You should consider the condition and componentry of your old bike. With an electric motor dramatically increasing the torque, using a low-quality or worn drivetrain will result in poor performance, with shifting being affected and the chain skipping or even snapping. Another important consideration is the brakes, adding the extra weight of an electric bike conversion kit and increasing potential speeds will put more stress on the brakes as they try to curtail momentum. We recommend choosing to convert a bike that has disc brakes as they will provide far better braking performance. I haven't heard of a lot of these brands, are they safe to use? Some bike shops or workshops also may refuse to install a conversion kit to a bike they consider unfit for purpose or potentially unsafe. If you plan to have your local shop fit a kit it may be worth consulting with them on the job first to make sure they are happy to do it for you. How do we test the best electric bike conversion kits? Don’t use a throttle. A throttle is okay to use when you’re already riding along at a few miles an hour. But treating it like an electric moped and using the throttle constantly without pedalling will lead to problems.

The kit comes with replacement brake levers that will stop the motor when squeezed, so the system is limited to cable-actuated brakes (Image credit: Josh Ross) Verdict Along with the savings comes a project and that's the part you will want to consider. There are advantages to this, especially if you want to build something unique. It would make a great option for a cargo bike as an example. It can also save you money by trading your time for money paid. At the same time, it is a process that will require a fairly significant time investment. As long as you are on-board with the process, you'll end up with a high-quality electric bike. You can take pride in having built it and it's going to cost less than off the shelf. Tech Specs: BAFANG Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion Kit Kits are not the same as bikes, which are supplied as complete items needing little or no intervention by the customer.However, the speed is often limited as a result of country-specific regulations. In the UK, the assistance an e-bike can legally provide is up to 25kmph (15.5mph) and, after that point, the bike can go faster but without any assistance from the motor. Anything faster would not meet the UK's electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC) criteria, would be classed as a moped or motorcycle, and need to be licensed and taxed appropriately. The laws are different depending on the country, with the United States, for example, allowing more powerful motors – although individual states have their own legal frameworks. Which bike is best for electric conversion?

It is not 100% waterproof. Riding in the rain is okay, but very heavy rain and deep puddles are best avoided. How do I choose the right chainring size?

Kits

The most simple options are the friction-drive kits, such as the Rubbee X, which place a roller onto your rear tyre. In the example of the Rubbee, you simply need to mount the device onto your seat post, with the roller placed against the tyre. However, more complex systems require the removal of drivetrain components and wheels, and the installation of wiring. These are far from impossible, but they may require some tools and a bit of patience. How much does an electric bike conversion kit cost? Consumers have a tendency to look away when they encounter a new brand. It's not a bad strategy most of the time but in the electric bike world, including conversion kits, you've got to be more open than that. If you aren't open to names you've never heard of you will find the options limited. A lot of the names you may come across are unfamiliar to you but have a solid history behind them. Mid-Drive Conversion is the technology that the best e-bikes tend to use. A weight sits at a low point on the bike frame, and the power is applied to the crank. These can be more expensive, but the technology is typically better. There’s no standardization, however, which can make figuring out exactly what you need to make your bike work a little more challenging. Adding the parts is also a bit more complex than friction drive conversion.