Transform Your Bike: Electric Conversion Guide For Cyclists

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They can increase the distances possible for commuters and are a great way to run errands around town without a car. They can also help boost your fitness and open up a greater range of roads to explore. If you already have a bike, you can save money by converting it to an e-bike with an electric bike conversion kit. These kits are much cheaper than purchasing a whole new e-bike and can be fitted to almost any bike. They typically include a motor at the front hub and a separate battery. However, converting your bike can be complex and may require specific tools and skills, so it's important to do your research and consider your budget before purchasing a conversion kit.

Characteristics and Values of Converting a Bike to Electric

Conversion kits: Swytch, Luna Cycle, and more

Electric bike conversion kits are a great way to give your traditional bike a new lease of life. They are much cheaper than purchasing a whole new e-bike and can be a good option if you already own a good bike. The conversion kits are designed to fit most bikes and come with everything you need to convert your bike, including a battery, charger, pedal sensor, and motor wheel.

Swytch Kit

Swytch Technology offers a universal e-bike conversion kit that can convert any conventional bike into an e-bike. The kit is remarkably lightweight and includes a portable power pack that fits on your handlebars. The Swytch Kit comes with everything you need to convert your bike, including a battery, charger, pedal sensor, and motor wheel. The AIR power pack can be instantly attached or removed and simply clips onto the handlebars via a mount. The Swytch Kit also has an advanced lithium-ion battery with multiple range options and an optional LED display to track your battery level.

Luna Cycle Kit

The Luna Cycle E-Bike Kit also comes with everything you need to convert your bike, including brakes that cut the power off when applied, throttle, display, speed sensors, cables, cranks, motor, and battery with mount and charger. However, it has been noted that the kit does not come with any documentation or a list of parts, which can make the installation process more challenging. It is also important to note that advance bike modification skills are needed for this kit, and you may need to disassemble parts of your bike to ensure the kit fits properly.

Other Options

There are many other e-bike conversion kits available on the market, and it is important to consider your needs and budget when choosing one. Front hub motors are typically the easiest to fit, while mid-drive motors require more effort. You should also consider the type of battery and wattage rating that best suits your needs.

Front hub motors are easiest to fit

Electric bike conversion kits are a great way to add power to your bike without the price tag of a full e-bike. They are also much cheaper than purchasing a whole new e-bike and deliver many of the same benefits. One of the easiest ways to convert a bike to electric is to use a front hub motor. These motors are typically the easiest to fit, while mid-drive motors require more effort and can limit clearance.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a front hub motor conversion kit. Firstly, you'll want to make sure you get the right wheel size for your bike. The Bafang Front Hub Motor kit, for example, allows you to choose your wheel size, as well as display preference and battery size and shape. The installation process for this kit is more complex than some other options, but it allows for a powerful, high-quality set-up. Another option is the Swytch kit, which is incredibly easy to fit and can be done in around 30 minutes. It's important to note that powering the front wheel can affect the handling of the bike, so you may want to consider a rear hub motor if you plan to use your e-bike off-road or on uneven terrain.

Another consideration is the type of battery and the wattage rating. A 36 or 48-volt battery is standard, with wattage usually running from 300 to 600 watts. You may also want to consider whether to build your own battery or purchase a new one. Building your own battery can save money, but it requires tools and skills, and you are responsible for ensuring it is safe. Old batteries are also an option but may not perform as well as new ones.

Finally, it's important to be aware of the laws regarding e-bikes in your region before making any conversions. With the right kit and some time and effort, you can easily convert your traditional bike into an e-bike and enjoy the benefits of increased power and range.

Battery: the biggest expense

The battery will likely be the most expensive part of your electric bike conversion. Conversion kits do not come with a battery, so you will need to budget for this separately. It is important to choose a reputable manufacturer and buy a new battery, as old batteries may not perform as well.

You can save money by building your own lithium battery, but this requires tools and skills, and you must ensure that your battery is safe. You can also buy cheap batteries from Chinese importers, but there may be risks involved. Another option is to choose a battery with low energy density or low energy capacity, which will be safer but may not provide as much power.

Luna Cycle sells batteries that are compatible with multiple brands of motors, but you may need to solder the connections or use a crimp. It is also important to consider the type of battery and the wattage rating when choosing a conversion kit. A 36 or 48-volt battery is standard, with wattage usually ranging from 300 to 600 watts.

The cost of a conversion kit typically ranges from $300 to $900, but you can find cheaper options or more expensive top-shelf units. If you are unsure how much you will use the converted bike, it is advisable to start with a cheaper kit and upgrade later if needed.

DIY vs pre-built electric bike

Electric bikes are rising in popularity, with many people choosing to convert their existing bikes rather than purchase a new one. There are several reasons why someone might choose to convert their bike to electric using a kit, instead of buying a pre-built electric bike.

Firstly, converting an existing bike to electric is often a cheaper option. Conversion kits can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, and the only other cost is your time and effort. Pre-built electric bikes can cost thousands of dollars, which is a significant investment. Conversion kits are also a good option for those who already own a bike that is personalised to their needs. It makes little sense to buy an entirely new electric bike when you already have a bike that suits your purposes.

Converting a bike can also be a rewarding learning experience, and a fun hobby. You will learn how the pieces fit together, and gain mechanical and electrical skills. If parts fail, you will have an easier time finding compatible replacement components. You will also be able to move the electric drive over to a new bicycle platform in the future. With a pre-built electric bike, you are often limited to proprietary mechanical components, which can be hard to replace.

However, there are also benefits to buying a pre-built electric bike. Pre-built bikes are designed to look sleek and elegant, whereas a DIY conversion may not look as clean. Pre-built bikes also come with a warranty, which can give peace of mind. If you don't have the time, desire, or space to build a bike yourself, a pre-built option may be preferable. Building a bike yourself takes time and effort, and there is a risk that a DIY conversion could end up costing more money in the long run if something goes wrong.

Ultimately, the decision to convert a bike to electric or buy a pre-built electric bike depends on your individual circumstances, budget, and interests.

Cost and complexity

The cost of converting your bike to electric depends on several factors, including the type of bike you have, the type of conversion kit you choose, and whether you plan to install the kit yourself or hire a mechanic.

Conversion kits typically range from $1000 to $1800, but can start as low as $200 or less for a low-power 250w 36v kit. The cheapest kits may not include a battery, which can add several hundred dollars to the total cost. For example, the Voilamart rear wheel conversion kit is inexpensive but requires you to source a battery separately. The Swytch kit, which includes a battery, is priced at $300. A BBS02 kit costs 1,100 euros. A Luna Cycle DIY kit costs around $1100.

If you are not confident in your ability to install the kit yourself, you will need to hire a mechanic, which will cost around $200. It is important to note that electric bike conversions require specific tools and a certain level of technical expertise, so the installation process may be complex for those without prior experience.

In addition to the initial cost of the conversion kit and installation, it is worth considering the potential costs of maintenance and repairs. Electric bikes can be more expensive to repair than regular bikes, and there is a risk of malfunction or fire associated with the battery.

Overall, while converting your bike to electric can be a more affordable option than purchasing a new electric bike, it is important to carefully consider the costs and complexity of the process before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions