Which is better: a battery built into the frame or under the luggage rack?
Where should your electric bike's battery be located: discreetly integrated into the frame, or conveniently under the luggage rack? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and this choice influences not only the bike's aesthetics, but also its stability, ease of use and even battery life. In this article, you'll find out which battery position best suits your riding style, comfort and daily use.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | 20 november 2025 | Reading time: 3 minutes
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
- Stability = battery in the frame. An integrated battery offers a lower center of gravity, making your electric bike more stable and more pleasant to ride.
- Practicality = battery under the luggage rack. This type of battery is the easiest to remove, transport and recharge - ideal for everyday use.
- Your driving style determines the best choice. Looking for a sleek design and optimum handling? Opt for frame integration. Do you prefer ease of use, accessibility and frequent recharging? Choose an under-carriage battery.
Frame-mounted battery (Intube or integrated)
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Weight distribution and stability:The low, central position of the battery in the frame offers better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity. SWOV sees the increase in intubated batteries as an improvement, as a rear-mounted battery can make the bike too heavy. Aesthetics:The battery is elegantly integrated and almost invisible. The electric bike looks more like a classic bicycle. Design:The design remains compact. Recharging (fixed battery):A returning trend is the fixed battery integrated into the frame, making the bike lighter. | Heavier frame:More material is used to ensure that the frame remains solid after the opening required to integrate the battery, making the bike heavier. Practicality (Removal):Removing the battery is often more difficult than for a battery under the luggage rack. Practical disadvantages:Batteries in the downtube have no carrying handle, leaving less room for a low-set frame. Recharging (fixed battery):If the battery is fixed to the frame, you have to recharge it directly on the bike. It is also difficult to service. Protection:When a removable battery is removed, an opening remains visible in the frame. It should be protected from the elements with a cover (not always supplied). |
Battery under / in luggage rack
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Practicality: The battery is easy to remove and just as simple to replace after recharging. It has a handle for easy transport. Access: Access to the battery is completely unobstructed. Flexibility: the battery can easily be concealed under panniers. | Weight distribution and stability: The center of gravity is high. This makes the bike less stable, especially on low-frame models, due to the weight (often 3 to 3.5 kg) at the rear. Combined with an upright position or center/rear engine, this can create an imbalance. Sensitivity to damage: The battery is exposed to dirt, moisture and stones. Accessories: check that the pannier hooks still fit, as the battery can get in the way. For child seats, you should also check that the installation is compatible and that the luggage rack can support the extra weight (there is a risk of breakage). Theft: The battery is clearly visible, which can attract thieves. |