How to Make an Electric Bike

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written by:

Updated March 8, 2023

Key Takeaways:

  • Electric bike conversion kits tend to cost around half as much as a brand new eBike.
  • These DIY kits offer superior customization options, which can suit riders who have a unique set of needs.
  • DIY conversion kits tend to be modular in design, simplifying the repair and replacement process.

If you are looking to convert a traditional bicycle to an electric bike, and don’t want to purchase a new eBike, you have a few options to choose from. The electric bike components you need for a conversion can be found in a wide range, from electric motors and batteries to disc brakes and control systems. Depending on the type of electric bike you are creating, some of these components may be essential to making your electric bike safe and functional.

An Easy Guide to Creating Your Own Electric Bicycle

The nuts and bolts of creating an electric bicycle can be difficult, though there are several methods you can use to achieve success. You can attach a powered wheel to the front or rear of the bike. You can also attach a drive unit to the bike’s bottom bracket, and you can fit a motor above the rear wheel and drive it using friction. These tend to be expensive and time-consuming options, however, so we recommend learning about DIY conversion kits.

They can provide you with a complete ebike or an e-bike conversion kit that will transform your current bike into an electric vehicle. With the right knowledge and tools, you’ll be able to complete this project in no time. All you need is some patience during the process, and you’ll soon have a safe, reliable electric bicycle.

Learn About DIY Kits

DIY conversion kits are ready-made packs that include everything you will need to convert a traditional bicycle to an eBike. These kits tend to include a hub with a motor, a battery pack, and related gears for turning the pedals. While you’re at it, if you like the DIY aspect of these kits, you may be interested in other things you can do on your bike that are also DIY. If that’s the case, you can learn how to make a battery for your electric bike if you want a custom-sized battery. Additionally, we have a great article on electric bike lights repair., should you run into any problems with them. Now, here are some of the benefits of picking up one of these DIY kits.

Speaking of benefits, are electric bikes worth it? They are, especially if you are looking for a low-cost and easy way to save money on transportation.

Insider Tip

  • These kits tend to include a hub with a motor, a battery pack, and related gears for turning the pedals
  • The best reason to pick up a DIY conversion kit is that it will save you money
  • Most DIY conversion kits are built to be fully modular, which can ease some of the headaches regarding repairs and replacements

Save Money

The best reason to pick up a DIY conversion kit is that it will save you money. Brand new electric bikes can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. The kits, however, tend to cost around half as much as an entire eBike, as you aren’t paying for the frame, pedals, handlebars, and other traditional bike components. They also come with e-bike batteries, an LCD display, and different sizes of wheels to choose from. By customizing your own eBike, you get exactly what you need in terms of battery life, wheel size, and overall look without having to pay extra.

Do thorough research, however, as not every bicycle can integrate with every conversion kit. Look for a universal kit that has been purpose-built to fit as many bike frames as possible. Moreover, you can save even more money if you know how to properly maintain an ebike.

That being said, electric conversion kits are a great way to jumpstart your electric bike journey. And, an electric bike purchasing guide can help you make the best decision.

According to expert reviewers, power output and speed increases are two important factors when shopping for an electric bike conversion kit. They’ll help you get faster speeds. Plus, it’s important to pay attention to power output as it will determine how fast your bike can go and whether you need assistance getting up hills.

Warning

  • Do thorough research, however, as not every bicycle can integrate with every conversion kit

Related Posts:

Customization Options

Buying a DIY conversion kit can offer a range of customization options that are not available with a brand-new electric bike. This can be especially useful when it comes to the lithium battery pack, as these kits tend to allow consumers to mix and match components. In other words, you can pick a powerful battery that will allow for dozens and dozens of miles before needing to be recharged. There will be additional fees for some high-grade components.

Easier Repairs and Replacements

Most DIY conversion kits are built to be fully modular, which can ease some of the headaches regarding repairs and replacements. These kits are usually designed so the battery can easily be attached and removed, which is a feature new electric bikes do not always offer. The same can go for motors, the hub, and gears. So if this interests you be sure to check out how to convert a bike to electric for a more detailed explanation of how these kits work. You can even learn how to turn a mountain bike into an electric bike if you so choose.

STATS:

  • To keep your battery in the best condition, re-charge it to around 70% full every six months and charge it fully before your first ride if it has been in storage for some time. (Source)

Sources:

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6dEkXuUnDM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedelec
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle_conversion
https://wiki.aalto.fi/display/MEX/Easy+e-bike+conversion+kit

An Easy Guide to Creating Your Own Electric Bicycle FAQ

What are electric bicycles?

Simply put, an electric bike is a traditional bicycle that has been outfitted with a hub, a motor, a battery, and a variety of related gears.

Will the battery charge as I pedal?

Self-charging technology is on the horizon and some eBikes already offer batteries that charge as you pedal. However, the tech is in its nascent stages and is not quite efficient.

How do you do an eBike conversion?

The steps for installation will vary depending on the make and model of the conversion kit and your pre-existing bicycle.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image