Electric Bike Vs Conversion Kit – Pros, Cons & Major Differences

If you’re thinking of buying either an electric or e-bike conversion kit, and would like to learn more about it then you’ve come to the right place.

The primary distinction between them, and the main question on many cycling enthusiasts’ mind is the price. Converting a bicycle into electric power can be cheaper and gives you more options for customization as opposed to purchasing an off the shelves electric bicycle. If you’d like to learn more about the factors that make e-bike conversion kits and pre-built electric bikes distinct and unique, we’ll discuss the major pros, disadvantages and features in the following article.

The key differences between electric Bikes and conversion Kits

There are numerous distinctions between electronic bicycles and kits for conversion however we’ll avoid the technical jargon and provide an outline of the most important distinctions.

What’s an E-bike conversion Kit?

An electronic bike conversion kit is something you connect to your existing bicycle to supply it using electricity. It’s a motor that you attach on your bike, and it will require you to push to the power output. It’s great for those who already own a bike they love and is less expensive since you’re not buying the entire body or the frame. They generally work with lithium batteries because of the numerous advantages they offer over other types of batteries for electric bikes.

What exactly is what is an Electric Bike?

An e-Bike can be described as a bicycle powered by the power of electricity. The motor assists you in pedaling when you go up an obstacle, it will help you push your weight up the hill with minimal or no effort on the part of the rider. E-bikes can be bought with just the frame, in a kit form or as a full bike with all the components needed. The only thing that differs from an conversion kit for an e-bike is that it is all built-in and ready to start riding right away.

Cost of Conversion Kit and E-bike Differential

In general, an electric bike conversion kit will cost less than an electric bike that is already built. This is because you’re purchasing only electric bike’s components, not the entire bike. There’s some price difference when you compare cheap manufactured e-bikes to higher-quality E-bike kits.

Certain conversion kits for e-bikes include batteries, while others don’t, and this could impact the cost. You’ll still require a battery in order to begin, so consider the cost of the battery into the cost of the conversion. As with everything else you’ll get what you get for your money. However, the most important thing to keep in mind with kits and e-bikes is that a higher cost does not always translate to better quality. Make sure you know what you’re getting in exchange for the money you spend.

What’s Included in an Electric Bike Conversion Kit?

Conversion kits comprise three elements which include an electric motor, controller, and battery. Although some kits for conversion include all three components, others just include the controller and motor, which leaves the third one as an additional purchase.

Generallyspeaking, electric motor conversion kits are available in three types of front hub motors back hub motors as well as mid-drive. Of these the most straightforward conversion is one that is front hub, then the back hub, and lastly , the mid-drive.

Converting to mid-drive will be more difficult because of possible frame compatibility issues and the requirement to use additional equipment.

Different types of Front & Rear Hub Motors

Two different hub motors have two different configurations: Direct Drive and Geared Hub. Geared Hub and Direct Drive.

Geared Hub

Gears in the motor’s housing restrict high-speed motors down to slower speeds. The majority of geared hub motors include a freewheel which is useful for times those who do not use the motor. However, this means that regeneration braking is not possible.

Direct Drive

They do not have gears and depend upon magnets as well as alternating current to supply energy. The motor produces drag even when it is not operating however, it allows brake regeneratively depending on the capabilities of the control.

Is an E-bike or an E-bike Kit better for customisation?

Constructing your electric bike using an conversion kit is the most effective option to tailor your ride to your specific needs. Certain models let you choose the battery on your own, while some allow you to purchase an additional battery for long rides. If you are looking to replace the battery, doing it by using an e-bike kit can be easier than replacing a factory-built battery. This is because batteries are usually placed in a custom-built housing.

Electronic Bike Kits Options Components

A few optional components that can be found in some electronic bicycle kits are:

Pedal Cadence Sensor to incorporate an aid feature to pedals in the controller.

Torque Sensors – these provide more efficient pedal assist capabilities.

Motor Temperature Sensors

E-Brakes – they cut off the power to the motor when it is braking.

Battery Chargers – Basic models charge slower. The more advanced models charge faster and have more advanced charging cycles that will last longer for battery lifespan.

Rear and front lights can be included in the kit.

The pros from the Electric Bike Conversion Kit

Many cyclists feel that they’re more in control since they’re involved in the process of assembly.
The majority of conversion kits are challenging to install, however there are a few simple to install E-bike conversion kits which come with the necessary equipment needed to complete the job.
You can keep the bike that you love. A lot of riders are emotionally attached to their bikes purchasing an entirely new bike isn’t always the best option in this instance.
If you’re a fan of building things it will be useful for the future, if you encounter a problem that requires adjustments. Once you’ve put it together from beginning to end you’ll be more comfortable and able to handle regular maintenance issues or adjustments that can arise with electric bikes.
Using a kit it’s possible to create Argos electric bicycles.
If you already own an ideal bicycle that you love but you want to convertit, the cost of the conversion kit is lower than purchasing a new bike.
You can select and choose from a wide range of preset specifications, such as the type of motor, battery life and additional features.
If you require a custom-built bike, like trikes or tandems Try the kits on the marketplace to create precisely what you need is typically the best choice.
The bike’s electric motor can be fitted to another bicycle later in the event that you wish to switch or upgrade.
There will be more opportunities to improve your electric-bike in the near future due to evolving technology. You could, for instance, upgrade the battery when you need more power, or even upgrade the voltage or controller to get an increase in speed.

The cons of a conversion kit

However, if you’re not an enthusiast of DIY and converting your bicycle into an electric bike might be a problem for you. Although some conversion kits take a few hours and a lot of devices, there exist many e-bike conversion kits similar to ours which are easy to put on and can be completed in a matter of just a few minutes.
Some electric bikes have all of the features built-in, which is a pros and con. Conversion kits expose everything, like the cables that connect to everything. If you’re looking for a totally concealed and integrated operation the conversion kit might not be the one you’re searching for.

If you are converting your bike into an e-bike, you might discover that there is additional work to be completed in order for the conversion process to go ahead. This may include the installation of more powerful brakes and tires. If you’re planning on installing an intermediate drive kit, it is likely that more force will be required to support the gearing and chain due to the additional tension of the increased motor power.
If you purchase an individual hub motor from the wheel, it could need to be re-laced onto the existing wheel. There are E-bike conversion kits that simplify this process through replacing your wheel entirely with this kit-wheel.
If you don’t have an old bike you want to convert, you’ll have to buy the frame and other parts required.
Because the bike will get heavier it’ll become more difficult to transport it up stairs or place it inside an automobile. There may be a need to pump your tyres more frequently, but it’s not an issue but it can be.

In the past in the days when electric bike technology was popular but didn’t yet have popular appeal, many had a difficult time getting the chance to own one. There are many choices for electric bikes as well as electric bike conversion kits.

It’s up to each person to decide which kind of electric bicycle is best suited to their requirements. For instance the factory-made model could be the best choice for those who are not concerned with the possibility of customizing parts of the bike and has a larger budget. Anyone looking for a lower cost and more customizable alternative might prefer to convert a bicycle into an electric bike.

There are a variety of kits and options available to suit any budget and kind of biker. If you’re in search of an affordable electronic bike kit that includes batteries or a mid-range bicycle there’s a model available that meets your requirements. To choose the best electric bike conversion kit, you must first determine the amount you’re willing to pay and the kind of features you’d like your e-bike to come with.

Even if your do not own a bike to convert, there is a lot available with an electronic conversion kit. Be certain to take into account the cost of the bicycle in your budget.

Due to the development of technology and regulation by the government E-bikes are becoming more popular than they ever were. The future looks positive for electric bike, and conversion kits have get better and better and this means less hassle in the process of conversion and faster and safety, as well as performance that have never been before.