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How to Install an Electric Bike Conversion Kit

How to Install an Electric Bike Conversion Kit

Electric bikes make commuting around urban areas such as cities much less of a hassle. However, a good quality E-bike does not come cheap. Fortunately, if you are a creative that does not mind turning a couple of wrenches, you will easily be able to combine a high-quality bicycle with top quality e-bike components to create your own budget-friendly electronic bicycle.

To do this, you will need an electric bike conversion kit. This kit allows you to convert your standard pedal bicycle into an e-bike that rivals the performance of retail e-bikes, but at a fraction of the cost.


Related Article: A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Bike Maintenance

How do electric bikes work?

In addition to the cycling system found in regular bicycles, they also have an electric motor, battery, pedal sensor, and a controller that transmits power to the motor. However, some bikes use solar panels as a power source instead of a battery.
The sensors start the motor when they detect your pedaling. Once the motor is activated, the bike will supplement your effort. This really comes in handy when cycling up steep hills.

If you have already purchased your electric bicycle conversion kit, follow this installation procedure to create your E-bike.

 

1. Prepare Yourself

You might spend the next hour or two doing the conversion, therefore, be ready to get your hands dirty. Prepare an area which you will use to take your bike’s wheel and chain off. Consider wearing latex gloves while covering the floor with paper to minimize the mess.

Next, ensure that you have the appropriate tools. You might need wrenches of different sizes, screwdrivers, and pliers. And because bicycles are different, you might require more or different tools to suit your bike’s configuration.

Also, bring along the air pump as you are likely going to replace your current wheel with the new one that has an electric hub.

2. Prepare the Bicycle

Chances are you have all the items necessary to convert the bike at this point. If so, the process will start with taking the wheel off. The rear wheel will take a bit longer to remove because you also need to move the chain, a messy albeit easy procedure. If you decided to make use of the Pedal Assist System, you may also have to move or replace your pedal arm. The reason we are not going into specifics is that different cranks have different installation processes. Generally, however, you will need to install them in a distance of about 10 mm.

3. Install the Tire

If the tire on the old wheel is still in good condition, you can use it on the new wheel that has an electric hub. To remove the tire from the old wheel, first, let out all the air out. Next, remove the tire and inner tube carefully off the wheel while being careful not to damage the valve. You then need to place the inner tube over the new wheel, put the tire over it and then inflate.

4. Install the New Wheel

After installing the tire on the new wheel, it is now time to install the wheel on the bicycle. Ensure to mount then gear cassette as you install the rear wheel. When installing the disc brakes, be sure to mount the disc on the new wheel hub.

Moreover, ensure that cables coming from the electric hub to the rear wheel stay on the left side. For the cables coming from the electric hub and going to the front wheel, make sure that they are on the right side. Additionally, ensure that the chain is properly placed on the rear cassette. Test the pedals by turning them by hand while shifting gears to be sure that they are working smoothly.

5. Install the Controller

Look for a good place to the controller. Ideally, it should be a spot where all cables from the battery, motor, Pedal Assist System, brake levers, and display can comfortably reach.

6. Pedal Assist System (PAS)

The PAS utilizes a magnetic ring and a magnetic sensor to determine how fast you are pedaling. This data is then processed by the controller, and based on the level of assistance you have chosen, the motor will transmit the necessary power to the wheel.

To install, you will start by taking the left pedal off the hub. You should notice the lock ring that usually holds the pedal hub onto the frame, take that ring off, install the sensor, then tighten the ring back on. Now place the magnetic ring onto the hub. Screw the pedal back on and ensure that the Pedal Assist System’s wire goes to the right.

7. Install the Battery

While you do not have to install the battery at this point, it is necessary to have its mount ready, so you can know where the battery will be placed. If it’s a bottle-type battery, then it will go where the bottle holder is. For rack batteries, you will have to install the rack for holding the battery. Just ensure that you know where the battery is going to be mounted.

8. Install the Brake Levers and Display

You will start by installing the display onto the handlebars first before installing the brake levers. Therefore, remove the old brake levers. Do not remove the gear shifters if there are any. After removing the levers, you can now install your display system and make the necessary connections using the cables. After that, you can now install your electronic bike brake levers, and make the necessary connections.

9. Complete Cable Connections

Your electronic bike conversion kit usually comes with a user manual which contains images showing all the necessary cable connections. Refer to these pictures to ensure that all your connections are accurate.

10. Test then Clean Up

It is now time to know whether your labor has paid off and that you now own an e-bike. To test these connections, you will have to run the system. Do this by doing a power cycle. Once it is on, turn the throttle to see whether you can turn on the wheel’s electric power. While on electric power, test the brakes to see if they can cut off power. You can test the Pedal Assist System by pedaling to see if the motor will start running. After confirming that everything is running as expected, ensure that the cables are well-secured to avoid hazards or accidents. Clean up the place and take the bike for a ride.

Why Should You Consider an Electric Bike?

• They are faster than ordinary bikes. The motors used on e-bikes can propel them to speeds above 15mph.• The added speed and power will allow you to travel greater distances. This feature is beneficial for people such as the elderly or injured persons who have trouble walking long distances.

• No carbon emissions. These bikes can be just as effective as cars and motorcycles but friendlier to the environment.

• They are good for exercising. Though they assist you in propelling the bike, they are still good exercise tools. Research has shown that people with e-bikes cycle a lot more than those with regular bikes. In fact, only 55% of standard bike owners cycle more than once a week. This is in comparison to the 93% of e-bike owners who cycle more than once a week.

E-bikes offer you a load of benefits. They allow you to commute easily while helping you go green at a lesser cost. If you do not have the cash to buy a premium E-bike, get yourself an electric bike conversion kit and bring that bike to life.

     Related Article: Tips for Electric Bike Beginner

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