An Electric Bike is the need of the hour and if you don’t own one – then you just need to understand – how to convert bicycle into electric bicycle – and you are done. US market offers several electric bike conversion kits and installing them does not require a lot of technical know-how.
Modern electric motor technologies are changing the way we used to bike. We are living in an era where high-performing battery powered bicycles are dominating the current markets and are definitely the future vehicles.
Electric bikes are the fastest growing commute vehicles all over the States. The leading cause of their popularity is the added benefits they offer over standard bikes and common road bikes. They offer you a faster, further travel with less effort.
Converting Bikes into Electric Bikes
Today electric bike conversions have become the most convenient option. Purchasing an electric bike – will cost you a lot of dollars. Even a cheap electric bike – is going to be in 500 to 700 dollars range. And you cannot guarantee how long it lasts. So the best option is to convert your bike to electric.
Here is a very beautiful video – demonstrating how you can convert your regular bike into a convenient electric bike. Look it once.
There is one more option to convert your bike into electric – if you don’t want to buy a e-bike conversion kit – and that is building an electric bike – all by yourself.
You need to purchase some of the basic components – a battery, a controller, a motor with a throttle, wiring material and other necessary equipment.
The required technical know – how to set everything up safely is not that difficult but we would suggest buying a good brand electric bike conversion kit – because cost wise both the methods will be almost equal. Plus you convert your bike into an e-bike hassle free.
Best electric bike conversion kits
An e-bike conversion kit comes with everything you need – to set up your bike into an e-bike. All the hard electrical work is already done and doesn’t require advanced electrical skills. You just need to fit the kit to your bike. This can be done by anyone with a few tools, a bit of time, and ideally some basics about bicycle mechanics.
There are several electric bike conversion kits available in the market and some manufacturers even market their kits as cheapest electric bike conversion kit.
We suggest “Buy once – buy well” products. Below we have listed reviewed 5 kits and every one of them is the best electric bike conversion kit globally. All are quality products and are tested in our garage by professional technicians.
1. 8fun Bafang – Electric bike conversion kit 1000W
8 fun Bafang – Model Number BBS03/BBSHD is the latest e-bike conversion kit model by Bafang. A Bafang electric bike conversion kit is the best you can get.
Bafang is a trusted brand and has earned its own reputation in manufacturing some of the best electric bike conversion kits. Their tagline “engineered to make you smile” is very true for a – 8 fun Bafang conversion kit review.
Before you read the review – let us inform you that a battery connect cable and a headlight comes as a gift if you order now.
8 fun Bafang – is a 48 Volts 1000 Watts Mid Drive Electric Bike Conversion Kit. There are many types of conversions out of which Mid-drive is the most advanced and highest power and torque generating conversion type for electric bikes. We will discuss some of the conversion types later in the post.
8 fun Bafang’s motor is the real deal. The conversion kit features a 1000 Watts motor super strong motor from BBSHD series.
Some of the best electric bikes in the market – do no feature a 1000 Watts motor. Even huge manufacturers generally produce a 500 watt electric bike or a high-end 750 watt electric bike.
A 1000 Watt motor can cruise you to super speeds and provide a lot of comfort. With such a strong motor you can clock a top speed of 28 mph – whereas average electric bikes clock 15 mph! The motor has 9 levels of pedal assist and (twist activated) throttle-only mode.
Bafang 1000w motor
Bafangs this motor offers huge amounts of power, making your converted bike – suitable for road, trail, or even in a cargo. With this motor you will not be converting your bike into an electric bike, instead you will modify your bike into an electric mountain bike!
Bafang markets this kit as a suitable kit for a road bike, a commuter bike, a fat tire bike and even for a mountain bike!
8 fun Bafang fits a standard JIS 68 – 73 mm/100 mm/120 mm bottom bracket. The kit can be easily installed in your bicycle and you need only a few of the basic tools for the fitting.
You need to remove the crank-set and the center shaft, and then install the mid-drive motor. All the necessary mounting accessories are included in the kit.
If you want to change or upgrade some of the accessories you can do so – for example brake levers can be changed to hydraulic and mechanical brake sensors can be added.
The kit is not recommended for fat bikes, which commonly have a more than 120 mm bottom bracket. The kit should not be used in bikes with carbon fiber frame because the fitting increases the chance of the frame being damaged.
Note – Shifting gears according to speed is highly recommended. Using excessive motor power in high gears puts a lot of strain on the motor and even strains the chain and chain-rings as there is no sensor in the motor to detect gear changes.
The kit comes with its own set if gears, chain and chain-rings and hence your normal bikes gears chain and chain-rings will be of no further use. If you have multiple gears up front, these will be replaced by the single chain-ring included in the kit, this means that you will have gears only on the cassette. But in normal bikes having only a pedal assist this causes no harm.
LCD display
A very useful feature in 8 fun Bafang conversion kit is the inclusion of a color LCD display. It provides a lot of information on your screen. You can view speed, battery levels, and even choose pedal assist levels, and much more.
With all the necessary equipment included in the kit – there is only one lacking. 8 fun Bafang is not an electric bike conversion kit with battery. You need to buy an external battery with the kit.
Although you can buy an external battery easily online – the issue is that with such a powerful motor you need a powerful battery.
Bafang offers a one year guarantee on this product. A battery connect cable and a headlight comes as a gift with the purchase if you order now.
- n0 (Rpm): 140/160
- nT(Rpm): 100/116
- Max Torque: 160N.m
- Efficiency (%): ≥ 80
- Pedal Sensor: Speed
- Shaft Standard: JIS
- Color: Black
- Weight (kg): 6.04
- Noise Grade (dB): < 55
- Operating Temperature: -20-45℃
- E-Brake: Yes
- Gearsensor Function: Yes
- Light Drive Capacity (DCV / W): 6 /3(max)
- Magnet Poles (2P): 16
- IP: IP 65
- Certifications: ROHS
- Salt Spray Test Standard(h): 96
2. AW – Electric Bicycle Kit Front Wheel
Under the brand name AW – this kit is again one of the most powerful e-bike conversion kit in the market.
This kit needs to be installed at the Front Wheel. And note that by bike we mean bicycle here because this this kit is for bicycle only.
You will be happy to know that if you purchase the kit now you are entitled to receive a durable 600D Oxford cloth carrying bag along with a zippered main compartment.
Front Wheel E-bike Conversion Kit
Front Wheel conversion kits are not the most preferred drive type. The reason being – as traction is lessened on the front wheel the bike does not commute well in any off-road riding, trail riding or hard track fun.
Secondly you cannot put any cargo on the rear rack. If you intend to carry cargo above the rear wheel – than a rear wheel drive is always a suitable option.
However as a front wheel drive kit is a cheap electric conversion kit – it remains in heavy demand. Secondly most of the local commuters prefer on-road electric bike over an off-road electric bike because mostly they need it for city riding – and for this a front wheel drive is a ready and cheap choice.
So if you are looking for the “best front wheel electric bike kit” that should not cost you much dollars than AW conversion kit is definitely for you.
AW – Front wheel electric bike kit – comes with a complete wheel with tire and not just the tires rim. So you have to replace the wheel to convert your bike into electric.
Installation of the kit is very easy and you don’t even require any e bike instruction manual or electric bike assembly instructions. And even the tire is of very good quality – which will last you very long.
AW front wheel is a 1000W electric bike conversion kit features a very strong 48 Volts 1000 Watt motor. The motor can give speeds up to 28 mph which is a decent speed considering it to be ridden within cities.
The motor supports Pedal Assistance System (PAS) which enables you to cycle while driving on electric mode and thus saving a lot of your battery’s electrical consumption.
This kits’ motor also has a Dual Mode Controller: that is the Motor works under Hall effect and non-Hall effect, which extends the life of the motor making it last long.
Power-cutting brake levers for mechanical brakes are included in the kit.
Another intricate feature is the LCD Display which comes with the kit. The LCD displays battery power, time, speed, mileage and gears and other vital information and controls. It enhances the appearance of the bike as well.
For most flat pavement, commuter-style riding the motor and the specifications make this a great option. It is a cheap electric bike conversion kit – that costs you a little over 200 dollars.
However the only issue with this kit is that it is not an electric bike conversion kit with battery. You will need to purchase a battery separately and we would recommend that you mount it with the included battery bag on the frame.
Do not mount it on the rear rack as it increases the chances of accidental wheelies. And this precaution is a must taking into account the powerful motor that comes with this kit.
If you purchase the kit now you are entitled to receive a durable 600D Oxford cloth carrying bag along with a zippered main compartment for controller.
Specification:
- Motor specifications: 48V / 1000W / 470rpm
- Wheel size: 26″x1.75″
- High motor efficiency: >80%
- Motor diameter: 245mm
- The motor dropout spacing is 100MM
- Reinforced 32mm rim and 40mm tire
- Durable 600D Oxford cloth carrying bag along with a zippered main compartment for controller
3. Tongsheng TSDZ2 – Most Powerful E-Bike Conversion Bike Kit
Tongsheng is a very famous electric bike conversion kit manufacturer and holds a brand name as popular as Bafang.
Before manufacturing a complete e-bike conversion kit Tongsheng was into manufacturing plug and play mid-drive electric bike conversion kits. The company steadily increased in popularity and now they stand tall in the e-bike conversion kits market.
TSDZ2 is a very popular kit – by Tongsheng. TS in TSDZ2 stands as an abbreviation to the company’s name. This particular kit – TSDZ2 is famous as a mini electric bike conversion kit. It is very small in size – and its place in the bike is almost negligible.
Most importantly it does not increase the weight of the bike either. From one side the kit almost gets completely hidden behind a chainring (provided it is big in size). And from the other side you can mount in onto the bottom bracket (BB, the pedal-spindle assembly).
Below is a complete Tongsheng TSDZ2 review:
Tongsheng TSDZ2 comes with a powerful mid drive 750W motor with Torque sensing option. TSDZ2 are available in 3 volts versions – a 36V, a 48V and a 52V – the latter being the latest and the most powerful.
The 52V 750W motor of TSDZ2 is super powerful. You can climb mountains and feel riding on plains. The battery also compliances the motor. The positive thing about the motor is that in spite of being so powerful – it does not overheat.
Although it is a 750W motor – it beats some of the best electric bike conversion kit 1000W. The TSDZ2 uses a 3-phase Permanent Magnet/PM in-runner motor, 18 poles on the stator (3-phase, so 6 poles per phase), 16 poles on the rotor (8 pole-pairs).
With this motor you can clock a 35 – 40 km/hour. This is a decent speed in compared to a 1000W motor – offering the same speed and charging you more for that.
Torque Sensor
TSDZ2 has the most most popular torque sensor in the whole e-bike market.
A torque sensor – is a type of Pedal Assist Sensors (PAS).Torque sensors come in two variants – one is built into a bottom-bracket spindle to activate a hubmotor and other monitors the tension on the chain.
“Speed Sensor” is another type of Pedal Assist sensors in which a ring filled with tiny magnets spins past a sensor. The ring is attached to the pedal-arm which gives message to the controller that the pedals are moving.
TSDZ2 has both, a torque sensor and a “speed sensor”. Because of these two sensors the power gets instantly on, and when you stop pedaling, the power instantly gets off.
Another important thing is that the harder you pedal more power it generates. This helps store a lot of amps in the battery as you pedal your way.
TSDZ2 comes with one 42T chainring, which uses a fairly common 110-BCD mounting pattern with a bottom bracket derailleur.
The Tongsheng VLCD5 display is big and has a USB port. VLCD5 displays some of the very vital information – like speed, temperature, PAS, battery usage.
Street Legal e-bike kit
In the USA (where the street-legal power limit is 750W), many powerful kits [like my 1500W BBSHD] are sold as “off road use only”. This is where TSDZ2 stands out. You don’t need any legal requirements or formalities for this conversion kit.
4. BAFANG BBS02B – 8 Fun – Electric Bike Conversion Kit With Battery
A powerful mid drive electric bike kit – Bafang BBS02B is a very popular product in the e-bike markets. With several thousands of purchases globally – this kit has made its mark.
You will observe a stark competition between Bafang BBSO2B and Tangsheng TSDZ2 – with both bikes having their pros and cons.
BBS02 vs BBSHD
This kit is the B version to the previously very famous BBS02 conversion kit. BBS02 was a 750W version of BBSHD 1000W. BBSHD and BBS02 reaches their sales epic – and were so in demand that you will find various searches on BBS02 vs BBSHD.
Bafang introduced several reforms in the BBS02 version and introduced the 750W BBSO2B model – which is an upgraded product and can stand the BBSHD challenge.
Bafang Mid Drive Kit
All of the Bafang’s mid drive kit are very famous. The kits are all inclusive, have standard fitting sizes and are self explanatory.
BBSO2B comes with all necessary accessories and is designed to fit a standard 68-73mm bottom bracket. This kit is so easy to assemble that you can easily convert your pedal bike into a motorized bike within 1 hour.
Bafang 750W BBSHD Motor
Bafang BBSO2 features a highly strong and efficient mid drive 48V 750W motor. 750W gives it a lot of power makes the kit appropriate for fat-bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes as well.
This kit uses the popular Bafang BBSHD motor but not the recently introduced Bafang BBSHD 1500W.
The motor comes with a thumb throttle and speed sensors which makes gear changing and speed controlling very easy.
The brakes are super efficient but not hydraulics. If you want you can customize the brakes to your choice.
The kit comes with chainring wheel, a crank and 1T4 wire and nuts.
The 48V model should be powered by a 48V battery only as the motor will not be able to handle more power. When fully charged a 48V battery will actually produce approximately 54.6V – which is enough for the motor to handle.
Bafang actually supplies high end battery with this motor – which has several good reviews. The battery is made of high quality 2900mah samsung Cells.
You can select the battery at the time of purchase. The battery gets dispatched separately, and it takes a little longer than motor kit.
Bafang 750c Display
A very unique feature in this bafang conversion kit is that you can choose displays according to your preference. If you want a 750c display with a 750W bike – than that is also an option – or else you can choose between 500c, 850c, c18, c961, c965, sw102 displays.
BBS02B’s performance
Install this kit on a decent bike, with good brakes and suspension and you will have a great high performance e-bike that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
If you use the full power mode constantly and use the throttle very often then the kit will loose its power. Another important thing to note is to use the allowed volts only. DO NOT USE 52V BATTERY ON A 48V SUPPORTING MOTOR.
Item Specifics:
- Voltage:48V
- Wattage:750W
- Motor Type:Brushless Gear Motor
- Bafang motor Model:BBS02B
- Bafang Motor Position:Mid Crank
- Bafang Controller:Integrated Inside the Motor
- Display:C961/C965/850C/750C/C18
- Chainring:44T/46T/48T/52T
- Certification:CE/EN/ROHS
5. Murtisol – Affordable Electric Bike Kit
Mutrisol’s Electric E-Bike Motor Kit might not be the cheapest electric bike conversion kit but is a definite money saver. With some electric bike kits costing you 500 to 1000 dollars – this kit costs you somewhere much below than 200 dollars. It might be the most affordable electric bike kit available in the market.
Affordable Ebikes – Manufacturer
Mutrisol is known to manufacture affordable e-bikes – most of them costing below 200 dollars. They recently entered into “homemade electric bike” market where you can convert your bike into e-bike.
Mutrisol’s this kit has gained a lot of consumer attractions recently and is being traded like hot cakes. If you order now you will also get an electric kit safety bag along with the purchase.
This kit has two variants – a 500 Watt Electric Bike Kit and a 1000w Electric Bike Kit. The 500 watts kit has rear wheel drive while the 1000W electric bike kit has both the front and the rear wheel drive option.
We will review the 500 watt electric bike kit review.
500 vs 1000
Although 500 watts are much less than 750 watts and 1000 watts e-bike conversion kits – but today people are searching for low power motors.
There is demand for 250w electric bike conversion kit too. So basically 500 watts give it an edge and makes it an average motor – that is the least requirement when you go on roads or drive on off-road terrains.
The brushless gearless hub motor in the bike features an Aluminum alloy powerful controller and has some Rare-earth metal magnets. Twist throttle feature enables better control over the speeds and has battery level display and power-cut off button.
With 500 watts motor you can clock a maximum speed of 27 mph which is considerably fast. Secondly the combination of pedal assistance and an average motor becomes perfect for long riding as well.
The kit comes with chain sprocket attachment – which can be easily installed on the wheel. It also features Brake levers – which cut off the power supply to the motor safely.
The kit claims to be built to the highest international standards CE, EN15194.
This kit is suitable for bikes having front fork of 3.9’’ and rear fork of 5.3’’.This kit is for 26″ tires. The size of front wheel can be the same as rear wheels.
It is advisable to not ride the bike on the heavy rainy day to protect electric wiring and batteries! Another reason is that there are numerous reports which show that electric hub motor freeze in cold weather. So keeping it same from rain will protect it from cold weather too.
Like other best electric conversion bike kits reviewed above – this kit does NOT come with either LED or LCD unit. As discussed earlier it is a budget electric bike conversion kit – and hence you can not get all the luxury features.
One thing is guaranteed that – this kit is the best electric bike kit under 200 dollars. And the product highly justifies its price.
