How To Convert Your Regular Bike Into An Electric Bike: A Step-By-Step Guide

How Can We Convert A Regular Bike To Electric?

Contents

If you are looking for an electric bicycle conversion, then there's a good chance you may own one or two bicycles laid around your home that aren't being ridden at all! It's time to change that!

A conversion kit for an electric bicycle can be installed onto any regular bicycle without having to buy anything else. Most conversion kits include a battery, motors, and LCD display screens, along with various wiring and accessories. Once you've converted your bike, it can travel at speeds up to 15.5mph, which is the legal limit for electric bicycles in the UK.

You can find electric bike conversion kits online or through local retailers. Some kits include a battery, motor, LCD screen, and other accessories. Others may require additional parts to finish the job. Regardless of whether you buy a kit or build it yourself, there are several steps involved in converting your bike to electric. Here's a quick guide to making the switch:

Important Steps: To Convert Your Existing Bike To An Electric Bike

1. Check to See Whether Your Bicycle Can Withstand the Conversion

Before you start installing your electric bike conversion kit, make sure that your bicycle is sturdy enough to withstand the added weight and torque. You don't want to spend money on a brand-new bike only to realize that it won't hold up during the installation process.

Make sure that your bike has an appropriate seating system and comfortable tires so that you feel safe during the ride.

You'll also need a wide front frame triangle and handlebars. These elements will give you enough room to mount your conversion kit safely and securely.

Lastly, look at the frame material. Steel and aluminium are two common choices for building bicycles. Steel is stronger and more durable than aluminium, which makes it ideal for building an electric bike.

A bike with a carbon fibre frame will be more resistant to damage and wear. Carbon fibre is lighter than steel, so it doesn't add much weight to the bike.

Also, look at the wheel size. Most bikes come with standard-sized wheels, such as 16, 18, 20, 24, and 26 inches. These sizes are commonly found on road bikes and BMX bikes.

Standard wheel sizes are great because they're widely available and affordable. Plus, they're easy to work with.

If your bike comes with wider front triangles and handlebars, you'll have plenty of room to mount your conversion kits.

Finally, look at the brake system. Front disc brakes are more reliable and safer than rear drum brakes. Disc brakes are also easier to maintain and repair. 

Moreover, you must check the complete bike design conventional bike and converted E-bike, so that you have a complete idea of electric bike conversion cost, electric bike conversion guide,

and electric bike deals. 

2. Choose an Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit

There are several factors that you should consider when picking out an electric bicycle conversion kit, including motor power, overheating protection, mileage, and price range.

Motor Power

You'll want to look at the motor power of the conversion kit you purchase. Motor power refers to the wattage of the motor. A high-powered motor will provide more torque, meaning that it will give off more force when turning. However, if you buy a low-powered motor, you won't be able to move your bike very far. You'll want to find a kit that provides enough power to get you where you need to go.

Overheat Protection

Another factor to consider is whether or not the conversion kit offers any kind of overheating protection. Overheating is a common problem with electric bikes, especially those that are used for commuting. Some kits have built-in heat shields that keep the motor cool during extended periods of riding. Others may require additional cooling fans to keep the motor running smoothly.

Mileage

Finally, you'll want to look at how far you can travel on a single charge. Most kits will tell you how many miles per hour they can reach on a single battery charge. For instance, a kit might say that it can reach 20 mph on a single battery charge, which means that it can cover approximately 10 miles.

Price Range

Lastly, you'll want to consider your price range. Kits tend to vary widely in terms of cost. Some kits start at £500 and others can run up to £1,000. The lower-end kits are generally less powerful than the higher-end ones, but they're still perfectly usable. On the other hand, the higher-end kits are more expensive but will last longer.

Make sure that you do your research before buying a conversion kit. Choose a kit that fits your needs and budget.

3. Choose a Battery With Enough Capacity That Is Suitable

There are two main categories of electric bicycles: pedelecs and e-bikes. Pedelecs are powered by pedals that generate electricity, whereas e-bikes are powered by a motor that generates electricity. Both types of electric bicycles are great choices for commuting and recreational riding.

To determine whether you should purchase a 36, 48, or 52-volt battery, consider the following factors:

• How far will you travel?

• What kind of terrain will you ride?

• Do you plan to charge your battery frequently?

• Will you be using your electric bike for commuting or recreational purposes?

• Are you planning to upgrade your current battery?

• How much money are you willing to spend?

Based on this, if you'll be travelling short distances, you may not need a high-capacity battery. On the other hand, if you'll be doing lots of uphill climbing, a high-capacity battery is ideal.

For instance, if you plan to commute only 5 miles per day, a 36-volt battery should suffice. However, if you plan to cycle up steep hills every day, a 52-volt battery is recommended.

Keep in mind that a battery of the same voltage will work better for stronger motors but it will be larger and potentially costlier.

If you're unsure which battery to choose, you can ask a local shop owner or mechanic for advice. He or she might recommend a battery that suits your needs perfectly.

4. Remove the Replacement Wheel and the Bottom Bracket

To remove the wheel, you'll just need to loosen the rim or the cantilever brake. If the bike's wheel has a disc brake, then definitely you'll have to take that off too. You can either do that by removing the springs, clips, or pins used to hold the pads or if the wheel has a calliper-style disc brake, you'll have to remove the callipers.

As soon as you replace the front tire, you'll need to loosen the nut between the crankarms, undo the bolts connecting them to the bike, slide the bolt back and forth until they fall off, and then remove the crankset from the bottom bracket shell by pulling it away from the seat tube. Finally, hold the crankset sideways while lifting the crankarms upward; once they come free, detach the crankarms from the seat tube.

If you're replacing the front wheel, it'd be easiest to turn the bike upside-down, loosen the brake cable and adjust the quick-release lever to the open position. Once that's done, you can lift the wheel up and away from the frame.

Once you've removed the wheel, you'll need a new bottom bracket. Most electric bicycles use a standard threadless bottom bracket, which means you don't need to buy anything special. You can find replacement parts at your local bike shop, online, or even at your local hardware store.

5. Put the Tyre on the New Wheel After Removing the Old One

This tutorial shows you how to convert your bike to an electric bike using your existing tires and inner tubes. You can easily replace the tires and inner tubes on your bike after emptying them of any air. Then, simply reinstall the old ones on the new wheel.

To remove the old tire and inner tube, you'll need to use your hand or bicycle tire levers to pull off both of them. Once you've removed them, you'll only need to repeat the process but in reversed order. Remember to reattach the old tire and inner tubes to the new wheel at the same air pressure as the original ones.

You can easily convert your bike to an e-bike using your existing tires and tubes. Just follow this simple guide to change out your current tires and tubes for new ones.

6. Connect the Bike’s New Wheel

Once you've connected the new wheel to the bike frame, you can start riding it. You may find that the new wheel feels heavier than the old one. That's okay, though. As long as the wheel fits properly, you shouldn't notice any difference between the two wheels.

You'll also need to adjust your bike's front and rear brakes to make sure that they work correctly.

7. The Throttle and Speed Controller Should Be Attached

Make sure that you check the manufacturers' instructions on how to install the throttle and speed controllers on your bike. You may find that the throttle and speed controllers require special mounting hardware that isn't included in the package.

You may also find that the throttle and/or speed controllers require special wiring harnesses that are not included in the package. These extra parts are generally available at most online retailers.

Pick a suitable spot on your bar that makes it easy to access the throttle and speed controllers, and bolt them down there.

Some kits will take complete ownership of the gear shifting process in your bike, which means you'll need to remove the shifters from your bike and leave the brake levers connected.

This step may cause some wire clutter, so don't connect the throttle and speed controllers until after you've mounted the motor onto the bike and secured loose wires.

8. Connect the Battery to the Components

You'll need to connect the battery to the components in order to complete the main electrical system. You'll find the battery at the bottom of the box. There should be two connectors attached to the battery. One connector goes to the speed controller and another connects to the throttle.

Make sure that you're positive that you've connected the right cable to the correct slot. Wrong connections can cause electric shorts and sparks, which can damage your bike.

Once you've completed the main electrical system, there are still a couple of steps left to finish the conversion. Read the next section to learn about those additional steps.

9. Check the Position of the Motor

Before you start installing your new electric bike motor, make sure that it fits properly on your existing bicycle frame. You should be able to easily move the motor forward and backwards to find the best fit. Once you've found the right spot, secure the motor using the provided hardware.

Make sure that there isn't anything rubbing against the motor, which could cause damage to either the motor or the bike. Also, make sure that nothing is touching the battery pack. If you notice any loose cables or wires, tighten them down securely.

10. Install the Motor on the Bicycle

You'll want to make sure that you install the motor on the bicycle correctly. There are two main spots where you can attach the motor to the bicycle: on the bottom bracket or at the water bottle holder. Both places are great options, but there may be times when you want to change the location of the motor.

For example, if you want to add a battery pack, you'll probably want to move the motor to the back of the bicycle. You can still mount the motor on the bottom bracket, but you'll have to adjust the position of the seat tube and handlebars.

There are several factors to consider when installing the motor on the bicycle. First, you'll want to make sure the centre of gravity is well-balanced between the back of the bike and the front. Second, you'll want to avoid putting any weight on the rear wheel. Third, you'll want to find a comfortable riding position. And finally, you'll want to test out the motor before you ride anywhere.

Once you've found the correct placement for the motor, you can start working on securing it to the bicycle. Start by removing the bolts holding the motor to the frame. Then, remove the chain guard and tighten the bolts that hold the motor to the frame using a wrench. Once you've tightened the bolts, replace the chain guard and bolt the motor back onto the frame. Now, you just need to connect the wires to the battery pack and plug it in. Finally, you'll want to practice riding the bike until you feel confident enough to ride somewhere without worrying about falling over.

11. Install the Electric System’s Display and Controls

The conversion kit will often include different accessories along with the primary device, such as an LCD screen, control panel, sensing devices, and so forth.

You can attach them before installing the motor on the bike, but they're not necessary. However, it’s usually a good idea to attach the main system first and then add any additional tools and gadgets later.

By doing things this way, if something goes wrong, you'll be able to fix it faster since there are fewer things to check.

12. Identify and Secure Any Dangling Wiring

Once you've tested out the electrical system, you must secure all the wiring properly before starting up so that things don't go wrong later.

Attach any loose wires securely to the frame of your bicycle using a cable tie.

13. Your First Test Drive of An New Electric Bike

So, when everything is ready for you, you must try riding the bicycle for the first time. Before taking out the bike again, give it one last look to see if anything is rubbing against anything else. Then get ready to ride!

Make sure that you recharge the electric bike batteries before leaving and have the electric bike battery pack with you, and think about buying a new bike lock to ensure that your investment isn't stolen.

E-Bike Conversion Kit Types

There are many types of e-bike conversion kits available today because of the bike kit revolution. Each type has its pros and cons, so it's important to do research before deciding which one is right for you.

Mid-Drive Conversion Kits

Most electric bikes have mid-drive conversion kits. In this mid-drive system kit, the weight rests below the frame and power comes from the crank. The only downside is that the price is higher and installing the kit can be tricky.

Friction Drive Kits

A conversion roller presses against the tire, causing the wheels to spin in reverse. It might be easier for most people to buy a single piece of equipment called an "electric assist bicycle," which has no pedals and just uses an electric power source to get its rider up hills. However, this type of bicycle isn't designed to carry someone who doesn't want to pedal, so it would be harder for them to ride long distances at good speeds. without electric power. they are not mountain bikes but somehow can be used for the purpose of riding if a person with less stamina wants to use this current bike friction drive then it would be harder for them.

Rear Hub Motor Conversion Kits

The electric motor is always located at the back end of the bicycle. It's usually mounted under the chain case to replace the original wheel (and thus make the bike lighter) so the electric motor can provide additional torque to the back wheel. This makes the e-bike easier to pedal than a traditional pedal bike. However, the electric motor is small and doesn't provide as much power as larger ones.

Front Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kits

This is another common type. The electric bike conversion kit fits between the fork and head tube. It's easy to install and removes the need for a PEDS sensor. However, the electric bike conversion kit adds extra weight to the bike and reduces the speed. Is It Safe to Turn a Bike Into an Electric One?

The standard e-bike conversion kit is technically safe to its fullest extent. Many people think using electric powerful motors on pedal cycles is unsafe because they're not allowed under current law. However, some electric conversion kits can produce considerably more horsepower than is currently allowable for pedal cycles, which means that they could potentially be safer. The motor mustn't propel the electric bike if travelling more than 15 mph.

How Much Do Electric Conversion Kits Cost?

Electric conversion kits are relatively inexpensive compared to traditional bikes. However, there are several factors that determine the overall cost of the kit. These include the brand of the kit, the number of batteries required, the type of battery used, and the size of the kit itself.

There are two main types of electric conversion kits: rear wheel kits and front wheel kits. Rear wheel kits are generally cheaper than front wheel kits. Front-wheel kits require more skill to install and therefore tend to be more expensive.

As far as the actual kit goes, there are four main types of kits: single-speed, dual-speed, mid-drive, and hub motors. Single-speed kits are the cheapest option and are suitable for beginners. Dual-speed kits are slightly more powerful and are ideal for intermediate riders. Mid-drive kits are the most powerful and are suitable for advanced cyclists. Hub motors are the most complex and are only recommended for experienced cyclists.

Depending on the brand, the kit may come with either 12V or 24V batteries. Batteries are usually sold separately and range in price between £20 and £50. There are also various sizes of batteries available, ranging from small to large. Smaller batteries are better suited for beginner electric bikers whereas larger batteries are better suited for more experienced cyclists.

To calculate the total cost of the kit, add up the prices for the kit components. You'll also need to factor in the cost of the batteries. Depending on the brand, the batteries may already be included in the kit or you'll need to buy them separately.

Once you've calculated the total cost of the electric conversion kit, compare it to the cost of a regular bicycle. Most conversions cost less than half the price of a new bike.

Similar Posts

How to Derestrict an Electric Bike To Make It Go Faster!

Our Way To Bypass The Speed Limiter!Contents As a result of legal restrictions, the majority of electric bikes come with […]
READ MORE

What Is the Law for Motorised / Electric Bikes in the UK?

The Law For Ebikes In The United KingdomContents Electric bikes, or e-bikes, come with built-in motors allowing them to reach […]
READ MORE

How Many Watts Are Ebikes Typically? How Powerful Are They?

How Many Watts Are Electric Bikes? Ebikes come in all different styles, sizes, and capacities, but how many watts do […]
READ MORE

What Happens When The EBike Battery Dies Mid Ride?

What Can You Do If Your Electric Bike Cuts Out Mid Ride? No one likes the idea of being stranded […]
READ MORE
1 2 3 32

E-Bike Reviews

E-BikeReview.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk & Amazon.com.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram