Power requirements like High wattage, Amp hour and Volt rating is what you require to ride over rough terrains and long distances. For the utmost effortless journey, you need to install a powerful e-bike conversion kit. Below are the top 4 most powerful and fastest e-bike conversion kits available in the market.
Detailed review of each item is down below
The questions answered below will help you select a conversion kit that is the most appropriate according to your budget and needs.
Is it possible to convert a conventional bike into an e-bike?
An Electric bike conversion kit can give an electric boost to your ordinary bicycle just by fitting equipment, allowing you to experience a completely different dimension of cycling.
These kits include compact electric motors, a battery, an LCD display panel and electric brake handles along with other accessories. Once fitted, these e-bikes can average speeds ranging between 15-20mph.
These prepackaged tools are all you need to motorize your beloved bike.
How Much Power Do You Need?
The amount of power required by your e-bike is dependent on your weight, the purpose you will be using the e-bike for, the terrain, how fast you want to ride and the weather conditions. A heavier individual wanting to climb up a steep terrain would require more force than required by a skinny person to ride up a hill.
For a short commute (i.e., 15 miles) the recommended motor wattage would be 500W, however if you enjoy higher speeds a 1000w -1500w motor would be ideal since they are more powerful and bring a much better hill climbing experience.
Does the Battery Influence the Power and Speed of Your E-Bike Conversion Kit?
The power output of your e-bike conversion kit depends on its two components, the controller and the motor. The controller is responsible for supplying the electric energy to the e-bikes motor while the motor converts this energy to help the e-bike accelerate.
Most E-bike conversion kits include a battery that supplies energy to the electric motor (included in the kit) to produce power. It is important to keep in mind that a larger battery would have no effect on the motor’s power output. The battery should be able to provide enough current to keep the motor working, any additional increase in its capacity would not increase the power output of the motor.
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Factors That Impact the Power of an E-Bike Kit
In order to determine how fast or powerful your e-bike conversion kit is, it is important to understand the energy measurements that apply to the motor and battery in the kit.
Watts
Watt is a unit of power that measures the instantaneous power input or output of your e-bikes motor which significantly affects your e-bike’s performance.
The two-watt ratings to consider before buying an e-bike conversion kit are: The continuous watt rating which is the amount of continuous energy consumed by the motor and the peak watt rating which describes the quantity of energy managed by the motor for a short time period.
For a better idea of the maximum power of your motor multiply the battery voltage with continuous amperage from the motor to get the watt hours.
Amps(A) x Volts(V) = Watts(W).
In the United States a 750-watt motor with a speed of 20mph is the legal limit so unless you want to use the e-bike off the road or on mountainous terrain avoid going for higher watt ratings.
Volts
Volts determine the horsepower. They measure the amount of energy pushed from the battery to the motor and the responsiveness of the e-bike. High volts can get you increased RPM from the motor which results in better performance, endurance and speed.
Amp Hours
Amp hours define the amount of power an e-bike’s battery can hold. A battery with a high amp hour rating is able to hold more energy and allow the e-bike to go for long distances.
Higher voltage and amp hours will make your e-bike accelerate faster, climb up steep hills and travel over long distances effortlessly.
Other Important Features to Consider Before Buying an E-Bike Conversion Kit
It is important to note that motors with similar watt ratings from different companies may have a difference in their power levels.
Read and understand the above-mentioned information and data to finalize an e bike conversion kit that suits your power requirements.
Most Powerful and Fastest Electric Bike Conversion Kits - Detailed Reviews
1. HALLOMOTOR Electric Bicycle Conversion Kits
The HalloMotor rear wheel kit is a high-quality option available at a reasonable price and is ideal for individuals looking for a powerful e-bike kit. However, the absence of a battery in the package is off-putting. It has a highly efficient 85% brushless gearless hub motor which provides fast acceleration and speeds up to 55km/hr. The power delivered is smooth with excellent support on uneven and flat terrains.
The kit includes a threaded motorized wheel, a Controller, a bag for the controller, left and right brake levers, Twist Speed Throttle with an Electric Key Lock 2ea, PAS (Pedelec Sensor), Battery connecting cables and a LCD display.
What I evaluated about this kit is the impressive performance of its 48v 1000-watt motor delivering an extraordinary Speed of 600 RPM along with its high-quality components that are also relatively easier to install.
Pros
Cons
- 36V 48V 1000W ebike Electric Bicycle 20" 24" 26"...
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2. BAFANG Electric Bike Conversion Kit
You can now effortlessly convert your bicycle into a motorized one by using this kit. It is extremely easy to install and can fit 99.99% of the bikes available in the market. The only downside however, is the moderately noisy motor and the 48v battery which makes the e-bike somewhat heavy.
The Brushless Mid Drive 48V 1000W motor has demonstrated to deliver an efficiency of 85% and works extremely well in assisting mountain climbs.
To aid your convenience the kit also includes a Speed Sensor, a thumb throttle, brake levers or brake sensor, an LCD, and a chain wheel with a free head or tail light.
Pros
Cons
- 🚲【Universal Compatible】Bafang BBS02B Mid...
- 🚲【Powerful and Reliable Motor】The BBS02...
- 🚲【Installation & Riding Model】Easily...
- 🚲 【Complete Accessories】 Comes with all...
- 🚲 【American Service Center】We have...
3. EBIKELING Direct Drive Waterproof E Bike Kit
Even the best kits certainly have some disadvantages. This power pack kit lacks essentials like tires and battery, that is therefore more expensive than the kit itself. The main drawback is the heavy weight of this kit. Poor cable management and over thickened rubbers is another dispute about these kits.
These kits come with an already attached hub motor and a double walled aluminum rim making them easy to install.. The powerful 1.45kW brushless hub motor and its controller has a high build quality which will make ascending and descending a hill effortless.
The waterproof kit includes a thumb or twist throttle, PAS, a freewheel, a torque arm, a tube liner and two brake levers. The upgraded display is extremely functional and records the speed, distance traveled, battery level and the wattage of your motor.
What made this kit unique for me is the option of freewheeling and cruise control which allowed instant switching between regular and power assisted pedaling.
Pros
Cons
- Easily convert your bicycle to an electric bike....
- Ebike Conversion Kit includes all necessary...
- Upgrade your ebike with a Programmable Colorful...
- Continue to pedal: Pedal Assist Sensor (PAS)...
- We offer a 1-year warranty on hub motors and...
4. BAFANG Mid Motor Ebike Conversion Kit
Although a comparatively pricier option the Bafang BBS03B is the cream of the crop.The kit is a successor to the previously mentioned BBS02B and comes with the necessary video instructions for installation. However, no technical details on its working mechanism are provided.
It comprises a durable 1000w brushless motor that reaches a peak wattage of 1500w making gliding across flat land effortless and is compatible with a variety of bike types like road, fat and mountain bikes. The battery included has a large capacity and longer life providing a better mileage.
Pros
Cons
- 🚲 【Universal Compatible】This BAFANG BBS03...
- 🚲【Powerful and Reliable Motor】The HD 1000W...
- 🚲 【Easy Installation & Three Riding Mode】...
- 🚲【Complete Accessories】 Comes with all...
- 🚲 【American Service Center】We have...
How much does an average e-bike conversion kit cost?
The cost of an e-bike conversion kit significantly depends on the type and the quality of the kit’s components. Generally, rear and front wheel conversion kits are much cheaper than those attached on the mid drive. Most decent kits cost around 250$ to 1000$ this variation is dependent on the purpose the ebike will be used for.
With the growth in popularity of e-bikes, more affordable e-bike conversion kits are becoming available in the market.
Also Read:
Swytch eBike Conversion Kit Review
Realistic budget for an E-bike conversion kit
Getting a durable e-bike conversion kit below $150 is nearly impossible. However, you can expect to find some fairly good models around 250$ without the battery. The additional cost of the battery could be anywhere between 200$ to a whopping 550$ depending on its power. Bringing your total expense to 500$ - 750$ for the whole package.
“All in one kits” come with all the tools required for the conversion and will cost you around 900$ for a decent quality kit. However the battery included in such kits is less powerful than externally bought batteries. It is best to check the specifications of the kit carefully, prioritize what you need and then make an informed decision.
A DIY e-bike is also a great option if you are looking for a budget friendly option. You can reproduce a named brand for a fraction of its price in a few hours but keep in mind such conversions don’t have warranties or support and are extremely difficult to install.
How much does it cost to install an electric bike conversion kit?
Although at first glance installing the kit may seem complicated to the cyclists, fitting a majority of e-bike conversion kits is actually an easy task. Since, all electric bike conversion kits are dissimilar there is a minor variation in the installation procedure.
Generally, mid-drive conversion kits are the most complicated to install due to the additional tools and effort needed to mount their motors on the e-bike’s frame.
If you are unable to install the kit yourself, you will have to get installed by a technician, which would cost you around 200$. In order to avoid this extra expenditure it is advised to purchase an e-bike kit, which comes with a comprehensive installation video and a manual.
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Cheapest Long Range Electric Bikes
Factors that influence the cost of an e-bike conversion kit
E-bike conversion kits have price tags beginning from exceptionally cheap I.e., 250$ to dizzyingly expensive I.e., 1800$. There are many factors responsible for this huge price variation among the kits with the most common being:
Manufacturer
The manufacturer should have a respectable track record in the market for selling kits with a high build quality. Their kit should be sustainable and compatible with a wide variety of bicycles available.
The reputability of the brand is a major factor that affects the quality, durability and the price of the conversion kit.
Battery
The battery is used to fuel the motor and hence is the most important and expensive part of an e-bike kit. When choosing the battery look for a higher amp-hour rating as it recharges quickly and gives more consistent power. Generally, the more mileage the battery provides the more expensive it would be.
Lead acid batteries are a cheaper alternative to lithium ion batteries for short commutes. However they are heavy and less efficient.
Motor
The performance capability of the motor plays a key role in influencing the overall cost of the kit. Standard motors have a power rating of 250-750 watts, the higher the rating of the motor the more the power is generated enhancing the riding experience. A larger motor would offer greater speed and range but would require an expensive battery.
A direct drive hub motor is a budget friendly and sturdier option for people who want an e-bike for short quick trips. However, these basic motors are bulky and comparatively less efficient.
Quality
A high quality product should be your top priority since it determines the durability of your e-bike. A low quality conversion won’t last long ultimately leading you to spend more on a kit you should have purchased in the first place.
Warranty
It is suggested to resist the temptation to go cheaper here. A minimum of one-year warranty on the kit’s components is a reasonable choice. This will enable you to get your e-bike repaired if any part is damaged.
The final and most important thing to consider is whether the kit comprises everything you need to automate your conventional bike.
Also Read:
Best All Terrain Electric Bikes
How many different types of e-bike conversion kits are there?
Mid-Drive Kits
On the Mid drive configuration, the motor and battery pack is mounted to the center point of the frame which as a result helps dividing its mass and subsequently reducing the weight of the e bike. This makes it perfect for tackling steep mounts and hills. However, these are expensive and their motor is prone to damage if driven off-road.
Front and Rear Wheel Kit
These are the cheapest and the most common kits available in the market where the existing wheel of the bike is replaced by a specialized wheel, which contains the gearing and the hub motor.
Concealed Drive Kits
These compact kits are hidden near the seat tube of the bicycle and are perfect for people who want something discrete.
Friction Drive Kits
These kits use friction, which aids the bike to propel it forward, and are simple and easy to install. The main drawback is that they are non-functional in wet weather.
Cheap e-bike conversion kits may sometimes mean decreased build quality and dodgy electronics. Therefore, it is suggested to go through the guide above before reaching a final decision to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.