Best Electric Bike Conversion Kit (December 2018) – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Best Electric Bike Conversion Kit in 2018 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
by David Wright | December 7, 2018
Electric bicycle conversion kits first appeared a long time ago. But they are now a very popular choice because of the increased awareness toward climatic change. All around the world people are adding bikes to their lifestyle to contribute to a green environment, save money from gasoline, and other practical reasons.
Many people already had a bike and don’t want to buy a new one. A cheap electric bike conversion kit came to solve this problem in a very efficient way. Recent models of e-bikes kits are easy to install, affordable and are compatible with many traditional bikes.
Nowadays, it is possible to go almost everywhere with your bike. This is why it is very important to select an electric conversion kit that allows you to keep the best features of your traditional bicycle while adding power and comfort.
Our best pick
After analyzing some of the best options, we found out that the AW Rear Wheel Kit is the best electric bike conversion kit we can recommend. It offers awesome traction as it is a rear wheel kit that also includes the full set of reinforced 32mm rim + 40mm tire.
You can reach up to 45 km/h and the pedal assistance allows you to keep cycling while driving the electric bike. The 26-inch tire keeps you comfy as it adds extra cushion and its dual-mode controller with hall effect and non-hall effect extends the life of the bike. The LCD display provides all the information you need to drive safely. But if you are looking for something that better matches your lifestyle, below you’ll find a full list of 5 electric bicycle conversion kits that will help you make the right decision.
Top 5 Electric Bike Conversion Kits
| Model | Electric motor power | |
|---|---|---|
| AW Rear Wheel Kit E-Bike Conversion | 1000W | |
| Ebikeling 700C | 500W | |
| GoPlus | 240W | |
| Jaxpety | 500W | |
| MegaBrand | 1000W |
1. AW Rear Wheel – Best Overall
The AW Kit E-Bike Conversion is a perfect choice for those who take the road and also like to get some action through the mountains as it offers a powerful motor of 48V/1000W. You can easily take long rides as it also provides great power and its LCD display gives you accurate readings of speed and battery level to make sure you can get back home.
The LCD features a promising display notifying time, mileage, speed, battery power, and gears. In addition, the installation of the kit is super easy. As far as the speed is concerned, it reaches up to 45 kilometers an hour.
Pros and Cons
It brings a full set of 26-inch rear wheel and tire
Includes electric controller with a 600D Oxford cloth carrying bag with a zippered main compartment
It might be hard to reach the top speed of 45 KPH
The motor could be a little noisy
2. Ebikeling 700C – The Best Humidifier with Essential Oils
With this conversion kit 700c, you will be able to get more fender clearance. It includes a complete set with LED display, motor/wheel, throttle, brake levers, pedal assist, torque arm, front and rear all-purpose lights, and cable ties. You can choose among 8 styles of Front/Thumb/Led according to your budget.
Brake-Levers set, and the safety cutoff switches are included in the kit. You can choose between LED and LCD display. Technical support is available from the manufacturer. You can either select twist or thumb throttle, whatever pleases you.
Pros and Cons
Includes Pedal Assist Sensor (PAS) which allows riding without throttle response
The hub motor is 14mm diameter and 500W
It is water resistant
Installation hardware and cable ties are included
Brake levers don’t work on hydraulic systems
Installation can take longer than expected
3. GoPlus – Largest Output
Although it is not a cheap electric bike conversion kit, its numerous features and advantages make it worthy to pay the price. It speeds up to 16MPH but it operates quietly, and the power lasts for a long time. It is perfect for long rides and distances.
GoPlus’ great innovation relies on its App that gives you feedback on driving speed, driving mileage, electric power, and more. As it is an electric bike conversion kit with battery, wheel, and charger you can install it as soon as you receive it.
The drive system ensures the provision of a smooth and friction-free motion. This kit includes the wheel, charger, battery, frame, and tire.
Pros and Cons
The motor is a hub brushless
Easy to convert
An integrated App provides crucial information such as electric power, driving speed and driving mileage, among others
Cell phone bracket is included with the USB charging function
The motor is only 36V / 240W
Charge time of the battery is 2 hours
4. Jaxpety – Best Healthy Humidifier
What makes this stand out is its intelligent motor controller. It allows you to determine the causes why your motor stops working properly by just using a single white switch. The Jaxpety has also a dual controller that guarantees that you can ride your motorized bike when the signal source is disabled.
Nylon has been used for the tires. The alloy double wall helps the rim to be more resistant. The brake levers are quite safe and reliable. Extra power is generated by the motor thanks to the metal-magnates. A user manual is available, so it becomes super-easy to get along without any complication.
Pros and Cons
The controller offers big current supply as it is made of aluminum alloy
The package contains 2 handle grips, 1 controller carrying bag, cable ties, and plastic coil
Wheel size is 26-inch x 1.57-inch
Maximum weight capacity is limited to 330 Lbs
5. MegaBrand – Runners-up Best Healthy Humidifier
Motor power of 48V / 1000 / 470rpm makes this the fastest electric bike conversion kit. It also includes everything to install it (except the battery). You will be able to reach up to 48 KMH without worrying about annoying noises because of its gearless hub motor.
This motor also offers 80% efficiency with a 9.6-inch diameter. The kit includes a whole set of wheel and tire, and the installation takes up to an hour. Another good news is that with MegaBrand kit you’re also getting a small bonus, which is a controller bag.
Pros and Cons
Front wheel size is 26-inch x 1.75-inch
The Thumb throttle includes 3 LED indicator lights
It doesn’t bring a tube liner to help protect the wheel
The manual of instructions is not written in proper English
What to know before converting your cycle into e-bike
An electric bike conversion kit is a great investment. And there are several ways to maximize it.
Firstly, it is important to find out the use you will give to it. Will it be only to commute? Will you ride in the hills?
What distance will you travel with it? All these questions are answered with the technical features of the electric bicycle conversion kits.
Front or rear hub/wheel?
Initially, there is not a significant difference that both systems offer except for the highest traction that rear wheel may deliver. If you are planning to use your bike to climb hills or your commuting route includes many ups and downs perhaps a rear model would be better for you. Besides, you should check your bike in order to verify which option fits better to it.
Motor efficiency
Although motor efficiency is showed in percentage, the best way to measure the efficiency is by checking the maximum speed you can reach. As you get the higher speed, you will have more efficiency. Recent models may reach up to 45-46 KMH, but those with 25 and above would be enough to take you anywhere you want.
Another way to verify the efficiency is the number of watts of the motor. When they reach between 500W and 1000W, they guarantee high power. Anything below 500W is only suitable for flat roads and short rides.
Price
The price is one of the main reasons that attract buyers to get electric bicycle conversion kits. Most of them are very competitive. An electric bike conversion kit with a battery may increase the price, but it will give you the benefit of installing the kit at the moment you receive it.
It also guarantees that you comply with the specifications of the manufacturer. It doesn’t make any sense to buy a cheap electric bike conversion kit if you have to buy all the missing parts for a higher price. So, be smart and verify the total cost.
Making an electric bike from old bicycle
Conclusion
If you are lucky enough to buy an electric bike conversion kit you have made the right decision. These kits are very precious tools to commute, travel and have a lot of fun. The newest technology provides them with incredible features to make them comfy, affordable, and easy to install and ride.
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