Converting Your Bike To Electric: Is It Worth The Effort?

There are a growing number of electric bike conversion kits available, which are becoming more sophisticated and easier to install. However, there are a few things to consider before converting your bike to electric. For example, e-bike batteries need to be charged regularly using a specific charger from the manufacturer. You should also be aware that some conversion kits include a handlebar controller with a throttle, which may be illegal to use on the road.

The pros and cons of converting your bike to electric

There are several pros and cons to converting your bike to electric.

One of the main advantages is that it is a practical alternative to buying a new electric bike, which can be expensive. Conversion kits are becoming more sophisticated and easier to install, and they include everything you need to get going: a motor, a battery, and a way to control the power output level.

However, one of the main disadvantages is that you have to remember to charge the battery regularly, and you must use the charger designed for your specific battery. It is a common mistake to assume that all electric bike batteries are the same and can be charged with a universal charger.

Another pro is that you can keep your existing bike, which you may be comfortable with and enjoy riding. You can also have the best of both worlds by having one bike for commuting and another for recreational riding.

On the other hand, some conversion kits include a handlebar controller with a throttle, which takes up rare handlebar space and is most probably illegal to use on the road.

Overall, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to convert your bike to electric, and it may be worth seeking advice from experienced cyclists or retailers to help you make an informed decision.

The cost of converting your bike to electric

The E-BIKE Act provides a consumer tax credit that will cover 30% of the cost of the e-bike, up to a $1,500 credit. This is fully refundable and applies to new e-bikes that cost less than $8,000, making lower-income workers eligible to claim the credit.

The safety aspects of converting your bike to electric

There are several safety aspects to consider when converting your bike to electric. Firstly, it is important to be aware that not all electric bike batteries are the same and use universal chargers. It is crucial to use the charger that is designed to work with your specific battery. This means that you should always obtain your charger from the manufacturer of your electric bike.

Another safety consideration is the legality of certain components. For example, some ebike conversion kits include a handlebar controller with a throttle, which may be illegal to use on the road. It is important to familiarise yourself with the relevant laws and regulations regarding electric bike conversions in your area.

In addition, it is worth noting that an electric bike may handle differently from a regular bike due to the added weight of the motor and battery. This could affect the bike's balance and manoeuvrability, particularly at higher speeds or when cornering. As such, it is important to take the time to familiarise yourself with the handling characteristics of your converted bike before riding it on public roads or in busy areas.

Finally, it is recommended to have your converted electric bike regularly serviced and maintained to ensure that all components are in safe working order. This includes checking the condition of the battery, motor, brakes, tyres, and other key systems. Regular maintenance can help identify potential safety hazards and ensure that your bike is safe to ride.

The ease of installing an electric bike conversion kit

There are a growing number of electric bike conversion kits available, and they are becoming easier to install. They can be a practical alternative to buying a new electric bike. Conversion kits include the motor, battery, and apparatus to control the power output level. Some kits also include a handlebar controller with a throttle, but this is not necessary and may be illegal to use on the road.

Conversion kits are available from various online retailers, although some are selling out and recommend customers order early.

It is important to note that electric bike batteries need to be charged regularly using a charger designed for that specific battery. It is a common mistake to assume that all electric bike batteries are the same and can be charged with a universal charger.

The legality of using an electric bike

There are a number of things to consider when deciding whether to convert your bike to electric or to buy an e-bike. Conversion kits are becoming more sophisticated and easier to install, but you may want to consider having two bikes, one for commuting and one for recreational riding.

Frequently asked questions