Riding without a battery?

[FZPaul]

Hi, Guys & Gals. I can't find anything about this in the forum so I hope it's not already been covered. Apologies if it has!
I mostly ride with my non-ebike mates so rarely use much battery power as I leave it in 'ECO'. I'd also like the option to ride without the battery from time to time. Obviously, the weight is an issue if I just leave it turned off so I'd like to remove the battery completely. I know I could have another bike entirely for non-assisted riding but seems pointless if it won't be a regular thing. Now, I know it seems a little 'off-piste' given that most of the conversations on here relate to increasing battery size for more range, but given the Focus Jam 2 having a smaller capacity battery for lower weight and the new 'Zesty' also heading that way and even the new Levo having the option to run with the battery off, it seems like there may be a demand? I have a 2018 Turbo Levo Carbon Comp so if I remove the battery completely, the inside of the frame is exposed and looks 'god-awful!'. Anyone else thought about running it as a non-ebike? Are these any potential issues regarding the motor when running without the battery? I'm on the look-out for a 'dead' battery to fill in the gap in the frame if I remove all the cells & electronics, & thought it might also make a kind of 'SWAT' storage area as well for keeping a waterproof etc. Any thoughts?

 

[atcspaul]

I read in the manual or somewhere not to ride without the battery inserted.

 

[Donnie797]

I also think i've read "don't do it" it in the manual. But I wouldn't ride it without any battery even if it's not mentioned there. That integrated battery is a part of the frame-structure by desin, it's stabilizing the frame through it's contact points. If you remove it, the frame might not be as capable to absorb the same forces without taking harm. One day you could get problems to fit your battery back in...

Also, without battery the power plug isn't secured (wire wise and contact wise).

But having an empty battery case in there could work fine. The weight distribution of it is pretty much centered, so that should cause no trouble. Hell, i would be interested in such a huge SWAT-box as well

 

[atcspaul]

SWAT on my stumpjumper stands for Store Weed And Treats

 

[FZPaul]

I agree on not running without something fitted, hence the 'dead battery' idea. Also thought it would be great if somebody made aftermarket lower-capacity/lightweight batteries for shorter runs where the weight advantage could prove more fun? In hindsight, I might have been better going with a Focus Jam 2 but the extra money for another battery IF I needed the extra range seemed a bit steep and the Specialized was quieter and seemed to prove better in terms of dealer support etc.

 

[ksurfbob]

@FZPaul I agree on the smaller/lighter battery, I come back from about 75% of my rides with just under half of the power left as i ride heavily in eco. I contacted Specialised to see if the concept of split batteries/smaller capacity was something they had concidered and if not why not, I never did get an answer. I can't see running without a battery being a problem other than (as mentioned) the frame strength integrity?.

I love the look of the new Levo SL, I wonder if Specialized have missed an opportunity here to build a "as close as can be at the moment" hybrid bike, unfortunately the battery isn't easily removable, if it had been I would have seriously considered an upgrade from my full fat 2019 Levo.

 

[Kiwi in Wales]

@FZPaul I agree on the smaller/lighter battery, I come back from about 75% of my rides with just under half of the power left as i ride heavily in eco. I contacted Specialised to see if the concept of split batteries/smaller capacity was something they had concidered and if not why not, I never did get an answer. I can't see running without a battery being a problem other than (as mentioned) the frame strength integrity?.

I love the look of the new Levo SL, I wonder if Specialized have missed an opportunity here to build a "as close as can be at the moment" hybrid bike, unfortunately the battery isn't easily removable, if it had been I would have seriously considered an upgrade from my full fat 2019 Levo.

I believe it takes 20 minutes to remove the battery and you can also power the bike by just using the extender. I think that may allow you to do what you were after or something close to it.

 

[ksurfbob]

I believe it takes 20 minutes to remove the battery and you can also power the bike by just using the extender. I think that may allow you to do what you were after or something close to it.

Hi

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Matlock]

Just wanted to say that I asked this question to Haibike and their response was that it was fine.

From Ben Leddusire at Haibike
“Thanks for reaching out to us. As time goes on hopefully these regulation on ebikes will become more clear on the trails. The bike can definitely be ridden without the battery or turned to the off position. The battery does not provide any structure to the bike so it would not harm to ride without it at all.

Ben”

 

[fali]

Yo no montaria sin bateria no por la ayuda pero creo que la bateria ayuda al cuadro ha ser mas rigida sin baetria igual se parte el cuadro

 

[Snrbrtsn]

Worth googling, Specialized Levo dummy battery plate
think it’s used/marketed for transportation with battery removed, has a dummy socket for the power lead as well

 

[jwrx]

battery is not structural, we asked some spez engineers who were visiting our country. We wanted confirmation cos we were taking our levos to overseas bike park trip. so we took it out, and rode many many km with many crashes without the battery with no issues.

 

[dalf83]

I‘m a bit late to the party. I was able to find dummy batteries for Bosch. I needed one for my Simplon as the protection plate is secured in place by being screwed on to the powertube itself. I’m pretty sure it contributes a little bit to the integrity of the bike and if nothing else keeps the plastic protection from being bashed in and ruining the frame. I’m looking forward to testing this week. Having been twice to bike parks, I’d like to try a lighter version of my own bike.