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Here are all the pros and cons of the different types, how they work and what it’s like to cycle an electric bike. Jump to: Types explained; Guide to kit parts; Riding a converted bike; Types of electric bike kit. There are three main types of conversion kit: Wheel conversion - the motor is in the wheel hub and helps turn it. The motor can be ...
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- Types of conversion kit
- Things to bear in mind
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By Rob Clymo
published 23 April 2022
Power up your regular bike with a conversion kit
(Image credit: Swytch)
If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike then there’s no end of choice. From budget models that come with a basic specification and little in the way of frills, through to high-end two-wheelers with all the trimmings.
There’s the powered wheel route, which switches out a front or rear wheel for one with a motor in it, usually in the hub. Alternatively, in some cases it's possible to add a drive unit or motor to the bottom of the frame.
A variation on that theme is to mount a motor over the rear wheel to propel the bike and yourself along. You can even get kits that mount inside the frame for a more inconspicuous though expensive option.
For a relatively painless transition, Swytch is a good place to start. This is an e-bike conversion kit that its creators say will fit any bike, and there's a special version for Brompton folding bikes, which makes it a favourite option for commuters. Whether you own a hybrid or conventional-style cycle, a folding number, a road bike or MTB, all bases are seemingly covered. You can even convert a trike.
Swytch is a combination of a replacement front wheel with hub-mounted motor and a removable power pack. There’s even a pedal sensor that delivers a dynamic level of assistance based on the level of cadence. The design is compatible with both rim and disc brakes, will get you up to the legal speed limit of 15mph UK / 20mph US and offers up to 50km of range. The only thing is that stock levels seem to fluctuate although pre-order from the fresh products they’re expecting and get 50% off.
There are others though. In fact, you’ll find many variations on the theme from a wide variety of unknown brands online, with prices that start from about $130 / £100 / AU$180.
Don't make the mistake of turning your bike into a twist-and-go model though as there are kits that let you do this, but you subsequently enter into a world where tax and insurance comes into the equation in many territories. If you’re new to the world of e-bike conversions, it's best keep it simple.
Remember too though that all of these options for turning a conventional bicycle into an e-bike will add weight. Batteries are heavy, as are motors, so by adding extra kit to a bike that wasn’t designed that way will change its characteristics.
You’ll probably get a bike that handles differently, depending on where the accessories have been added. In fact, the range and speed of all these options is a little bit academic. The main consideration is to be on a bike that feels safe to ride.
The only trouble with that is you’ll need to carry out the conversion in order to check. Which really rather brings us full circle, because with an off-the-shelf e-bike that’s been designed and built to be just that, you know exactly what you’re getting. A decent bike shop will also let you try it out first, which is one of the possible downsides of buying online. There’s quite a lot to consider and it’s not just about saving cash.
Ultimately, converting a standard bicycle into an electric one can be done, but it’s not without hurdles. The price might be the most off-putting aspect as some of the kits we’ve looked at negate the point of doing it yourself. If you don't mind a bit of tinkering and aren’t fazed by a weekend of fettling then an e-bike conversion kit could make sense. But if you fancy a fuss-free e-bike experience then you might be better off heading straight for the best e-bikes you can buy right now.
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Choose an eBike conversion kit by finding one that is compatible with your bike. First, measure the main triangle, so you know what size battery fits. For mid-drives, your bottom bracket must be within the specific range (typically 68-73mm). For hub-drive kits, check wheel size compatibility. How do I install an eBike conversion kit?
Aug 18, 2021 · E-bike conversion kits are a solution that allow you to add a motor, battery and electric controls to a non-electric bike to make it into an e-bike. Chosen with care and installed correctly, the resulting e-bike lets you ride with electric assist just like a ‘regular’ e-bike.
Choosing a Motor. First of all, do you have a bike? If you have one that you are certain is perfect for your e-bike conversion then skip to the next section on selecting a motor. If you don't have a bike or want to make sure you are starting with the right kind of bike a few questions to think about are: What kind of riding would you like to do?
Apr 9, 2024 · Josh Croxton. last updated 9 April 2024. Upgrade your bike with our comprehensive guide to electric bike conversion kits and how to use them. Comments. When you purchase through links on...
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Aug 1, 2023 · Electric bike conversion kits provide a potentially less expensive route into electric bike use than buying one of the best budget electric bikes. If you’re thinking of going down this...
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