Electrifying your bike: a good idea?

Can't afford to invest in an electric bike? No problem! Thanks to our "electric bike" kits, you can electrify your two-wheeled vehicle. Yes, it's possible!

It's a responsible alternative, but above all it's less expensive! All you have to do is choose a kit and master a few tools!

So, how to do it ? Which kit to choose and where to buy it? Can anyone install it? Don't worry, it's easier than it seems. We make the point!

By converting your bike into an electric bike, you can save hundreds or even thousands of euros. Not bad, eh? This is also the case if you opt for a second-hand bike or refurbished (like at Upway 😉 ).

An electric-assist bike costs an average of €2,500, while conversion kits range from €200 to €1,000 for the most advanced. That's an average of 3 to 4 times the cost. These savings can even be used to finance bicycle insurance, which will be compulsory if your bike exceeds 25 km/h (source: Callmepower.be).

Let's face it, parting with your bike is not always easy! You have spent time with it, travelled many kilometers, crossed rough roads,... You love it, and we understand you!

So why get rid of it? By converting your bike, you ensure that you have an EAB that suits you. In addition, you are doing something ecological and you avoid over-consumption.

Another aspect not to be overlooked: kits can be assembled as well as disassembled. What does this mean? You can easily replace cables, the battery or make other modifications. Child's play compared to electric bikes!

It is a kit that usually combines a motor and a battery. It allows to transform a bicycle into an electric bicycle. The action of pedaling will start the motor, that is to say the assistance to pedaling.

The kits are designed to be installed directly by an individual. However, if you have any doubts or if you are struggling, do not hesitate to contact a professional.

Three types of kits are available to power your bike: front wheel motor, rear wheel motor and crankset motor. You can choose it according to your uses, your needs but especially your bike.

The composition of most kits :

• an electric motor (which theoretically should not exceed 250W)
• a lithium battery
• a controller
• a pedal sensor
• a console
• cables

If needed, you can add additional parts such as mechanical brake levers, cables needed for mounting or a throttle.

Most bicycles are compatible with the installation of a kit, whether you have a MTB or a city bike. To be sure of choosing the best kit, it's best to know the bike's technical specifications.

Check a few things: the distance between the wheels on the frame, the size of the tires, the size of the rims, the pedal box, the clamping or the width of the frame tips. Compare the dimensions with the kit you want.

There are several kits to electrify your two-wheeler: front wheel, rear wheel or pedals. It's up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and uses!

Here's how to tell them apart and discover some of the best kits available on the market!

This is by far the simplest solution, but also the least expensive! You don't need a lot of tools or to be an expert in DIY. Simply remove the wheel and replace it with a new motorized one. Add a sensor to the crankset, and you're done!

The bike is electrified in a few minutes.

But it has a significant disadvantage. With an important weight distributed on the front of the bike, the balance is precarious. Even more so when the battery is discharged. A slip is quickly arrived!

This mechanism is mainly suitable for folding bikes and electric city bikes. Ideal for small budgets and short distances. Don't count on it for rough roads or rainy weather!

To go faster and further, you can opt for this front motor conversion kit, which adapts to different types of bikes.

Its main characteristic? Its ease of installation! The kit requires barely 10 minutes to install.

Benefits:

• High speed
• A powerful engine
• A quick installation

Disadvantages:

• Some components are missing: the battery, the charger and the disc brake

This conversion kit is worth the trip! It can be assembled in 20 minutes and has an intelligent progressive assistance.

Its torque is higher than most of its competitors but thanks to the brushless system it is much quieter.

Benefits:

• Easy to install
• Comfortable to use thanks to the numerous accessories
• Minimalist design

Disadvantages:

• Lack of sealing
• The battery is not included

The kits with the motor on the rear wheel are a bit more complicated to install. But it is an interesting alternative. The (big) plus compared to the front wheels: a better balance.

Allow less than an hour for installation.

The battery is not usually integrated into the wheel or motor. You will have to attach it to the frame or to the carrier.

The kits usually include an LCD screen. It allows you to check the battery life, adjust the engine power, display the speed or get driving info. It is sometimes available as a smartphone application.

If this is not the case, it requires a small additional step.

Mainly suitable for electric VTC for urban driving. Ideal for long trips on flat roads. You'll still be able to enjoy an energetic, slightly sportier ride. Forget about this motor if you're planning to ride in the mountains.

This conversion kit of the brand Season has a motor with a power of 350W. Its maximum speed? 32 km/h. With a weight of 3.2 kg, its lithium-ion battery has an autonomy of about 50 kilometers.

Installation is a breeze! It only takes about 10 minutes!

Benefits:

• Stability and balance
• Easy to install
• Good autonomy

Disadvantages:

• The kit is not compatible with hydraulic brakes
• Instructions are not available in French
• Slow battery recharge

This rear wheel conversion kit has a good reputation and is ideal for smaller budgets!

Like its competitors, installation is simple! The kit consists of the rear wheel with its motor, a wiring harness, the motor controller, the gearbox and the ancillary parts.

Benefits:

• Easy to install
• 2 modes of use

Disadvantages:

• The battery is not included as well as the brake discs
• The motor is not waterproof

More expensive than its competitors, the Yose Power kit is suitable for all bikes: city, road, mountain, hiking, ... The motor has no gears and makes little noise.

You can benefit from 5 levels of assistance and a 6 km/h boost when the gas pedal button is pressed.

It won't take you more than an hour to install!

Benefits:

• Simple installation
• Good quality/price ratio
• Complete guide with videos

Disadvantages:

• Slow load
• Not suitable for hydraulic brakes and "HOLLOWTECH II".

Let's face it, it's not the easiest to install, but it's the most efficient! In short, it is the best type of kit! You will need some skills, especially to disassemble the original crankset of the bike.

It works differently from the wheel motor because it drives the chain and therefore the wheel attached to it. The electric assistance is proportional to the cyclist's needs. You will quickly forget that your bike is electric!

Its main advantage? Increased efficiency when climbing. In addition, the weight is distributed in an optimal way.

For whom?

Pedal motor kits are perfect for MTB ! However, their versatility allows them to be adapted to all types of bikes and routes.

Count on a higher budget than for the kits with wheel motor!

This is one of the best conversion kits available on the market! It is very easy to install with clear instructions and video explanations.

The Bafang kit has a power of 500 or 750W. The 500W models have a voltage that varies between 36 and 48 Volts. The 750W version has a voltage of 48V. On its side, the battery has an autonomy of 50 km. You can go up to 9 levels of assistance.

In addition, this kit consists of an LCD screen to connect and brakes or hydraulic brake connectors. This allows compatibility with more models of bikes.

Benefits:

• Easy to install
• The power of the engine
• Compatibility with a large number of bikes

Disadvantages:

• Acceleration is a bit abrupt
• Difficult to assemble without the proper tools

This is a powerful, solid and reliable kit! An excellent quality/price ratio! Whether you use it for urban or off-road use. 

This is the least powerful kit from Bafang. Easy to install, it is ideal for beginners. It combines reliability, quality and a good level of support. 

Benefits:

• Easy to install
• Its lightness
• Its 9 levels of assistance

Disadvantages:

• No instructions

With Tongsheng, you are dealing with an affordable and quality central engine. It has good power and torque (80 Nm max). Perfect for daily commute and long distance!

Benefits:

• Good quality/price ratio
• Very light
• Face the difficulties of the field

Disadvantages:

• Noisy on the way up 

Before investing in a kit, it is essential to know the regulations in force. First of all, rest assured that using an approved electric bicycle kit is legal. However, to be used on public roads, you must respect a few conditions:

• The motor power must be 250W maximum
• Speed must be limited to 25 km/h
• The assistance must be triggered when pedaling and cut off when the pedaling stops.

If the motor exceeds 250W, the electric bicycle must have insurance and a license plate. You will not be able to use the bike paths. The cyclist must wear a helmet. In the eyes of the law, these bikes are classified as mopeds, speed bikes. 

Are you convinced? You want to buy an electric bike kit? Internet will be your best friend! The e-commerce sites offer a wide choice: Amazon, eBay, Cdiscount, Bafang,...

However, if you prefer to go to a physical store, there are some that specialize in this area, especially in large cities.

Also note that the kits can be eligible for the VAE bonus from the State! Take a look at it !

If you're hesitating between buying an electric bike or converting your old one, here are a few arguments that could tip the balance! Obviously, choosing a "ready-to-use" electric bike has a number of advantages:

Assembly: A definite advantage of buying a ready-to-use electric bike - if you find one that fits your needs - is that you can assemble your machine without having to do any work. If you're not particularly handy, this is probably a better option for you. On the other hand, if you buy from a big name in cycling, your bike will be more reliable since it will have undergone a battery of tests and will meet European safety standards.

Proper construction: think of your safety! The frame of a conventional bike may not be suited to the forces that will be exerted after your kit is installed. The addition of a battery and motor will have an impact on the overall balance of your bike, which is something to consider if you're going to do this. The addition of the motor on the front wheel, for example, will make the control of the bike a little less predictable and you will need to adapt your riding to this new parameter.

Finally, "plug and play" electric bikes are equipped with brakes, bearings, chains and even tires specifically for the higher speeds and weights associated with the presence of the battery and motor. This may not be the case if you convert your bike!

Warranty: If you decide to buy a conversion kit, it is unlikely that you will benefit from the same warranty as those provided by the EAB manufacturers. If you buy an electric bike in Belgium, you benefit from a two-year legal warranty and some brands offer even longer warranties!

An important point when you know the price of VAE batteries.

To conclude: The main argument for choosing a conversion kit over an electric bike is cost. An electric bike new will of course be more expensive than a conversion kit, but if budget is no object, you should still go for a bike designed to withstand high forces and speeds. Your safety and comfort are at stake.

All solutions have advantages and disadvantages. Each one will find its audience.

City dwellers will prefer in-wheel motor kits for ease of use, a fair price and interesting performance.

The kits with pedal motor will suit demanding cyclists, mountain bikers and all those who are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

It's easy! When you buy an electric bicycle, it must meet the European standard NE15194. That is to say that the power of the EAB is limited to 250W, its assistance to 25 km/h. The motors are therefore all the same regardless of the price.

A kit will allow you to choose your engine and your power then to install it on the bike. This allows you to adapt it to your terrain: road, city, mountain, off-road,...

Less expensive than an electric bike! The first prices are around 100€. But it will depend on the power and options. The mid-range are between 400€ and 600€.  

Yes, it is! It's not easy to convert your bike into an electric bike, it can even be dangerous. Aging bikes, for example, are not necessarily designed to be modified or to support power. So you have to be careful!

The main risks? They are mechanical. The batteries must also be checked and maintained to avoid the risk of fire. Especially, that these bikes are not subject to any technical control.

No, it is not mandatory. In case of an accident, you can't claim against the manufacturer of the bike because of the modifications.

Insurance is mandatory for engines exceeding 25 km/h. However, it is not advisable to install a kit that is too powerful.