If you want more power when cycling than you can get from simply pedalling, you might be considering an ebike. Electric bikes are continuing to rise in popularity, with around 1 in 20 people in the UK currently owning an ebike. If you’re thinking of joining them you might be wondering whether to buy an off the shelf ebike or convert your existing bicycle. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, so let’s look in more detail at what you need to consider when converting a bike to an ebike.
First of all, let’s answer the leading question by saying yes, in theory it is possible to turn any bike into an electric bike. There are a growing number of conversion kits on the market which will enable you to add extra power to your existing cycle through adding a motor and battery, often at a much lower cost than buying a new ebike. This all sounds very appealing until you realise that a) you don’t necessarily know what you are doing when it comes to converting a bike and b) you’re not really sure what kits are safe, given the fact there has been quite a lot of bad press around ebike fires. To help you find the right solution, here are a few factors to consider when converting a bike to an ebike.
Will you do the conversion yourself?
If you have the experience or are used to taking your bike apart to modify it, you might consider carrying out the conversion yourself. In order to do this you will need to buy an ebike conversion kit and bear in mind that there are many different types of kits available, all with varying quality and price tags. The main things you will need to consider if you are handling the conversion yourself are:
- Safety – modified bikes have the potential to go faster than they are supposed to for legal purposes. In order to be classed as an electric bike and used on the roads, the motor must not have an output of any more than 250 watts or be capable of propelling the bike once it reaches 15.5mph. Anything more than this and the bike will need to be taxed and insured as a moped or motorbike. When choosing and installing a motor you’ll need to ensure that the bike does not exceed these limits if you wish to use it on the roads.
- Design – the great thing about an off the shelf ebike is that it has been designed to seamlessly integrate the motor, battery and controls. In comparison, a bike that has been converted from a normal pedal cycle into an electric bike will never have the same smooth design or neat finish, so this is something you’ll need to be aware of if you want to convert your existing bike.
- Balance – another benefit to purchasing a complete electric bike is that it will have been carefully balanced to provide a comfortable ride. If you convert your existing bike and place a heavy motor on the front or rear wheel without considering the overall balance you could end up with a bike that is difficult to ride and manoeuvre.
What type of bike do you have currently and will it continue to serve your needs?
Another thing you’ll need to consider when converting your existing bike is what type of cycle it is and whether it will continue to serve your needs. For example, if you currently have a mountain bike that you use off road but you want to upscale it to an ebike for your daily journeys to and from work, then you might want to consider a complete electric road bike as this might be a lighter weight option for commuting. If, on the other hand, you currently use your bike on the road but want to add extra power so you can go offroad, you might be better off with a mountain bike or fatter tyres depending on the terrain you wish to cover.
If you are planning on using your bike to cover the same ground but just go further and faster, then it makes sense to convert your existing bike, as you’ll be keeping the ride you are used to from a comfort and size perspective. If, however, you want to tackle different terrain, then you might be better off buying an off the shelf ebike that has been designed for the type of riding you hope to do.
How much have you budgeted?
Whilst it is technically possible to turn any bike into an electric bike, if you are limited by cost you’ll need to consider what you can get within your budget. Conversion kits vary greatly, depending on where you get them from, so you can pay anything from a couple of hundred pounds to in excess of £1000. If you need to pay for installation on top of this then it’s worth considering what you could get in terms of a complete electric bike for the same budget.
If you do go down the conversion route, it’s worth sourcing the kit with the best quality battery you can afford within your budget. The more watt hours a battery has (worked out by multiplying its amp hours by its voltage) the longer your power should last. However, the larger your motor, the faster it will drain the battery, so you’ll need to consider how long you’ll be riding for each day to find the best battery to meet your needs. A better quality battery is also going to be safer, as some poor quality batteries have been linked to overheating and house fires.
Tips for converting a bike to an ebike
If after reading this, you have decided to opt for a conversion kit, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- If you don’t have mechanical and electrical expertise, consider getting an expert to install the conversion kit. Many places that sell conversion kits also offer an installation service.
- Before you invest in a motor make sure it will fit with your bike’s gearing.
- Consider the costs of both a conversion and a complete electric bike so you can make sure you get the best for your budget.
- Get the best quality battery you can, to help ensure safety and good performance.
Whatever you decide to do, an ebike can help you to cycle faster and further, making light work of hilly terrain and longer distance rides.
If you need advice or a kit for converting a bike to an ebike, you can visit Nipponebikes.co.uk.