Are Electric Bike Conversion Kits Worth It?

E-bikes have become quite a popular choice among riders. Of course, buying a purpose-built electric bike is always an option but some cyclists prefer to convert their regular bikes to electric bikes. When thinking of return on investment (time, maintenance and money) -the common question always is- are electric bike conversion kits worth it?

Conversion kits are relatively inexpensive and can be an excellent investment for converting regular bikes to e-bikes, especially if the bike being converted is a high end road bike/mtb. However, as more affordable e-bike models become available, some may prefer to just have a separate e-bike. Few things to consider while making the decision:

Types of Electric Bike Conversion Kits

An electric bike kit has small motors that are attached to your bike’s frame. They Range from 250 to 750 watts, which increase speed by 15–20 mph and range by 12–40 miles, adding around 12–25 pounds to the bike’s weight.

Though it still requires pedalling, the extra power makes the ride easier. However, with speed comes added weight and force on the bike frame while it’s being operated, which a regular bike might not be able to handle since it was not designed for it- so just something to check with the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines as well as the e-bike conversion kit’s guidelines.

To help you choose better, we’ll go over the three main types of e-bike conversion kits.

Front hub E-Bike Conversion Kit

It is one of the most common types of conversion kits that you will find. It has motorised wheels as well as speed sensors and controls that, when connected to the battery, provide power to the front wheel of the bike.

It is easy to install, requires no special tools, and is comparably less expensive. However, they struggle with high speeds, power, and weight and put an extra strain on your bike’s front forks because of their heavy weight.

Rear hub E-Bike Conversion Kit

Because the weight is added to the back end of the bike, the distance between the rear tyre and the hub is reduced, which improves balance.

They are priced similarly to front hub conversion kits. It is, however, easier to ride in difficult terrain and can handle more power than a front hub conversion kit. The disadvantage of this kit is that you feel pushed rather than pulled because the weight is added to the back of the bike, which takes some getting used to. It’s also more difficult to put together than the front hub conversion kit.

Mid-Drive E-Bike Conversion Kit

Mid-drive conversion kits necessitate the installation of a motor in the middle of your bike—to the cranks to which the pedals are attached—which powers the chain, thereby powering both wheels.

Although these kits are about $100-150 more expensive than other kits, they are a popular choice because they provide better balance in the middle of the bike and an overall smoother riding experience. However, because of the motor, there may be a slightly higher chance of wear and tear on the crank and chainset.

How Do You Convert Your Regular Bike To An Electric One?

#1 Choose An Appropriate E-Bike Conversion Kit

Most bikes can be converted to e-bikes with a proper conversion kit to match the specifications of your bike. Before making any decision, consider critical factors like budget, desired power level, intended use, and ease of installation.

When purchasing a conversion kit with the motor located at the wheel hub, keep in mind the following factors:

The wheel’s diameter,
The hub’s width
The axle standard
Whether it uses rim or disc brakes.

A 700c (28″) disc brake wheel with a 100mm-wide quick-release hub, for example, is a fairly standard specification.

The conversion is considerably simpler once you have determined which type of wheel you will need.

It is generally easier to find compatibility for Mid-drive e-bike conversion kits. The requirements are minimal:

An alloy frame
A bottom bracket width ranging from 68–73 mm (standard for all road and mountain bikes; only specialised bikes have different spacing).

They require a little more effort to install, but they are still well within a home mechanic’s capabilities.

There is also a new fourth type of kit available that drives the rear tyre directly, is the easiest to set up, and is nearly universally compatible.

#2: Gather The Necessary Tools.

Gather all the important tools and materials needed to ensure a smooth installation process before time runs out.

You will typically require the following:

Wrench set
Screwdrivers
allen keys
Wire cutters and strippers
electrical tape
zip ties
Pliers
electric bike conversion kit (motor, battery, controller, throttle, and sensors)
A bike stand or a safe and stable work area.

#3: Preparing Your Bike For Installation

Take off the wheels from the bike: To do this, loosen and remove the nuts or quickly release the levers that hold the wheels in place by using the proper wrenches. Then, lift the bike carefully and slide out both wheels, ensuring that you don’t damage the chain in the process.
Remove the rear cassette: If you are installing a rear-wheel conversion kit, use a chain whip and cassette lockring tool to detach the rear cassette. (Front-wheel conversion kits do not require this step to be taken.)
Mount the motor wheel: For front-wheel conversion kits, insert the electric motor wheel into the fork dropouts. Then secure it with nuts or quickly release the levers. Do not forget to check that it is properly centred and aligned.

#4: Connect The Electrical Components To The Bike.

Mount the controller: Find a suitable location on the frame of your bike to mount the controller. Use zip ties or brackets to secure it properly and ensure that it is safe and free from water and other elements.
Connect the motor to the controller: Connect the motor cables to the controller according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These connections are typically straightforward and colour-coded.
Put in the battery: Use the given straps, brackets, or a battery-specific bike rack for securing the battery to the bike’s frame, making sure it’s well-balanced and pedalling isn’t obstructed.
Connect the battery to the controller: Insert the battery connector into the corresponding port of the controller. Note: Some kits include keyed connectors to prevent incorrect connections. So check if your kit has that and follow those!
Next, install the throttle: Attach the throttle to the handlebars. Then, using the given cable, connect it to the controller (depending on the type of throttle—twist grip or thumb throttle). Make sure that they are in the easy grip of your fingers after installation.
Mount the pedal-assist sensor (if your kit includes the feature): mount the sensor near the bike’s bottom bracket, ensuring that it is properly aligned with the magnets on the crankset.

#5: Install And Then Test:

Organize your wires: Use zip ties or electric tape to carefully route all the wires along your bike’s frame. Then secure them so that they don’t become entangled in the moving parts of the bike.
Double check the connections: check all of the connections—the throttle, battery, and motor response—properly to ensure that they are installed correctly.

#6: Final Assembly Of Your Bike:

Put the wheels back: Replace the wheels in the dropouts and secure them with the nuts or quick-release levers. Also, reattach the rear cassette to the rear-wheel kit by using a chain whip and cassette lockring.
Adjust the brakes: Some conversion kits come with brake levers with sensors to cut off the motor when the brakes are applied. Install them and ensure that they are correctly adjusted. If your kit does not have these, make sure that your existing brakes on the bike are functioning properly. Check the brake alignment, then make any necessary adjustments accordingly. (Remember: e-bikes require slightly stronger braking than usual because of the increased weight and speed.)
Finally, tighten all bolts: Ensure that all nuts and bolts are properly tightened and secured to avoid loosening or rattling during the rides.

Note: always remember to read your specific kit manual properly and follow it step by step while installing it to the bike.

Should You Choose An Electric Bike Kit Over Electric Bikes?

Let’s find out if electric bike conversion kits are really worth your time, effort, and investment.

Advantages Of E-Bike Conversion Kits

If you want an e-bike because of all the benefits it provides but do not want to sell your traditional bike, e-bike conversion kits are the best option. These kits help you convert your traditional bike into an electric bike, providing the same advantages as a new e-bike would.
You can customise your e-bike too, for instance, by using a larger battery or getting more power. You can also tailor the components without changing the entire kit or bike to suit your needs.
For some riders, it is quite satisfying to be able to convert their regular bikes to electric bikes. The transformation is fairly easy with the kit. The kit is designed keeping in mind that you require little to no professional help. Moreover, you get the manufacturer’s instructions manual for a smooth and easy installation.
You can remove the kit at any point in time to convert your bike back to a regular bike.
E-bikes provide the same health advantages as traditional bikes. They strengthen your bones, reduce blood pressure, help you burn extra fat, increase your strength and stamina, and reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Disadvantages Of E-Bike Conversion Kits

Although e-bike conversion kits seem appealing and advantageous, there are several drawbacks to installing them, particularly for first-timers.

Compatibility: The compatibility of the kit with your bike becomes crucial. If your kit isn’t of the right size or compatible with the bike’s components, such as the forks, brakes, or frames, it will cause additional wear and tear as well as issues in installation and performance. Do not forget to read the kit’s specific instructions to ensure the proper placements of the kit’s components to ensure smoother rides and effectiveness. Remember, not all traditional bikes are designed to handle the electrical components, and thus, they might not support an e-bike kit properly after installation simply because of the speed and weight that they will have to support. Which they were not designed for.
Labor intensive: Although for many cyclists it is a satisfying feeling to be able to convert your bike to an electric one yourself, for many it could be a daunting and challenging task since it requires you to assemble the mechanics such as the motor, battery, and other electronics while wiring them out if you are not familiar with these.
Reduced performance: Your traditional bike is not designed to run at such high speeds and, thus, can have issues. The extra weight can cause issues with weight distribution as well as the overall balance and performance of the bike. It makes your important parts, such as the brakes, forks, and wheels, more vulnerable and puts more strain on them. It can further make the riding difficult, challenging, and unsafe.

Is It Safe To Convert A Regular Bike To An Electric Bike?

It takes a lot of factors to be able to safely convert a regular bike to an e-bike using the electric conversion kits. Though it is generally safe, compatibility and proper installation, as well as maintenance, become very important for a safe and stress-free ride with these bikes.

Compatibility: As I mentioned earlier, non-compatibility can lead to various challenges, reduced performances, and increased risks associated with riding bikes converted through electrical kits. So, it becomes very important to check the compatibility with your bike before purchasing these conversion kits.
Battery safety: Many kits use large lithium batteries. Although unlikely, if not stored or managed properly, they can overheat, especially in very hot weather. It can cause a fire hazard, which can be a safety threat.
Bike insurance: Make sure that your bike has electric bike insurance to protect against battery damage, theft, or any other issues that can arise while using these kits.

How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Bike To Electric?

Of course, e-bike conversion kits are a cheaper way to get the electric bike experience than riding a purpose built e-bike. You might have to do a bit more DIY retrofitting with a conversion kit, but I’d say the cost justifies it.

If you’re interested in looking at options, I really liked this rear/front wheel e-bike conversion kit on amazon that has multiple power options (depending on how fast you want to go) and also comes with a battery (which a lot of kits omit, for some reason).

If you’re interested in a mid-drive kit, I really liked this one (also comes with a battery and highly rated on amazon).

FAQs

Are E-Bike Conversion Kits Legal?

Before buying a kit, check local laws because different regions have different motor power, maximum speed, and other requirements. Failure to fulfill these can lead to penalties.

Most countries limit the motor to 250 watts of continuous power unless the electric bike is used on private land. The motor only works with pedal assistance usually in such bikes, i.e: the throttle only boosts your cycling speed, and doesn’t work on it’s own.

In the UK, electric bikes can only be operated by those aged 14 and over. While higher power and speeds are legal in the US, Australia has some restrictions.

Who Uses Kits to Convert Their Bikes To E-Bikes?

Conversion kits are very popular among e-bike enthusiasts, mountain bike owners, and experienced electric motor riders. Conversion kits with pedal-assist functions help conquer steep hills and difficult trails, making them appealing to young people in dense urban areas and people wanting to increase the power of their traditional bikes.

Are E-Bike Conversion Kits Eco-friendly?

E-bike conversion kits are more environmentally friendly than regular e-bikes, emitting less CO2 during manufacturing and thus contributing to a greener environment. They are a more sustainable option as you convert your traditional bikes to e-bikes, increasing their lifespan and reducing the resources and energy that go into manufacturing an entirely new bike. Though making some components of the kit can have environmental costs, these are significantly lower than the costs of making a brand new e-bike.