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?
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
3. Install the Tire
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
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
8. Install the Brake Levers and Display
9. Complete Cable Connections
10. Test then Clean Up
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