electric bike conversion kits
AutoMaybe you’re considering an electric bike, but are attached to your current bike, be it for personal, financial, or other reasons. Don’t worry, with the ever-increasing number of electric bike kits on the market, a kit can easily turn your favorite bike into an electric bike with the same features found on manufactured electric bikes.
Maybe you’re not starting out with a bike you already own, but you have your heart set on a bike but would like the added enhancements of an electric bike. You can buy that favorite bike, and with the simple addition of an electric bike kit, you’ll get the electric bike you want to customize with your desired bike features + power.
In many cases, you can save money by getting a good quality conversion kit and putting on a better quality bike, which allows you to get a more customized electric bike model with more advanced capabilities. If you buy a good quality second hand bike and equip it with a good bike conversion kit, you can end up with a high quality electric bike at a fraction of the cost of those assembled by the manufacturers.
A word of caution, though: You should realistically assess your technical skills or add the additional cost of a qualified technician to install the conversion kit if factoring cost savings is your incentive to buy an electric bike conversion kit. . You must also have the patience and skill to research the matter and make an appropriate choice, as not all kits will fit all bikes.
Questions to ask when buying an electric bike kit:
Is this electric bike conversion kit for a do-it-yourselfer or should it only be installed by a qualified installer? If you have a favorite bike shop, you can check if they repair electric bikes. E-bike service and repair is not available at all bike shops, nor is bike conversion kit installation or service. When considering a conversion kit, you can check with qualified bike service centers in your area and select a model that can be kept close to home. Some jobs may require you to send the bike or parts to a manufacturer service specialist or technician.
What technology does the electric bike conversion kit use? Most commercially available conversion kits use hub motors and are usually offered with spokes on one wheel. Many of the systems use a throttle control, while some more sophisticated models, like the BionX, have pedal sensors so the power is activated when the rider begins to pedal (pedelec).
· Is the conversion kit designed for front or rear wheel installation? Enthusiasts are particularly passionate about one option or the other and readily cite the pros and cons of each. In short, the front hub motor is easier to install and will balance the weight of the bike if the batteries are in the rear. Many prefer the handling, although one downside is that the front forks can be more susceptible to failure, especially if the frame is aluminum, with steel forks and a torque arm, failure is less likely. The rear hub motor is less noticeable and allows for more torque due to the additional weight of the rider on the rear wheel. If the toe fails, it is less likely to cause injury. However, a rear hub kit is more difficult to install as you have to worry about gears, derailleur and it may not fit a 7 speed freewheel which is common on most bikes. Due to the additional weight in the rear, the bike can become unbalanced and more difficult to handle if the battery is also in the rear.
· What is the full list of requirements for any bike you intend to fit your conversion kit to? For hub motor kits, you’ll need to check your frame’s rear dropout width and what gearing the system is compatible with; you will often find that rear hub motors only work with bolt-on type freewheels. Wheel size is important in determining fit.
What are the battery mounting requirements? With all types of kits, you’ll need to find out the battery mounting requirements and whether they suit your particular bike frame and riding style. Is the battery going to be mounted on a rear rack, frame or seat post?
What different kits are available?
Favorites among our readers were the following for their ease of installation, maintenance, load capacity, and performance. While one pair was well-liked for their versatility, another pair stood out for the particular circumstances in which they outperform others.
Currie Electro Drive by Currie Technologies: This is a chain drive system that comes mounted on a 26-inch rear wheel (700c mount possible with spoke swap). It is an excellent entry level power kit due to its relative ease of installation and operation. The optional second battery pack allows this conversion kit to double the initial range of 15 miles for a total of 30 miles. Thumb-operated throttle with battery indicator allows easy use for beginners.
eBike Rear Wheel Electric Bike Motor Conversion Kit: This rear wheel electric bike motor hub kit is designed for a 26″ wheel and reaches speeds of 23mph. At 500W, it’s a powerful motor that can reach a range of more than 20 miles on a single charge.The brake automatically shuts off the motor, which increases the duration of the trip due to energy savings and improves safety.
eBike Front Wheel Electric Bike Motor Conversion Kit: Same specifications and range of use as the previous e-bike rear wheel kit, but easier to mount due to fixing to the front wheel. Check out our considerations above to determine if the front or rear wheel version of this conversion kit is right for you.
Electricrider’s Phoenix II Cruiser System – This strong and durable conversion kit is popular due to its ability to appeal to all preferences as it has front or rear wheel options and fits 20″, 24″ and 26″ wheels This powerful motor allows the bike to reach speeds of up to 41 mph and has been put over 50,000 miles by fans on some older systems that are still in use.
E-Assist E-Assist Ebike Conversion Kit – A powerful conversion kit for 28-inch bikes with long range on a single charge and the power to handle hills.
BionX: This is a pedelec system with regenerative braking. A favorite conversion kit for touring or touring due to its pedelec system and a favorite among recumbent bikes and some folding bikes. The versatile design allows for use on different sized bikes with an integrated rear hub motor on a 24, 26 or 700c wheel. The battery can be mounted on a rack or frame, allowing the rider to distribute the weight however they want.