Can You Add a Second Battery to Your Ebike

When looking at your electric bike, you might be wondering how you can gain more speed and range. There are some things you can do to save battery life like using pedal assist and keeping your cargo weight down, but what about adding a second battery?

While you can install a second battery into your bike, carrying a separate battery as a spare can accomplish the same goal of extra battery capacity while adding redundancy if one battery fails. Adding a larger replacement battery is another option.

But there’s a lot to understand here. If you need more battery capacity, there are several options to get you there, including purchasing a bike that already has dual batteries. If this is something you’re interested in, then you’ve come to the right place.

Are Two Batteries Better Than One Bigger Battery?

When it comes to upgrading your electric bike, you might start off thinking about the battery. The question of getting one bigger battery or having a spare will inevitably come up. Both options have their own pros and cons. It will come down to preference, model, and budget when deciding what’s best for you.

Most enthusiasts will utilize two batteries, with one as a spare. They carry the extra battery on their person or bike when commuting. Having two separate batteries provides a lot of utility and value, but we can’t discount having one big battery either.

Having one big battery can come with a unique set of advantages. Some of the benefits of having one bigger battery can include less weight, a tighter design, and potentially saving on the up-front cost. The convenience of having one single battery can be an excellent factor for some riders. Keep reading on to learn all the details!

Can You Upgrade The Battery On An E-Bike?

But be forewarned that this project isn’t for the faint of heart. Upgrading the battery on an electric bike can range from a simple afternoon task to a very complex weeks-long project depending on just how in-depth you’re going. 

It’s important to note that not all e-bike batteries are interchangeable. Depending on your model and brand, you might be able to swap out your existing battery for something better.

But, let’s say you have a specific model; you might only be able to upgrade the battery through the manufacturer. Upgrading through the manufacturer can be quite expensive, and sometimes they may not even have an upgrade.

Another thing to note: in some cases, upgrading the battery is not very DIY-friendly. Going about upgrading your electric bike in the wrong manner can damage the bike and even you. It’s better to be safe than sorry, do your research, and make sure you’re making the right decision.

Advantages Of Having A Single Bigger Battery

If you opt for the route of having one single bigger battery, there are some advantages to make a note of. Some of the benefits of having one single battery are less weight, single charge time, and less maintenance. Let’s take a closer look!

1. Less Weight. One of the main advantages of having a single battery is going to be less weight. Carrying one less battery, whether on your person or rack, will reduce the weight of your overall ride, adding comfort and range. 

2. One Charge Time. With two batteries comes twice the charge time. With one battery, the pro is that you only have to worry about charging one battery. Only having to charge one battery can save you headaches and time. (But it will take longer to charge than two smaller batteries charging in parallel.)

3. Less Maintenance. Only having to care for and clean one battery means less maintenance. Having one battery also affects how you store it; one battery means less space.

4. Less Hassle. If you’re someone who doesn’t want a lot of hassle or a beginner, having one big battery might sit better with you. Swapping out batteries and lugging spares around can be quite the hassle. Having only one battery to keep track of erases this problem.

5. Higher Speeds. Theoretically, having one bigger battery should give you higher speeds compared to having two smaller batteries. The extra speed can is both valuable and exhilarating! Depending on how you use your bike, this could be something to factor in.

6. Tighter Package. Having one big battery is going to give your e-bike an overall tighter-looking design. With one big battery, you won’t need racks or aftermarket bags to carry spares. For the aesthetically minded, this is something to keep in mind. 

7. Costs. In some cases, having one big battery can save costs. Depending on your bike model, it may be cheaper to just upgrade the battery through the manufacture. You also save on aftermarket products like racks, bags, and chargers when you go for this option. Cost is always something to consider for the budget-minded when it comes to e-bikes.

Advantages Of Having Two Separate Batteries

Many enthusiast-level riders are going to opt-in for having two separate batteries. Some of the benefits of having two individual batteries include fewer charge cycles, a safety net, and potentially more range. Let’s dig in further!

1. Fewer Charge Cycles. When it comes to e-bike batteries, the number of charge cycles can significantly impact your performance. Charge cycles relate to the number of charges your battery can take before it loses performance or fails completely. With two separate batteries, you can alternate charge cycles, effectively doubling the life span of each battery.

2. A Safety Net. Having to separate batteries is a definite safety net. If one of your batteries goes bad or is malfunctioning, you have a spare ready to go. A spare can save you headaches and time down the line.

3. Dual Charging. Although you may need an aftermarket product in some cases, being able to charge both batteries at one or alternate is a considerable benefit. If you’re going on your everyday commute and don’t need the extra range from your spare, you can leave it at home charging. Handling your batteries this way can ensure you always have a charged battery ready to go.

4. Less Charge Time Per Battery. Although you’ll have two batteries to charge, a bigger battery can take more time to charge. A bigger battery is going to mean longer charge times, while smaller batteries are going to take less time overall. A shorter charge time can help you out when you’re in a rush and forgot to charge your battery.

5. Potentially More Range. Double the batteries mean double the range. With two batteries, you can effectively double the distance you can travel in a single trip. If you have a longer commute or need to cover more ground, this is undoubtedly a benefit.

6. More Gear. For someone in the market for one big battery, more gear could seem like a negative. But, if you’re an enthusiast and love the hobby, more equipment might be right up your alley. With different racks and bags to choose from, you can find the perfect product that matches your bike.

7. More Options. With two separate batteries, you open the door to more options. Being able to leave your spare at a buddy’s house or work are just two examples. Another thing to consider with the added range is more possibilities of where you can go. Potentially doubling your range to 60-80 miles can open up a world of options around your town.

How Do You Carry Spare E-Bike Batteries?

If you opt for the separate battery route, the next question is, how do you carry it? When it comes to carrying electric bike batteries, you have different options ranging from racks, bags, and backpacks. Let’s examine each option!

Rear Racks

Rear Racks connect to the rear of your bike, typically above the tire. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Having the extra weight on the back of your bike can actually help weight distribution in some cases.

The main benefit of Rear Racks is the extra space. You can find some models that have enough room for two additional batteries. This extra space can be used for holding things other than your battery in some cases.

If you opt for this option, it is best to get a small cover for the batteries. These covers help keep your batteries safe when riding and transporting. Battery covers are relatively low cost, making them an addition you won’t regret.

Rear Seat Packs

Rear Seat Packs are another excellent option for carrying a spare battery. Rear Seat Packs are positioned nicely on bikes, helping with weight distribution. The packs are typically waterproof and easy to remove, making them an easily accessible choice.

Be sure to choose a seat pack that fits your battery. Seat Packs lean on smaller sizes than other carrying options; this is to their benefit and sometimes a fault.

Frame Mounted Bags

Frame Mounted Bags can make a great option depending on how your current battery is mounted. A top frame-mounted bag would be the ideal choice for a bike with an integrated tube-style battery.

These bags are reasonably priced, easy to install, and tightly designed so you won’t lose style in the process. You can also find products that can hold more than just your battery, which can add a lot of convenience to your rides. Find a waterproof model if possible; protecting your extra battery should be one of your priorities.

Backpacks

Buying a backpack explicitly made for e-bike batteries can be one of the most straightforward and most accessible options. Keep in mind; batteries can weigh anywhere from 3lbs to over 7lbs.

This extra weight will be sitting on your shoulders and back during your ride, potentially adding discomfort. Be sure to choose a comfortable option.

Backpacks made specifically for e-bike batteries are more suited for someone who’s already taking a bag with them on their commutes. These packs are also suited for someone who wants to avoid the extra weight and clunkiness with other carrying options.

Although these packs are very high quality, they can come with a heft price tag as well.

A Few Tips

Whichever option you choose, make sure you are storing and handling your battery with care. Opt for waterproof options made of high-quality materials. Although e-bike batteries are relatively sturdy and tough, the last thing you want is to have a hole in your proverbial safety net! 

Another thing to consider when regarding storage and handling will be theft prevention. Some of these options for carrying spares are easily removable and accessible.

That creates excellent ease of access for you, as well as everyone else. When purchasing some of these options, make sure you factor this into your plan. Consider how you will travel with the spare, if you will take it inside with you, etc. 

Are There Any Dual Battery E-Bikes?

With all this talk of batteries, you may be wondering if there are any dual battery e-bikes on the market. The good news is, yes, there are dual battery electric bikes on the market. Let’s open up the discussion on these bikes!

Taking a look at the Super Monarch 700 Watt Bike will indeed have you impressed. It comes in a price range from $3,000 to $4,000, depending on add-ons and frame size.

The Super Monarch comes with dual batteries for a total of 1512 Watts of power. The bike is advertised to have a range of well over 80 miles with pedal assist. This is a big claim, and surely your mileage will vary. The reviews are all great, claiming their purchase was a success.

The Super Monarch is priced reasonably well for a dual battery bike. Electric Bikes off the shelf can range drastically in price from complete budget options in the $800 range to enthusiast levels reaching near $10,000.

Many complete bikes ready to go are going to range from around $1,000 to $2,000. When you factor in another battery and potential aftermarket adds-ons, the Super Monarch isn’t unreasonable.

The Final Verdict

You can add a second battery to your bike, although it can be time-consuming and potentially complex. Between bigger batteries, spare batteries, and dual battery bikes, each has its own set of pros and cons that need to be weighed out thoughtfully.

Suppose you’re ever deciding between one big battery, two separate batteries, or even a dual battery bike. In that case, it’s going to come down to personal preference, budget, and how you use the bike.