*This is a collaborative post.
You can convert the traditional bike you have into a powerful e-bike. This way, you will enjoy riding in hilly or steep terrains with little effort. Also, it will be easy to cover long distances while enjoying a hassle-free riding experience.
This article will guide you through the various aspects you should keep in mind when converting your bicycle. You will also learn a few maintenance tips to keep the converted bicycle working as expected.
Electric Bike Conversion Basics
If you’re considering getting an electric bike, you have two options: either look for an e bike for sale or convert your traditional bike into an electric one. To do the conversion, you’ll need three key components: a motor, a controller, and a battery. Once you have these, you can either hire a professional to handle the conversion or take the DIY route and do it yourself.
Types of Electric Motors for Bicycle Conversion
Here are the various types of electric motors that you can use to convert a bicycle to an electric bike to improve the riding experience:
Hub motors
This type of electric motor is fitted into the wheel hub to make sure it provides power directly to the bicycle’s wheel. When it comes to fitting the hub motor, it does not require special skills. You can even try fitting it yourself because it allows easy installation.
Hub motors have two options, you can use the front or rear motors. But the rear hub motor is the right choice since it offers great balance and traction while riding your bike.
Mid-drive motors
Unlike the hub motors, the mid-drive motor should be fitted onto the bottom bracket of the bicycle. This position allows the motor to provide power to the bike’s drivetrain. Notably, the motor can also use the gears of the bike.
This ability makes it one of the best motors for off-road e-bikes. It is also worth mentioning that this position allows a balanced distribution of weight. The installation of the mid-drive motors may require a professional.
Friction drive motors
The friction drive motor works by applying some friction to the tyre of the bike to provide power. This option is quite flexible since you can easily fit or remove it. Therefore, it is the best option for anyone who does not want a permanent conversion of their bicycles.
However, they may cause wear and tear to the tyres due to the constant friction. Moreover, they may be less powerful than the hub and mid-drive motors.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motor for Family Use
If you anticipate buying a motor for your kids or your personal uses, you should consider a few aspects. Here are the major aspects to consider when choosing a motor for family use:
- Power output
- Ease of use
- Safety features
- Ease of installation
- Level of maintenance required
You will choose the motor correctly if you consider the power output. But this aspect is relative since the purpose of the bike will determine the amount of power output needed.
The motor you should have should have some safety measures. Moreover, it has to be easy to fit even though you can still hire an expert to do it for you.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Choosing to hire a professional or DIY may not be easy if you are not aware of the various aspects to consider. When you hire a professional, you will just pay and have your bicycle converted without your direct input.
But doing it yourself will need some resources, skills, and more. Here is a quick comparison table of DIY vs Professional installation:
| Aspect in Context | DIY | Professional |
| Skill level | Basic electrical and mechanical skills | Professional mechanics handle the installation |
| Installation Cost | Very low | High due to the cost of hiring experts |
| Time required | May take much of your valuable time | Can take an hour or less |
| Safety | Risk of installation errors which may cause accidents | Safety assured, you can also consult on safety matters |
| Level of customization | You can customise it as you deem fit | Customization is often limited to the available products |
Maintenance and Care Tips for Converted E-Bikes
Your e-bike can last longer with minimal breakdowns. But you will need to adhere to a few maintenance tips outlined right here:
- Always perform regular checks on the battery of the e-bike
- Inspect the motor to make sure it works well and no unusual overheating or vibrations.
- The tyres of the e-bike should always be properly inflated before riding and even thereafter.
- Clean the bike more often
- Update the controller’s software more often
Convert your bicycle to an electric bike using a hub, mid-drive or friction drive motor. It is a simple conversion that you can do. Also, ensure you adhere to the maintenance tips shared in this article.
