Want To Add A 2nd Battery To Your E-Bike? Here’s Some Vital Info

E-bikes are great, they make commuting and recreational cycling not only more enjoyable but also more accessible to people. 

The biggest drawback is the capacity of the supplied battery and the time taken to fully charge it, up to six hours in some cases.

However, we hope to provide some positive news if you can’t wait for battery technology to advance.

Theoretically, adding a second battery to your e-bike can double the performance of your e-bike.

This vastly improved performance has the potential to result in being able to traverse further, without the worry of fast depleting battery life.

How Can I Add A Second Battery To My e-Bike?

With adding a second battery, there are two possible methods that can be used. The first one is to rewire an e-bike that has just a single battery so that a second battery can be added.

For those that don’t feel confident in their ability to make changes to an existing bike, option two is more straightforward. This simply involves the purchase of a stock e-bike that comes equipped to handle two batteries.

Benefits Of Using Two Batteries On An e-Bike

The main benefit of dual batteries on your e-bike is increasing the distance you can travel. If your single battery has a range of, for example, twenty miles, you can now travel up to 40 miles potentially.

The main benefit of using a second battery is increasing the distance your e-bike can go.

Steps To Add A Second Battery To An e-Bike That’s Built For One 

For those confident in their ability to rewire their e-bike

1. Make sure that the batteries are the same type chemically and operate on the same voltage.

2. Purchase a parallel battery adapter from an e-bike supplies store, these are easy enough to find online.

3. Find a suitable place on the bike that will not cause excess weight or alter the balance of your e-bike.

4. If you have newer batteries, these will have a Battery Monitoring System installed to prevent overcharging. 

This is great news because the Battery Monitoring System (BMS) will allow you to run the batteries in parallel and wire them to each other and connect into the main power drive.

 For those that are not confident with electronics

1. Follow steps 1 and 3 above. Step 3 is important so that you don’t affect the ride or handling of your e-bike once you have completed.

2. Follow the instructions for mounting the battery onto the frame, ensuring that the new battery is not an obstruction and is easily accessible.

3. When one battery has depleted, you are free to unplug this battery and then plug it into battery number two.

How To Securely Mount 2nd Battery To Prevent It From Falling 

It should be noted that the battery is one of the most critical parts of an e-bike, otherwise, it’s just a bike.

Some people even call it the heart of the bike. 

When either riding recreationally, on trails or off-road, or even if your e-bike is your primary method of commuting, you will want to ensure that you don’t lose that battery.

Each battery weighs 7 lbs on average (3.5kg for those that speak metric), and because of this weight, it needs to be adequately secured. 

The dangers of loose batteries can range from pulling and breaking wiring on your e-bike to the battery becoming dislodged and breaking from hitting the ground. It can also become a hazard that can cause you to crash, with the potential for serious injury.

There are two preferred ways to secure an additional e-bike battery properly. 

1. Securing to the inner frame – This is one of the most common ways to secure a second battery. This is also beneficial for weight distribution because the battery sits in the center of the e-bike.

2. Installing the battery on the rear cargo rack. This ensures that the battery does not interfere with the gyroscopic effect and maintains weight within this point of balance. By placing the battery over the rear wheel, the center of gravity is not thrown off either.

Where Can I Get A Second Battery For My e-Bike?

Our advice is always to check with the original retailer first. 

They might be experienced in dealing with your questions such as spare or extra parts and can recommend something specific for your e-bike that they know works. 

If you are unable to do this for any reason, look at the make and model of your battery and take note of the voltage output and charging requirements. 

This will enable you to search online or in stores for an exact copy of your original battery, taking away the guesswork about if your new battery will be suitable or not.

Will Adding A Second Battery To My e-Bike Void My Warranty?

This is entirely dependant on the manufacturer of your e-bike. The information available suggests that yes, your second battery will void your warranty. 

However, some manufacturers will still honor the warranty for original parts, but not a fault caused by the additional battery or by its installation.

Our advice would be to first reach out to the manufacturer of your e-bike and ask them. If you discover that your warranty would be voided, then you must decide if this would be a deal-breaker for you. 

How Much Weight Will 2nd Battery Add To My e-Bike?

The typical weight of an e-bike battery is around 7lbs or 3.5kg. This isn’t a lot of weight on its own, but it will require some acclimation. 

If you have been used to a single battery on your e-bike, then you will undoubtedly notice a difference. But this will only be temporary as you get used to the extra weight.

Stock e-Bikes With Dual Battery Capability

Bikonit HD 750

With dual battery operating and a top speed of 20mph and a 60-80 mile range, the Bikonit HD 750 all-terrain bike will give you plenty of miles before needing a recharge.

E-Cells Super Monarch AWD

The 700 series by E-Cell, will provide over 80 miles of range using the pedal assist. Great for recreational and commuting use thanks to twin battery, twin motor, and twin suspension design providing the extra range and power than offered by many competitors. 

HEC-2000 Electric Bike by Hardcore eCycles

At first glance, you’re probably thinking to yourself where the hack is the second battery! Well, you’re right! It has one big kick-ass powerful battery that boasts a 60W battery.

One mission of Hardcore eCycles was to build a very powerful e-bike. In doing so, they have constructed an off-road electric bike that outperforms many of the traditional electric bikes on the market today.

You got a bigger battery that will give the rider a lot longer riding time, which is comparable to having a second battery on your e-bike.

This e-bike can reach speeds of 33mph that many other e-bikes cannot compete with.