When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure.
Despite the overwhelming array of electric bikes on the market, the DIY option is still very popular amongst enthusiasts. The best ebike conversion kits allow you to customise a bike to suit your needs. The end user can fine-tune things like battery capacity, motor power, and pedal assist characteristics in providing the perfect biking experience!
What are the best bike conversion kits in 2023?
- Best newcomer for 2023: CYC Photon
- Best mid-drive e-bike kit: Bafang BBS02B 750w
- Best torque-sensing conversion kit: Tongsheng TSDZ2
- Best 1000w e-bike conversion kit: Bafang BBSHD
- Best fat bike conversion kit: EBikling
- Best rear wheel conversion kit: Bafang rear wheel hub motor
- Best budget conversion kit: Voilamart
- Best front wheel e-bike kit: Yose Power
Why do ebike conversion kits make sense? Because they are affordable and customisable. You can fit a more powerful motor if you live in a hilly area. Do you need an electric bike to tackle longer journeys? No problem, you can choose a bigger battery to suit your requirements.
Without further ado, here are my recommendations for the best ebike conversion kits in 2023. I ran a successful electric bike conversion business for five years and have extensive knowledge and experience with most of the kits featured below. For more information, please read my electric bike conversion kit guide at the bottom of this article.
CYC Photon
Best New Electric Bike Conversion Kit for 2023
Specifications
- Motor location: Bottom Bracket
- Motor compatibility: 68 – 83mm Threaded, BB92 Pressfit, 100mm or 120mm threaded
- Motor weight: 3.3 kg
- Power output: 1200-watts max – can be configured to meet EU / UK 250-watts (continuous)
- Voltage: 36 – 52 volts
- Top speed: 30 mph (estimated) depends on gearing and other factors
- Price: $950 / £975
Pros
- Compatible with different bottom bracket types
- Lightweight
- Customisable
- Good chainline
Cons
- Expensive
- Increased wear on bike gear components and chain
The new CYC Photon looks like the mid-drive ebike conversion kit we’ve all been waiting for! For the last couple of years, I’ve been saying that the ebike conversion world needs a bit of a shake-up. A lot of what’s on offer in 2023 hasn’t changed that much in nearly eight years.
Hong King-based CYC already shook things up with their X1 Pro motor, 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 a torque-sensing assist. In addition, you can configure the motor parameters through the CYC Ride Control smartphone app. They have even designed the chainring to reduce offset and improve the chainline.
Bafang BBS02B 750w
Best Mid-Drive EBike Conversion Kit
Specifications
- Motor location: Bottom Bracket
- Motor compatibility: BSA 68mm – 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell
- Motor weight: 4.6 kg
- Power output: 750-watts (nominal) 1200-watts (peak power with 48v battery)
- Voltage: 48-volts
- Top speed: 28 mph (estimated) depends on gearing and other factors
- Price: $400 / £400 Varies depending on the supplier
Pros
- Very powerful
- Customisable
- Smooth and quiet
- It is fairly straightforward to install
Cons
- Poor chainline
- Only compatible with threaded bottom brackets
- Hit-and-miss reliability
The Bafang BBS02B 750w has been around for a few years and has benefited from several upgrades. At its time of release in 2014, it was heralded as the best plug-and-play electric bike conversion kit on the market. Although early reliability issues plagued it, the BBS02B remains a global best-seller. I installed over one hundred of these motors over five years – in the first three years, I had a 10% failure rate (controller), but it seemed more reliable in subsequent years.
Riding a Bafang BBS02B-powered bike for the first time is memorable. It’s very powerful and will take you effortlessly up any hill. Installing the Bafang takes around 3 hours. I highly recommend the Bafang BBS02B 750w; it’s a great motor and easy to maintain, thanks to excellent parts availability.
Tongsheng TSDZ2
Best Torque-Sensing EBike Conversion Kit
Specifications
- Motor location: Bottom Bracket
- Motor compatibility: BSA 68mm – 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell
- Motor weight: 3.6 kg
- Power output: 250w – 500w (nominal)
- Voltage: 36-volts or 48-volts
- Top speed: 15 – 25 mph (estimated), depending on gearing and other factors
- Price: $350 / £300 The price varies between suppliers
Pros
- Torque-sensing pedal assist
- Lightweight
- Neat with minimal wiring
Cons
- Poor chainline
- Not as good for steep hills
- Some reliability issues
The Tongsheng TSDZ2 is a plug-and-play mid-drive ebike conversion kit. This system uses a sophisticated torque sensor for pedal assist, giving you power proportionate to the force applied to the pedals (much like the Bosch system). The benefits of this system are that 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 some effort in. Also, it’s more efficient (than the Bafang).
I have installed nearly fifty of these motors with very few issues over the years. 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 love Tongsheng. It is a cracking mid-drive motor for the money. This is the kit for you if you are after Bosch-like performance for a fraction of the price. For more info on fitting, check out the Tongsheng installation manual.
Bafang BBSHD
Best 1000w Mid-Drive Electric Bike Conversion Kit
Specifications
- Motor location: Bottom Bracket
- Motor compatibility: BSA 68mm – 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell
- Motor weight: 4.8 kg
- Power output: 1000w (Nominal) over 1500w (Peak)
- Voltage: 48 volts (52 volts Optional)
- Top speed: 28 mph – 35 mph (Depending on Gearing)
Pros
- Super smooth
- Great performance
- Robust and generally reliable
- Customisable
Cons
- Poor chainline
- Heavy
- Quite expensive
If you’re familiar with ebike conversion kits, you’ll know the Bafang BBSHD is popular. It’s been a go-to mid-drive motor for enthusiasts for the past seven years. While it may not seem much more powerful than the BBS02B on paper, you’ll feel the extra power when you ride it. It’s not the most powerful e-bike motor, but affordable for most people.
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, making your bike wheelie if geared low enough. No other conversion kit offers the same bang for your buck, value for money and relative ease of installation.
Ebikeling
Best EBike Conversion Kit for Fat Tyre Bike
Specifications
- Motor location: In front or rear wheel
- Motor compatibility: 135mm front or 175mm rear quick-release rear dropouts
- Motor weight: 15.8 lbs
- Power output: 1200 watts (1450-watts Peak)
- Voltage: 48 volts
- Top speed: 28 mph
Pros
- High quality
- Reliable
- Straightforward to install
- Good top speed
Cons
- Heavy and inefficient
- Not so good on steep hills
The Ebikeling 1200-watt fat tyre ebike 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 popular choice with electric 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 to the beach. These direct-drive hub motors are very smooth and practically silent. The only downside is they’re not particularly efficient so that you will need a good battery with a large energy capacity.
This kit includes everything you need (apart from the battery) to get going. And there’s good customer support and warranty backup from a US-based company. It is worth considering if you want to boost your fat bike performance.
Bafang Rear Wheel Conversion Kit
Best Rear Hub Motor Conversion Kit
Specifications
- Motor location: In front or rear wheel
- Motor compatibility: 135mm front or 175mm rear quick-release rear dropouts
- Motor weight: 4 lbs
- Power output: 500w
- Voltage: 36v or 48v
- Top speed: 15 – 25 mph
- Price: $300 / £300 The price varies between supplier
Pros
- Very smooth performance
- Reliable
- High torque output
Cons
- Not legal in the UK and EU
- Lots of wiring to tidy
Bafang has been a global leader in electric bike components for years, and its geared hub motors are among the best available. They are so good that many electric bike manufacturers use 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 noisier due to the planetary gears, but the noise is minimal.
The other great thing about the Bafang hub motor is its durability. Geared hub motors can sometimes suffer from the wear of the planetary gears (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 must regularly check and tighten the spokes and ensure you fit an excellent puncture-resistant tyre like a Schwalbe Marathon Plus – to save on time-consuming roadside puncture repairs.
Voilamart
Best Budget E-Bike Conversion Kit
Specifications
- Motor location: In front or rear wheel
- Motor compatibility: 135mm quick-release rear dropouts or 100 mm on the front
- Motor weight: 8 kg
- Power output: 1000w (1200w peak power)
- Voltage: 48v
- Top speed: 25 mph – 30 mph
- Price: $220 / £220 The price varies between supplier
Pros
- Very cheap
- A lot of power for the price
- Reliable
Cons
- Very heavy
- Inefficient
- Not road legal in the UK and EU
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″ 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 comfortably ride at 25 – 30mph on the flat. It’s worth considering if you are after something a bit faster.
Yose Power Front Wheel Motor Kit
Best Front Wheel E-Bike Conversion Kit
Specifications
- Motor location: Front wheel
- Motor compatibility: 100mm
- Motor weight: quick-release dropouts
- Power output: 250w
- Voltage: 36v
- Top speed: 15.5 mph / 25 km/h
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Easy installation
- Tools included
- Nice display
- Road legal in the UK and EU
Cons
- Noisy under load
- It adds a lot of weight to the front
- Not suitable for steep technical off-road climbs
👇Use Discount Code: BH2E24BXQH for a €10 discount (Yose Power Direct)
During my time converting e-bikes, the Yose Power e-bike conversion kit was among 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 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.
EBike conversion kits (a quick guide)
Several important factors must be considered when searching for the best electric bike conversion kit. I have outlined some important considerations below to help you make the best choice for your needs.
E-bike laws: 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. 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.
Power output: The motor power is measured in watts and typically ranges from 250-1500 watts. A higher-wattage motor will provide more assistance but 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. You can have a 250-watt mid-drive motor, outperforming a 750-watt hub motor on hills.
Check out the top 20 electric bike FAQs
Battery capacity: The battery is the power source for the e-bike and is measured in voltage and amp hours (Ah). A larger battery will provide a longer range and 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 get the best out of your motor. Plus, longevity may be greatly diminished. The type of lithium cells used and how the battery is assembled will all affect 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, choose a conversion kit compatible with your current bike’s wheel size – this can usually be found on the tyre’s side wall. 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 bicycle’s bottom bracket size. Most mid-drive motors fit a standard BSA threaded bottom bracket of 68 mm-73 mm with an internal diameter of 33.5mm.
Speed: This also relates to legality. Most e-bike conversion kits come with an LCD, allowing you to limit your bike’s top speed. This can be useful for riders who want to stay on the right side of the law, maximise battery range or use their e-bike for commuting or recreation, and not for high-speed riding.
Types of ebike motor
Mid-drive motor: A mid-drive or crank-drive motor is fitted in place of the bicycle’s bottom bracket – this component connects the crankset to the bike and allows the crank to rotate freely. The main benefit of this type of motor is it places the extra weight centrally and low down. This can improve stability and handling and make the bike feel more ‘planted’. Other benefits include performance and efficiency. Because a mid-drive utilises the bike’s 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.
Hub motor: These are the cheapest and most common types of conversion kits. Electric hub motors have been around for over 100 years, and modern direct-drive motors are that far removed. They are heavy and inefficient. But, they offer 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 are much lighter and more energy efficient (than direct drives).
Friction drive motor: These 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 ranges. A small motor drives a rubberised roller. Which, in turn, makes contact with the tire and assists. Recently, motors like the Rubee X featured above have taken this old technology and added a modern twist. A single unit you can fit onto most bikes and quickly remove when not in use. It is ideal for the commuter or rider looking for a boost occasionally. But it’s not really practical for longer-distance riding.
Find out more about the pros and cons of hub motors vs. mid-drives
E-Bike conversion kit pros and cons
Pros
- Customisation: You can choose a kit that fits your 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 requirements. If you only ride short distances, a small battery will suffice. If it’s weekend adventures off-the-beaten-track, then a big, high-capacity battery is what you need.
- Using a bike you already own: Still got that classic ’90s 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 motivate you to get out and ride. Hills and headwinds needn’t be a problem anymore!
- Cost: Generally speaking, converting a bike you own to an electric one will be significantly cheaper. With most mid-drive electric bikes starting at over $1500 / £1500, you can build one for a fraction of that price.
Cons
- Compatibility issues: You’ve taken measurements and double-checked everything, only to find that installing your kit’s not going well. Unfortunately, this does happen, and even after five years in the trade, I still came unstuck occasionally. No two bikes are the same, and most e-bike kits are generic. As long as you research beforehand, you will limit this risk.
- Excessive wiring: If you want your project to look like a factory-produced e-bike, you must 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 slap everything on and don’t tidy anything up, your bike will have a ‘DIY look’.
- Reliability: In my experience, most e-bike conversion kits are fairly reliable. But, problems do seem more common with conversion kits when compared with factory-produced electric bikes.
Conclusion
Converting a bike you own to an electric can be fun, but it can also be challenging. You will need a good workspace, 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 gladly help.
The best ebike conversion kits offer a cost-effective and customisable way to enjoy the benefits of an electric bike. When choosing your conversion kit, remember the compatibility, installation, weight, laws and regulations, and maintenance. With the right conversion kit and a little bit of effort, you can give your old bike a makeover and start to enjoy riding again.
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 hours. Thanks for reading!
Hello Tony
I have been browsing the web for a while now and I always seem to end back on your site. It really has some excellent information and good articles.
Now to my question. I am in the process of converting my 3 wheeled cargo bike. The goal is help on the hills and when setting off – not to go particular fast. Going more than 25 km/h is pretty interesting, most of the time will be cruising speeds of approx 15 km/h. The bike without anything in it weighs about 30kg, myself + 2 kids will bring the total weight to 150kg+
I already tried a Tongsheng TZSD2 with a 36V 14,5Ah battery. But unfortunately it will not fit the bike without (a lot of) modification to the frame. So I have scratched that idea and am now looking into a rear hub motor.
I like the Bafang kit you’re presenting here, but I’m wondering if the kit is available in 36V and 24” rim? That way I could use the battery I already have. But if the 48V kit is a much better piece of kit, I’d rather spend a bit extra. If possible I’d like it if it were a kit that was legal in the EU (i think 250W max).
My bike has hydraulic disc in the front and I plan to fit a hydraulic disc on the rear wheel as well. Is it an absolute must to fit brake cut off sensors? Many bikes in Denmark do not have them these days, so I’m wondering if the PAS is sufficient? Will the kit even run without the cut off connected?
Are there any sellers you can recommend? I am having a hard time finding sellers that offer bafang in 24”. I am in Denmark so sellers with either EU stock or that offer shipping with taxes prepaid would be my preference.
Thanks in advance
Frederik
Hi Frederik,
Yes, the Bafang motor is available in 36v 250w version, but it is difficult to get from within the EU in a 24″ wheel. The other option would be to purchase the hub motor kit (without wheel) and get a local bike shop to lace the motor into a 24″ rim – my local bike shop offers this service for a reasonable price.
I haven’t found any hub motor only kits in Europe, one of my regular suppliers sells them, but they ship from China and delivery usually takes approximately 14-21 working days. Here is the link if you are interested. I have found another full Bafang 36v 250w rear wheel kit (including 24″ wheel) from a different supplier – here is the link for that one.
Regarding the hydraulic brake sensors, I have only ever used them on bikes that are fitted with a separate throttle. If you are just using PAS, it won’t be necessary.
Regards,
Tony
Hi Tony
We’re planning to get a front-wheel conversion kit, and are thinking of the ReaseJoy 36V 500W 26 inch Front Wheel Bicycle Motor Conversion Kit. We don’t need anything fancy, but robust. We stay in the Highlands and would be using it for travel around the area. What do you reckon of that make please?
And could you also help with what might be the best battery to go with that?
Many thanks
The Boyd family
Hi Tom,
The ReaseJoy kit is okay if you don’t need anything too fancy and you’re not planning on covering large distances. In my experience they tend to be reliable (and provide decent performance), but they are heavy and inefficient. If your bikes have front disc brakes, there can be problems with the brake caliper rubbing on the outer motor casing. I would also advise buying torque-arms – these fit around the motor axle and prevent the wheel from popping out of the drop-outs.
A suitable battery that would give you a range of approximately 20-25 miles would be a 36v 13Ah here is a link for one on eBay.
If you need any more advice, please let me know.
All the best,
Tony
Hi Tony,
i see your webiste and is awesome,very clear,full of resource and usefuel!
I will buy a mtb and after i will convert to e-bike with bafang kit this is the cycle:
https://www.cube.eu/it/2020/bikes/mountainbike/hardtail/aim/cube-aim-race-rednorange-2020/
But i’m confused about 44T?46T?52T? dimension?Wich is correct for this bike?
I m interested about 500w or 750w,then best battery for this kit?Wich configuration is the best and affordable?
I’m newbie about this.
Thank you so much.
Sorry for my english but i’m italian
Hi Massimo,
I have converted several Cube Aim hardtail mountain bikes. The best chainring to go with for general riding is the 44T. If you want a higher speed and are riding on more flat ground a 46T may be better. If you go with a 46T it is likely you will need a longer chain.
This supplier on Amazon.it has good feedback and supplies the BBS02B 750w with a choice of 48v 11.6Ah and 48v 17.5Ah batteries. The size of battery you need really depends on the kind of range you are looking for. A 48v 17.5Ah battery will give you a potential range of over 100km.
With the Cube Aim, because of the design of the frame down tube (with internal cable routing) you will find the motor will hang down at a 45 degree angle.
If you need any more help, please let me know.
Cheers,
Tony
Hi Tony
Seems like my comment from yesterday were never posted, I’ll try again! Many thanks for the in depth articles you share, very informative and helpful. I’m planning to convert my regular bike into a e-bike. What kit would you recommend me for my following requirements:
1. Pedal assistant
2. Long range (battery)
3. Reliability (It will be my main transport for work, ~ 20-30 km / daily)
4. Possible to bike “normally” with motor off for health purposes
I have fairly flat roads without any steep uphills.
Thanks
/Max
Hi Max,
I would say the best option for you would be a 250w rear wheel electric bike conversion kit. Geared rear hub motors are easier to pedal with the assist switched off (than retro-fit mid-drives) and also lighter in weight. They are also much more reliable and easy to fix if they do go wrong (unlikely).
In my experience of fitting e-bike kits hub motors are by far the most reliable.
For a battery capable of an assisted range of about 60-70 miles you will be looking at something like a 36v 17.5Ah – more powerful batteries are available if you require a greater range. I recently installed a 36v 20.4Ah battery on a hub conversion and the customer has reported a range of just over 100 miles off a single charge.
If you can let me know the make / model and tyre size of your bike, I can point you in the direction of a suitable kit and battery.
Regards,
Tony
Dear Tony,
Congratulations on the fantastic site, with so much information and valid tips.
We are 2 friends from Portugal, who are thinking about transforming our bikes (Merida Big Nine XT edition 29 and an Orbea Alma H30, 27.5- both with front suspension only) and we don’t have much experience. We are mountain bike riders , some with some inclination covering an average of 40/50 km per training.
We intend to continue training but with some help ?
From what we read, we are inclined towards the TSDZ2 -500W engine.
We would like your opinion, and if you think the 500W motor is suitable and which battery to use for these Kms. We are afraid, by the measures (36.7 * 11 *, 901 cm) that we see that the traditional battery does not fit in the frame , mainly in Merida.
Grateful for the help of these newbies.
Hug and continuation of an excellent work
Hi Nuno,
I’ve had a look at the specifications on both of the bikes, and providing they have standard 68mm-73mm wide threaded bottom brackets you should be okay. The only thing I did notice is the latest models have the wider boost rear hub width (148mm), this shouldn’t cause too much of a problem with the chain-line as the TSDZ2 motor has an offset on the chainring side, but you may find shifting isn’t as smooth going up and down the cassette. My supplier UPP sells a very good compact bottle battery that fits in a regular bottle cage – it’s available in 36v 10.5Ah version which should give you a range of 50-70 km depending on how much power you use. I used to get a range of 100km + out of a 36v 13Ah battery with a 500w 36v TSDZ2 with 2000m of climbing.Here is the link for the 500w 36v TSDZ2 with VLCD6 display shipped from Spain.
I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, please ask.
Glad you like my website, positive feedback is always appreciated?
Regards,
Tony
Hello Nuno,
Thank you for your compliments, much appreciated.
I will check the specifications of the Merida and Orbea and post a reply later today. I will find a suitable battery for your frames as well.
The TSDZ2 36v 500w is a good motor and provides plenty of power for the average rider.
All the best,
Tony
Tony,
Fantastic site!!
I have been looking ages to convert an old Specialised Rockhopper mb and a scott speedster road bike. What to you recomend? Tongsheng 250w for the Rockhopper (any issues with BB clearance and battery space?) and not sure on the speedster mid motor or rear wheel?
I have Cube Hybrid Reaction 500! I do like the Bosch motor.
Regards
Peter G
Hi Peter,
You should be fine fitting a TSDZ2 to an older Rockhopper, the only thing you will need to do is completely remove the cable guide on the underside of the bottom bracket shell and re-route the rear derailleur cable.
The Scott Speedster should also be fine for a TSDZ2 – I find the rear hub motors are okay on a road bike, but there are more external cables, wires and external pedal sensors to deal with. The Tongsheng is a much neater, more professional looking conversion, and feels similar to the Bosch motor (although not as quiet).
I hope this helps, if you need any more advice, please let me know.
All the best,
Tony
Hi Tony
Great articles I have enjoyed reading them. I hope you can point me in the right direction as I am struggling to find an answer to my issues. I want to convert my Marin Nail Trail bike to electric. Due to a medical condition I haven’t ridden for 10 yrs as I cant get the bike moving from a standing start and want a e bike I that will get me moving from a stop.
Hi Colin,
I just checked the specification of the Nail Trail and there are several different models. Providing your bike has a standard threaded bottom bracket you would be best with something like a Bafang mid-drive. 250w is the legal limit in the UK, but a lot of riders don’t feel that is enough power. You can reprogram the 250w to 350w fairly easily (with a USB lead, Laptop and software) or you could buy the 500w 36v which is the best all-rounder. Here is a link to the BBS01B / BBS02B 250w / 350w / 500w. The motor kit comes with a thumb throttle that can be used independently of pedal assist, or it can be used to get you started. A good friend of mine who is nearly 70 and has knee problems finds the 500w to be excellent, he goes out on it several times a week.
If you need any more advice, please let me know.
All the best,
Tony
Dear Tony,
Congratulations on the fantastic site, with so much information and valid tips.
We are 2 friends from Portugal, who are thinking about transforming our bikes (Merida Big Nine XT edition 29 and an Orbea Alma H30, 27.5- both with front suspension only) and we don’t have much experience. We are mountain bike riders , some with some inclination covering an average of 40/50 km per training. But the objective is to do more, and allow longer trips, namely Spain, which the average would be 80/90 km daily.
We intend to continue training but with some help ?
From what we read, we are inclined towards the TSDZ2 -500W engine.
We would like your opinion, and if you think the 500W motor is suitable and which battery to use for these kms. , mainly in Merida.
Grateful for the help of these newbies.
Hug and continuation of an excellent work
Hi Nuno,
I’m not sure if you saw my previous reply “I’ve had a look at the specifications on both of the bikes, and providing they have standard 68mm-73mm wide threaded bottom brackets you should be okay. The only thing I did notice is the latest models have the wider boost rear hub width (148mm), this shouldn’t cause too much of a problem with the chain-line as the TSDZ2 motor has an offset on the chainring side, but you may find shifting isn’t as smooth going up and down the cassette. My supplier UPP sells a very good compact bottle battery that fits in a regular bottle cage – it’s available in 36v 10.5Ah version which should give you a range of 50-70 km depending on how much power you use. I used to get a range of 100km + out of a 36v 13Ah battery with a 500w 36v TSDZ2 with 2000m of climbing.Here is the link for the 500w 36v TSDZ2 with VLCD6 display shipped from Spain.”
I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, please ask.
Glad you like my website, positive feedback is always appreciated?
Regards,
Tony
Hi Tony,
thank you for the articles on your site especially this one and your “Bafang BBS02 Review – How Reliable is it?” As with many other people I find myself asking you questions as you seem knowledgeable and approachable and I’m faced with the monumental task of finding a suitable set up. Unfortunately I am overwhelmed with what is out there.
I love do it yourself projects and had set my sights on a Bafang 750w motor and a 48v 17.5Ah battery but as always I think I’m over thinking now.
Anyway I thought I’d go back to basics and do some type of needs analysis. I tried my friend’s cube REACTION HYBRID Pro 500 Allroad 500w battery with Bosch CX motor around some hills where we work. I was amazed, I loved it but because I’d only ridden normal bikes before it felt like there was some resistance when pedaling normally. I ummed and arrred and then it was lockdown. I have a feeling that this resistance is a typical characteristic of mid drive motors. I’m sure I could overcome my concerns and it would become “normal” as I didn’t dismiss it out of hand. With the research I have conducted I’m not sure if I want a rear or front hub but I have not ruled them out totally.
Any way long story short…
1. There are a lot of hills where I’m live in Yorkshire! In fact this is why I stopped riding my Giant seek 0 (zero) but which I would love to convert. Is this a suitable donor bike?
2. This bike has a shimano alfine 8 speed internal rear hub (I think that is one of the reasons I don’t want a rear wheel conversion) if I can convert would you recommend I also fit a shift sensor. All the videos I see have bikes with derailleurs but I hazard a guess the principle is the same. Also would I need to substitute the standard chain ring (I’ve seen that done a few times also)
3. I’m 17st and I’m not sure if I should go for a 750w or 1000w? As for range I’m not sure what I’ll do but ideally I’d like to ride to work 20 mile hilly round trip and go out at the weekends and do possibly 50-60 mile round trips
4. Also in your 2020 review you talk about the Tongsheng TSDZ2 and Bafang Mid-Drive and that the Tongsheng TSDZ2 has Bosch-like performance as in there is a direct correlation between force applied to the pedals and level of assistance. Aren’t the Bafang motors like this?
To tell you the truth I just can’t wait to get started but I don’t want to make the mistake of giving my money to a company and not getting the kit that will convert into an enjoyable riding experience. I’m in a fortunate position that I do not have to consider price alone as the determining factor. I’m not saying I have no limits but I’m prepared to pay a little extra for the right motor, battery and display set up for my needs.
Stay safe, thanking you in advance
Hi Richie,
The 48v BBS02B 750w running a 48v battery and the max current limited to 18A is a good configuration – you will need a USB programming lead with free software and programming guide.
I have used the Bafang BBS02 and BBSHD on bikes with the Shimano Nexus and Alfine 8 hubs without issues – fitting the gearshift sensor is essential to avoid premature wear in the hub.
Regarding compatibility on the Giant Seek 0 – the eccentric bottom bracket could prove troublesome. I have successfully installed the Bafang on bikes with these kind of BB’s before, but never on a Giant Seek, so I can’t say with certainty it would fit.
It’s very unlikely the TSDZ2 would fit, if you do have an eccentric BB.
If you’re planning on 50-60 mile trips a 48v 17.5Ah battery should be more than adequate – I used to get 80 miles average out of my Bafang 750w when I had it.
The pedal assist on the Bafang and Tongsheng are quite different. The Bafang measures pedalling speed (cadence) and the TSDZ2 measures force and cadence via a torque sensor (like the Bosch motor) – this is great and provides a very smooth and intuitive pedalling sensation, but this part can be prone to premature failure.
I personally think the Bafang BBS02B 750w when programmed correctly can offer a very smooth and enjoyable ride, plus it will give you more than enough power to get you up any hill. The trade-off is there is a little resistance with the motor switched off – although I used to frequently ride 10 miles without assist and didn’t find it too much of a hindrance.
Here is a link to the Bafang seller on eBay UK – I have purchased from this company many times before and have rarely had any problems (plus you have eBay’s buyer protection as a fall-back).
One last thing you may want to purchase is a stabiliser bar – this prevents the motor from spinning in the bottom bracket. This is something that tends to happen over time as the mounting plate doesn’t do a particularly good job of keeping the motor in place.
If you visit my YouTube channel, there are a few Bafang videos on there including on of me riding a Giant Roam 0 fitted with an Alfine 8.
Here is the link to my YT channel.
If you have any more questions, please let me know.
All the best,
Tony
Tony,
I wondered where you are located? I travel to New Zealand every year. I am thinking about buying a good mountain/hybrid bike and then fitting an appropriate conversion kit. Bafang looks the best bet. It could be that I buy the bike here or in NZ and then have the kit fitted. I am not technologically experienced. My priorities on this are a long battery life and therefore most ,miles per charge. I am 72 and have used an bike extensively in New Zealand, in fact I got around Napier by bike every day. A good one is what I want. Buying here would probably be cheaper and then pay the transportation costs. Also I would know exactly what I have bought. There are sellers in say China, but communication and transport costs might be an issue. Regards,
Phil Cooper
Hi Phil,
There are quite a few companies based in NZ who sell Bafang motors, notably Dillinger.nz and e2bikes.nz. I wouldn’t like to say how much shipping a whole bike to New Zealand would cost, but the main problem would be finding a courier who will ship the battery. In my experience, unless you are using a commercial channel, shipping e-bike batteries internationally can be a right pain! As far as a good donor bike is concerned, if you don’t mind spending a few quid then the Giant Roam ‘0’ or ‘1’ are excellent donor bikes (if you can find one). They’re hybrids, but more than suitable for riding rough terrain, single track and gravel. The Riverside 920 by Decathlon is also very good (but currently out of stock).
E-bike conversion kits (particularly Bafang) are very popular in NZ and I wouldn’t have thought you’d have too much trouble finding someone to fit and maintain the motor for you. I am based down in Cornwall, so unless you’re in the South West I’m probably quite a distance from you.
I hope this info helps, if you have any more questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Tony