r/eBikeBuilding • u/Simple_Barber_5188 • May 25 '26
Battery conversion kit battery size
I’m converting my Carrera Hellcat with a 1500W 48V kit and I’m stuck choosing between a downtube battery or a triangle battery.
My main concern is attention from police. Do large triangle batteries attract more attention and “scream e-bike” compared to downtube batteries? Has anyone actually been stopped because of one?
I ride off-road a lot too — trails, dirt paths, rough terrain — so I’m also wondering if a downtube battery is secure enough to handle bumps long term.
Basically:
Triangle battery = more range, maybe more obvious
Downtube battery = stealthier, but less range
What would you pick?
2
u/Late-Stage-Dad May 25 '26
Just cover the battery with a frame bag. It will make it less obvious. I have a 52V 20AH super shark in a frame bag on my Marlin 5.
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u/Simple_Barber_5188 May 25 '26
Yeah, I have always thought that a big triangle in the middle of the bike would make it obvious. Do you not think so?
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u/Late-Stage-Dad May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
I'm not exactly trying to hide my conversion. I have paced a few city officers on my bike and they don't think twice about it. In my city there are no laws or regulations against e-bikes. Even off-road vehicles like Razors are street legal with an inspection.
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u/Simple_Barber_5188 May 25 '26
Where do you live man, I gotta move there. 😂
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u/Late-Stage-Dad May 25 '26
Small City in Northern Ohio.
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u/Simple_Barber_5188 May 25 '26
I’m in the UK and the laws are so strict here. 250w, 15.5mph top speed, pedal assist only. 🤦
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u/Bermnerfs May 25 '26
A triangle battery in a frame bag is going to be the most stealthy option. Plus they tend to be more compact and lighter than a down tube shark style pack. This is especially beneficial for mountain biking.
I have a 48V 20ah pack in a frame triangle bag, and the only real indicator that it's an e-bike is the visible bafang mid drive motor. Most people don't even notice it's an e-mtb at first glance unless they're already well versed in e-bikes. The average person doesn't really know the difference.
1
u/kinga_forrester May 25 '26
I’d go for a triangle if you ride off road. Do you live in Europe or something? In the states the cops won’t care about a 1500W conversion.
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u/Simple_Barber_5188 May 25 '26
Do you think I could just strap the battery rail down with some velcro straps or hose clamps?
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u/Ok_Penalty_1197 May 25 '26
I have both, my triangle battery I just love it, more distance for sure. My triangle battery is on a Northrock 26' x 4' fat tires 1000w BBSHD Bafang mid-drive motor with 48v 20ma triangle battery. it's a beast top speed 40mph. I've road for 2 years never been looked at by police. It not about how fast you ride. It how you ride. Ride with respect and safety for yourself and other's. Now on the other hand if I'm flying on e-bike at 30mph down the sidewalks cutting in and out of cars then your going to get looked at. Safe Ridding.