Fat Ebike Kit 1000 watt Waterproof Connectors
This kit can transform a fat bike into an electric monster ebike. Fat bikes look awesome but suck to pedal because of all the extra friction the 4-inch tires cause. Adding an electric motor solves this dilemma.
With a 52v battery you can reach speeds of 28mph and climb almost any hill.
The waterproof connectors make this kit possible to ride on the wet sand on the beach and not even worry if your bike get wet. You just hose off the salt water after riding. We have ridden hundreds of miles on the sand for years without any motor failing. (read electric fat bike creations)
The motor has temp probes and the controller will shut down if the motor gets too hot. saving your motor from overheating and being ruined. Cheaper ebike kits don’t have this feature.
Installing this hub motor kit is a one hour project. The motor is quality tube controller without the wiring rats nest that most Chinese controllers have. It puts out 25amps on a nice slim package that can be easily zip tied to any frame (see photos). Literally the hardest part of installing this kit is taking off your old tire and installing on the new rim. For extra easy installation you can add with a fat tire and innertube already installed. Also think about getting one of our Luna Cycle triangle bags for making battery installation a snap. (read article about where to mount battery)
This kit uses quality waterproof connectors that make really solid and easy connections. No soldering required with this kit and installation is a snap. The small sexy controller is not an eyesore and can be mounted easily on the bike. This is not a cheesy ugly ebike controller (see our artice on the ebike wiring rats nest.) If anything ever breaks you can easily unplug it and replace it without messy soldering or wire splicing.
| Direct drive hubmotor for high reliability ( see our comparison of motor types here ) |
| Motor comes pre built into 26 fatbike rim front or rear. Rims are 3 wide and suitable for tires up to 5.25 |
| 25 amp controller |
| Built in temp sensor in motor with auto-shutoff to prevent overheating |
| Waterproof quick release connectors.top grade |
| Quality LCD Dashboard |
| Multiple throttles |
| Ebike Brakes |
| All batteries we offer from 36-52v are compatible with this kit. See battery section for our full selection |
| Optional Torque arm (recommended). Use this listing if you want more than one |
| Solder sleeves for making connection from battery to controller. See battery documentation below for instructions |
| DHL80 fatbike rim build available depending on rim availability. Unlike the machine built generic rims these wheels are custom laced by hand in the USA |
| Standard chargers for durable simplicity at a great cost, Advanced chargers for high versatility, Mini chargers for good features in a small form factor |
Regarding battery Options
This kit comes with everything you need to convert your bicycle minus battery and charger which you can add now or later.
Any of our 36, 48 or 52-volt batteries will work with this kit.
52 volts will get you more power and higher top speed at about 28mph.
A 48-volt battery will get you a little less power and top speed of 24mph but will be more reliable.
Once you have picked the voltage then you just need to pick the size. The higher the AH the farther the battery will take you. A 10ah battery will give you 25 miles on average and a 20ah battery will got you 50 miles. ah means bigger in size, more weight and harder to mount.
We have a few battery options you can select with the kit. but we suggest you look through our entire battery selection to get a battery that suits you best.
Frame Compatibility
Both front and rear have threads for a freewheel and can be used on rear. The only difference is the axle width.
Front motor: Axle is a 135mm wide axle which will fit on most bike forks. We highly recommend you use torque arms if installing on front fork. This same motor could also be switched over to a standard bike later if you wish since 135mm is standard for rear on a normal bicycle.
The 135mm size (front) will fit on the rear of fatbikes that are 150mm or narrower. Otherwise you will need kit option with a wide 170mm axle for rear installation, this is the one marked rear. (front or rear option may be hidden if out of stock). Total axle length 202mm, 14mm diameter, 10mm at the flat spots.
Please note that having threads on a front does not mean you got a rear, both front and rear have threads for freewheel.
Installation and Important Documentation
- Front hubmotors, we recommend using a torque arm (or two). See this link for what a torque arm is.
- It is not advisable to use a front hub with suspension forks, we recommend using a rear hub if you have a suspension fork. It will not break suspension fork to use front hub but it will wear out the seals faster.
- After hubmotor installation it is recommended that you check spoke tension, tighten spokes if needed, and recheck tightness after the first few rides. All wheels should have spokes checked but handbuilt is better, generic option is machine laced from the factory which is not as high build quality as our hand-laced wheels using quality Alex rim, DT Swiss spokes and Spoke Prep. If you want the best wheelbuild out of the box you want the custom wheelbuild option.
- Compatibility note: The 1/2 hubmotor spacer is for use with single speed sprockets. If you do not have a single speed sprocket you do not need this.
- Lead time: For wheel builds please add a few days extra to our usual lead time
- SET DISPLAY TO 5 FOR KIT TO WORK. HOLD UP BUTTON AND SET BUTTON AT SAME TIME, NUMBERS ON DISPLAY WILL FLASH, SET THIS FLASHING NUMBER TO 5.
Documentation:
Highly recommended reading- documentation for using our batteries with this kit:
00w or 750w Electric Bike for Men or Adults, Which is Better?
Do you want to know the difference between 750W and 1000W electric bikes and which is better for men or adults?
You are on the right page.
One of the best technology is E-bikes which have improved our lives, no doubt about that. The difference between e-bikes can sometimes be confusing, especially if you buy for the first time and may only be on the motor’s rating. In this article, we have described the differences between an E-bike 750W vs. a 1000W rated motor so you can choose the best one.
50W vs 1000W e-bike
A 1000W electric bike might fulfill your needs if you are a heavy rider looking to do some serious off-road riding. Consider purchasing a 750W e-bike if you don’t want to be restricted to only riding on private property.
They might not be as powerful as 1000W e-bikes, but purchasing one with a mid-drive motor should even out that power difference and provide excellent torque or speed, even in throttle-only mode.
50W 1000W Electric Bikes
750W will give much more exciting acceleration off the line for light riders. This level will also start to offer good hill-climbing performance.
For heavier riders, 750W is when flat land performance becomes more enjoyable, and hills become consistently possible. Though, most heavy riders will be more pleased with the performance at 1000W of power. Speeds of 45 km/h (28 mph) are increasingly familiar with 750W e-bikes.
E-bike 750w vs. 1000W: Which is Faster?
The 1000-Watt engine will give you more energy to easily reach top speed and effortlessly uphill than the 750 Watts motor. If you will be doing a lot of uphill riding, then the more powerful engine would be sufficient.
The rider’s weight is crucial, and a 750-Watt motor is ideal for a 250lbs individual.
Heavier riders can pick the 1000 Watts motor, and the 1000-Watt motor has more torque than the 750 Watts motor, which will reach top speed much faster.
For example, if you weigh 250 lbs and ride a 750-Watt motor e-bike, and another person weighs about 450lbs and rides a 1000 Watts motor, the speeds may be similar. So, the big difference between a 750W e-bike and a 1000-Watt e-bike is power.
In most cases, a 500-watt motor e-bike is enough for heavier set people, and the 1000 Watts rated motor is a bit overkill. You may not need so much power unless you are around 500 pounds or intend to ride on hilly terrains.
Does it Mean a 1000 Watt E-bike is Efficient than a 750 Watt E-bike?
Electric motors operate at a particular RPM range to achieve optimal performance. So, if you compare a 750-Watt motor and a 1000-Watt motor, you have to ask yourself which between the two will help you travel at the speed you want, but efficiency is different from that speed. Just because a 1000-Watt motor can attain a superior-top speed within a particular time does not mean it is more efficient than the 750-Watt e-bike. But how is this even possible?
Typically, an e-bike motor designed for high speeds will be inefficient when traveling at low speeds. No matter how strange that sounds, there is no link between wattage and efficiency.
So the main factors that determine the motor‘s efficiency include the motor KV and the power.
- Motor KV determines the RPM per volt of the spins’ intensity at a given voltage. For example, if your motor has a Kv of 10, then supplying it with 5 volts will give it a spin of 50 RPM. To get the rpm, you can multiply the input voltage with the motor KV.
However, the RPM alone is insufficient to determine the motor’s efficiency and depends on power.
- The e-bike will also need sufficient power to overcome mechanical resistance, aerodynamics, incline, and rolling to achieve efficiency.
If you have a motor rated at 750 Watts and another 1000 Watts with a similar Kv rating, their efficiency difference will be minimal.
- Lastly, the e-bike or motor brand most often comes into play. For example, if you have an excellent quality 750 Watts motor on the one hand and a 1000 Watts motor, the 750 Watts will be much more efficient.
000W vs. 750W e-bike Motor
The significant difference between a 1000W motor and a 750W motor is how much power each can put out. 1000-Watt motors can generally handle resistance better and more efficiently than 750W motors.
For instance, electric bikes with 750W motors perform fine on flat roads and pretty steep gradients. However, if you were to increase their payload, you’ll notice their speed drop.
1000W motors, on the other hand, are more torquey and can overcome almost any resistant force they are faced with.
What Is The Top Speed of a 750 Watt vs. 1000W E-bike?
A 750-Watt e-bike can attain speeds of up to 20 miles per hour for most brands. The motor belongs to the class three category, and they can reach 28 miles per hour at the maximum. This estimate goes down in the face of other factors, such as your weight, riding uphill, and the battery condition.
In most cases, 1000-Watt e-bikes are faster and more powerful than 750W e-bikes. It has a maximum payload capacity of 350 lbs and is said to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
Are 1000W Rated e-bikes Allowed?
In the U.S, most states prohibit the use of 1000W e-bikes in public spaces. Currently, only six U.S states: Kansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Oregon, and Virginia allow electric bikes with power ratings up to 1000 Watts on public roads and tracks. Federal law in the United States does not make it illegal to own a 1000W rated e-bike and other motor vehicle labels. Usually, the individual States describe e-mopeds at speeds achievable at 30 miles per hour and in the 1000W range. They may include a few other requirements, such as a driver’s license, a helmet, and other safety clothing.
If you have any questions contact us for further information and check out our electric bike collection.
0W/750W/1000W Ebike Motor: Which Is Best
There are several categories and grades of ebike motors accessible to meet your exact requirements. The e-bike motor rankings, however, are the distinction that confuses. And usually, it’s the reason that has the most impact on pricing and overall production.
The figures 500W and 750W are frequently cast-off to cause misunderstanding. Thus, in this blog, we will relate and contrast the 500Watts, 750Watts and 1000Watts ebike motors. This is to succour you in determining which ebike motor well suits you and to prevent you from being confused. While efficient ebike motors begin with 500Watts, 750Watts ebike motors are the best appealing. It’s ideal for travelling on metropolitan streets as well as traversing rugged terrain.
Which E-bike Motor is Good for You 500W, 750W, or 1000W?
The ebike motor’s watts are one of the key factors to cogitate when acquiring an ebike motor. The power of the ebike motor ranges from 250W to over 6000W. However, this is not limited to bicycle-style machines. Electric bikes with motor power of fewer than 1500 watts are frequently discussed.
0W E-bike Motor
Midst of the many other ebike motor watts, there are a few that are very popular among customers. 500Watts ebike motos are one of them. Even though 500W is a typical ebike motor range, it remains prevalent among consumers due to its strong provision archives. If you’re not searching for a powerful sprinting ebike, just a few watts of ebike motors can compete with 500W. 500W ebike motor continues to dominate the market due to various related dangers and drawbacks of advanced watts ebike motors.
Are 500W E-bike Motors Worth Buying?
A 500W ebike motor is unquestionably valuable. For starters, a 500W ebike motor is also known as a pivot motor. You can drive 20mph with throttle help and 28 mph with pedal assistance, just like an advanced wattage ebike motor. In general, 500W is sufficient for the mainstream ebike provisos. On average, you may go 35m or 56km on a solo charge. Furthermore, if you are riding your 500W ebike in pedal-assist mode, you may increase your mileage by 10m or 16km. Furthermore, a first-rate 500W ebike motor is adept for riding difficult slopes. What else do you want from a 500W ebike motor?
Just because of the 500W ebike’s enormous fame, the 500W ebike motor has been thoroughly verified and manufactured. It displays its effectiveness and dependability in every study. Because of its moderate promptness, it does not provide the same risk and hazard as added as high watt ebike motors. I’ll go through many of the benefits of a 500W ebike motor underneath.
- A 500W ebike can attain 20 mph with its maximum power.
- This is sufficient force that aids you to climb.
- Perfect for persons who are overweight.
- A 500W motor is idyllic for mountain riding and off-roading.
0W E-bike Motor
As time passes, the ebike motors trend endure growing in popularity among people. Ebikes manufacturers are mounting motor technology to meet this massive demand. Ebikes with their motor in watts range from 250W to 6200W and are now available on market. However, among all of these ebike watts, ebike provisos prefer a 750W ebike. If you’re wondering why to consider the following.
Factually, 750W ebikes are not the wildest in footings of power, but today there are more high watts ebikes are available in the market. However, when safety and speed are taken into account, it is one of the finest options. With the help of a 750W ebike, you may reach speeds of 28mph or 45km per hour.
High watts would undoubtedly increase speediness, but they aren’t permitted in numerous areas owing to the hazards involved. You may simply opt for the 750W ebike motor that was just itemized for United States nationals, based on NPS requirements.
Is 750W E-bike Motor Worth Buying?
You could be seeking the wildest ebike motor if you’re stout and rugged. Though equestrians an extraordinary speed ebikes is risky, and these bikes aren’t permitted in most states owing to the perils these ebikes pose. 750W ebike motors, on the other side, can quench your thirst for high-speed ebikes.
They’re quick, safe, and dependable, and they’re now legal in the US. If you’re seeking the quickest and safest ebike, a 750W ebike should be at top of the list . The best thing about this is that it works well with those who have a strong personality.
00W E-bike Motor
Ranges of ebike motors watts start from 250W to1000W, with the most popular being 500W, 750W, and 1000W. Ebike motors are often quicker than traditional cycles, with a basic 250W ebike motor offering a constant pace equating to roughly 15 to 20 miles per hour on flat terrain. Usually, the wattage rises, and so does the control and the ebike’s ability to manage an uphill with comfort and swiftness.
A 1000W ebike motor is a strong alternative that will provide you with a significant boost. While it may not appear quick when compared to driving, a 1000W e-bike travels at about 35mph. These strong ebike motors are more commonly utilised for off-roading and rugged terrain than for daily commuting.
Because of their power and speed, ebike motors with a 1000W are further meticulously linked to motorcycles, mopeds, and other motorised vehicles. While they can certainly get you to work quickly, that kind of power may not be required for a short trip.
Is E-bikes with a 1000W Motor Permitted?
The possession of a 1000w ranked ebike and another motor automobile labelling is not unlawful in the US. Distinct states commonly define e-mopeds as having a top speed of 30mph and a clout output of 1000W. They could also include things like a rider’s license, a helmet, and other protective stuff.
E-bike motors: 500w vs. 750w
The key variance between a 500W and a 750W ebike motor is the quantity of power they can produce. Resistance is often controlled better and more competently by a 750W ebike motor than by a 500W ebike motor. Electric bikes with 500W motors, for example, operate admirably on level roads and moderately steep grades. However, if you increase their cargo or try to drive up a steep hill, their speed will decrease. 750W motors, on the other hand, have higher torque and can overcome virtually any resistance force.
0W vs. 1000W E-bike Motors
A 1000W ebike motor only suits you if you’re a hefty rider planning to perform some solemn off road riding. Many of the US States doesn’t allow ebikes and restrict the usage of 1000W ebikes in public areas. However there are only six states in the United States that allow ebikes with power ranges of up to 1000W that can be used on public roads and trails: these states are Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia. Consider buying a 750W ebike motors if you do not want to be limited to equestrianing on secluded land.
They may not be as influential as 1000W e-bikes, but buying one with a mid-drive motor should compensate for the difference in power and deliver plenty of torque or speed, even in throttle-only mode.
Which Is the Best For You?
It’s tough to give a definitive response to this issue because people’s preferences differ. However, if I were to make a common appraisal among all of mentioned above watt ebikes, I would recommend the 750W ebike motor.
All of these ebikes motors are proficient for tough tasks, but the 750W option will surely provide greater power. It will let you climb up to the hills and run on difficult terrain more successfully than a 500W ebike motor. The 750W and 1000W ebike motors have a more sophisticated crowning speed than the 500W ebike motor. Furthermore, the faster they overcome barriers, the better.
Final Verdict
The actual difference between a 500W ebike motor and a 750W ebike motor is its power. Relatively a 750W motor will generate more power than a 750W ebilke motor and this power will lead you to stability and speed. Adding more to it a 750W ebike motor will obviously produce more power and will help you to climb upto the hill more easily than that of 500W ebike motor. You never know when you will have to trip your ebike up to the hill. That’s why having a more prevailing ebike motor, such as 750W or 1000W, is undoubtedly advantageous.
eSoulbike 48V 1000W Rear Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kit
- 30-Day Return
- Warranty
- Shipping
ESOULBIKE’s e-bikes are free to return within 30 days of delivery (to be eligible for returns, your item must not interfere with a second sale). To return an electric bike free of defects or damage, please contact the customer service team
Controller Display: 1 year
Our eBike Conversion Kits have Free Shipping to EU countries and United Kingdom Typical delivery time frame is between 2 to 7 business days however, you may receive your items much earlier.
Have questions?
Our world-class Customer Experience team is here to answer all of your questions and make your buying experience rad.
High Quality, Long Battery Life and Powerful Function
Warehouse in Poland, Spain and Germany
eSoulbike /h2>
Affordable transportation in the current environment and economy
Why are eSoulbike’s kits 1/2 even 1/3 the price of others on the market? Because we sell direct to you. Actually, over 90% of the world’s e-bike kits are manufactured in China. We have a Chinese e-bike kit factory in Shanghai. After the factory has finished production, We ship the goods to our warehouses in Poland, Spain and Germany. That’s why you can get goods quickly and cheaply. We’ve been focused on this industry for six years, as technology has improved, we’ve seen lithium batteries become safer and motors perform better. We care about the environment. As a sustainable energy source, lithium electricity should be used by more people. We also care about you. In this economy, are rising and you need a very easy and affordable transportation. Come and join us!
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The best electric bike conversion kits 2023 and how to fit them
The best electric bike conversion kits can give you an extra boost of power without the expense of purchasing a new electric bike. We’ve fitted some of the best e-bike conversion kits ourselves, so will walk you through the process, how easy it is and how the different systems perform.
E-bikes are soaring in popularity – and for good reason. The best electric bikes replace a car for running errands around town and greatly increase the distances it’s possible to ride on one of the best commuter bikes. An e-bike can also be a great tool for boosting your fitness, whether that’s enabling you to ride with a greater range of people or offering the motivation of a greater range of roads to explore.
But is an e-bike worth it,? As the best ebike conversion kits promise to add power to an ‘analogue’ bike for a lot less than a full ebike, it’s an easy, cheaper way to get an electric boost.
In this guide we’ll take you through the surprisingly broad range of benefits an e-bike conversion kit has to offer and – most importantly – how to perform an e-bike conversion, based on our hands-on experience. For a walk-through on how to do it, you can check out the video above or read on for a step-by-step guide – it genuinely is so much simpler than you would think.
When buying an ebike conversion kit there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider. Most importantly you’ll need a kit that will fit your bike. To help with this it pays to take a few frame measurements, notably the width of your forks and the width of the rear stays, as well as noting the wheel size and the type of brakes. You can then match these details to the kit specifications.
Naturally you’ll also need to consider the cost and how much you chose to spend on an ebike conversion kit will be dictated by not only your budget but also your needs. If you’re unsure of just how much you’ll use the converted bike then it’s prudent to opt for a cheaper kit. you can always upgrade down the road.
You’ll also want to consider where the motor will be located, and match this to your bike and your mechanical prowess. Front hub motors are typically the easiest to fit, while mid-drive motors require more effort. A rear hub motor lies somewhere in between the two, and like a front hub option is applicable to a wide range of bikes.
Other considerations include the type of battery and the wattage rating. 36 or 48 volt battery is standard, with wattage usually running from 300 to 600 watts.
The Swytch kit is super-simple: just swap out your front wheel, wire up the controller and battery and you’re off. The battery is also very compact, allowing you to remove it from the bike easily to carry with you.
The TongSheng kit positions the motor at the centre of the bike, so it will fit to a wide range of designs. It’s lightweight for its high torque and power output, although you’ll need to buy the battery separately.
The Voilamart kit is an inexpensive rear wheel conversion option, although you’ll have to source a battery separately. It’s slightly fiddly to fit as well and requires additional waterproofing if you plan to ride in wet weather.
The best electric bike conversion kits
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Specifications
Wheel sizes: Each wheel is custom built – specify your required size at checkout (Bromptons also catered for)
Reasons to avoid
The newly updated Swytch system is one of the simplest conversion kits to fit out there. The latest version, launched in August 2022, has a smaller, neater battery pack that improves the bike’s dynamics and lowers its weight. There’s the choice of the Air battery (700g, range 15km) or the Max battery (1,100g, range 30km). Both use the same mount, which places the battery to the front of the handlebar.
The motor sits in the front hub and we found it to be pretty discreet. Incidentally, the new batteries will work with the original motor and pedal sensor, so if you already own the original kit you can upgrade it with just a new battery without having to buy the whole kit again.
The Swytch kit is incredibly easy to fit. It took us around 30 minutes working at a steady pace.
We tested it on both a reasonably light two-speed steel bike and a heavier Pinnacle utility bike. It transformed the ride of the two-speed bike, making it fast, nimble and responsive. We also found the stated range to be conservative: after 20 miles on setting number two (medium assist) it had only used two bars out of five on the battery.
With the heavier Pinnacle on maximum assist (and on draggy routes) we were getting slightly under the 30km for the Max battery. As with all e-bike batteries, range depends on the terrain, weight of bike and level of assist.
Great customer support makes this one of the best kits for people who are new to working on their bike and who aren’t familiar with electrics. And even if you do have a strong background in both those areas, a simple system is always appreciated.
Reasons to avoid
Like the Bafang mid-drive system below, the TongSheng offers the same benefits of compatibility with a wide range of bike designs and a high torque for steep hills and off-road terrain. However, the TongSheng mid-drive does manage to be a little lighter than the Bafang for approximately the same power.
This model doesn’t come with a battery included, so you’ll have to source your own 36v item. As a rule of thumb, around 10Ah will give a range of 29km / 18mi, whereas going up to 18Ah will typically give around 53km / 33mi, so be sure to factor that in when you’re making your choice.
There’s a huge range of batteries sold on Amazon, but Green Cell is a particular brand we’d recommend.
We found fitting to be reasonably easy. As with most mid-drive systems, you replace your crank and chainring with the one provided in the kit. There’s an LCD display for attaching to your handlebars and you’ll need a battery to be hooked up to the motor.
Read more: TongSheng TSDZ2 conversion kit review
Reasons to avoid
A mid-motor drive system offers a number of benefits over hub-driven conversion kits. With the power delivered at the cranks it can produce more torque, making it more effective on particularly steep and bumpy terrain.
Another perk is that the compatibility is much greater – no concern about wheel diameters, hub widths, axle standards and brake type. No matter whether you’re running rim brakes or disc, quick release or thru-axle, the crank driven system is compatible with all.
The only proviso is that the frame material must be alloy and the bottom bracket width is 68–73mm – but that covers most bikes you’re likely to be fitting this system to.
There are a few aspects to be aware of, the first being that this system doesn’t include a battery and that typically makes up about half the cost of a conversion kit. Finding an e-bike battery is quite straightforward with many being sold on Amazon, with Green Cell being among those we’d recommend.
Just make sure to get a 36V one for this motor as a higher voltage can damage it. Also you should be aware that capacity of 10Ah will give you a range of about 29km / 18mi, while a capacity of 18Ah typically gives about 53km / 33mi – so be sure to factor in the distances you’re planning on riding.
Reasons to avoid
This radically different approach from Rubbee makes for an e-bike conversion with much fewer parts. The battery and motor are housed in a single unit which powers the bike directly turning the rear wheel with its integrated roller.
Not only is the initial installation notably fast and easy, the quick release system means that you can take off the unit for rides that you don’t wish to be assisted on. At 2.8kg, it doesn’t add much weight to that of the bike, making the bike easier to handle.
The range of this model is quite low, limited to Eco mode it only offers a range of 16km / 10mi – although taking the device off to charge at the other end is easy to do and it only takes an hour to top up. There is the option to increase your range by buying additional battery modules that fit into the base unit.
Up to three can be accommodated, which in turn increases the maximum range to 48km / 30mi, or around 23km / 14mi with moderately heavy use. However, unlike many other e-bike systems, the Rubbee X supports regenerative braking, allowing you to scrub back some power on the descents.
Reasons to avoid
Bafang is a well established maker of electric bike motors and offers a front hub based motor, if you’re not a fan of the bulky profile a mid motor conversion system creates. You can buy this kit without a battery – although why would you? – but if you sensibly also opt for a power-pack there’s a choice of amp hours, and you can select either a downtube or a rear-rack mounted version.
The setup follows the same principles as most front-wheel e-bike conversions. First you need to set up the wheel with a disc rotor, tyre and inner tube and install that into the bike. Then attach the cadence sensor – so it can tell when you’re pedalling and need assistance – then attach the battery and the LCD display and you’re essentially good to go!
It’s worth bearing in mind that although this conversion kit comes in many different wheel sizes, it is only compatible with bikes that have a front disc brake and a Quick-Release axle. If your disc brake bike is a newer, more expensive model, it might not be compatible, so worth checking first.
Remember, that in the UK electric bike laws mean that e-bikes are not permitted to have a power output of more than 250w and shouldn’t propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph – you’ll have to make sure you select the right model with the relevant limitations.
Reasons to avoid
We’ve also tested the Voilamart kit, which comes with six main parts: the replacement rear wheel, the replacement brake levers, the control screen, pedal sensor, throttle and the control box. It doesn’t come with a battery however.
On review we found the kit pretty straightforward to fit, although you’ll need to remove the bike’s crank to fit the pedal sensor and this element of the conversion was a bit fiddly. Another potential drawback is that the connectors, which link to control unit, aren’t waterproof, with only a bag supplied to house the delicate electronics. While it does a good job of keeping everything tidy, we decided to buy a plastic enclosure, cut the wires to length, solder the connections and then heat shrink for added protection.
As for the ride, the rear wheel kit delivers plenty of power. However, since the pedal sensor only detects when you’re pedalling rather than how hard you’re pedalling it delivers the power as soon as your start to turn the crank arms. Fortunately, you can quickly adjust the level assistance, with five power options available.
All in all the Voliamart rear wheel kit is an affordable way to ‘go electric’, although it requires you to be mechanical competent to fit it and you’ll need to factor in the additional cost of a battery.
How to convert your bike to an e-bike in four steps
Here’s our step-by-step guide to how to add an electric bike conversion kit to your pedal-powered bike.
Swap the tyre and tube
Firstly, remove the tyre and tube from your current front wheel and then install them on the new wheel from the kit. Make sure to check if the tyre is directional, if it is, ensure that the tyre is mounted so that the cable sticking out of the hub is on the left-hand side (non-driveside) when the wheel is installed in the bike – otherwise it’ll be powered in the opposite direction to your direction of travel!
To swap the tyre and tube over, you will need some tyre levers and a pump. If you want to go over how to do these, we have a guide that can be accessed here.
Final points are to do up the nuts on the wheel’s axle to keep it firmly in place in the forks and to check that the brakes are correctly adjusted for the new wheel. If you’re unsure how to do that, we have another guide here.
Attach the bracket to the handlebars
There is a strap that needs to be attached to the bars to keep the bracket in place and stop it rotating around. There are also some adaptors included in the kit which can be used if your handlebars are a little skinnier.
But essentially all that’s needed to be done here is a couple of screws to clamp the bracket tightly to the bars.
Attach magnet disc and sensor
The magnet disc has a split design so it can just clip around the inside of the left (non-driveside crank) and is then held in place by its retention ring. Next, stick the sensor on the frame directly in line with the magnets – this will ensure that the sensor can tell when the cranks are moving.
Plug in the cables
The thickest one is the main power cable and that just needs to be plugged into the cable extending from the hub. The other orange cable attaches to the cadence sensor and this just needs plugging in as well.
It’s then a good idea to use some cable ties to tidy up the lengths of the cables a little bit, so they aren’t flapping about and risk getting caught on the spokes or on the cranks.
The blue cables, you don’t need to worry about, these are for an optional brake sensor upgrade kit.
Why convert your bike to an e-bike?
What types of conversion kit are available?
You can get conversion kits that power your front or rear wheel or power the bikes via the cranks.
Wheel-based systems usually have a hub motor and require replacement of your existing wheel with a compatible motorised one.
The alternative is a system like the Rubbee that drives your wheel by pushing on the tyre. Tyre wear can be an issue here though.
Finally, there are systems that power the e-bike via the bottom bracket.
Usually the e-bike’s battery will bolt onto your frame or be attached to your handlebars, although sometimes you can fit a battery pack to a rear rack.
We’ve more on compatibility. which can be an issue. below.
How much does it cost to convert a bike to an e-bike?
vary depending on the type of conversion kit and the size of the battery. To give a rough Band, you can expect to pay a total of between £500 and £800 from a reputable brand, but there will be outliers at either end.
Is it worth converting a bike to an e-bike?
There are many reasons to upgrade your bike to offer a little e-assistance. On the one hand, it can greatly increase the usefulness of your bike, enabling you to replace short car journeys – such as around town, to the shops, or to work – with going by bike instead.
It’s a lot more environmentally friendly getting about on two wheels than in a two-ton metal box. It can also save you time – bikes are able to take more direct routes and are less affected by traffic, as well as eliminating the need to search for a parking space at the other end.
But beyond just their practical benefits, e-bikes can also be a potent tool for boosting your fitness. Consistency is key when it comes to exercise, so making commitments with friends is a great way to ensure you’re heading out the door. Previously, differing fitness levels could make it difficult to find a riding partner but with an e-bike levelling the playing field, getting in a productive workout (for both of you) with a friend is much easier to do.
Added to that, an e-bike can be much more motivating in that it opens up a far greater range of roads than you’d be able to access just under the power of your own two legs. Exploring new roads is part of the fun of riding a bike and an e-bike can help preserve that.
Can you convert any regular bike to an e-bike?
Most bikes can be converted to an e-bike – it just requires getting the matching the right conversion kit to match the specification.
For conversion kits where the motor is located at the wheel’s hub, you’ll need to consider the wheel’s diameter, the width and axle standard of the hub and whether it uses rim or disc brakes. For instance, a 700c (AKA, 28”) disc brake wheel with a 100mm wide quick-release hub is a relatively common spec. Once you’ve determined what type of wheel you need, the conversion is quite a straightforward process
Crank driven systems are generally easier in terms of determining compatibility; the requirements are typically just an alloy frame and a bottom bracket width of between 68 and 73mm – which is the standard for all road and mountain bikes, it’s only specialist bikes that have a different spacing there. In replacing the crankset, these systems are a bit more involved to fit than a hub system, but still well within the remit of a home mechanic.
Other kits, such as those that directly drive the rear tyre, have almost universal compatibility – provided your tyres aren’t too heavily treaded.
Are electric bike conversion kits any good?
You won’t be getting the very best motors and the largest, seamlessly integrated batteries with an e-bike conversion kit. But with that said, e-bike conversion kits are much cheaper than purchasing a whole new e-bike and they do deliver many of the same benefits.
Converted e-bikes are great for commuting and utility cycling, giving that extra boost to help flatten hills, motor along the flat and lug about heavy loads. E-bike conversions are also good for leisure cycling, helping to moderate your effort level as needed and greatly extending the range you can explore.
For more specialist utility needs, buying a new cargo e-bike would help boost your carrying capacity and range. Equally, for the aesthetically conscious, the latest breed of e-road bikes are almost indistinguishable from a non-powered bike at first glance. Then again, both those options are much more expensive than a conversion.
How we test
Where we’ve been able to link to a review, it means that we’ve put the ebike conversion kit through its paces. We’ve assessed how easy it is to fit and maintain as well other factors such as quality of the components and battery life and charge time. Riding the bike once fitted with the kit, we’ve taken into account the ride quality, the ease of use and the battery range.
Where we haven’t yet had the chance to review an item, we’re still confident in recommending it as one of the best, because we either know the brand really well, and have probably tested another product or the previous version and can still happily recommend it as one of the best.