ebike conversion kits

bob lawrence · July 27, 2019, 01:10:32 PM

Having had a perfectly good and reliable bike for many years but not being able to ride it for the past couple due to an arthritic knee, I am now looking to purchase an ebike conversion kit.
My bike has been in store in my shed waiting for the day when I receive a knee replacement, which hopefully will be within the next 16 weeks, having just had my pre op assessment.
But even after my knee replacement I would find it difficult to ride the off road paths I could in the past and so am now looking to fit an electrical rear wheel to assist. I am now thinking why wait until after the knee replacement get it and start using it now.
I would like to know if any other members have fitted an ebike conversion kit?
If so where have they bought them?
It would appear bike shops will not sell conversion kits to be fitted by the purchaser, at least not in my area. The only other option seems to be eBay or Amazon

AlexanderJesse · July 27, 2019, 04:21:35 PM

One of the most ingenious devices in that category is the add-e: https://www.add-e.at/?lang=en (unfortunately I could not get it in english)

Chris Morris · July 27, 2019, 04:58:07 PM

You could try http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits&gclid=CjwKCAjw7O_pBRA3EiwA_lmtfh3bMdPGfhSBDeBnngGn4gwqbGmnHSeH6Iac_sNrnRToXL5x9jFcwRoCZVwQAvD_BwE

Be careful to read the ads on eBay carefully because the cheap ones don't include a battery which will cost another £300 - £500.

Personal view is that you would do better buying a purpose built ebike. The frame on a non ebike was never designed to be an ebike and so might not be strong enough in the right places. I run a Cube Acid hybrid allroad. Lovely machine with Bosch Active Line Plus crank drive. Provides plenty of help and feels very natural when pedalling - it just feels like you are very fit. Got mine from https://www.racecouk.com/ . This is a brilliant local bike shop in Stourbridge, West Midlands. They are very much into high spec emtbs (you can spend £9,999 if you want to) but they are down to earth and very happy to provide pleasant and helpful service to old codgers who want a down to earth bike like me. They will also do a good discount if you ask nicely.

bob lawrence · July 27, 2019, 06:06:00 PM

Thanks for the replies but I'll be sticking with a conversion kit, would like a purpose built bike but would not get the use out of one so can't justify the extra expense.
All the conversion kits I have been looking at don't include the battery so expect to pay extra.

AlexanderJesse · July 27, 2019, 06:17:29 PM

Well. The add-e kit is 800 (light) or 953 (sport) euros, all inclusive.

It is designed to be added by average people on their own bikes. A documentary showed a (her own words) untalented reporter girl mount it within 60 minutes. The bike pro did not help her. He just supervised!

Unlike other devices this motor is connected to the wheels ONLY if the e-support is requested. If not requested it will detach from the wheel and therefor not make it harder to move the bike.

Railwaygun · July 27, 2019, 07:50:25 PM

https://www.add-e.at/?lang=en

load this URL into Chrome browser - automatic translation

No UK dealers - nearest is Brugge

mr bachmann · July 28, 2019, 05:37:38 PM

my interest in E bikes took me to purchase a imotor front wheel- complete with kendra tyre, battery (clips inside the hub/motor) , comprehensive control's and wires , it is heavy I should have gone fore a rear wheel. the bike is a Raleigh max so the frame is heavy enough to take the motor. the whole idea is great but having now experienced e-biking the money should have gone towards a new ebike

bob lawrence · July 28, 2019, 06:04:51 PM

That's interesting mr bachmann, as I have said I had made my mind up to go with a rear wheel drive because most of the weight will be over that. My bike is also a Raleigh but a europa and I suspect it's about as heavy as yours.
I am interested to know why you would go for an ebike rather than the conversion, is it only because you opted for a front wheel?

njee20 · July 28, 2019, 10:35:59 PM

I'd definitely go for a proper bike myself than mess about with conversions on a frame that's not designed for it. More expensive admittedly, but you'll end up with something that's not a horrendous hotch potch of bits.

Chris Morris · July 29, 2019, 06:24:47 AM

Advantages of a purpose built ebike (not all ebikes have these features):-
1. Frame is designed for a heavier weight and more power being transmitted through it.
2. Battery is integrated into frame.
3. Wiring is neatly and safely routed inside the frame.
4. Geometry of bike is designed for different weight distribution of an ebike.
5. Electric components are properly matched so will work well with each other.
6. You can't be sure that all the components of any particular kit will actually fit your bike.

Like others, I considered a conversion kit but am very glad I went for a new ebike instead. The cost of a conversion kit appears to be around the £500 to £600 mark from a reputable source where you will get support if needed. A very good new ebike can be bought for about £1,600. Its quite a jump in price but you get a properly sorted unit that won't give you grief. You also still have a manual bike available if you want it. I used to love my manual bike which is nearing 20 years old; it is a good spec Scott hardtail and very light. Now I really don't enjoy it at all. Aside from the motor I also love having 29" wheels rather than 26" and wider handlebars. I also have a more upright riding position which works well with the way I ride the ebike.

mr bachmann · July 30, 2019, 09:03:12 PM

Quote from: bob lawrence on July 28, 2019, 06:04:51 PM
That's interesting mr bachmann, as I have said I had made my mind up to go with a rear wheel drive because most of the weight will be over that. My bike is also a Raleigh but a europa and I suspect it's about as heavy as yours.
I am interested to know why you would go for an ebike rather than the conversion, is it only because you opted for a front wheel?

the conversion works great (£320 - rear a few quid more) but the main problem is the frame is a gents and with ageing years a step through folder would make life easier

bob lawrence · July 30, 2019, 11:31:05 PM

Thanks for the reply mr bachmann as I have said I have made my mind up to go for the rear wheel conversion kit, it's good to get a positive feedback on a kit.
I fully appreciate other comments regarding a purpose built bike but the price of one is something I cannot justify, especially as I have a decent bike which should be suitable for conversion, if I hadn't then I would not even think of an ebike.
It will be a couple of months before I can afford a kit but I'll post my findings in due course.
Thanks for all the responses

Chris Morris · July 31, 2019, 06:39:43 AM

Hope it goes well. Riding an ebike is a wonderful feeling.

colpatben · July 31, 2019, 12:01:51 PM

@bob lawrence

Maybe worth a punt

https://www.banggood.com/24V-250W-Electric-Bike-Conversion-Scooter-Motor-Controller-Kit-For-22-28inch-Ordinary-Bike-p-1362360.html?akmClientCountry=GB&utm_design=41&utm_source=emarsys&utm_medium=Mail_mailad381_deal&utm_campaign=newsletteremarsys&utm_content=elaine&sc_src=email_3806320&sc_eh=8e4976677f642bc81&sc_llid=1409786&sc_lid=155995088&sc_uid=USZdyTwnVX&cur_warehouse=CN

Didn't bother to look for a battery though.

Chris Morris · July 31, 2019, 12:18:46 PM

24volt system. - wouldn't recommend that. I have heard reports of 24volt systems being quite underwhelming in their level of assistance but I haven't tried one. Go for a 36volt system which is the norm.