e-Bike Conversions

[1990C4S]

Anybody done the kit conversions?

Looks like you can get a 26" tire with electric hub, 1000W, 30 ish MPH, for somewhere between 200 and 400 hundred bucks.

The cheap kits use lead acid batteries, you would want something better, but they are awfully cheap.

Maybe too cheap?

Typical:

26" New E Bike 48V 1000W Electric Motor Hub Bicycle Rear Wheel Conversion Kit | eBay

[dad911]

I'm interested also, but prices seem better on Amazon....

[Tobra]

Sister's husband did one for their daughter, who has CP. He put it on a 3 wheeler with a basket in the back, so she could get to classes in college, and when she graduated and got a job with Google, or Yahoo, or whoever it was offered the best deal. Three wheeler gave more stability and more room for batteries. She would also use it for going to the store to get groceries, or whatever. It was a front wheel drive setup.

[Joe Bob]

Do't do a front wheel drive conversion. You will hate it.

[Charles Freeborn]

For $400 I'll sell you a ready to ride Lash-Out eBike.

https://youtu.be/fBC8C1lEBrQ

probably needs fresh batteries, but lo miles and always garaged indoors.

[wdfifteen]

I was intrigued by them, but I have too many projects now. Looks like it would be fun though.

[1990C4S]

I have 'access' to some pretty good batteries.

Good enough for a car....

I want something 'illegal' but looks legal.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Do't do a front wheel drive conversion. You will hate it.

Worked okay on the three wheeler. She needed the stability of 3 wheels, and RWD was working out to be too complicated.

[Joe Bob]

Not a REAL bike. FW will do OK on a tricycle.

[Bill Douglas]

Lance Armstrong is an expert with this.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Sister's husband did one for their daughter, who has CP. He put it on a 3 wheeler with a basket in the back, so she could get to classes in college, and when she graduated and got a job with Google, or Yahoo, or whoever it was offered the best deal. Three wheeler gave more stability and more room for batteries. She would also use it for going to the store to get groceries, or whatever. It was a front wheel drive setup.

This is an awesome application for an e-bike. I see them as being a great way to help people get out and get some exercise even with a disability, injury or weight issue.

[wdfifteen]

Just be careful, you know what happens when you let electricity into your garage.

[derek murray]

A couple of years ago I converted an old mountain bike into an electric monster. I went with a mid drive motor that uses a chain to "assist" your pedaling. Its certainly not a stealthy set-up, but it works well and allows me (54) to ride to and from work (25KM each way) without being completely gassed upon arrival. Its also a blast to trail ride with, summer and winter.

[patz]

What were your costs and sources?

[derek murray]

Originally Posted by patz

What were your costs and sources?

Battery and controller: $650.00 > EM3ev
Mid Drive: $400.00 > Lightning Rods Mid Drive
Controls - Brakes and throttle: $100.00 > EM3ev
Interface: $200.00 Grin News
Knowledge base: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/

Adding it all up, it is not cheap. Add in better brakes, a mirror etc. the total cost can climb quickly... but then so can the bike... on steep inclines

If I had to do it over again, I would probably look into a Bafang drive and maybe a more modest battery.

[1990C4S]

Here is a decent article on the Bafang mid-drive versus a hub drive.

https://www.electricbike.com/bafang-bbso2-750w-mid-drive/