When choosing to build an e-bike with a conversion kit, it is very important to consider the starting point; i.e. which bike are you going to convert? While most kits will fit any bike, some bikes are better electric bikes than others. In this article, I will provide some basic guidelines to help you make this easy decision and prevent some major mistakes.
First, how are you going to use your electric bike? If you’re going to use it for commuting, you want a bike that’s comfortable to ride, lets you relax, and has fenders and chain guards to keep splashes and mud at bay. You don’t need a lot of gear. 5-10 speeds max. You just won’t use more than that. If you just want fast riding or mountain biking, then choose a bike that is more suited to those pursuits. A mountain bike will require more gears than a street bike, which also does well with only 5-10 gears.
Second, take a good look at the front fork and suspension. For a powerful motor, say 350W and above, if you’re going to build a front-wheel drive kit, you’ll want to use a bike with a steel fork. The motor is simply too powerful for an aluminum fork and it can bend or break the dropouts. You definitely don’t want to use a shock/suspension fork. The advantage of the front-wheel drive kit is that it is very easy to install. If you are using a rear-wheel drive kit, you can use aluminum and suspension front forks.Please Visit here For more idea about Home Appliances
Third, make sure there is a way to mount the battery and controller unit. Most kits mount the battery above the rear wheel on the rack. Where to mount the controller is up to you, but it’s often mounted on the bottom of the rack or on the seat post. The rack is not designed to bend, and any bike with a flexible frame won’t do it. This type of frame is mainly used in mountain bikes.
Fourth, how does the bike shift gears? An electric bike foldable uses a throttle activated by a rotary handle that replaces one of the handles, or a thumb throttle that is mounted on the handle. If you have a rotary shifter on both ends of the stick, you’ll need to move the lever closer to the center and possibly shorten the throttle stick.
The fifth is weight. Cyclists like to shed weight on their bikes. The lighter the better is their motto, and the lighter the bike, the more expensive it is. When you add about 30 or more pounds of motor, battery, and controller, trying to save five pounds by using a more expensive bike is futile. In fact, a less expensive bike with a strong steel frame is ideal for installing an electric bike conversion kit.
And last, but not least, are the brakes. Most modern e-bikes require front and rear hand brakes. These are mostly in the form of ‘v’ or ‘u’ style friction brakes. There are a few kits that accommodate disc brakes, but it’s pretty rare at this point. You can use the rear coaster brake, but only if you use a front-wheel drive kit, and you must also have a front handbrake. Electric bikes have a built-in safety device that shuts off the motor as soon as you apply the handbrake. Without at least one handbrake, cycling will be dangerous.Know more here wpit18
There’s nothing worse than starting a complex project like building an electric bike and finding out that the kit doesn’t fit or that you need to modify or buy a lot of extra parts. If you consider all of the above before buying an e-bike kit, you will have a much easier time with the installation and a much more satisfying purchase.
Should I get a conversion kit or buy a new e-bike?
Visiting your local bike shop mechanic is a helpful step in the decision-making process. Your old bike may not convert because adding a motor can increase torque. You want to make sure your bike’s drivetrain can handle it.
The extra weight of adding an electric motor also affects your brakes, so you’ll want to make sure they’re effective for stopping at high speeds. This is why e-bikes have disc brakes. If your current bike is in poor condition, has outdated parts or needs other upgrades, it may be more cost-effective to sell your trusty old ten speed and buy an e-bike.
Also, consider that a quality electric bike conversion kit can be about the price of an electric bike. Do some comparison shopping between the price of a conversion kit and a fully-loaded e-bike before you decide which way to go. Our picks for the best e-bikes can help guide your decision.