Last Updated on 1 March 2023 by Stefano
It is now there for everyone to see: the bicycle, especially if electric, can be a solution for urban mobility.
However, for those who have an old bike in the garage that they haven’t used for a long time, there is also another cheaper solution: transforming it into electric through special ebike conversion kit. There are various types, designed to make electric walking bikes, mountain bikes and even racing bikes, therefore designed to obviate the need to purchase a specific vehicle. Let’s see how they work.
There are different types of conversion kits on the market, but in essence, they all perform the same task: transforming a standard bicycle into an e-bike, without particular effort. The only note to remember is to stay in the class of velocipedes, opting for an electric motor that does not exceed a nominal power of 250 watts. Incidentally, almost all the ebike conversion kits on the market fall within this range, but beware of the exceptions.
What changes between the various kits is the type of assembly, usually front, that is, with the motor positioned on the wheel hub. However, there is no lack of alternative solutions with the rear units, battery packs positioned in plain sight on the handlebar or on the down tube of the bike. In most cases, these are plug & play solutions or almost, simple to assemble, with fairly low weight, from 3 kg of ST3IKE eBike Conversion Kit upwards and complete with everything needed to transform any “normal” bike into electric.
Speed sensors, displays, apps and buttons apart, the main components of the electric bike conversion kits are the motor and the battery. As for the first, as we have said, the limit of 250 watts of power applies, which we find in any case also on the factory e-bikes.
A power of this kind is enough for every situation, to assist the bike both uphill and in the flat up to 25 km/h – 15.5 mph (the limit allowed), especially if supplied by valid units and with a suitable torque depending on the use that if he intends to do it (for off-road journeys it is evident that much higher values are required than on the road).
On the autonomy side, beyond the values of the batteries mounted, usually included in the conversion kits, a lot changes according to the terrain, the wind, the weight and the muscular support of the rider. The parameter to be taken into consideration is the battery capacity in watt-hours. Here, factors related to the needs of each one and the use they want to make come into play.
If the mid-drive kits require, in most cases, the intervention of a mechanic, the wheels equipped with a motor are instead easy and almost immediate to assemble: just replace the rear or front wheel and you’re done. In practice, these are wheels with an integrated motor, which react according to the traction received through the transmission, thus adjusting the assistance provided.
What might be ahead when purchasing a conversion kit? The basic pieces are 5:
One of the basic elements on which the efficiency of your future electric bike depends. Today there are mainly lithium batteries on sale, but it is always good to check and choose one of this type since thanks to a greater energy density they allow greater autonomy and less weight.
Also for the engine you will find that you have a rather wide choice of models.
The element that has the task of managing battery and power.
It is the control console that will be installed on the steering.
They are able to lock the current at the moment braking is detected.
The installation of the conversion kit depends above all on the model chosen.
The battery can have various positions and also the engine and stability, the type of driving and so on can depend on this.
Once you have chosen the kit, installation is actually quite simple, especially if you have already changed a tire on a bicycle before.
To install the hub motor, simply remove the old bicycle wheel and transfer the tire and inner tube to the electric hub motor wheel.
Then screw the speed controller (the brain of the ebike) onto the frame and add the accelerator to the handlebar. ST3IKE eBike Kit is equipped with compatible plugs to facilitate connections.
Once the battery is installed and connected to the speed controller, your e-bike should be ready to ride.
Simply make sure all the wires are out of the way and zipped or velcro fastened to the frame so they don’t get caught on the pedals or other obstacles, and then you’re ready for a test drive.
Budget e-bikes are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a cost-effective and environmentally responsible mode of transportation
Londoners, your city is bustling with energy, opportunity, and—let’s face it—a fair share of transport chaos. As the days get longer and sunnier, you’re likely looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors while staying active. But what if we told you there’s a way to blend the excitement of London’s streets with a more enjoyable and efficient way to commute? Enter the e-bike!
A recent study suggests that cities should consider the rapid rise and significant potential of electric bikes in moving people.
“E-bikes should be at the core of planning, along with other forms of active mobilities and public transport, as they are a readily available way to foster decarbonisation of transport,” according to the University of Lausanne study.”
At ST3IKE, we strive to provide you with a top-quality electric bicycle at an affordable price. With our capabilities, we can offer innovative electronic technology that is accessible to everyone, at a price that was previously two or three times higher.
i-LAPS Ltd © 2024
In the UK, electric bikes with throttle (that are faster than 15.5mph and 250watts) are not allowed on footpaths, cycle lanes, or roads. It is solely the customer’s duty to make sure that you adhere to all UK legal requirements when using your e-bike. The customer releases i-LAPS Ltd and its owners from any liability resulting from the usage of electric bikes and takes all responsibility and risk associated with their use.
