Electric bikes (e-bikes) are rising in popularity and it isn’t hard to see why this is the case. They can easily replace a car when it comes to running errands around time and significantly increase the distance you can ride on one of the best commuter bikes.
Electric bikes can also be an excellent fitness boosting tool, whether that’s allowing you to ride with a greater range of people or even offering you the motivation of a wider range of roads that you can explore.
A good ebike conversion kit has the potential to give you an additional power boost without the expense of buying a new electric bike. The following is a brief discussion of what an electric bike is, pros and cons of conversion option, and finally answer the question whether conversion kits are any good? Well are they?
The question is, are e-bike conversion kits actually worth it? Ebike conversion options are used for adding power to ‘analog’ bikes for a lot less than a full electric bike, which makes it a cheaper and easier way to get an electric boost. The motor sits on the bike like a base unit and drives the front or rear wheels.
Ebike conversion kits have grown tremendously in popularity in recent years, providing both an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional gas-powered bikes. An ebike conversion kit allows you to transform a regular bike into an electric bike, which allows you to pedal while assisted by a motor, making it easier to tackle headwinds, hills, and longer distances. This can make a bike a lot easier to ride and this also means you’re more inclined to use it.
Still, there are certain pros and cons associated with using ebike conversion kits. Here, we will explore the important benefits and drawbacks of using ebike conversion kits so that you can make a more informed decision. We’ve gone through a lot of the pros and cons below in detail.
What Is an Electric Bike Conversion Kit?
Electric bike conversion kits are the components that allow you to convert a conventional bike into an electric one. The kit usually includes a battery, control unit, motor, and sometimes a display to control the electric drive. The kits are aimed at providing an easy-to-install and cost-effective solution for turning regular bikes into electric bikes without having to buy new electric bikes. It’s a great budget way to turn what you have into an ebike and it’s also far greener than buying a new product.
Pros of e Bike Conversion Kit – Why Buy One?
Cost Effective: EBike conversion kits are far more affordable than buying a new electric bike. For less than $1,000, you can get a quality ebike conversion kit for your current bike and turn it into a hybrid, which is far cheaper than the cost of a new electric bike that can be upwards of $3,000. You’re giving an old bike a lease of life and you also save money
Eco-Friendly: Electric bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries and therefore don’t produce harmful pollutants like the gas-powered bikes do. It is the reason why they are such an excellent option for environmentally conscious individuals.
Convenience: If you have an bike conversion set up installed, you can easily switch between manual and electric modes to power the rear wheel. This means that you’re still able to ride your bike even when the battery runs out or you prefer the feel of pedaling.
Customization. If you choose an electric kit, you will have the flexibility to choose the components that work best for you. You have the option to choose battery capacity, motor power, and even your preferred type of brake system.
Enhanced Performance: Ebikes are a lot easier to ride than traditional bikes. You can easily tackle headwinds and hills with the assistance of a motor. This makes it easier to go faster and further, which makes electric bikes ideal for leisure, commuting, as well as outdoor adventure.
Cons of the eBike Conversion Kit – The Case Against
Complexity: The installation of an ebike conversion set up can be time-consuming and complex. It requires skill and technical knowledge to install the components properly, and mistakes made during installation may lead to safety issues.
Battery Life: Ebikes have batteries with a limited lifespan and the cost of replacing them can be high. This can be a significant drawback for the persons that rely solely on ebikes for their transportation.
Limited Range: An ebike’s range is limited by the battery life. This means that users have to plan trips accordingly, and may have to recharge the battery frequently.
Weight: Electric conversion set up can easily add a significant amount of weight to a standard bike, which can make it harder to control and maneuver. This can be especially problematic for those used to riding traditional bikes.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is a must when it comes to electric conversion kits, which includes replacing the components and charging the battery as needed. It can be incredibly expensive and time-consuming and might not be feasible for those that lack the necessary technical skills.
So, Are eBike Conversions Any Good?
If you invest in an ebike conversion kit, you won’t get the largest and seamlessly integrated batteries or even the best motors. Still, electric bike conversion kits are much cheaper than buying a new electric bike and still deliver many of the same benefits.
A converted ebike can be great for utility cycling and commuting, giving that extra boost to flatten hills, lug about heavy loads, and motor along the flat. Electric conversions are equally great for leisure cycling, since they help moderate your level of effort as required and extending the range you can explore significantly.
For more specialist utility needs, investing in a new cargo electric bike can boost your range and carrying capacity. Equally, if you are aesthetically conscious, the latest electronic road bikes are almost indistinguishable from non-powered bikes at first glance. However, both options are much more expensive than a conversion,
What do we Think?
Electric bike conversion kits provide a cost-effective solution for those that want to convert their regular bikes into electric bikes. However, the battery life is limited, the installation process can be complex, and the weight of the components can make it harder to control the bike.
Always weigh the pros and cons carefully before you buy an electric bike conversion kit to ensure that it is the best option for your needs.
