
How long will a charged ebike battery typically last?
All bike brands will offer an estimate of how long a particular model’s battery will last. Real-world battery life depends on a range of factors, however. Canyon
That depends on the type of bike, the battery capacity, the ambient temperature and how you use it: a fit rider on flattish roads or trails may be riding without assistance a lot of the time, whereas a less fit rider on hilly terrain is likely to be calling on the motor to help a lot more.
With a legal cut-off of assistance at 25kph (around 15mph) in many countries, road riders could easily exceed this without using the motor, whereas mountain bikers on technical trails will be calling on their motors more.
In short, it depends on your fitness, riding style and the terrain. However, as an example, Canyon claims its new Endurace:ON AL road bike and Grand Canyon:ON cross-country mountain bike will both cover up to 100km on a single charge.
The Roadlite:ON hybrid commuter bike’s battery will last for up to eight hours, according to Canyon, while the Pathlite:ON e-trekking bike with the optional second battery will carry you up to 150km, it says.
How do I charge my ebike?
Your ebike will be sold with a power adaptor and power cable to plug into the mains. There’s a socket on the battery that you attach it to. With some electric bikes you need to remove or partially remove the battery to plug it in, but on others there’s a socket built into the frame too.
If you don’t have a power outlet where you park your ebike, many systems let you quickly and easily remove the battery and take it indoors or somewhere closer to a mains socket.
How long your ebike takes to charge up will depend on the battery capacity and the charger used. Canyon says you can fully charge the battery on its new Endurace:ON AL electric road bike in 3.5 hours.
The Neuron:ON alloy eMTB charges up in 7.5 hours, with an 80 per cent charge taking 4 hours. You can halve those numbers by using a fast charger, often sold separately.
Are electric bikes heavier than normal bikes?
An electric bike needs to have a motor and a battery. These will always make it heavier than a standard bike. In addition, it’s likely to be built more substantially, with more robust components than a standard bike, to handle the extra power from the motor.
While ebike technology is developing quickly, and the bikes are becoming lighter all the time, an electric bike will typically be at least several kilos heavier than a standard bike. Canyon’s new Spectral:ON full-suspension carbon mountain bike in its top spec weighs 21.4kg, compared to the flagship (non-electric) Spectral at 12.70kg. Remember, however, that you have the motor and battery, and the assistance they provide.
The Canyon Pathlite:ON trekking ebike weighs between 21kg and 27kg, depending on the spec, whereas the standard Pathlite without a motor weighs 11kg upwards.
Some ebikes are not much heavier than a standard road bike, though: top-end carbon ebikes such as the Ribble Endurance SLe and the Wilier Cento1Hy weigh around 11kg, while the £2,999 alloy Canyon Endurace:ON AL weighs 15kg.
Why are ebikes so expensive?
Most ebikes will have high-end hydraulic disc brakes to provide the necessary stopping power. Canyon
If you’ve looked at the of electric cars against fossil fuel-powered models, you’ll know that they’re significantly more expensive. A lot of that cost can be attributed to the batteries and technology used.
The same is true of ebikes which, like electric cars, are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The minerals used to make batteries, particularly lithium and cobalt, are expensive and supply is limited.
It’s not just the batteries. You’re also paying for the motor and its controller, display hardware and the greater complexity of the machine.
Plus, with the extra power from the motor, bike brands often use more robust, pricier components such as heavier duty drivetrains and stronger wheels. And you need to be able to stop effectively given the bike’s extra weight, so most ebikes will have high-end hydraulic disc brakes.
Why are some electric bikes so much cheaper than others?
The clue is in the question above. A larger battery will be pricier than one with more limited range.
For example, Canyon’s Pathlite:ON is available with either one or two batteries as standard. The step up from the Pathlite:ON 7.0 to 8.0 doubles your range but also increases the price from £2,800 to £4,100.
Some inexpensive models will also have much smaller batteries, limiting their range.
There are also likely to be differences in components between ebikes, with pricier models having higher quality parts from name-brand makes such as Shimano, Fazua and Bosch (the three big players when it comes to ebike systems).
It’s worth buying an ebike from a reputable manufacturer too, because they’ll have thoroughly tested their designs and worked with manufacturers of the electric components to iron out any problems before bringing them to market. You’ll also get the support and warranty cover expected from a big-name brand.
Can I travel with my ebike?
As usual, that depends: there’s a patchwork of regulations, depending on how you’re planning to transport your electric bike.
Train operating companies will mostly treat an ebike like a standard bicycle. In some cases, you might need to book a slot for your bike; other train companies have restrictions on carrying non-folding bikes at peak times.
Also bear in mind an electric bike weighing around 20kg or more will be hard to lift on and off trains, and some trains have hanging racks for bikes, which will be difficult to use.
Buses can be tricky too. Some buses have external bike racks on the rear, but most don’t and you probably won’t be able to take an ebike onto a bus, unless it folds.
Air flight is also likely to be banned because there are international regulations on the size of batteries that can be carried. The general regulation is up to 100Wh, although batteries up to 160Wh may be allowed with pre-authorisation.
Electric bike batteries usually have a greater capacity than this. Even if you think you might be okay, it’s vital to check with your airline before flying.
An increasing number of cycling hotspots are offering battery rental, meaning you can fly with your ebike and leave your own battery at home, picking up a loaner on arrival.
If you’re planning to drive somewhere with your electric bike, be careful not to leave it in a hot car because heat can degrade battery performance.
Should ebikes be considered ‘cheating’ or motorcycles?
Electric bikes are designed to make riding a bike more enjoyable, allowing riders to venture further and providing a helping hand when required. Canyon
For most ebike riders, the extra assistance provided by the motor isn’t going to turn them into pro-level performers. Instead, it will make riding a bike more enjoyable, letting them ride further and helping out on hills when needed.
Many riders will want to use their electric bikes for shopping or commuting, where lowering the effort level needed to carry loads or for starts from traffic lights will make for a more comfortable (and less sweaty) experience. Others may want to ride with friends who are fitter than them, and an ebike will help them keep up better.
With assistance limited to 250 watts of extra power and 25kph (15mph) maximum speed, an ebike doesn’t have the performance of a moped or motorcycle, so it’s right that they’re treated differently.
Can an electric bike be ridden with a flat battery?
Yes, you can ride your ebike home if the battery runs out during a ride. Systems such as Fazua’s have software that limits output to preserve battery life if they’re running low on juice, which should help keep assistance going at a diminished level to help you get home.
Even if your battery still has plenty of charge, the controller on the bar or frame will usually have a setting allowing you to turn the motor off as you ride. So, if you’re willing to ride without help, that’s another way to preserve battery level.
Bear in mind that an ebike will be substantially heavier than a normal bike, though, so it will be harder to keep going using pedal power alone, both on the flat and particularly if you hit an upward grade.
With that in mind, it’s always wise to make sure your electric bike has sufficient charge for the ride you’ve got planned. Many systems will also provide a range estimate figure based on the bike’s battery status, which can then be used to plan your journeys appropriately.
What is the lifespan of an electric bike battery and can ebike batteries be recycled?
Lithium ion batteries can be charged and discharged hundreds of times. Shimano says that its Steps system, as used on the Canyon Spectral:ON, can be charged and discharged more than 1,000 times with no degradation in its performance.
Over longer periods, an ebike battery may lose a bit of capacity, which could reduce your bike’s range somewhat, but for most users that’s not likely to make a significant difference.
The amount of push the battery and motor can give shouldn’t change though, so the battery should last longer than many mechanical components of the bike.
Since the metals in the battery – particularly the cobalt – are valuable and there are increasing numbers of larger lithium batteries being used, especially for transport, there’s an emerging recycling industry. With their larger capacity, electric bike batteries are a more attractive proposition for recyclers than batteries in, for example, mobile phones.
What are watt hours (Wh) and what do they mean in real life?
Watt hours (or Wh) refers to the energy capacity of your bike’s battery and provides an indication as to its likely range.
A battery’s Wh will also show how many watts it is able to continuously provide for an hour: for example, a 250Wh battery can provide 250 watts of assistance for one hour, 125 watts for two hours, and so on. Of course, real-world riding means you are very unlikely to place such a consistent demand on your ebike’s battery.
Ultimately, how far an electric bike will go on a single charge depends on where you’re riding, the weather, how much of your own effort you are putting in and the assistance level you’ve selected.
A fit rider who selects a low assistance level on flat roads will get a lot more range than a less fit rider on a hilly route carrying luggage and selecting the maximum motor assistance. All of this has an impact on how much load you are putting on the battery.
Canyon estimates that the Pathlite:ON’s range with one 500Wh battery is around 75km, for a rider weighing around 75kg pedalling at 45rpm and travelling at a speed of 22kph.
How can I secure my ebike?
Many electric bikes feature removable batteries with a lock to secure the battery to the frame. Canyon
You need to take all the precautions you would to keep a standard bike safe. That includes a sturdy, ideally Sold Secure gold rated, lock through your wheels and frame and attached to an immovable object. Given the value of most ebikes, you should store your ebike somewhere secure.
Some ebike systems come with a companion mobile phone app that often lets you track where your bike is and may detect unauthorised movement too.
Your ebike’s battery is also an attractive item for thieves. Most models with a removable battery, like those from Canyon, will include a lock and key to secure it to the frame.
With their high value, unfortunately ebikes are often targeted by thieves, so it’s worthwhile paying for a good lock, being careful where you lock the bike, and buying insurance.
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Replacement Electric Bike Batteries Guide
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A good e-bike battery should last for hundreds of cycles. With average use, this means several years. Eventually, electric bike batteries need to be replaced as their life cycle comes to an end.
You can tell when a battery is nearing the end of its life when it does not provide you with much range. Some high-quality batteries that come on the top e-bikes such as a Bosch battery have a battery management system (BMS) integrated into the battery that actually tells you the current capacity and also how many charge cycles it has gone through.
But no matter what type of battery you have you’ll sooner or later be asking yourself the all-important question: how can I replace my e-bike battery?
Down below Electric Bike Report dives into this question and more in greater detail.
Are E-bike Batteries Interchangeable?
In general, the answer is no – you should only replace a battery with one that comes from the same manufacturer and is of exactly the same spec.
The reason is that the original e-bike or kit manufacturer has the responsibility to ensure that the battery pack, charger, and e-bike all work safely together, and using a ‘non-original’ replacement pack potentially introduces all sorts of uncontrolled risks.
It’s a little more complicated than this in some situations. For example, some Bosch batteries of different capacities are explicitly made to be interchangeable and there will be many instances where an original supplier and/or manufacturer of the e-bike cannot be traced or has gone out of business – in such cases we look at your options below.
As an important side note: you should always, if possible, use a charger that comes from the original manufacturer too. The one that comes with your battery should sync up well and not overload the battery. Pairing your battery with a different charger adds in risk of malfunction during charging.
Let’s first look at the basics of getting a replacement battery for your e-bike, then we will look at some of the major manufacturers of e-bike batteries and some of the main e-bike manufacturers to see which common battery types are still replaceable. Let’s consider the options for replacement in terms of desirability.
Where Should I Go to Get a Replacement E-Bike Battery?
On this last point it may help to note that there are a couple of manufacturing standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes. Although it’s not a legal requirement, it may be that one of the standards is actually marked on the battery itself.
The standards are BS EN 50604‑1 and UN38.3, the latter required for lithium-ion battery transport by air, sea or land. Just because these standards are not marked on a battery doesn’t mean it does not comply with them – but it is a reassuring sign if a battery does bear one or both of these marks.
Note that using a replacement battery that does not come from the original manufacturer (whether a dealer is involved or not) may void the warranty of your electric bike or kit. Check with the e-bike or kit company to understand what their policy is regarding the use of aftermarket replacement batteries.
Replacement Batteries from Original Manufacturers
Bosch E-Bike Batteries
Only Bosch manufactured batteries will be used on any new Bosch e-bike – this has always been the case and so it makes advice on interchangeability a little more straightforward than with the likes of Shimano and Brose who have both allowed the use of third party batteries with their mid-drive motor systems.
There have been four basic designs made by Bosch over the years (good online overview here):
- Rack mounted batteries: PowerPack in 300, 400, and 500 Wh versions which are all interchangeable with each other.
- Down tube mounted batteries: PowerPack in 300, 400, and 500 Wh versions, current versions of which are all interchangeable with each other.
- Frame integrated batteries: PowerTubes in 400, 500, and 625Wh versions, with the 400 and 500 units being interchangeable with each other. The 625Wh may be retrofittable but it needs a compatible frame with a big enough space to house it (400 and 500 units are the same physical dimensions but 625 is bigger). 500 and 625 Wh units are used on the Dual Battery system to give a capacity up to 1250Wh.
- Frame Integrated ‘Smart’ Option batteries: This is a new 750Wh option for 2022 and will be only compatible with 2022 e-bikes that feature the Bosch ‘Smart’ system and will not be compatible with other Bosch e-bikes that are ‘non-Smart’. Similarly, other types of PowerTube batteries (400, 500, and 625Wh versions) will not be compatible with e-bikes featuring Bosch’s ‘Smart’ system.
Some third-party batteries compatible with Bosch systems are available as detailed in the section below.
There are some suppliers of batteries that will fit older models, in some cases dating back to 2011 when the Bosch e-bikes first entered the market, for example, The Holland Bike Shop in Europe sells some batteries compatible with much older Bosch-powered models.
Shimano E-Bike Batteries
Shimano produces its own brand batteries for use on their systems, but you may also find new e-bikes powered by Shimano motor systems with batteries manufactured by their licensed partners Darfon and SMP. These third party batteries are not interchangeable with any Shimano batteries.
Shimano’s current range includes rack-mounted, downtube-mounted and frame-integrated batteries from 418Wh to 630Wh. You can see a brief overview with detailed links to each battery on offer here.
It’s important to note that each battery model has a limited number of specific battery mounts it will work with, so it is important to replace an old battery with one that is compatible with the mount on your e-bike. You can check out detailed compatibility info here and here.
Shimano says that ‘the oldest current battery we have is the BT-E6000 and the corresponding battery mount BM-E6000. These are compatible with all five of our current drive units (DU-EP8/E8000/E7000/E6100/E5000), but not earlier systems. For reference, DU-E8000 is the oldest in that list – it was introduced in 2016.’
Brose E-Bike Batteries
The only battery listed on Brose’s own website is a 630Wh frame-integrated option.
However, Brose systems are widely used by other manufacturers who also spec own-brand or third-party batteries. These include the likes of the widely respected battery manufacturer BMZ and well-known brands like Scott and BULLS.
For example, Specialized’s ‘full power’ range use Brose-based mid drives and a range of their own brand frame-integrated batteries. Although information on interchangeability is scarce, a Specialized FAQ page, in response to the question ‘Can I increase range by using the 604Wh aftermarket battery in any Turbo Vado/Como?’ says yes, all Vado batteries are cross-compatible as long as you are running the latest firmware (by implication so are Como and Turbo full power batteries are cross-compatible too).
The above appears only to address compatibility on current Specialized models and battery availability for older models appears a bit more complex with lots of debate online over the matter.
The fact that the latest Specialized e-bike batteries contain a Bluetooth chip to communicate with the latest Mission Control App certainly suggest both backward compatibility and availability of third party batteries will be very limited. Current e-bike batteries available from Specialized can be found here.
Yamaha E-Bike Batteries
Yamaha has integrated, rack-mounted and frame-mounted options ranging between 400Wh and 600Wh but information on backward compatibility is rather hard to find. Their systems appear on Haibike models and in the US on their own brand models too.
Giant use Yamaha motor systems but apparently have their own brand of battery – the EnergyPak range. The standard EnergyPak comes in rack-mounted and frame-integrated options whilst the Smart Compact variant allows for faster charging.
Finally, there is the Giant EnergyPak Plus, for use with the Smart Compact – a range extender style battery that fits onto the frame and effectively increases the capacity of the main Plus battery.
Giant’s Service web page states that there are EnergyPaks with 300, 360, 400, 500 and 625Wh capacities and also states ‘Giant EnergyPaks are interchangeable’.
Fazua E-Bike Batteries
This lightweight German-made system uses a frame-integrated 250Wh design and there have been two types of battery, Battery 250 and Battery 250X, the latter having the ability to be switched on and off remotely.
The latest Fazua Evation 250X battery is compatible with all Fazua electric bikes from 2019-22.
GRIN and Cytronex E-bike Kit Batteries
Canada’s GRIN is a true expert in producing a wide variety of e-bike kits. Whilst they do several designs of batteries, one of their best options from a replaceability point of view is their own brand LiGo batteries.
LiGo batteries are very unusual in being modular so that you can easily connect together as many as you like to increase or decrease battery capacity at will. They are particularly suitable for lightweight and folding bikes (I use them on a GRIN Brompton kit) and also for those who want to air travel with e-bikes as the individual battery units are only 98Wh and so are generally allowed on passenger aircraft (disconnect them from each other for travel and reconnect them on landing to make a useful e-bike battery).
The design has been around for several years and is backward compatible.
The UK’s Cytronex produces both European and US spec lightweight kits which use a unique own-design of ‘bottle battery’.
Cytronex says all their lithium bottles are compatible forwards and backward from the first version in 2017. They have different firmware for the new Bluetooth variant but both this and the non-Bluetooth version allow you to use the new 2-way – 5 level Boost Button or the previous one-way 3 level button.
In fact, if you have old and new kits on two bikes you can switch the bottle between both and it will recognize the two different button types automatically.
E-bike Manufacturers Own Brand Batteries
There are hundreds of e-bike manufacturers in the more budget space so it’s way beyond the scope of this guide to cover the options for each one; rather we’ll take a look at a couple of the market leaders.
Rad Power Bikes E-Bike Batteries
Rad Power Bikes first started producing e-bikes for the North American market in 2015 and now claims to be the US market leader. Their website lists several replacement batteries and their current lineup of bikes uses one of two battery designs.
There is the External Battery Pack (with the option for the smaller pack specific to the RadMission) which is compatible with all 2018 and newer model ebikes except the RadRover 6 Plus and RadCity 5 Plus, which use the Semi-Integrated Battery Pack.
Rad Power Bikes does offer legacy options for bikes older than that 2018 ‘cutoff’ and although some of these legacy batteries are currently out of stock Rad says they have plans to restock them.
The battery packs are consistent across their main sales areas of Canada, US and Europe.
The Rad Power website has a great filter system so you can track down the compatibility of what batteries are in stock against all current and previous models, right back to the original 2015 RadRover. All e-bike manufacturers’ websites should provide this service!
Pedego E-Bike Batteries
A longstanding US manufacturer with a clear set of battery specs for current models here. However, there doesn’t appear to be any info about legacy batteries or backward compatibility.
Interestingly, and it seems uniquely amongst the mainstream manufacturers, Pedego have recently introduced a serviceable battery (pictured above) – designed to be easily maintained at the local Pedego store. It features a rear light, brake light and indicators to boot.
Batteries for Out-Dated Motor Systems
There are a number of older motor and battery systems that are either not used or little used these days but there are still some suppliers out there who may be able to help out and if you are in this position a bit of internet research might just turn something up. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples.
BionX E-Bike Batteries
BionX operated between 1998 and 2018 and were once one of the leading e-bike system manufacturers in North America, with the likes of Trek and Kalkhoff using their systems.
There are still limited stocks of spare parts available here and there, including batteries, for example on this Ohm webpage.
Heinzmann E-Bike Batteries
German company Heinzmann had a great reputation for quality and produced the now obsolete Classic system and the newer Direct Power system. At various times both were available as kits or fitted to off-the-peg e-bikes.
In the UK Electric Vehicle Solutions are the main stockist of complete Direct Power kits and of spare parts for the Classic system.
What About Non-removable Frame Integrated Batteries?
A relatively small number of e-bike batteries are incorporated into the frame and not designed to be removed by the rider – they must be charged on the bike. Whilst perhaps inconvenient for some, the system has the benefit of a sleeker and simpler design and keeps the battery cells well-protected.
The Ebikemotion X35 system is one example of the most common lightweight systems out there to feature a frame-enclosed battery.
When it comes to replacing these batteries, to be clear, our official advice is that this is a job for the dealer, or expert shops to do only.
DIY in this area can get tricky in a hurry. Looking into service options to replace batteries in an integrated system is something to consider before purchasing the bike.
Third-Party Replacement E-Bike Batteries
For some older batteries – or even some current ones – there may be manufacturers other than the so-called OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who made the original batteries. These third-party companies are not recognized by the original e-bike manufacturers so if possible it is always best to go back to your dealer or the manufacturer directly to source an original battery.
However, third-party batteries may be a solution where no original batteries appear to be available.
There are a growing number of companies that provide third-party batteries and here we take a look at a couple of the bigger operations.
Please note that on e-bikes that are still in their warranty period, replacing the battery with one from a third-party manufacturer will most likely void the warranty.
FTH Power has a good amount of experience in the electronics business and has diagnostics and assembly capabilities. They look to have good stocks of popular far eastern battery brands such as Reention (used by the likes of Juiced and Surface 604) and Hailong. They also have this handy battery/model finder to see if they have batteries for your particular model of e-bike.
Third-party battery provision (and recelling services) appear to be bigger business in mainland northern Europe than in the U.S. It makes sense, this is where e-bikes have been around much longer and where the average value of e-bikes is higher. The need to keep older bikes going longer is greater. For example, Heskon is a major supplier of replacement batteries to dealers and Fiets Accu Revisie is the part of Heskon that sells direct to customers.
The UK’s Electric Transport Shop network offers battery diagnosis (refundable against a replacement battery or recell if required). The ETS says they also have stocks of Battery Management System chips that can be used on certain packs, usually on older e-bikes.
The ETS also says ‘There are so many shapes of e-bike batteries now that we cannot guarantee that we have cell packs to fit them all and it is usually cheaper to buy a factory-built replacement than to hand-build a replacement pack in the UK so we usually recommend buying a battery from the original supplier if the diagnosis proves that’s what is needed. If their supplier is no longer available to supply a replacement pack in this instance we will help people find a suitable replacement or as a last resort we will offer to wire in an alternative pack which may be in a different position on the bike.’
What Should I Do With My Old E-bike Battery?
If at all possible the ideal solution is to take it back to the dealer you bought it from who will send it on for recycling.
In the US the industry is in the midst of setting up its own recycling scheme. It was organized by People for Bikes and will be directly coordinated under the auspices of Call2Recycle. There will be a network of battery drop-off locations from the nation’s roughly 3,000 independent bike shops. Manufacturers and retailers can sign up here.
The batteries will be sent on to ‘processing partners’, four of which are domestic and two of which are foreign—one in South Korea and one in Belgium.
The consortium brands are funding the recycling service, which will be free to riders; of course, consumers will still have to pay for replacement batteries. There are also plans for a consumer-direct mail-in recycling option in the summer – EBR will keep you posted on its development.
There are already such ready-made recycling networks in mainland Europe and the UK is just beginning to establish such a network.
This guide to replacement electric bike batteries hopefully covered the basics of what is out there for you. It’s certainly just the tip of the iceberg though. If there is anything else that wasn’t covered here, let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below and we’ll update this guide with the info our readers are looking for!
Wallke H6 Dual Battery Folding Electric Bike
Dual Battery, Dual Suspension, Fold
[Wallke Patent Frame] It adopts dual-battery design, which offer more flexibility by allowing you to carry two batteries right on the frame. The rear suspension, a nearly unique feature of the Wallke H6, which really soaks up big bumps and undulating terrain. Smooth welding design, none of the shark and fish scales welding as on cheaper bikes.
Save Space Easy to Carry
Folds in seconds for easy transport and storage. Being able to fold it is a bonus if you live in a small apartment. Makes your rides more easy and convenient. Wallke H6 frame is thicker than others, so it weighs more but solid. It thoroughly make the rider feel completely safe at every point of travel on their Wallke H6 electric bike.
Full Color Smart LCD Display
Unlike almost all other bikes, it’s also user programmable, so you can customize the ride, power, aggressiveness and upper limits of the bike’s performance.
Ready for Adventure
With the tough fat tires combined the adjustable suspension fork and rear shock, you can expect better handling sorts of terrain including road, beach, mud, or even snow and offers an overall smooth-as-air riding experience.
180mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Double-disc hydraulic brake provide you with strong stopping power, which can stop the bike in a more effective way, will give me a lot of confidence when riding.
Technical Specification
- Motor: 1400W (Peak) 750W (Sustained), 48V brushless geared rear hub motor, 80N.M
- Battery: 21AH14AH removable Lithium batteries, 48V/35Ah dual battery configuration, total 1680Wh capacity
- Charger: 3Amps Fast charger plus 2 Amps Standard charger.dual charger configuration
- Controller: 48V/28A
- Display: Full color Smart LCD display with USB port
- Front Light: 48V LED front light
- Tail Light: Integrated tail light with brake signal
- Pedal Assist: 5 Levels assist, ECO mode, Sport mode
- Charge Time: 3-4 hours /6-7 hours
- Top Speed: 32 mph
- Climbing Angle: 30 degrees
- Maximum payload weight limit: 350 lbs / 158 kg
- Folded Size: 39” L x 27” W x 31”H /100cm L x 70cm W x 80cm H
- H6 shipping box dimensions: 64.9612.9932.68 IN / 165.0032.9983.01 CM
- Max back seat payload: 110 lbs / 50 Kg
- Best Uses: Super-duty long range bike for work, communting, long-distance and pleasure riding
- Recommended Rider Heights: 5’7 ~ 6’4
Component Info
- Fork: 20 hydraulic suspension with lock and adjust controls
- Rear Shock: Double rear suspension system
- Tire: 20 x 4 all terrain fat tires
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano 8-speed rear shift system
- Frame: Thickened 6061 aluminum alloy frame with smooth weld
- Brake: Dual hydraulic disc brakes
- Freewheel: 8 Speed Cassette
- Rotor: Front-180mm, rear-180mm
- Fenders Rear rack: Included
- Saddle: Suspension cruiser saddle
- Seat Post: Suspension seat post extra seat post, dual seat post configuration
- Cable: Integrated waterproof cable
- Throttle: Thumb throttle with horn
- Sensor: Cadence sensor
- USB Port: Included
- Bike Weight: 90 lbs/ 41 kg ( 35AH Option)
- Battery Weight: 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg ( 14AH Option), 14.3 lbs/ 6.5 kg ( 21AH Option)
- Battery
- Battery Charger
- 2 keys for Battery
- Wallke Tires
- Fenders
- Integrated Rear Rack
- Headlight
- Integrated Tail Light
- Saddle
- Pedals
- User Manual
- Gifts (Option)
- Assemble Tool Kits
Out of the box, it’s about 85% assembled. Simply attach the handlebars, front wheel and headlihgt, the seat post, the pedals, and you’re ready to rock and roll.
This owner’s handbook includes assembly and maintenance work which may need tobe done at frequent intervals to maintain an operational and safe Wallke eBike. Never perform work on your Wallke eBike beyond instructions in this handbook. Please read the instructions entirely before assembly to ensure the proper functioning of the Wallke ebike.
Its the same old saying. You pay for what you get. This model offer increased range, power, and reliability compared to traditional eBikes.
It might be heavy to lift, but they are heavenly to ride.
Wallke H6 equipped with two batteries instead of one. Wallke H6 frame is thicker than others, so it weighs more but solid. It thoroughly make the rider feel completely safe at every point of travel on their electric bike.
There is no legal requirement to have insurance.