How to Turn A Mountain Bike Into An Electric Bike

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Updated March 8, 2023

The typical components of a conversion kit include a hub for the motor, the motor itself, a lithium battery pack, and the gears needed to push the pedals when activating pedal assist. Some kits can go above and beyond these basic components, with some companies offering accessories such as Bluetooth receivers, throttle mechanisms, and more. You can also generally pick and choose what type of battery and motor you want in your conversion kit. Choosing an extra-large battery or an extremely powerful motor will, however, cost extra.

Key Takeaways:

  • DIY conversion kits are a great option for turning a traditional mountain bike into an electric bike.
  • These kits tend to include a motor, a hub, a battery, and a variety of gears and cables.
  • Not all bikes will match every conversion kit available, so do some research before making a purchase.

Converting a mountain bike into a high-performance electric bicycle can be both fun and rewarding, despite the time commitment.

Converting Your Bike To Electric

The benefits of an electric bike over a standard bicycle are numerous. eBikes are fun to ride, can simplify daily commutes and errands, and can help you save money on gas and car repairs. The pedal-assist options available can also help with climbing steep inclines and the like.

However, battery size, disc brakes, and a mid-drive system all contribute to the overall experience of riding an electric bike. Battery size will determine how long you can ride on one charge, while disc brakes deliver superior stopping power even in wet conditions. A mid-drive system connects the motor to the crank arms of the bicycle, providing more torque than a rear-hub motor.

Insider Tip

  • The typical components of a conversion kit include a hub for the motor, the motor itself, a lithium battery pack, and the gears needed to push the pedals when activating pedal-assist
  • Before making a purchase, you will need to be certain that your desired conversion kit and your bicycle can integrate with one another

Things to Consider Before Converting

How to make an electric bike can be time-consuming. But converting a bike to an electric mountain bike can ensure you have the perfect outdoor activity bike for a ton of fun. Alternatively, you can purchase an electric mountain bike if you don’t want to convert an old bike.

Electric bike components and an e-bike conversion kit are available to buy to help you make an electric mountain bike from a regular bike. There is also electric bike technology that is available to retrofit regular bikes with electric motors, batteries, and controllers.

Remember that whether you are converting a traditional bike or buying a new ebike, electric bikes have pros and cons, and you need to decide if they will be worth it for you. With that said, here are a number of tips and guidelines to consider before purchasing a conversion kit and undergoing the transformation process to an electric bike. In short, you can turn a regular mountain bike into an electric bike, with an electric bike conversion kit.

Double Check the Kit and the Bike

Before making a purchase, you will need to be certain that your desired conversion kit and your bicycle can integrate with one another. We would recommend doing some online research to see how much compatibility the kit you are thinking about buying offers. Some advertise universal compatibility, but this is very rarely actually the case. Google your actual bike make and model to see if other consumers have successfully attached a conversion kit.

Conventional bikes come in a variety of wheel sizes, so you may need to purchase a kit that fits your specific wheel size. For more information, you can visit a local bike shop.

Warning

  • Choosing an extra-large battery or an extremely powerful motor will, however, cost extra.
  • Some advertise universal compatibility, but this is very rarely actually the case.

Installation Procedure

The installation procedure will vary depending on your bicycle frame and the make and model of the conversion kit you have purchased. Generally speaking, there are some commonalities with the installation steps.

  1. You will be expected to remove the brackets from your standard bicycle before adding any of the conversion kit components.
  2. Installing the battery will typically be the next step, and there should be thorough instructions included with your kit.
  3. Installing the motor and the hub are the next steps, along with any related gears.
  4. You will have to connect each component to one another, taking great care to plug in any errant cables.
  5. Finally, you’ll be able to give your new electric bike a test ride.

STATS:

  • Constantly keeping the battery at a full 100 percent charge may lessen the lifespan of the battery pack. Try to keep it at around 80 percent charged. (Source)

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_bike
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bicycle_types
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedelec

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg4Ht0Z6BDU

A Handy Guide For Converting Your Mountain Bike Into An Electric Bicycle FAQ

What does it take to install an e-bike kit?

All of the necessary components should arrive with the kit, but we do recommend having some tools on hand, such as wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers.

Should I buy a new electric bike or convert my existing bike?

This depends on your preferences. Conversion kits are cheaper than dedicated eBikes, but modern electric bikes do not require as much maintenance and feature a simpler installation procedure.

What are the different types of e-bike conversion kits?

There are a multitude of different types of eBike conversion kits, including rear-hub motor conversion kits, front-hub motor conversion kits, and mid-drive conversion kits.
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