Electric Bike Conversion Kits: Worth The Cost And Effort?

Electric bike conversion kits are a tempting prospect for those who want to give their current bike a power boost. They can be much cheaper than a quality e-bike, and you already know how you feel riding the bike. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The market is plagued by cheap, low-quality kits, and the performance of a converted bike is not much better than a purpose-built electric bike. So, are electric bike conversion kits worth it?

Cost: Conversion kits are much cheaper than a quality e-bike, but prices vary

Conversion kits are much cheaper than a quality e-bike, but prices vary. Some kits are available for as little as £250 ($350), while the more high-spec and integrated kits can cost as much as £750 ($900) or more. A typical conversion kit can range between $500 and $1,000. A model that was built from the wheels-up as an electric bike falls into that same price range, with some pedal-less models dipping into the $200 to $300 range.

If you already have a bike, it may be worth investing in a conversion kit to save money. However, if you don't yet have a bike, the cost of buying a bike, buying an electric bike conversion kit, and then fitting it is probably not going to be worth the time, effort, or money involved.

It's also worth noting that conversion kit bikes have the drawback of not performing much better than purpose-built electric bikes. While it may be tempting to think that a conversion is quicker and less expensive than a ground-up electric bike build, this usually isn't the case.

The market is also plagued by cheap, low-quality kits that have very poor quality control. It's worth spending a bit of extra money on a kit with a good name, rather than a no-name AliExpress kit.

Installation: Conversion kits can be difficult to install and remove, so consider whether you want to retain the ability to use the bike as a 'normal' bike

Conversion kits can be difficult to install and remove, so consider whether you want to retain the ability to use the bike as a normal bike. For many kits, once the installation has been completed, it will be an arduous task to remove it again. If you expect to be flitting between powered and non-powered, a kit that can be folded out of the way, like the Rubbee X, might be perfect. However, you might prefer to simply buy a second bike for the convenience.

The cost of buying a bike, a conversion kit, and then fitting it is probably not going to be worth the time, effort, or money involved. Conversion kits are highly customisable, and you can often get more powerful motors than stock e-bikes. However, their performance isn't much better than purpose-built electric bikes. While it's tempting to think a conversion is quicker and less expensive than a ground-up electric bike build, this usually isn't the case. A typical conversion kit can range between $500 and $1,000, and a model that was built from the wheels up as an electric bike falls into that same price range.

Performance: Conversion kits may not perform much better than purpose-built e-bikes

Conversion kits may not perform much better than purpose-built e-bikes. While it may be tempting to think that a conversion kit is quicker and less expensive than a purpose-built e-bike, this is usually not the case. A typical conversion kit can range between $500 and $1000, and this is before any labour costs are factored in. However, a purpose-built e-bike can fall into the same price range, with some models even being cheaper at $200 to $300.

The performance of a conversion kit is also dependent on the state of your current bike. If you don't already have a bike, then the cost of buying a bike, buying a conversion kit, and fitting it is probably not worth the time, effort, or money involved.

Conversion kits are highly customizable and you can often get more powerful motors than stock e-bikes. However, the market is plagued by cheap, low-quality kits that have very poor quality control. It is worth spending a bit of extra money on a kit with a good name, rather than a cheap, no-name kit.

If you expect to be flitting between powered and non-powered, then a kit that can be folded out of the way might be perfect. However, you might prefer to simply buy a second bike for the convenience.

Customisation: Conversion kits are highly customisable, allowing you to get more powerful motors than stock e-bikes

Conversion kits are highly customisable, allowing you to get more powerful motors than stock e-bikes. The customisation options are endless, and you can choose the exact specifications you want for your bike. This means you can get a motor that is more powerful than those found on standard e-bikes.

The ability to customise your e-bike conversion kit is a significant advantage, as it allows you to create a bike that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. You can choose the motor, battery, and other components that best fit your riding style and the type of terrain you'll be tackling.

For example, if you're looking for a powerful motor, you can opt for a high-performance motor that delivers ample torque and speed. On the other hand, if you prioritise efficiency and range, you can select a motor with a lower power output that maximises battery life.

The customisability of e-bike conversion kits also extends to the physical design of the bike. You can choose the frame style, wheel size, and other aesthetic features to create a unique look that reflects your personality. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern design or a classic and vintage style, the customisation options allow you to make your e-bike truly your own.

In addition to customisability, e-bike conversion kits offer other benefits, such as cost savings and the convenience of using a bike you're already familiar with. However, it's important to consider the drawbacks as well. The performance of a converted e-bike may not be significantly better than a purpose-built e-bike, and the installation process can be complex and time-consuming. Therefore, it's essential to carefully assess your needs and circumstances before deciding whether an e-bike conversion kit is worth it for you.

Quality: The market is plagued by cheap, low-quality kits with poor quality control

The market is plagued by cheap, low-quality electric bike conversion kits with poor quality control. While conversion kits are much cheaper than quality e-bikes, it is worth spending a little extra on a kit with a good name. It is not worth buying a no-name AliExpress kit, for example.

Conversion kits are highly customisable, and you can often get more powerful motors than stock e-bikes. However, the performance of a conversion kit bike is not much better than a purpose-built electric bike. While it may be tempting to think that a conversion is quicker and less expensive than a ground-up electric bike build, this is usually not the case. A typical conversion kit can range from $500 to $1,000, and a model that was built from the wheels up as an electric bike falls into that same price range. Some pedal-less models are even cheaper, at $200 to $300.

Conversion kits are available for as little as £250 ($350), while the more high-spec and integrated kits can fetch as much as £750 ($900) or more. It is worth considering insuring your e-bike conversion kit, just in case.

Frequently asked questions