CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Electric conversion kits

(7 posts)
  • Started 2 years ago by crowriver
  • Latest reply from steveo
  • This topic is not resolved
  • poll: Which style of conversion kit is best?
    Front wheel : (0 votes)
    Rear wheel : (0 votes)
    Mid-drive : (1 votes)
    33 %
    Just buy a purpose built e-bike : (1 votes)
    33 %
    Electric bikes are cheating : (1 votes)
    33 %

    2 votes


  1. crowriver
    Member

    I'm mulling over a possible project, to convert a donor bike (Alloy framed hardtail MTB) into an electric bike. Just to really test the idea out, see how practical it is for DIY. I've done test rides on purpose built electric bikes, and they are great, but just want to try fettling something more home brew.

    There's a bewildering array of choices out there, from simple front wheel kits, ubiquitous rear wheel ones, to more challenging mid-drive retrofit options. So I'm a bit uncertain what to plump for. Budget is a consideration, I'm not going for a premium deluxe solution or I'd just buy a purpose built e-bike.

    So I wonder if anyone has built up an electric conversion kit? Was it front wheel? Rear wheel? Or mid-drive? What brand did you choose and why?

    Posted 2 years ago #

  2. SRD
    Moderator

    you'll recall this thread. as you say, not the cheapest.

    http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=20674

    Posted 2 years ago #

  3. acsimpson
    Member

    If you want the cheapest then Ali express is probably your best choice. However it does come with major caveats about warranty and return costs. If you get lucky though you might just be able to convert a bike for under the £200 mark.

    My brother did this a few years ago and it worked well other than being a 26" wheel on a 700c bike. It looks like other wheel sizes are now available though.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  4. crowriver
    Member

    @SRD, how did you get on with the Swytch? They are out of sock just now, so I'd have time to think about it... :-)

    Posted 2 years ago #

  5. crowriver
    Member

    @acsimpson, loads of kits on fleaBay, Amazorg, etc. too. Just trying to figure out what the best value proposition is, not necessarily the absolute cheapest. The bike has 26" wheels so plenty of options in the bargain basement...

    Posted 2 years ago #

  6. SRD
    Moderator

    Mostly good. I love the feeling f freedom. Not stressing about hills. Or heavy panniers. Being able to pull away safely at junctions.

    I’m not sure it fits my bike well (small frame?). Have some difficulties with pedal sensor.

    The new version is much smaller size/weight battery. But apparently also lower range. Aimed at commuters not tourers. Swytch user communities not happy.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  7. steveo
    Member

    I've looked at the options a few times. My current one is a belt driven rear wheel option and its fine. I'd like to try a front drive as I think you'd get torque steer issues but I'd like to see for myself.

    I was considering converting an elephant bike so started looking at mid drives and in the end I think I'd go mid drive regardless, you only need the motor and mount and a battery. Most other after market systems have a controller in a bag and wires going everywhere, it just looks so untidy. Only downside is the extra wear on the drive train.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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