Ebike Conversion Kits

CONVERSION KITS

Are electric bike conversion kits worth it?

There are many types of electric bike conversion kits, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. Some ebike conversion kits cost more than a new ebike itself. If you have the skills and tools necessary to install a conversion kit on a new or existing standard bike, it could be a fun project. However, you need to make sure that you account for the extra stresses that electric components can place on an ebike. For example, you will want to have a durable chain that will not break under the added pressure from an electric motor. You will also want to install a torque arm to protect the rear axle from becoming displaced. In our opinion, it’s just a lot more fun to buy a new ebike, instead of converting a conventional bike to an electric one. Check out the Treehugger list of the best conversion kits for 2022.

Are electric bike conversion kits any good?

There are some reputable brands selling conversion kits. When evaluating a conversion kit to determine if it is any good, look at each of the components in the kit, including the motor, controller, battery, throttle and cables, and try and find reviews of the kit.

Which electric bike conversion kit is best?

Before buying an ebike conversion kit, you should check reviews to see what customers have said. You should also consider each of the individual components which comprise the kit, to see if they are high quality. Many kits will feature motors by Bafang, which is the largest ebike motor manufacturer in the world. Bafang, and their subsidiary 8Fun, are known to make highly reliable ebike motors and controllers, so having this as part of a conversion kit would be a good sign. Also check who manufactures the battery cells which are in the battery pack. There are many generic ebike battery manufacturers, but some customers prefer name brands such as Samsung or LG.

Is it better to buy an electric bike or get a conversion kit?

If you are the kind of guy that loves Do It Yourself (DIY) projects, converting a standard bike to electric could be a great project. But be prepared. There are a lot of moving parts, and you need to get everything outfitted right so you can have fun and safe ride. Make sure you get a robust chain that can handle the load of an electric motor, and also look at installing a torque arm. 

Most of our customers are interested in complete ebikes, which are designed, engineered and built from the ground up to be electric bikes. They come almost fully assembled, and once you get the battery charged, you can start enjoying the ride immediately. On the other hand, if you build your own ebike using a kit, it could take several days to get all the components properly affixed to your bike, and to get everything running smoothly.

How to build an electric bike?

There are two basic ways to build your own electric bike. You could buy all the individual components yourself, or you could buy a kit. You will need to consider the compatibility of the components, whether or individual or as a kit, with the bike you plan to modify, making sure that the motor, battery, controller, display and wiring will all fit on the bike. Most guys probably choose a kit to work with, since these will include all of the parts you will need for the conversion. Check out the Electric Bike Review forum for more information on ebike conversions.