Should you remove the battery?
 

Hello commuters,

I am new to this forum and to bike commuting in general. Still working through the logistics of carrying a laptop (or two), all the cords, food, change of clothes and extra shoes. But all of that can be worked out eventually. What is causing me heartache is the battery. It is a large 52V battery weighing almost 10 pounds and, of course, too long to fit horizontally at the bottom of the panniers I have. Storing it vertically is doable but it's inconvenient as I have to re-arrange everything to fit it in when I get there. My preference is to carry 1 pannier only but it is usually very full with no room for the battery. My questions are:
1- Do you guys remove the battery pack and take it into your workplace with you? How easy is it to steal if it is locked?
2- If you do remove the battery pack, any recommendation on the best way to carry it? I was thinking of those little canvas cylindrical bags so that it's well supported but can't find anything the right size.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom from the commuting veterans.

I can't even imagine what a 10 pound battery looks like... can you leave it at work? Just use cords at home?

Shoes too.

My battery weighs about 10 lbs. I carry it inside when I get home. Most ebike batteries have handles that make it easy to carry. I use panniers, they usually have more room than I need. I commute about 12 miles one way. I also commute on a regular bike on some days.

Battery range depends on what assist levels that you use. Typically, I use level 2/4 or 3/4 normally and in a rush respectively.

Welcome to Bike Commuting,

For me the biggest thing about bike commuting is the freedom, simplicity, traveling light and making life a lot more simpler,

but anyways, is this an electric bike (with its 10 lbs 52V battery) you are talking about? no problem but it seems like you are carrying too much other stuff back and forth to work every day, why 2 laptops? Why cords? Can you get a modular HD and extra cords instead? I'd say, yes, sure yes take the expensive battery with you and keep it safe and secure while at work but also think about ways of carrying less of other stuff everyday to make more room for your battery in your pennier, good luck,

I thought he was talking about a laptop battery LOL.

I did too! I thought he was using the original portable computer (that was only 'portable' in concept)

As for the OP's question...this is simple.

Does the battery have monetary value? Is it relatively easy to remove?

If yes, bring it inside. Don't leave it on the bike. Things of value, or things that look like they might have value, or things that look like they have no value but just aren't securely locked to the bike all tend to walk away.

I guess those of us of a certain age can remember the original Compaq "portable" (sewing machine)!

Leave your shoes at work and that will take care of where to put the battery.

Ditch the ebike and get more exercise with less stress.

Agree w others, figure out how to leave more stuff at the office/home and carry less on the ride. On the other hand, what’s the problem using two panniers if you need to carry a lot of sh**? (I’ve packed for overnight business trips with two panniers)