The electric bike may appear to be a new invention however, the idea was in use from the early 1890s. Technology has evolved dramatically since the time they were first introduced, which is why they’ve seen a surge in popularity in recent times. Commercial e-bikes are available, however, you can opt to purchase kits that converts your current bicycle into an electric bike.
However, how do these electronic bicycles compare? And are they worth the price?
A conversion kit for electric bikes is usually worth the cost. Kits are more affordable than buying an e-bike. This means you can invest more money in an upgraded, more powerful conversion kit. Conversion kits are generally simple to put together using just some tools, but new bikes often require assembly.
The latest technology in e-bikes has permitted conversion kits to advance and allow anyone to convert their regular bicycle into an electric bike. There are a variety of conversion kits to pick from, based on the needs of your cycling.
Additionally, conversion kits offer certain advantages over buying an e-bike that is brand new, however certain disadvantages could convince you to choose for the new route.
Why choose an E-Bike Kit vs. an E-Bike?
The idea of riding an electric bike might appeal to you, and an e-bike offers many advantages and advantages across various applications. From leisure to commute the e-bike could revolutionize how you utilize your bicycle.
What is the most effective option for acquiring an e-bike? Are conversion kits is the best option rather than a mass-produced brand-name e-bike the better option?
There are a variety of conversion kits for e-bikes that each have their unique advantages, strengths as well as weaknesses. I’ll go over the various possibilities for conversion kits, but first let’s look at the reason why a conversion kit may be more appropriate for your needs instead of purchasing a brand-new electric bike.
Pros Of An E-Bike Conversion Kit
The benefits of choosing the conversion kit option to convert your bicycle into an electric bicycle are numerous, however some aspects will be less significant for some people than to others. However, all of the benefits are compelling arguments for conversion kits.
Keep your bike. If you recently bought an ordinary bicycle or do not want to sell your previous bike it is not necessary to dispose of it or keep it. It is enough to purchase the kit and then perform the conversion on your existing bicycle. This will impact the price of e-bikes.
The conversion kit is typically less expensive, but it’s not always. The price of the bikes (frame and the tire) is an important element of the price of purchasing a brand new electric bike. If you have a conversion kit it will no longer be relevant as you already have the bike.
Kits for conversion vary in cost dependent on the model and the power of the unit, but they are often lower than the cost of an e-bike that is factory-built. If your bike is pricey and you’re looking for an excellent kit, the cost of the kit and professional installation could easily add up to nearly the price of a brand new electric bicycle (although less expensive).
Make your electric bike fit your requirements. Kits let you construct your electric bike according to meet your specific needs. You can alter the parts to suit without having to replace the entire bike or kit in case your needs shift.
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Removal of your conversion kit. The kit can be removed from your bike in order to bring it back to its original state or put it on another bike.
The Cons of An E-Bike Conversion Kit
Like any other after-market accessory product, kits for converting bikes to electric be a bit limiting, and could be a major element in your selection of kits. It’s important to be aware that conversion kits differ based on the kind of conversion being performed.
Mechanical skills are required. Conversion kits are straightforward to set up, but you’ll need a level of mechanical ability (or devote a significant amount of time watching useful videos) to be able to finish the conversion.
Messy wiring. It all depends on the electric bike conversion kit you pick you will likely have a number of wires you have to tidy up and to conceal. Most bikes do not conceal the wiring properly since they’re not made to do it.
The added weight. The battery kit and the kit make the bicycle heavier and make it difficult to take it in subways or up the stairs (or even to place into the vehicle).
The distribution of weight on the bicycle. Conversion kits are an add-on to the bike that alters the distribution of weight and also the feeling and control of the bicycle. If the kit’s weight is not placed correctly it can affect the stability of the bike.
Security for the equipment. There have been a few incidents of the conversion kit, especially the batteries, becoming flammable and sparking explosions. However, this occurs mostly because they’re not properly installed or do not have adequate protection.
Tires and brakes may require adjustments. Based on the conversion kit you might have to upgrade the brakes and tires on your bike to make them compatible in the converter kit.
Certain models do not come with the battery. Some kits aren’t sold with batteries… as batteries tend to be among the most expensive components of an electric bicycle.
More advanced technology on the factory electric bikes. The majority of factory-built e-bikes have many bells and whistles built in the bicycle, for example, GPS capabilities.
Pros Of A Factory e-Bike
Electric bikes made by factories are an option that is popular to transition without a car and thereby reducing the environmental impact of the emission of gas, recreation and exercising. The increasing popularity of electric bikes suggests that purchasing a brand new electric bike could be a better option than using the conversion kits for electric bikes.
The e-bike is specifically designed. The factory-built e-bike is constructed to fit all the parts inside the bike in a comfortable and balanced manner. Therefore, there is no problems with weight imbalances as well as exposed wiring.
Better aesthetics. New e-bikes don’t look like a DIY job. There are a lot of models available including the Ride1up brand that has batteries built in the frame, you need take a close look to determine if it’s an electronic bike. Actually having a battery that is integrated will help to protect the bike’s components, too.
Warranty for the factory. The factory warranty as well as after-sales support and service are an assurance should something fail.
A higher speed and more functionality. E-bikes with brand names generally have better performance than bikes modified with kits. They also come with greater built-in features and benefits that will convince you to buy. It could include a more advanced controller that has an LCD display as well as a headlight, bell for the bike, USB port for your mobile phone, and more.
Quality batteries that are of better quality. The batteries that are integrated into the factory e-bikes tend to be superior quality lithium batteries made by known manufacturers. The batteries will give you greater power and will last longer than other battery kits for conversion to electric bikes.
More durable, lighter frames. The frames of the factory e-bikes are designed to support the weight of the battery and motor. The frames are reinforced in strategically placed places to support the extra weight. In some instances frames are made with lighter materials to help counteract any weight added by the added equipment.
The Cons of a Factory-made e-Bike
There are a few disadvantages to choosing an e-bike that is factory built however, if your cycling requirements are easy and don’t alter much the negatives to this type of bike could have less of an impact on the choice you make.
The new electric bikes are pricey. E-bikes that are factory-built and range from 250W to 350W generally have an initial cost of between $800 to $1000. The more powerful bikes with a 500W range are priced between $1200 and $1500 and higher. The most powerful e-bikes that can be used on the roads of the US are 750W. typically cost between $1200 and $2000 at the lower end.
There are a lot of options, but there are numerous known and trusted brands for instance, Rad Power Bikes and Aventon with quality, affordable, electronic bikes.
Expensive replacement parts. When the warranty on the electric bike is over spare parts and maintenance may be costly.
It’s difficult to upgrade. E-bikes with a purpose are equipped with all components that are built into the bike. They can only accept components of the manufacturer. The ability to change parts such as the battery in order to boost power might not be feasible.
Types Of Hub Motor Conversion Kits
There are many kinds of e-bike conversion kits and they will differ in terms of price and features. All of them have various advantages and disadvantages. The different kits will be discussed briefly, to provide an overview of the different styles and their use.
There are two major kinds of conversion kits for e-bikes that are hub motors and mid-mount motors. There are sub-types of both categories that determine the manner in which motors operate.
Hub Motor E-Bike Conversion Kits
The Hub Motor conversion kits comprise among the most popular kinds of conversion kits that are available and are among the easiest kits to install on your current bike.Many conversion kits utilize this kind of motor.
The name implies the motor is attached to the hub of the wheel, and is usually supplied together with the wheels. It’s essential to choose an item that has the same size wheel that you have, or perhaps you’ll have to replace your existing wheel to match the size.
The sub-categories within this category are Direct hub drive motors driven hub drive motors with geared hubs front-wheel hub motors along with rear-wheel hub hub motors.
Direct Drive Hub Motor Kits
Direct-drive hub motors are simple and straightforward, as they incorporate the motor inside the wheels hub. When the motor is in operation it rotates the wheel directly , as instead of using a gear mechanism. The design is straightforward, making it simple to install and maintain.
The biggest drawback of this type of motor is the fact that they have to be massive to produce enough energy to power the bicycle. Smaller versions won’t provide enough energy to function effectively especially at low speeds.
The major benefit of these motors is that they’re quite affordable relative to the other types of motors. Another advantage one is the fact that hubs with direct drives are highly efficient due to the ease of use that the drive is.
Geared Hub Motor Kits
Geared hub motors for E-bike conversion kits are less as direct drive hub motors, and typically more effective. This type of motor utilizes an planetary gear reduction system for connecting to the stator of the motor.
This gearing system ensures that for each rotation of the wheel on the bike, which is the motor’s casing the hub motor turns many times.
This improves the effectiveness and speed, and makes it possible for a smaller motor to generate more energy.
The major advantages of these motors is they’re small speedy, quick and maintenance-free when compared to other types of motors. One of the primary advantages of this type of motor is that, if the battery packs die and you don’t feel any resistance when you pedal, and you’ll be able to ride the bike as if it were a regular bike.
The planetary gearing system can get worn, especially when carrying large loads or riding up hills. However nylon gears are inexpensive and can be easily repaired.
Front Hub Motor Kits
The name implies that the front hub conversion kits can be found placed on the front wheel’s hub. The drive could be an direct drive or a smaller geared one.
The most suitable choice is an geared motor because of its small size, resulting in less of an impact on steering and the control of the bike because of its lighter weight.
Conversion kits for direct drive engines that that can be mounted to the front wheels. They’re less expensive and generate more torque, however the weight of the front wheel could be a bit intimidating until you get used to it.
Front hub motor kits have an advantages in that they offer two-wheel driving when the motor activated. The back wheel is powered through pedaling, and the motor drives the front wheel.
The downside of front hub kits is that they’re not ideal for off-road use especially in sandy or rough hills, where they can spin and lose grip.
Rear Hub Motor Kits
Rear hub e-bike conversion kits can be installed to wheels on rear of bikes. They could include direct drive or geared motors.
They’re more difficult to mount on the bike than front hub motors because you will need to take your gear cassette from your existing wheel and then mount it onto the wheel included in the kit. It may be necessary to purchase additional specific devices (Amazon) to complete the conversion completed.
The major drawback of the rear hub motor is that it’s much harder to fix punctures that have occurred on the back wheel when there is a motor mounted. It is possible however, it will take longer.
Mid-Drive Kits to Convert Motors
Mid-drive conversion kits for e-bikes are among the more expensive options, yet they are also among the most well-known. This motor type offers the best efficiency and delivers more power and torque at the low end than the hub motors.
The motor of this type is located to centrally on the bicycle close to the pedals. The primary difference with this particular configuration is the fact that it is able to drive the pedals, not the wheels.
The major drawback with the kit lies in it is a lot more complex than hub motors. Also, it’s incompatible with most types of bicycles. Only bikes equipped with the threaded axles for pedals for an appropriate size can be used with this kind of e-bike conversion kit. It is therefore essential to choose the right kit to match the bike you intend to convert.
The mid-mount motor will not have an additional front cog to the pedals. Moreover, when the motor is not functioning there is a an intense amount of resistance in the pedals. Mid-mount motors also require greater care than hub-motors.
