What actually matters most in an e-bike — motor, frame, or battery?
Posted by Ok-Duck-9921@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 15 comments
From a cost and performance perspective, e-bike batteries seem to be the core component — often representing a large portion of the total system cost.
But compared to motors and frames, they’re much harder for consumers to evaluate.
I recently saw a small-scale battery assembly setup that raised some questions about quality control and consistency.
For those with more technical experience:
How much does battery build quality realistically affect long-term safety and performance?
And do you think most buyers underestimate this?
stormdelta@reddit
Battery is the element you can't cheap out on the most, even on lower end bikes, because of the risk of failures/fires/etc.
Bad frame and components will have more issues and break more easily or require more maintenance, but they'll still function unless they're straight up e-waste / defective. Cheap direct drive hubs are no frills but they work fine and don't have a lot to go wrong. Cheap controllers make for a bad experience but they still work.
A sketchy battery though can easily catch fire and cause massive collateral damage.
5ma5her7@reddit
For the frame part, as long as it's not a BSO type dual suspension one, an old steel frame do the job, apart from making the bike near unable to pedal when there's no assist.
Ok-Duck-9921@reddit (OP)
Exactly. Battery quality affects not only your riding experience, but also your personal safety — something we should never overlook.
5ma5her7@reddit
For a basic ebike, it's frame + motor + battery.
If you want something premium, the groupset/wheelset/tyre/suspension should also be taken into account.
Ok-Duck-9921@reddit (OP)
Yes, frame + motor + battery. And one more thing is the controller.
5ma5her7@reddit
I think any reputable motor+battery set will come with a good controller too.
terminashunator@reddit
But they don't care. They want a $400 eBike to do wheelies on the sidewalk with their friends.
Ok-Duck-9921@reddit (OP)
That's too dangerous
KiwiJay83@reddit
Do your research. Don’t go for the cheapest. Dodgy cheap batteries = higher risk of your house burning down.
What matters? They all matter. Go cheap on one and it won’t last and you’ll spend more in the long run.
Mine cost $2699 AUD. A similar model on the cheaper end was $1800 with rubbish components and $3500 on the higher end with slightly better specs and the seller was ripping people off.
Ok-Duck-9921@reddit (OP)
So choosing the right seller is super important. Cheap batteries always cut corners on key safety parts, including cells, BMS and overall build quality. Overpriced batteries are not worth it too, with barely any better performance. Mid-range options with standard, reliable components are the best choice for safety and long-term use.
stormdelta@reddit
I come to reddit to see posts written by people, not bots. If you can't be arsed to write something yourself why do you expect anyone to read it?
BloodPlenty4358@reddit
the motor cost 5 times the battery for my case, the mid drive is worth it, tho
5ma5her7@reddit
With a better motor, you need a better battery, with a better battery, you want a better frame, when you have a better frame, why not invest in more of the other components? With better derailleur and crankset, why not a better motor...
Then you reached a $7000 emtb : )
BloodPlenty4358@reddit
the frame and battery are also good, the problem is mid drive is rare here
5ma5her7@reddit
That's sad to hear.
In my area, anything over $4000 and not fat-tyre ebikes are basically mid-drives.