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Despite the overwhelming array of e-bikes currently available, and a massive reduction in prices. The DIY option is still very popular amongst enthusiasts.  The best e-bike conversion kits available in 2023, offer something for any type of bike, including mountain, road, hybrid and gravel bikes.

The Best Electric Bike Conversion Kits in 2023

Electric Bike conversion kits are an affordable way to add electric assist to your existing bike. And, despite the huge amount of new e-bikes currently available, there are still substantial savings to be made if you convert a bike you already own. In addition, converting your existing bike to electric can be a rewarding experience as you’ll be riding something that’s unique to you.

With rising fuel costs, traffic congestion and concerns about local air pollution. More and more people are turning to e-bikes as a cheaper, healthier and more environmentally friendly means of transport. Whether it’s for the daily commute, meeting up with friends for a coffee, or just going to the shops, electric bikes are a game-changer!

In 2023 the old argument of electric bike vs conversion kit still rages. If you think about it, the cheapest electric bikes are quite basic, and use budget components. I’m not saying they’re no good. On the contrary, most of the budget e-bikes I’ve tested are actually very good. But, with prices starting at around £600 / $600, maybe it’s worth going down the DIY route?

decathlon bike fitted with tongsheng tsdz2 conversion
As good as a factory e-bike? I covered over 1000 miles on this one!

You can pick up a complete conversion kit with battery for around £400 in then UK (or roughly $400 in the US). If you already have a decent bike – maybe an older Specialized, Trek or similar. Then you’re going to be riding a quality e-bike once converted. If you wanted to go one step further and fit a mid-drive motor, then the savings are even bigger. A budget mid-drive e-bike will set you back around £1500, and mid-drive kits with batteries start at around £550.

So, on to our selection of the best e-bike conversion kits for 2023. The author of this article, ran a successful e-bike conversion business for five years and has extensive knowledge and experience with all the kits featured below. For more information, please read our electric bike conversion kit guide at the bottom of this article, for help and advice on choosing the right kit for your needs.

⚠️Please check the e-bike laws in your country before using a converted bike on the road.


CYC Photon 🆕

Best New Electric Bike Conversion Kit for 2023

cyc photon best new electric bike conversion kit for 2023
The new CYC Photon Mid-Drive Motor

Specification

Motor locationBottom Bracket
Motor compatibility68 – 83mm Threaded, BB92 Pressfit, 100mm or 120mm threaded
Motor weight3.3 kg
Power output1200-watts max – can be configured to meet EU / UK 250-watts (continuous)
Voltage36 – 52-volts
Top speed30 mph (estimated) depends on gearing and other factors
Battery includedNo (options available)

The Good

  • Very lightweight
  • Very quiet
  • Plug and play
  • Customizable power output through app
  • Multiple bottom bracket options
  • Torque sensor
  • Performance looks fantastic

The Bad

  • Quite expensive
  • Only available direct from CYC
  • It’s still too early to assess long-term reliability

The new CYC Photon looks like it could be a game-changer! I’ve been saying for the last couple of years, that the e-bike conversion world needs a bit of a shake-up. A lot of what’s on offer in 2023 hasn’t really changed that much in nearly eight years.

Hong King-based CYC already shook things up with their X1 Pro motor, but that was really aimed at the high-performance end of the market. This latest offering from CYC looks like it fills the void between the Bafang BBSHD and X1 Pro. It’s lightweight, compatible with various bottom bracket sizes and has torque-sensing assist. In addition, you can configure the motor parameters through the CYC Ride Control smartphone app. They have even designed the chainring as to reduce offset and improve the chainline.

This looks like the mid-drive e-bike conversion kit we’ve all been waiting for! It’s like CYC have really listened to what the DIY e-bike community has been asking for, and they’ve produced something really special! Costing around $850, it’s expensive. But, I’m definitely going to see if I can get my hands on one this Spring, and I’ll post a full review here.

Available direct from CYC


Bafang BBS02B 750w

Best Mid-Drive E-Bike Conversion Kit

boardman mountain bike bafang bbs02 conversion
A mountain bike fitted with the Bafang BBS02B 750w

Specification

Motor locationBottom Bracket
Motor compatibilityBSA 68mm – 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell
Motor weight4.6 kg
Power output750-watts (nominal) 1200-watts (peak power with 48v battery)
Voltage48-volts
Top speed28 mph (estimated) depends on gearing and other factors
Battery includedBattery optional with some suppliers

The Good

  • Amazing performance
  • Plug and play
  • Very quiet
  • Customizable with USB lead and software
  • Easy to get parts for and repair

The Bad

  • Controller failure
  • On / off feel to assist
  • Not road legal in some countries
  • Not compatible with pressfit bottom brackets

The Bafang BBS02B 750w has been around for a few years now, and has benefited from several upgrades along the way. At its time of release in 2014, it was heralded as the best plug and play e-bike conversion kit on the market. Although it was plagued by early reliability issues, the BBS02B continues to be a global best-seller.  I installed over one hundred of these motors over a 5-year period – in the first 3-years I had a 10% failure rate (controller), but in subsequent years it seemed more reliable.

Riding a Bafang BBS02B-powered bike for the first time is memorable. It’s very powerful, and will take you effortlessly up any hill you can find. Installation takes roughly 3 hours – here is the Bafang installation guide. This motor is not compatible with pressfit bottom brackets and should only be installed on bicycles with a traditional BSA 68mm-73mm bottom bracket.

I can highly recommend the Bafang BBS02B 750w, it’s a great motor and easy to maintain, thanks to excellent parts availability.

Where to buy the Bafang BBS02B

The Bafang BBS02B is available in all countries and can be purchased from e-commerce websites like, eBay, Amazon or Aliexpress. Below, there is a link to our sister website, where you can see the latest prices in various countries.

Amazon
eBay
Aliexpress
Compare Latest Prices on ebikepricecomparison.com
Links to the Bafang BBS02B 750w

Tongsheng TSDZ2

Best Torque-Sensing E-Bike Conversion Kit

tongsheng tsdz2 e-bike conversion
Tongsheng TSDZ2 motor kit fitted to a hybrid bike

Specification

Motor locationBottom Bracket
Motor compatibilityBSA 68mm – 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell
Motor weight3.6 kg
Power output250w – 500w (nominal)
Voltage36-volts or 48-volts
Top speed15 – 25 mph (estimated) depends on gearing and other factors
Battery includedBattery optional with some suppliers

The Good

  • Torque-sensing pedal assist
  • Great value for money
  • Rated to 250w – Legal in UK / EU
  • Easy to pedal without assist
  • Fairly lightweight
  • Efficient

The Bad

  • Limited clearance for gear and brake cables
  • Mounting bracket not compatible with some frames
  • Not compatible with pressfit bottom brakets
  • Not as powerful (as Bafang)

The Tongsheng TSDZ2 is a plug and play mid-drive e-bike conversion kit. This system uses a sophisticated torque sensor for pedal assist, meaning it will give you power proportionate to the amount of force applied to the pedals (much like the Bosch system). The benefits of this system are, it gives you an enhanced cycling experience rather than just giving you power whenever the pedals are turned. In other words, you still have to put a bit of effort in. Also, it’s more efficient (than the Bafang).

I have installed nearly fifty of these motors over the years, and had very few issues. This is a popular motor for converting a recumbent due to its lower weight (when compared to the Bafang). The TSDZ2 was recently updated, and several weak points were addressed. I absolutely love the Tongsheng. It is a cracking little mid-drive motor for the money. If you are after Bosch-like performance for a fraction of the price, then this is the kit for you. For more info on fitting, check out the Tongsheng installation manual.

Where to buy the Tongsheng TSDZ2

The Tongsheng TSDZ2 can be purchased from websites like Amazon, eBay and Aliexpress. Below, there is a link to our sister website, where you can see the latest prices in various countries.

Amazon
eBay
Aliexpress
Check the Latest Prices at ebikepricecomparison.com
Links to Buy the Tongsheng TSDZ2

Bafang BBSHD

Best 1000w Mid-Drive Electric Bike Conversion Kit

bafang bbshd review
Boardman MTB fitted with the BBSHD and 52v Battery

Specification

Motor locationBottom Bracket
Motor compatibilityBSA 68mm – 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell
Motor weight4.8 kg
Power output1000w (Nominal) over 1500w (Peak)
Voltage48-volts (52-volts Optional)
Top speed28 mph – 35 mph (Depending on Gearing)
Battery includedBattery optional with some suppliers

The Good

  • Pulls like a train
  • Very smooth and quiet
  • Efficient
  • Generally reliable
  • Fairly straightforward to fit

The Bad

  • Very heavy
  • Not road legal in some countries
  • Not compatible with Pressfit BB

For those of you familiar with the world of e-bike conversion kits, the Bafang BBSHD needs no introduction! For the last 7 years, the BBSHD has been the ‘go to’ mid-drive motor for enthusiasts looking for that bit extra. On paper it doesn’t seem that much more powerful than the BBS02B. But, ride one and you’ll notice the extra grunt straight away. It’s by no means the most powerful e-bike motor available, but what it offers for the price makes it accessible to all.

When used with a high-quality 52-volt battery, peak power will be nearly 1800-watts (with a fully charged battery). Even as the voltage drops off, power stays above 1200-watts. It climbs hills like a mountain goat, and will make your bike wheelie if it’s geared low enough. Put simply, there’s no other conversion kit out there that offers the same bang for your buck, value for money and relative ease of installation.

Remember to install the Bafang BBSHD on an older mountain or hybrid bike (something with a standard threaded BB) , and you’ll be rewarded with a silky smooth and linear power delivery that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Based on my personal experience with the BBSHD, I’d have no trouble recommending it.

Where to Buy the Bafang BBSHD

As with other kits featured here, the Bafang BBSHD is a global best-seller, and available from all the major e-commerce platforms. Below, there is a link to our sister website, where you can see the latest prices in various countries.

Amazon
eBay
Walmart
Aliexpress
Check Latest Prices on ebikepricecomparison.com
Links to the Bafang BBSHD

Ebikeling

Best E-Bike Conversion Kit for Fat Tire Bike

ebikeling 1200w 26 inch fat tire e-bike conversion kit
Motor locationIn front or rear wheel
Motor compatibility135mm front or 175mm rear quick-release rear dropouts
Motor weight15.8 lbs
Power output1200-watts (1450-watts Peak)
Voltage48-volts
Top speed28 mph
Battery includedBattery optional

The Good

  • Very good performance (on moderate hills)
  • Easy to install
  • Smooth and Quiet
  • High Quality

The Bad

  • Very Heavy
  • Low efficiency
  • May struggle on very steep hills

The Ebikeling 1200-watt fat tire e-bike conversion kit, is a high-quality option available to customers in the US and Canada. They also ship to the UK and EU, but the shipping cost is high. It’s a very popular choice with e-bike enthusiasts, and provides a cost-effective way to convert your fat tire bike to electric. In addition, the Ebikeling kit is available in either front or rear wheel fitment, so you could potentially build yourself an all-wheel drive beast of a machine!

With a peak power of 1450-watts, there’s plenty of power for cruising on gravel tracks or taking your bike down to the beach. These direct drive hub motors are very smooth and practically silent. The only downside, is they’re not particularly efficient, so you will need a good battery with large energy capacity.

This kit includes everything you need (apart from battery) to get going. And, there’s good customer support and warranty back-up from a US-based company. Well worth considering if you want to give a boost to your fat bike.

Available from Amazon (US)
Buy from eBay

Also recommended👍 AW Fat Tire E-Bike Conversion Kit (Best Alternative to the Ebikeling)


CYC X1 Pro Gen2

Best High Performance E-Bike Conversion Kit

cyc x1 pro electric bike motor
Image credit: CYC Motor

Specification

Motor locationBottom Bracket
Motor compatibilityVarious bottom bracket sizes (including pressfit)
Motor weight3.8 kg (with crankset 5.8 kg)
Power output5000-watts @ 72 -volts
Voltage36-volts to 72-volts
Top speed50 mph (potentially more)
Battery includedNo

The Good

  • Ridiculously quick
  • Compatible with various bottom bracket sizes
  • Fairly lightweight
  • Efficient
  • Customizable
  • Torque-Sensor

The Bad

  • Expensive
  • Definitely not road legal
  • Some may say it’s too fast

The  CYC X1 Pro offers a totally different level of performance when compared with the Bafang and Tongsheng. This is a motor for serious performance e-bike enthusiasts and should only be installed on bikes that have the highest quality components fitted.

With an eye-watering power output of 5000w and up to 250Nm of torque the CYC X1 Pro is not for the faint hearted! Manufactured by CYC Motor LTD in Hong Kong, the X1 Pro has quickly become the global leader in ultra performance mid-drive electric bike motor kits.

Compatible with batteries ranging from 36v all the way up to 72v (for maximum power) this motor is designed to turn your mountain bike in to an off-road speed machine and uses a sophisticated torque sensor to provide incredibly smooth pedal assist over a range of power modes.

cyc x1 pro best high performance e-bike motor
The CYC motor is compatible with several different BB types

Where it wins hands down over the Bafang and Tongsheng is not just its staggering performance but its compatibility with other bottom bracket sizes – the CYC X1 Pro is available in Pressfit BB92 and 100mm threaded BB as well as the regular 68mm-73mm BB version (for the torque-sensing model) and it’s also available with a cadence-based pedal assist in the 68mm-73mm and 120mm version.

If you’re after serious performance conversion kit for off-road use, there’s simply no other kit quite like this. The performance is remarkable and is guaranteed to provide a massive grin factor! But this is an electric motor kit that’s intended for serious enthusiasts only – you’ll need to be competent in bicycle maintenance to install it and preferably it should only be installed on a bike with high quality brakes and other components. The CYC X1 Pro should not be purchased for a bike that is going to be used on the road.

Check availability and compare prices


Bafang Rear Wheel Conversion Kit

Best Rear Hub Motor Conversion Kit

bafang 48v 500w cst rear hub motor kit with color display
The Bafang rear wheel e-bike conversion kit

Specification

Motor locationIn rear wheel
Motor compatibility135mm quick-release rear dropouts
Motor weight3.9 kg
Power output500-watts
Voltage36-volts or 48-volts
Top speed15 mph – 28 mph
Battery includedBattery optional with some suppliers

The Good

  • Very reliable
  • Easy to install
  • Good performance
  • Good parts availability

The Bad

  • Not compatible with 142 mm thru-axle
  • Not as tidy as mid-drive install (lots of cables)
  • Separate controller box

Bafang have been a global leader in electric bike components for some years now, and their geared hub motors are among the best available. They are so good, in fact that a lot of e-bike manufacturers uses their hub motors in factory electric bikes. The Bafang hub motor is generally very reliable, while at the same time offering top class performance. The motor is a little nosier due to the planetary gears, but the noise minimal.

The other great thing about the Bafang hub motor is its durability. Geared hub motors can sometimes suffer from wear of the planetary gears (which are usually made of nylon), but with the Bafang hub motor it doesn’t seem too much of a problem. As with all hub motors, you will need to check and tighten the spokes regularly, and definitely make sure you fit a good puncture resistant tyre like a Schwalbe Marathon Plus – to save on time consuming roadside puncture repairs.

Bafang rear wheel hub motor is smooth, powerful and generally reliable. Plus  I like the flexibility of a geared hub motor, as they’re much easier to pedal with the motor switched off.

Where can I buy the Bafang rear hub motor conversion kit?

The Bafang rear wheel kit is available in most countries, from eBay, Amazon, Aliexpress and independent retailers. The link below takes you to our partner site, where you can compare the latest prices from top-selling merchants.

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Links to Bafang Hub Motor Kits

Alternative to the Bafang hub motor kit

Check out the great e-bike conversion kit from Yose Power – it uses similar technology to the Bafang and is available in the UK, US and EU.


Voilamart

Best Budget E-Bike Conversion Kit

voilamart 1000w 48v ebike conversion kit rear wheel
The Voilamart 1000w rear wheel electric bike conversion kit

Specification

Motor locationIn front or rear wheel
Motor compatibility135mm quick-release rear dropouts or 100 mm on the front
Motor weight8 kg
Power output1000-watts (1200-watts peak power)
Voltage48-volts
Top speed25 mph – 30 mph
Battery includedBattery optional with some suppliers

The Good

  • Cheap
  • Good performance (on the flat)
  • Easy to install
  • Generally reliable

The Bad

  • Very heavy
  • Broken spokes
  • Inefficient
  • No good on hills

The Voilamart 1000w rear wheel direct drive, e-bike conversion kit offers exceptional value for money. In fact, out of all the kits reviewed in this article, this one offers the best bang for your buck! It’s usually available in 26″, 28″ and 26″ fat tire wheel sizes.

I have installed loads of these over the years, and they are surprisingly reliable, considering the bargain price. These direct drive hub motors, are generally very robust and reliable. They may not be particularly efficient, but this motor will give you enough power to hustle you along at 25 – 30mph on the flat comfortably. Definitely worth considering, if you are after something a bit faster.

Where to buy the Voilamart e-bike conversion kit

The Voilamart is available in most countries and can be found on e-commerce platforms like Aliexpress, eBay and Amazon in all locales. The link below takes you to our sister website, where you can compare the latest prices.

Amazon
eBay
Aliexpress
Check and compare the latest prices on ebikepricecomparison.com

Yose Power Front Wheel Motor Kit

Best Front Wheel E-Bike Conversion Kit

yose power front wheel e-bike conversion kit
The Yose Power front wheel e-bike conversion kit

Specification

Motor locationIn front wheel
Motor compatibility100 mm quick-release dropouts
Motor weight3.5 kg
Power output250-watts
Voltage36-volts
Top speed15.5 mph / 25 km/h
Battery includedAvailable with or without battery

The Good

  • Very good value for money
  • Easy installation
  • Smooth motor
  • Decent performance
  • Tools included
  • Generally very reliable

The Bad

  • Struggles on steep hills
  • A little noisy when under load
  • Broken spoke reported occasionally

During my time converting e-bikes, the Yose Power e-bike conversion kit was one of the most popular. If you’re looking for one of the easiest ways to electrify your bike a front hub motor is simple to fit. I used to deal with Yose Power directly, and always found them to be very helpful. Plus, their motor kits come complete with a tool kit, cable ties and instructions.

Performance is quite good for moderate hills and rolling terrain, and because these motors are quite small, they don’t add too much weight to your bike. In addition, the 250-watt version is road legal in the UK and EU. For the price, they’re probably one of the best e-bike conversion kits going and well worth considering if you want a quick and easy way to convert your bike to electric.

Buy Direct from Yose Power – Use exclusive code: BH2E24BXQH for a €10 discount
Amazon
eBay
Compare the latest Prices on ebikepriceomparison.com

Yose Power Kit Alternatives

If you’re in the US, I would recommend the excellent kits from Ebikeling – they are based in Illinois and have a great reputation. Check out the reviews on Amazon.


Swytch

Best Lightweight Electric Bike Conversion Kit

swytch best lightweight e-bike conversion kit
Image credit: Swytch

Specification

Motor locationIn front wheel
Motor compatibility100 mm quick-release dropouts
Motor weight3.5 kg (complete system weight with battery)
Power output250-watts
Voltage36-volts
Top speed15.5 mph / 25 km/h
Battery includedYes

The Good

  • Very lightweight
  • Available in all wheel sizes
  • Very quick and easy to install
  • Battery can be taken on a plane

The Bad

  • Comparatively low battery range

The Swytch e-bike conversion kit is a British success story and their lightweight motor kits are now sold on both sides of the Atlantic. There’s nothing particularly new about the technology. But, it’s the neat way it’s packaged that makes the Swytch so appealing. Their battery  design is innovative, and not found on any other kits (to my knowledge).

Let’s say you only need to use electric assist for a hillier cycle ride once or twice a week. You can quickly swap back to your original wheel when you want to ride without power (or leave the motor wheel in situ). Because this system is so lightweight, you’d barely notice it anyway, even when pedalling under your own steam. If you’re looking for a very lightweight e-bike conversion kit, the Swytch is hard to beat!

Visit Swytch for more information

Alternative to the Swytch Conversion Kit

There’s another British company who do an equally lightweight e-bike conversion kit. Cytronex are based in Hampshire and their conversion kit is super lightweight and engineered in the UK.

Visit Cytronex for more information


Rubee X

Best E-Bike Conversion Kit for Ease of Installation

rubee x electric bike conversion kit
Image credit: Rubee

Specification

Motor locationMounted on seat post – friction drive
Motor compatibilityNot compatible with dropper seat post
Motor weight2.8 kg – 4 kg depending on battery power
Power output250-watts
Voltage36-volts
Top speed15.5 mph / 25 km/h
Battery includedYes

The Good

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to swap between bikes
  • Compact in size
  • Compatible with most bikes
  • Couldn’t be easier to install

The Bad

  • Limited range
  • May increase tire wear

The Rubee X e-bike conversion kit actually qualifies for the lightest kit as well. Weighing in at just 2.8 kg for the smallest battery, it’s a motor you can fit as and when you need it. The Rubee X uses a modular battery system, so you can add or remove batteries depending on your requirements.

There’s a clever wireless pedal sensor which is unique in the world of conversion kits. You connect it with your phone via their app. The technology itself has been around for a while. Friction drive kits were quite common ten or twelve years ago. What Rubee have done is totally refined the system.

If ease of fitment and lightweight are important factors. Plus, the ability to quickly swap between bikes, then the Rubee X is worth considering.

Visit Rubee for more information


E-Bike Conversion Kits (A Quick Guide)

When searching for the best electric bike conversion kit for your needs, there are several important factors to consider.

Legality

This is the first, and most important consideration. E-Bike laws vary from country to country. For example: US federal law allows for 750-watts and up to 28 mph for a class 3 e-bike. Whereas UK e-bike laws are much stricter – you are limited to 250-watts and 15.5 mph. Building a non-compliant e-bike and using it on public roads could land you in hot water. Plus, you may get your pride and joy confiscated.

Motor power

The motor power is measured in watts, and typically ranges from 250-1500 watts. A higher wattage motor will provide more assistance, but will also require a larger battery and may be more expensive. It’s also worth remembering, that higher wattage doesn’t always translate to better performance. The type of motor and the way it delivers the power is important. For example: You can have a 250-watt mid-drive motor, outperforming a 750-watt hub motor on hills.

Battery

The battery is the power source for the e-bike, and is measured in amp hours (Ah). A larger battery will provide a longer range, but will also add weight to the bike. Battery choice is one of the most important things to consider when buying a conversion kit. Buy cheap, and you may not be getting the best out of your motor. Plus, longevity may be greatly diminished. The type of lithium cells used and the way the battery is assembled will all have an effect on performance. So, for that reason, I recommend getting a battery that uses either Samsung, LG, Sanyo or Panasonic cells.

Compatibility

If you’re buying a hub motor, make sure to choose a conversion kit that’s compatible with your current bike’s wheel size – this can usually be found on the side wall of the tire. In addition, most hub motor kits are for quick-release dropouts – some modern bikes have thru-axle frames, which would not be suitable for these motors. For a mid-drive motor, there are different things to consider – the main being your bicycles bottom bracket size. Most mid-drive motors fit a standard BSA threaded bottom bracket of 68mm-73mm with an internal diameter of 33.5mm.

Speed

This also relates to legality. Most e-bike conversion kits come with an LCD display, which allows you to limit the top speed of your bike. This can be useful for riders who want to stay the right side of the law, maximise battery range or just use their e-bike for commuting or recreation, and not for high-speed riding.

Types of E-Bike Motor

Mid-Drive

A mid-drive or crank-drive motor is fitted in place of the bicycles bottom bracket – this is the component that connects the crankset to the bike and allows the crank to freely rotate [reference]. The main benefit of this type of motor, is it places the extra weight centrally and low down. This can improve stability, handling and make the bike feel more ‘planted’. Other benefits include performance and efficiency. Because a mid-drive utilises the bikes drivetrain to transfer power to the back wheel (like on a motorcycle), you get better torque, and much stronger hill climbing ability. This is my favourite kind of e-bike motor.

Front or Rear Hub Motor

These are the cheapest and most common types of conversion kit. Electric hub motors have actually been around for over 100 years, and modern direct drive motors are that far removed. They are heavy and inefficient. But, they offer a substantial performance gains for not a lot of money. Geared hub motors are more recent. And, as the name suggests, these motors have a planetary gear system which allows the motor to spin faster than the wheel. They produce more torque and are much better at hill climbing. Plus, they much lighter and more energy efficient (than direct drives).

Friction Drive Motors

Friction drive motors have also been around for a while, and are an easy way to boost your pedal power. These are usually fully integrated units with relatively low battery range. A small motor drives a rubberized roller. Which, in turn makes contact with the tire and provides assistance. Recently, motors like the Rubee X featured above, have taken this old technology and added a modern twist. A single unit you can fit to most bikes and quickly remove it when not in use. Ideal for the commuter, or rider looking for a boost once in a while. But, not really practical for longer-distance riding.

Benefits of an Electric Bike Conversion Kit

Cost-effective

Electric bike conversion kits are a cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of an e-bike, without having to purchase a brand new one. At the cheaper end of the scale, a budget electric bike is going to set you back around $600. And, while this is quite cheap, you have to remember the bike is going to have low-cost components and probably isn’t going to stand the test of time. If you have an old steel 90’s bike gathering dust in your garage, these make excellent donor bikes for conversions.

Customizable

You can choose a kit that fits your specific needs and preferences. If you live in a very hilly area, you can specify a high-torque mid-drive with plenty of hill-climbing power. Or, if you live in a flat area, maybe a big hub motor for effortless cruising. In addition, you can get the right battery for your requirments. If you’re only ridding short distances, then a small battery will suffice. If it’s weekend adventures off-the-beaten-track, then a big, high-capacity battery is what you need.

Resurrect Your Old Bike

Still got that classic 90’s mountain bike languishing in your shed or garage? Why not give it a good clean up, service and fit conversion kit? It will completely transform it and give you more motivation to get out and ride. Hills and headwinds needn’t be a problem anymore!

Environmental friendly

E-bikes are a sustainable mode of transportation, reducing the need for fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions. But, the biggest benefit is the money you’ll save if you start using your e-bike instead of the car. With fuel, insurance and servicing costs all ridiculously expensive nowadays, e-bikes make perfect sense!

Be More Active

E-bikes are a great way to stay active and with a conversion kit, you can enjoy the benefits that regular riding can bring. Even if you’re relying on the motor more, you’re still outside and getting some fresh air.

Negatives of an Electric Bike Conversion Kit

Reliability

Buying an e-bike conversion kit can be a bit of a minefield. Anything electrical is always going to be prone to potential issues. Even the most prestigious electric bike motor brands like Bosch, aren’t immune from problems. In the early days of my conversion business, I experienced about a 10% failure rate. That’s to say a primary component (like speed controller) blew, or there was some other unspecified fault. For most intrepid DIY enthusiasts, this is a challenge to be overcome. But, if you just want to get on and ride, and don’t want to be bothered by maintenance. Then, maybe a factory e-bike would be a better option.

Compatibility Problems

You’ve taken measurements, and double-checked everything, only to find when it comes down to fitting your kit, it’s not going well. Unfortunately, this is the name of the game, and even after 5 years in the trade, I still came unstuck once in a while. No two bikes are exactly the same, and most e-bike kits are generic in nature. As long as you do your research beforehand, you will limit the risk of this happening.

Messy Wiring

If you want your project to look like a factory produced e-bike, you will need to deal with all the excessive wiring that usually comes with these kits. It took me a little practice, and you’d be surprised how good the finished article can be. But, if you just slap everything on and don’t tidy anything up, then your bike will definitely have a ‘DIY look’ to it.

tongsheng tsdz2 e-bike conversion
A Hybrid Bike I converted back in 2018

Conclusion

Converting a bike you own to electric can be fun, but it can also be challenging. You will need a good work space, and preferably a bike stand to make things easier. Having the right tools beforehand will also help. If you’re not confident in your ability to do the job yourself, then I would ask a friend to help, or even use the services of your local bike shop.  Some shops won’t touch e-bike conversion kits, but others will be glad to help.

Electric bike conversion kits offer a cost-effective and customizable way to enjoy the benefits of an e-bike. Keep in mind the compatibility, installation, weight, laws and regulations, and maintenance when choosing the best kit for your needs. With the right conversion kit and a little bit of effort, you can give your old bike a makeover and take your riding experience to the next level!

Thanks for reading. If in doubt, please feel free to leave a message in the comments section below, and I’ll get back to you within 24 hrs. Thanks for reading!

Tony

Passionate E-Bike advocate and enthusiast since 2016. Riding an electric bike helped me to lose weight, get fit and reignite my passion for cycling!

Tony has 238 posts and counting. See all posts by Tony

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