Key Takeaways:
- Electric bike conversion kits tend to cost around half as much as a brand new eBike.
- These DIY kits offer superior customization options, which can suit riders who have a unique set of needs.
- DIY conversion kits tend to be modular in design, simplifying the repair and replacement process.
If you are looking to convert a traditional bicycle to an electric bike, and don’t want to purchase a new eBike, you have a few options to choose from.
An Easy Guide to Creating Your Own Electric Bicycle
The nuts and bolts of creating an electric bicycle can be difficult, though there are several methods you can use to achieve success. You can attach a powered wheel to the front or rear of the bike. You can also attach a drive unit to the bike’s bottom bracket and you can fit a motor above the rear wheel and drive it using friction. These tend to be expensive and time-consuming options, however, so we recommend learning about DIY conversion kits.
Learn About DIY Kits
DIY conversion kits are ready-made packs that include everything you will need to convert a traditional bicycle to an eBike. These kits tend to include a hub with a motor, a battery pack, and related gears for turning the pedals. Here are some of the benefits of picking up one of these kits.
Tip: These kits tend to include a hub with a motor, a battery pack, and related gears for turning the pedals
Save Money
The best reason to pick up a DIY conversion kit is that it will save you money. Brand new electric bikes can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. The kits, however, tend to cost around half as much as an entire eBike, as you aren’t paying for the frame, pedals, handlebars, and other traditional bike components. Do thorough research, however, as not every bicycle can integrate with every conversion kit. Look for a universal kit that has been purpose-built to fit as many bike frames as possible.
Tip: The best reason to pick up a DIY conversion kit is that it will save you money
Warning: Do thorough research, however, as not every bicycle can integrate with every conversion kit
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Customization Options
Buying a DIY conversion kit can offer a range of customization options that are not available with a brand new electric bike. This can be especially useful when it comes to the lithium battery pack, as these kits tend to allow consumers to mix and match components. In other words, you can pick a powerful battery that will allow for dozens and dozens of miles before needing to be recharged. There will be additional fees for some high-grade components.
Easier Repairs and Replacements
Most DIY conversion kits are built to be fully modular, which can ease some of the headaches regarding repairs and replacements. These kits are usually designed so the battery can easily be attached and removed, which is a feature new electric bikes do not always offer. The same can go for motors, the hub, and gears.
Tip: Most DIY conversion kits are built to be fully modular, which can ease some of the headaches regarding repairs and replacements
STAT:
To keep your battery in the best condition, re-charge it to around 70% full every six months and charge it fully before your first ride if it has been in storage for some time. (Source)
Sources:
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6dEkXuUnDM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedelec
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle_conversion
https://wiki.aalto.fi/display/MEX/Easy+e-bike+conversion+kit
