How to Turn a Bicycle Into an Electric Bike

I Want to Turn my Regular Bike into an Electric Bike – How Do I Start?

There are plenty of reasons you might want to make your bike electric. Maybe you use your bike for commuting and are tired of getting to the office sweaty, or you might just want to be able to enjoy your rides more (that is, with less panting and sweating).
Whether you’re looking for an easier commute or bigger adventures, converting your bike to an electric bike can be a big help. Though electric bikes are available for sale, it is often cheaper—and maybe even more fun—to convert a bike you already have. And, thankfully, it’s really easy to get started.

What kind of bike can I convert to an electric bike?

With an electric conversion kit, you can convert any regular old bike to a powerful electric bike. However, there are some things you’ll want to consider before choosing a bike to convert.

The best bike is probably the one you already have. After all, one of the biggest advantages of converting your bike rather than buying a new one is the price. But before you invest in a nice conversion kit, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

First, can this bike consistently stand up to higher speeds? Once you convert your bike, you are likely to ride it faster and longer than you did before. Rickety frames or cheap components can wear down quickly under this added stress.

Second, is the bike comfortable enough to ride for long periods of time? Maybe your rides so far have been short and you’re hoping to ride for longer once you convert your bike. If this is the case, make sure you can enjoy your bike for long rides.

However, as long as you can answer yes to both of these questions, you’re most likely good to go to invest in a conversion kit.

What kind of conversion kit should I get?

There are three main types of conversion kits, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The kind you get will depend on the kind of bike you are converting, the power you want from your converted bike, and your mechanical skills.

Rear-wheel conversion kits

 

• A rear-wheel conversion kit is one of the most popular kinds of conversion kits because it is easier to install than a mid-drive kit (we’ll get there in a second) and doesn’t weigh down the steering like a front-wheel kit does.  Since rear-wheel drives put more weight behind the rider, the bike gets more traction, and so it is well-suited for off-road riding. Additionally, since the back of a bike is usually more sturdy than the front, these are also a good pick if the front fork of your bike is a little weak.  However, there is a catch.If your bike happens to be outfitted with an internal gear hub, you will likely need to install a derailleur (the kit will probably come with a cassette, but if not, you will need that, too). Otherwise, you’ll be good to ride in no time!

Front-wheel conversion kits

• The main advantage of a front-wheel conversion kit is that you don’t need to consider whether it will be compatible with your bikes gear system. They are typically the easiest to install. Some people also just prefer the feeling of having the power sitting in front of the rider rather than behind.
  However, you really need to consider the bike you will be converting before you invest in a front-wheel kit. Since the front wheel is supported by a fork–and is typically not driven–there is a risk of straining your fork or even breaking it. A road bike is typically not a good candidate for a front-wheel conversion kit unless it has sturdy forks. Many road bikes cut weight up front for aerodynamics and speed, but some bikes are still sturdy enough to handle the torque of a motor. When assessing your bike, you’ll need to consider both the construction of the fork and the material it is made of.

• Mid-drive conversion kit

  • A mid-drive kit sits on the middle of the bike frame rather than in one of the wheels, which offers a number of advantages. First, these kits can provide more power for climbing hills. If you need power over speed, consider this style.
    Additionally, many mid-drive kits can control the front gears making them able to function more efficiently–and last longer. They also keep the bike’s weight centered, so they are least likely to change the way your bike handles.
    One drawback is that these kits are more expensive on average and they are more difficult to install. So, you’ll really only want to go with this style if you have a little extra money and good experience tinkering with bikes.

Which conversion kit should I get?

Once you have determined whether your bike is ready to be converted and you have determined what type of kit you need, you’re still not quite finished. As with any purchase, each product will be different, and there are a few key things you’ll want to compare when shopping around different kits.

• Battery

  • Many kits come with a battery, but some do not. If a battery is not included, be sure the one you purchase can be mounted in a good place. For instance, if you have a rear-wheel motor, you may want a battery that can mount to the middle of your bike to better balance the weight.
    You will also want to balance battery size with cost. A bigger battery may seem better, but if your commute is short, you can go with a smaller, cheaper battery.

• Motor power

  • This is another instance of balancing your needs with the cost. A more powerful motor can deliver higher speeds and climb bigger hills, but if you don’t need to travel 45 miles per hour or chug up mountains, there is no need for the biggest motor.
    On the other hand, having a bigger motor available can be a big comfort for when unexpected situations do arise. After all, you never know when you might need some extra speed–and who doesn’t love to go fast, anyways?

• Reviews

  • Use the reviews of different kits to learn more about the things that matter to you. For instance, if you commute early in the morning, you’ll want to check the reviews to see if it’s quiet. Perhaps you want a kit that’s really easy to install–you can also consult reviews to answer that question.
    When weighing reviews, keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different. Figure out things that are important to you, then use the reviews to figure out which kit best fits your needs.