As e-bikes become increasingly popular worldwide, different battery shell types have been developed to match various bike designs, installation needs, and riding environments.
The battery shell (enclosure) doesn’t just affect appearance—it influences:
installation method
riding comfort and handling
safety and durability
maximum battery capacity
cooling and protection
maintenance convenience
This article introduces the most common e-bike battery shell types on the market and explains their features, advantages, and best-fit application scenarios.
The most widely used and most compatible battery shell
Compact and modern design
Lockable base for anti-theft
Slide-rail installation (easy on/off)
Some models include USB ports
Suitable for a wide range of capacities
Mountain bikes (E-MTB)
City commuters
Hybrid e-bikes
DIY conversions
36V / 48V / 52V
10Ah–20Ah (18650 or 21700 cells)
✔ Easy installation
✔ Highest market compatibility
✔ Stable waterproof performance
✔ Fits most controllers and motors
✘ Limited internal space for extra-large capacity
Classic long-body design, widely used on commuter bikes
Metal long-tube structure
Carry handle for easy removal
Mounted behind the seat tube or under the rear rack
Allows larger internal space than Hailong shells
City commuter bikes
General-purpose e-bikes
Delivery bikes
Some folding bikes
36V / 48V
10Ah–20Ah
✔ Strong and durable structure
✔ Supports larger capacity packs
✔ Easy to repair or replace (open-shell design)
✘ Not suitable for lightweight or performance-oriented bikes
Designed for commuting, cargo, and long-distance riding
Installed on the rear cargo rack
Large internal space
Minimal impact on bike balance
Compatible with many city bike frame designs
City commuting
Touring bikes
Cargo/utility e-bikes
Senior riders
48V / 52V
15Ah–25Ah
✔ Supports large capacities (20Ah+)
✔ Stable weight distribution
✔ Easy to install with standard racks
✘ Heavier and bulkier
✘ Not suitable for mountain or off-road bikes
Best choice for long-range, high-capacity riding
Installed inside the bike’s frame triangle
Supports customized sizes and capacities
Often uses 21700 cells for higher energy density
Excellent cooling and power delivery
Mountain bikes
Long-distance touring
Off-road and high-power riding
48V / 52V / 60V
15Ah–35Ah
✔ Extra-large capacity possible
✔ Low center of gravity → stable handling
✔ Suitable for high-current controllers
✘ Appearance is less refined than molded plastic shells
✘ Requires straps or a custom bracket
Made for high-power and heavy-duty applications
Large plastic or metal enclosure
Designed for high-discharge packs
Suitable for 1000W–2000W+ systems
Enhanced protection against impact and weather
E-moped bikes
High-speed e-bikes
Heavy-duty delivery or cargo bikes
48V / 60V / 72V
20Ah–40Ah
✔ Massive capacity available
✔ Supports very high discharge currents
✔ Durable, impact-resistant, waterproof
✘ Too large/heavy for standard bicycles
Designed for lightweight folding and commuter e-bikes
Slim tube-shaped design
Installed inside the seatpost or hidden in the frame
Clean, minimalist appearance
Built primarily for lightweight mobility
Folding e-bikes
Lightweight city bikes
Brand-specific OEM models (FIIDO, DYU, etc.)
36V / 48V
7Ah–12Ah
✔ Very clean look
✔ Space-saving
✔ Portable and lightweight
✘ Small capacity due to limited internal space
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Use Case | Best Battery Shell Type |
|---|---|
| City commuting | Hailong, Silver Fish, Rear Rack |
| Long-distance touring | Triangle battery pack |
| High-power off-road | Triangle pack / moped-style box |
| Folding e-bike | Seatpost/hidden battery |
| Older city bikes | Silver Fish |
| Delivery & cargo use | Rear Rack / Large triangle pack |
The battery shell type determines:
installation method
maximum capacity
weight and balance
waterproof & impact resistance
compatibility with the frame
riding comfort and safety
Choosing the right battery is not only about voltage and capacity—the shell structure matters just as much.
As e-bikes become increasingly popular worldwide, different battery shell types have been developed to match various bike designs, installation needs, and riding environments.
The battery shell (enclosure) doesn’t just affect appearance—it influences:
installation method
riding comfort and handling
safety and durability
maximum battery capacity
cooling and protection
maintenance convenience
This article introduces the most common e-bike battery shell types on the market and explains their features, advantages, and best-fit application scenarios.
The most widely used and most compatible battery shell
Compact and modern design
Lockable base for anti-theft
Slide-rail installation (easy on/off)
Some models include USB ports
Suitable for a wide range of capacities
Mountain bikes (E-MTB)
City commuters
Hybrid e-bikes
DIY conversions
36V / 48V / 52V
10Ah–20Ah (18650 or 21700 cells)
✔ Easy installation
✔ Highest market compatibility
✔ Stable waterproof performance
✔ Fits most controllers and motors
✘ Limited internal space for extra-large capacity
Classic long-body design, widely used on commuter bikes
Metal long-tube structure
Carry handle for easy removal
Mounted behind the seat tube or under the rear rack
Allows larger internal space than Hailong shells
City commuter bikes
General-purpose e-bikes
Delivery bikes
Some folding bikes
36V / 48V
10Ah–20Ah
✔ Strong and durable structure
✔ Supports larger capacity packs
✔ Easy to repair or replace (open-shell design)
✘ Not suitable for lightweight or performance-oriented bikes
Designed for commuting, cargo, and long-distance riding
Installed on the rear cargo rack
Large internal space
Minimal impact on bike balance
Compatible with many city bike frame designs
City commuting
Touring bikes
Cargo/utility e-bikes
Senior riders
48V / 52V
15Ah–25Ah
✔ Supports large capacities (20Ah+)
✔ Stable weight distribution
✔ Easy to install with standard racks
✘ Heavier and bulkier
✘ Not suitable for mountain or off-road bikes
Best choice for long-range, high-capacity riding
Installed inside the bike’s frame triangle
Supports customized sizes and capacities
Often uses 21700 cells for higher energy density
Excellent cooling and power delivery
Mountain bikes
Long-distance touring
Off-road and high-power riding
48V / 52V / 60V
15Ah–35Ah
✔ Extra-large capacity possible
✔ Low center of gravity → stable handling
✔ Suitable for high-current controllers
✘ Appearance is less refined than molded plastic shells
✘ Requires straps or a custom bracket
Made for high-power and heavy-duty applications
Large plastic or metal enclosure
Designed for high-discharge packs
Suitable for 1000W–2000W+ systems
Enhanced protection against impact and weather
E-moped bikes
High-speed e-bikes
Heavy-duty delivery or cargo bikes
48V / 60V / 72V
20Ah–40Ah
✔ Massive capacity available
✔ Supports very high discharge currents
✔ Durable, impact-resistant, waterproof
✘ Too large/heavy for standard bicycles
Designed for lightweight folding and commuter e-bikes
Slim tube-shaped design
Installed inside the seatpost or hidden in the frame
Clean, minimalist appearance
Built primarily for lightweight mobility
Folding e-bikes
Lightweight city bikes
Brand-specific OEM models (FIIDO, DYU, etc.)
36V / 48V
7Ah–12Ah
✔ Very clean look
✔ Space-saving
✔ Portable and lightweight
✘ Small capacity due to limited internal space
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Use Case | Best Battery Shell Type |
|---|---|
| City commuting | Hailong, Silver Fish, Rear Rack |
| Long-distance touring | Triangle battery pack |
| High-power off-road | Triangle pack / moped-style box |
| Folding e-bike | Seatpost/hidden battery |
| Older city bikes | Silver Fish |
| Delivery & cargo use | Rear Rack / Large triangle pack |
The battery shell type determines:
installation method
maximum capacity
weight and balance
waterproof & impact resistance
compatibility with the frame
riding comfort and safety
Choosing the right battery is not only about voltage and capacity—the shell structure matters just as much.