Battery security - in-frame designs?

PaulM

Pedelecer
Oct 29, 2017
62
15
59
Portsmouth
Considering a first e-Bike purchase. Thinking of one with a rear hub motor but having the battery mid-ships somewhere to improve weight distribution. Quite a few bikes have battery semi-integrated into the downtube (eg. Juicy Roller, Kudos Sprint and Stealth). How secure are these from theft? Is it still advisable to remove the battery when leaving the bike locked up for any length of time? Came across the Westhill Classic where the battery inserts wholly into the bottom of the downtube, but not the largest capacity.
 
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Gubbins

Esteemed Pedelecer
On the bikes I have owned the batteries are securly locked in with a key, but I came unstuck once when the bike cut out and I needed to remove the battery to clear the fault. Always carry the key with me now...
 

sjpt

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 8, 2018
3,642
2,652
Winchester
I suspect they all use similar locks whether or not semi-integrated.

Another interesting design is Batribike Perdu with the (fairly low capacity 10.4Ah) battery in the chainguard. Seems expensive for what it is though. Again, I suspect same battery security as others if somebody tries, but maybe a little safer as less obvious.
https://batribike.com/see-the-bikes/perdu#spec

One on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Batribike-Perdu-step-through-electric-bike-with-Mini-LCD-Battery-3-weeks-old/312258206507?hash=item48b40a1b2b:g:Ml0AAOSwGsJbuza4:rk:1:pf:0
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,406
16,386
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
the most secure in-frame battery is this one:



It is locked and easily removable but the lock is inside the frame, you have to fold the frame before you can access the lock and remove the battery.
Capacity: 36V 12AH with Samsung 29E, 14AH with Samsung 35E.
You find them on folding bikes like the Woosh Zephyr:

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?zephyr-2018
 

Oxygen Electric Bikes

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 19, 2018
14
17
Hi all
We have never lost a battery which was locked to a bike yet fingers crossed we do 13amp semi-integrated battery with our S-Cross CB Priced @ £1399 this is very competative considering the great spec :)
 

mike killay

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 17, 2011
3,012
1,627
I prefer to remove the battery and take it with me.
Just because the battery is locked to the bike does not prevent the thief taking the bike and attacking the lock somewhere else.
 
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gray198

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 4, 2012
1,574
1,068
I suppose these type of batteries are limited to use with the bikes they are designed for, so maybe not very tempting steal.
 

mike killay

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 17, 2011
3,012
1,627
I am not too sure that a stolen battery is easy to sell on.
A bike on the other hand is.