Integrated battery or external

[Bimbleball]

Wondered what the pros and cons are of each?
Personally I prefer the look of the integrated but I can’t let that be too much of a factor in my buying decision. I’d guess they’re protected from the elements better? But more expensive should a replacement be needed?

any pros to the external, other than cheaper to replace?

I’ve found another contender in my ebike search and the only thing I don’t like is the external battery. It’s a Rockrider E-ST900
Otherwise I’m looking at a Trek Powerfly 5 (used though).

 

[Rusty]

Six of one, half dozen of the other. Not sure of any significant price difference, but personally I prefer the line of internal. And I will say it too, except for that bogus connector cable the way the battery fits in a Spesh is nice. I really dislike the key/lock bullshit.
If I was designing a bike I would have it fit similar to theLevo, but would have a fitting at the top for the power connectors and route the cable internally. Better technically, better aesthetically and with the recharge connector up there too, a lot more waterproof.

 

[IndigoUnicorn]

If you need to carry a spare battery (say, for bikepacking) internal mount SUCK.

Of course the internal mount look better but the external mount are much more functional.

 

[B1rdie]

The advantage of external batteries is basically the ease of removal. Now, removing a 3-5 kg piece of lead from the downtube is not so simple and most riders will not find it a good idea. the chances of dropping it and getting hurt or breaking it are real.
The internal ones have all the advantages of being safer, better attached, covered and nice looks..
Thats the reason why you will not find new models but the very entry level uisng external batt.

 

[Jackware]

If your planning to transport your bike externally on a car, the ability to remove the battery, external or internal is normally necessary and advantageous if it's going on a roof rack due to the weight limit and the practical problem of lifting the bike that high.