Everything you need to know about buying an electric folding bike
If you’re looking for a lightweight electric vehicle that takes you anywhere and goes everywhere, meet the Brompton Electric Folding Bike. The most compact folding ebike. Whether you want to make your commute more joyful, get back into cycling after a break or tackle steep hills, the Brompton Electric delivers the same original 3-part fold the Brompton is famous for with all the oomph and ease of an Electric boost.
Power your ride when you need it, and stash it safely away indoors when you don’t.
When choosing the best folding ebike for you, there may be a few questions you have to find the electric bike that best suits your needs.
How do ebikes work?
An ebike, or electric bicycle, is a bicycle with a motor to give a boost when you need it.
The battery-powered motor provides electric pedal assistance, with different riding modes that can be set based on how much power you want to add to your ride. Different modes affect the battery charge. the higher the mode, the more power you use and the quicker the battery will deplete.
- Mode 0. No powered assistance. The clutch disconnects automatically to allow the wheel to roll with minimal resistance. On Mode 0 the riding experience is just the same as riding a non-powered Brompton folding bike, and conserves the battery for the longest amount of time.
- Mode 1. Minimal electric motor assistance. The rider does most of the work. when pulling away from a red light or riding up hills, you get a short boost to get a move on. When riding steady, the bike gives a bit of an electric-powered tailwind.
- Mode 2. The recommended setting for most riders. Perfect for gentle hills, rolling terrain, light headwinds and stop-start traffic in the city. Get a strong boost when setting off.
- Mode 3. The most power. Fantastic for riding hilly terrain and taking on strong headwinds. Also perfect for those looking for a more leisurely ride on any terrain.
The pedal rotation sensor on the Brompton Electric folding bike features a Smart torque sensor to measure the exact amount of pressure you put on the pedals. Offers smoother and more direct assistance to give a natural-feeling boost. The more you pedal, the more surge you feel from the support the Brompton Electric folding bike provides. Similarly, when you want to slow down, the sensor will adapt and lower the assistance provided by the motor.
On a Brompton Electric, our lightweight folding electric bike has its rechargeable battery, user interface and luggage integrated into one piece and snaps onto the front frame of the bike with a simple click. Plug your smartphone into the battery’s USB port and charge as you ride.
The Brompton Electric battery can be fully charged in 4 hours.
What are the benefits of an ebike?
- Escaping the city and travelling further by bike
- Saving time: with the same effort on a pedal bike, you’ll get to your destination faster than ever before
- Urban exploring with a boost
- Active transport: making your commute the most joyful part of your day
- Removing barriers: no need to avoid that pesky hill anymore. take it on with ease
- Anyone looking to get back into cycling after a break or an injury
- Arriving at the office without the need for a shower!
Electric bicycles give you the opportunity to supercharge your ride and increase both physical and mental well-being. A study published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives revealed several interesting findings about ebike riders.
- Those that ride ebikes are more likely to ride for longer than cyclists by taking longer trips on ebikes and bicycles.
- The physical fitness benefits of active travel are similar in both cyclists and those that ride electric bikes.
Another study published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found the cardiovascular benefits of riding an ebike are the same as riding a regular bike.
By choosing active or multi-modal transport over a car, train or bus, you can increase your cardiovascular fitness and minimize your impact on the environment.
Compact and easy to store, the Brompton Electric folding bike has all the benefits of an ebike, packed into the original 3-part fold. It takes around 20 seconds to transform your bike into a small compact package (585mm high x 565mm long x 270mm wide) that you can tow, stow and carry anywhere. Rush-hour trains, underground, overground, on boats or in car trunks. You can tuck away your Brompton Electric under your desk at work, in a cafe or safely at home. there’s no need to leave it outside.
What is the range of a folding ebike?
On a full charge, the Brompton Electric C Line can travel up to 15.5mph (25kmh) and has a range of 20. 45 miles. Riding with the highest level of assistance (Mode 3) will have a range of approximately 20 miles before needing a charge. When riding with lower levels of assistance, you can ride up to 45 miles before needing a charge.
This may vary depending on rider weight and circumstances like terrain or wind; hillier terrain or strong headwinds will use more battery as you pedal harder to ride.
How do I charge the Brompton Electric?
When it comes to charging your Brompton Electric battery, it’s easy. Simply remove the lightweight battery pack bag with one click and plug it in to any regular socket.
Developed with the experts at Williams Advanced Engineering using Formula E car racing technology, all Brompton Electric bikes come with a 300wh lithium-ion battery that attaches securely to the front of your Brompton in a lightweight 6.4lb package with 1.5L of storage for your essentials in a zipped front. with a side for a 0.5L water bottle.
You can fully charge the Brompton Electric battery in 4 hours, or boost for less if you’re short on time. we even squeezed in an integrated USB port for charging your phone.
Need more storage when you’re riding? The Brompton Electric City Bag comes with 20 liters of storage, featuring:
- a laptop compartment
- high-viz rain cover
- stretch side s for a 0.75L drink bottle
- front for papers
- a USB slot to charge your device while you ride
- shoulder pad so you can wear the bag once you’re off the bike
Are electric bikes legal in the US?
Ebike laws vary state by state, but the federal legal limit for an electric bicycle is 20mph. All Brompton Electric folding bikes are legal and comply with US regulations.
Check out this guide from PeopleForBikes to see electric bike laws in your state.
Converting an existing Brompton to an ebike using a conversion kit is not compliant with US regulations and invalidates all Brompton warranties. The person who converts the bicycle becomes the manufacturer and will be liable in case of an accident or incident.
Can you take ebikes on a bus or train?
Brompton Electric is allowed on Amtrak in checked baggage and on trains with a walk-on bicycle service. make sure it’s fully folded down (and in a secure travel bag if you’re checking it in) and you’re ready for your next cross-country trip. Different cities have different rules for bringing folding ebikes on public transport. we’ve got 4 major US cities below.
NYC
There’s 8 million ways to live in New York. and 8 million ways to get around the city. Folding ebikes are allowed on all public transport in New York City. except express buses. For more info head to Metropolitan Transport Authority’s website.
San Francisco
Get ready to fly through San Fran! Folding ebikes are allowed on Muni buses and trains. Taking BART? You’re set to go on your Brompton Electric folding ebike. just remember bikes aren’t allowed in the first car. For more information head to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition website.
Los Angeles
The Brompton Electric folding ebike can be brought on Metro Rail in LA. Folding ebikes aren’t allowed on Metro Buses in Los Angeles. but if you’ve got a classic, non-powered Brompton you can bring your bike onto the bus.
Chicago
According to the CTA website, all folding bikes are allowed on CTA buses and ‘L’ trains at all times throughout the year. including the Brompton Electric. You can fold it down and bring it onboard, no need to put it onto the bike rack when taking the bus!
Can you take ebikes on a plane?
The legal limit for most commercial passenger planes is 160Wh. Most ebike batteries range from about 300Wh. 1,000Wh. The Brompton Electric battery is 300Wh.
You can’t fly on a passenger plane with the Brompton Electric battery. either in the cabin or checked luggage.
Going without the motor? Our range of non-powered folding bikes can be safely transported on a plane, ensuring you follow all weight policies with the airline. The Brompton Padded Travel Bag offers a handy way to take your Brompton with you on long-haul journeys.
Can ebikes climb hills?
Ebikes can definitely climb hills. the battery-powered motor provides electric pedal assistance, with different riding modes that can be set based on how much power you want to add to your ride.
The Brompton Electric folding bike features a Smart torque sensor to measure the exact amount of pressure you put on the pedals which offer smoother and more direct assistance, to give you a natural-feeling boost to climb up hills. The more you pedal, the more power the Brompton Electric folding bike provides. Similarly, when you want to slow down or you’re heading down hills, the sensor will adapt and lower the assistance provided by the motor.
What better way to test out the hill-power than riding through the hilliest city in the country? We rode Brompton Electrics in San Francisco. check it out for yourself.
How much is a Brompton electric bike?
Brompton Electric folding bikes begin at 3,850. 0% finance is available with our financing partner Klarna.
The Brompton Electric C Line is the Classic All-Steel Folding Bike, Supercharged.
All registered Brompton Electric bikes are covered with our 7-year frame warranty and 3-year Electric system warranty and can be serviced by our Junction stores or accredited Brompton Electric retailers near you. keeping you on the road for longer.
Brompton selects our suppliers and components carefully based on reliability, weight and performance. The motor has a higher performance to weight ratio than any other 16″” motor on the market. The Brompton Electric battery offers 300Wh. which is high for the bike’s weight class, the additional pedal sensor offers a smoother and more natural riding experience.
How do I test ride a Brompton Electric folding bike?
Ready to try the Brompton Electric for yourself? Take a test ride at Brompton Junction NYC, or in an accredited Brompton Electric retailer near you. make sure you bring a valid ID. Get ready to fly through the city!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro, returning to cycling after a break, or hitting the tarmac for the first time, there’s nothing like exploring on two wheels. Supercharged to go further, the Brompton Electric is a joy to ride.
Folding ebike battery
We didn’t call this ebike the Sinch for no reason. Foldable, portable, storable, powerful, comfortable, and ready for anything, the Sinch folding electric bike lives up to the definition of “doing it with ease”. Your Sinch compact electric bike will fit in your closet and under your desk, meaning it’s almost infinitely portable! Making this electric bike foldable means that it’ll even fit in the trunk of your car or easily into your RV so you can take it anywhere with you. With 4″ fat tires and a front suspension fork this ebike is ready to both cruise the pavements and conquer the trails!
Get insights into your ride and go anywhere in confidence with our interactive color display. Track your distance traveled, battery life left, and more right at your handlebars, and even connect to the Aventon mobile app to share your rides with friends and family!
Take your ebike anywhere, without the need for a bike rack. The Sinch electric folding bike will fold up and fit in your trunk, in your closet, and even under your desk. Folding it up and down is a breeze with two quick release clamps being all that’s needed to open and close your ride.
Built to conquer the trail as well as the streets, the lockable front suspension tempers any surface you may find beneath your wheels.
20″ x 4″ fat tires take you anywhere and provide excellent stability whether you be on the pavement or the trail. Trust in the tires beneath your foldable electric bicycle as you go wherever your heart takes you with confidence.
You never thought you’d find such a powerful motor and battery combination in a portable electric bike that fits in your trunk! The stealthy, integrated battery isdesigned for fast charging, whilst the powerful motor means that you can conquer almost anything!
With five levels of pedal assist, getting yourself anywhere on the Sinch folding electric bicycle can be as much of, or as easy, a workout as you want. If you need that little extra boost to get you home, or just want to enjoy the scenery, then the throttle function will take care of powering you along.
Real World Range Testing
Aventon has the right without notice to the consumer to substitute components of at least equal quality for advertised Aventon ebike components in the event of the unavailability of such advertised components. info
Customer Reviews
Bikes are built solid a little heavy but we new that before buying them. Other than that we love our bikes and the service I got when calling the assistance number!
Absolutely love this bike! My husband and I have been acting like little kids again…going on new adventures we would have been missing out on! ️♀️ ️♂️ ️
Great bike! Lots of fun! Highly recommend. The only thing that would make it better is a little more speed. This bike tops out at about 22mph just using the throttle button with no peddling.
Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback on your new e-bike! Cheers to many great rides and welcome to the Aventon Family!
So I’ve always been apprehensive about getting an e-bike but after doing my due diligence Aventon always seemed to come out on top. Since we travel I decided on the Sinch.2 and I’ll have to say I am totally pleased with my purchase. Only caveat I have to that is the ability to “unlock” the additional speed/class 3. Otherwise I will totally recommend this bike and brand to anyone looking to purchase an e-bike.
Loved it so much I bought one for my husband too. I am 64 and my husband is 73. They are heavy but we learned to take the batteries out before folding and loading them in our Toyota 4Runner.
How-To Videos
if(window.innerWidth = 768) this.mobile = false else this.mobile = true ) if(window.innerWidth = 768) this.mobile = false else this.mobile = true. productTitle: “”, productDescription: “”, open: false, renderQuiz:. slideNumber: 0, width: 0, minSlide:0, maxSlide:0, direction: “left”, typeOfHeight: “Inches”, transition: true, updateSelection(fieldSet) fieldSet.querySelectorAll(“div”).forEach(div = let input = div.querySelector(“label”).querySelector(“input”) if(input input.checked) div.classList.add(“!tw-border-cyan-300”) this.storedAnswers[this.slideNumber] = parseFloat(input.value) else div.classList.remove(“!tw-border-cyan-300”) ). feetInputValidation(event, inches) if(event.target.value.length 1) event.target.value = event.target.value.substring(0, 1) this.updateHeight(this.slideNumber, “inches”, “feet”: (event.target.value ? parseInt(event.target.value) : 0). “inches”: ( inches.value ? parseInt(inches.value) : 0)). inchesInputValidation(event, feet) if(event.target.value.length 2) event.target.value = event.target.value.substring(0, 2) if(event.target.value 11) event.target.value = 11 this.updateHeight(this.slideNumber, “inches”, “feet”: (feet.value ? parseInt(feet.value) : 0), “inches”: (event.target.value ? parseInt(event.target.value) : 0)). centimetersInputValidation(event) if(event.target.value.length 3) event.target.value = event.target.value.substring(0, 3) if(event.target.value 251) event.target.value = 251 this.updateHeight(this.slideNumber, “centimeters”, parseInt(event.target.value)). storedAnswers:. updateHeight(slideNumber, type, value) let calculatedValue = type = “centimeters” ? Math.ceil(value / 2.54) : ((value.feet 12) (value.inches)) this.storedAnswers[slideNumber] = calculatedValue if(calculatedValue = 0 Object.keys(this.storedAnswers).includes(String(slideNumber))) delete this.storedAnswers[slideNumber]. getRecommendation: = console.log(“No Logic Assigned”). recommendation:. hide: false, currentProduct:. getCTA: = console.log(“No Logic Assigned”). buildSrcSet(imgURL) return `180w, 360w, 540w, 720w, 900w`. mobile: true ‘ @assign.window=’ (event) = console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Assigning quiz.”) renderQuiz = event.detail.quiz width = (slideNumber/(renderQuiz.slides.length. 1) 100) maxSlide = renderQuiz.slides.length. 1 storedAnswers = store.quiz.get(renderQuiz.quizName) ‘ @open.window=’ (event) = if(event.detail.quizName = renderQuiz.quizName) open = true dispatch(“body-scroll”, ) ‘ @logic.window=’ (event) = console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Assigning logic.”) getRecommendation = event.detail.logic ‘ @update.window=’ (event) = console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Updating recommendation.”) recommendation = event.detail.recommendation if(!recommendation.type) transition = false slideNumber = 1 setTimeout( = transition = true. 500) else if(recommendation.type = “Step-Through” || recommendation.type = “Different-Model”) fetch(`/products//.json`).then(data = data.json).then(data = recommendation =. recommendation. data.producttransition = false slideNumber = 1 setTimeout( = transition = true. 500) ).catch(err = console.log(err) ) ‘ @current.window=’ (event) = console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Updating current product.”) currentProduct = event.detail.current ‘ @cta.window=’ (event) = console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Assigning CTA logic.”) getCTA = event.detail.logic ‘ @close.window=’ (event) = console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Closing Modal”) open = false dispatch(“body-scroll”, ) ‘ @check.window=’ (event) = if(Object.keys(storedAnswers).length 0) console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Check stored answers.”) slideNumber = maxSlide 1 getRecommendation(storedAnswers, currentProduct.ID) hide = true transition = false setTimeout( = transition = true. 500) ‘ @updatecontent.window=’ (event) = console.log(“[Action] Fitguide. Content update.”) productTitle = currentProduct.title productDescription = currentProduct.productDescription ? currentProduct.productDescription : event.detail.descriptionOverride ‘ @body-scroll=’ = document.body.style.overflow = open ? “hidden” : “” document.body.style.height = open ? “100%” : “auto” if(open) const event = new Event(“show.bs.modal”); document.body.dispatchEvent(event); else const event = new Event(“hidden.bs.modal”); document.body.dispatchEvent(event); ‘ x-init=’watch(“slideNumber”, value = width = (slideNumber/(renderQuiz.slides.length. 1) 100))’
Folding ebike battery
H3 15Ah verison can reach 25 miles in pure electric mode and 40 miles in PAS mode on a single charge. H3 20Ah verison can reach 35 miles in pure electric mode and 60 miles in PAS mode. Due to the riders’ weight and road conditions, the ranges may vary.
Does my height fit the H3?
The recommended rider’s height for H3 is 5’1”-6’5″. The minimum seat height is about 32” and the maximum seat height is 42”.
How long can it be assembled?
Our customers generally need 30 to 40 minutes to assemble the H3.
1-Year Warranty
All SOHAMO ebikes and e-scooters are covered under our supplier’s 1-year all-encompassing service warranty.
48V LED Headlight
The super bright headlight can light up your way at night, plus the taillights will come on while the headlights are on. This feature makes riding at night safer, allowing vehicles to see you.
Mechanical Disc Brakes
The sensitive brake system with the front and rear 160mm disc rotors can provide sufficient braking force even in the harsh conditions.
20″X3.0″ Fat Tires
Fat tires provide upgraded grip and superior shock absorption ability. The tires are made of high-quality materials that are resistant towards punctures from sharp materials.
Shimano 7 Speed Derailleur
The Shimano 7 speed gear shift system offers you more choice while riding in a variety of conditions. Along with the pedal-assist system, you can find any speed that suits your journey.
Thumb shifter and Handlebar
We have made a non-slip design for the handlebar, which can improve the rider’s control of the vehicle.
LCD Display
This display can provide you with a lot of information about your vehicle to improve your riding experience, such as battery level, boost gear, speed, single mileage, total mileage, headlight indication, etc.
Rear Rack and Brake Light
The sturdy aluminum rear rack can hold up to 110lbs, plus we left four screw holes for the rear rack so you can install the basket and upgrade your ebike easily.
Comfortable Saddle
Our saddle is made of very elastic material, and you will feel the shock absorption experience it brings to you during the ride.
Front Suspension Fork
The aluminum alloy front suspension fork has 80mm of travel. It has a good damping effect to reduce the feeling of bumps when riding on rough roads.
Crankset
The aluminum disc and crank are very strong and durable.
Full fenders
The full fenders are super durable and protect you from water and mud.
Kickstand
The kickstand is made of aluminum alloy, which is rust resistant, strong and durable.
Customer Reviews
My dad was pretty jealous of my h3 bike and loved riding mine so much that he ended up having me get one for him too! He was quite excited when it arrived and rides it whenever he gets the chance. He also brags about it to all his friends
I recently got the opportunity to test out one of Sohamo’s e-bikes. The H3 model is my first e-bike. The experience was nothing short of remarkable. This amazing e-bike not only surpassed my expectations, but it also completely changed how I see cycling. I was enthralled by the flawless fusion of human effort and electric power from the minute I climbed on, since it provided a thrilling ride that carried me ahead with ease.
One of the standout features of this e-bike was its powerful and efficient 750-watt electric motor. Without even peddling the bike, I effortlessly conquered challenging inclines and increased my average speed. It felt like having a dedicated companion, always there to support and enhance my riding experience. Even on longer rides, fatigue became a distant memory thanks to the e-bike’s intelligent assistance system, which allowed me to choose the desired level of support. Whether I wanted a gentle push or a full-throttle ride, the e-bike adapted flawlessly, enabling me to explore new terrain and push my boundaries with confidence.
Beyond its impressive performance, the e-bike’s design and craftsmanship were second to none. Every component felt solid and well-engineered, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The integration of the battery and electric motor seamlessly blended with the bike’s frame, providing a sleek and sophisticated look. The controls and display were intuitively placed, and you could adjust their placement easily with the tools, offering quick access to vital information like battery life, speed, and distance traveled. The attention to detail in both form and function showcased the manufacturer’s commitment to delivering a premium cycling experience.
One of the key advantages of this e-bike was its environmental friendliness. By reducing my reliance on traditional transportation methods, I felt a profound sense of contribution to a greener planet. It was a gratifying feeling to know that with each ride, I was making a positive impact on the environment while simultaneously embracing an active and healthy lifestyle.
Safety was also a concern, and this e-bike excelled in that aspect as well. Equipped with advanced braking systems, responsive handling with nice suspensions, and fat tires to enhance my balance on any type of road which includes gravel, sand, and asphalt, I felt confident and secure on the road. The front suspension and The integrated lights ensured visibility even in low-light conditions, further enhancing safety during night rides.
From my experience, I weight 130 lbs. The bike can support more weight and will not dramatically downgrade the riding experience. The top speed I was able to reach was around 27 to 30 mph on flat ground, 11 to 18 mph going uphill, and 34 mph going downhill. I really recommend wearing protective gear and a helmet. If you plan to keep it outside in your yard, it’s a good idea to purchase a cover for the bike so it won’t get rusty and damaged. I also recommend getting e-bike accessories, such as an e-bike lock, a phone holder, and a pair of mirrors.
In conclusion, I had the pleasure of riding the e-bike, which is a true game-changer. Its exceptional performance, stunning design, and eco-conscious nature made it an absolute joy to ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking to explore new horizons or a commuter seeking an efficient and sustainable means of transportation, this e-bike is a remarkable choice that will elevate your experience to new heights.
Sohamo team this is an awesome machine, I appreciate the planning, determination, and the hard work that was put into crafting this e-bike, Thank you.
Replacement Electric Bike Batteries Guide
43 Комментарии и мнения владельцев
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!