Can I convert my mountain bike to an e-bike? Yes, using an electric bike conversion kit, its possible. This has been a question many people have been asking. Buying an e-bike can be expensive, but there’s a way you can incorporate your regular mountain bike into an e-bike. You’ll need certain components or equipment like electric bike conversion kits. However, if you don’t have any experience installing the equipment, or you don’t know how to convert, it’s best to get a professional to help you.
Electric bikes are modified using electric motors to enhance your cycling and make it effortless. Electric bikes are easier to use, unlike regular bikes where you’ll need a full body workout to go uphill. The good thing about electric bikes is that they can be used by injured and unfit people. They come with advanced assistance features to ensure smooth and less challenging riding. Electric bikes can help you maneuver in tough terrains, without any challenges. There are a variety of e-bikes, from mountain, road, and commuter.
- Mountain: specifically for going uphill, mountain riding, off-road, and on steep slopes. They come with huge tires and they are heavy.
- Commuter: e-bikes are designed for highways, going to work, and regular day work. They have low and expansive tires upright design and comfortable seats.
- Road: e-bikes, are designed for regular roads and are perfect for recreational rides on bike paths, and along the park they have drop handlebars and narrow tires.
Can I put an Electric Motor on My Mountain Bike?
Yes, it’s possible. Although many people would prefer using an electric bike conversion kit, you can do it. This process will take you more time and energy to convert it to an electric one. There are several ways to make a standard rechargeable cell in series-parallel to get the desired battery life or voltage that will power your bike.
To convert the bike you’ll have to do away with many things, you’ll have to detach the whole bike by removing some of its components to fix it again. You’ll have to be careful where you want to place the motor to prevent it from damaging some components.
Some people prefer putting it on the frame, forcing them to cut it. For carbon fiber road bikes, this is usually a bad idea as they most likely crack often and become worthless. It’s best to choose another place to fit the battery but not the frame.
Attaching the electric motor can be overwhelming if you have no idea what you’re doing. With no experience and knowledge, you might be doing zero work. It’s best to seek a professional to help you fix it.
You can attach a motor on different parts not on the frame, although there are some that can only fit on the frame. If you like aesthetics, then placing the motor on the frame can be a bad idea as the wiring may run across the frame which might make it untidy.
Electric bike conversion kits are best, as you’ll save money when you already have a regular existing bike that can handle higher speeds and with an extra weight. You don’t have to strain your knees any longer if you can’t afford to buy an e-bike. This would help you strengthen your legs, and help you enjoy your riding experience.
Which Motor is Best to Use for an Electric Bike?
If you want to choose a motor to convert your electric bike, you need to consider several things like power, weight, cost, efficiency, and anything that fits the requirements of an electric bike. The popular types used in electric bikes are mid-drive motors and hub motors.
- Mid-drive motors: these are normally mounted close to the crankset to drive the bike’s chain. This motor leverages the bike’s existing gears and improves brake handling, weight distribution, and efficient power delivery. These motors are modified to suit bikes that are off-road friendly, in hilly terrains, and in places where torque is crucial.
- Hub Motors: they are mostly placed on the wheel hub, can be front or rear wheel, and they provide power directly to the wheel. They are easy to install and maintain.
They are available in two types:
- Geared heart motors: they have internal planetary gear that increases torque and enhances uphill climbing ability. They are more efficient mostly when on low speed and they can offer compact designs. They are designed to suit urban commuting and moderate off-road routes.
- Direct drive Hub motors: they have no internal gears and they provide a distinctive connection between the motor and the wheel. They provide a smooth and comfortable ride, they are a little heavier than geared motors thus giving less efficient performance. These motors are perfect for smooth terrains and those who love high speed.
Choosing the best motor for your e-bike should be very crucial. You should ensure the motor you choose is compatible with the e-bike conversion kit you’ll be using and other components on the bike.
A Step By Step Guide on How To Convert a Mountain Bike to an E-bike
In this article, you will learn how to convert a mountain bike to an e-bike. First, you need to ensure you have all the components you need for your e-bike, including your e-bike conversion kit. This will allow you to go through the process smoothly without missing any points.
- Choose the Right E-bike Conversion Kit
Before getting the right kit ensure you’ve already known the purpose for your bike. If you don’t, highlight and think of why you want to convert your mountain bike to an e-bike. You need to know important information like efficiency, battery life, assistance features, tires, and motors and ensure they are compatible with the e-bike.
The e-bike conversion kit has a motor, battery throttle, and controller. Choose the right power your bike will need, maybe for hilly terrains, Urban driving, off-road, d, and simple bike terrains. You can also consider your budget, to find the right e-bike conversion kit that fits your bike. Some of the e-bike components can be expensive thus finding your budget shooting the roof.
- Prepare Your Bike
Conduct a thorough check of your bike, and x any dents that might make the bike not function after conversion. Clean the bike from any dirt or mud. Remove the gear changing parts and the back wheel to clean, as well as the frame to ensure there is nothing that will affect the conversion process. Inspect the frames, and ensure they are not faulty to ensure the battery, new components, and the motor can fit perfectly.
- Install the Motor and Battery Pack
Here is a simple guide to installing the battery and motor on your mountain bike to an e-bike.
- Choose the best battery and motor vendor for your conversion process. This is to find the best components for better performance and efficiency of the e-bike.
- Remove the bottom bracket to enhance space for motor installation. Be attentive to detail as this step is crucial to ensure it is properly fit and aligned.
- Once you’ve removed the bottom bracket the chainring can fit perfectly on the motor. This is to ensure there is excellent power transmission from the motor to the bike drive train.
- As per your power and range specific, choose a battery pack compatible with the motor you’ve installed. When choosing the battery consider checking the weight and capacity as it will affect the performance of the bike.
- Attach the battery to the bike’s frame, ensure it’s in a balanced position, and can’t cause any challenges when riding.
- Connect All The Remaining Components
Add all the components, followed by the wiring connection. If you like a smooth ride and an improved gear shifter, you can install gear sensors to enhance your riding experience.
Ensure the sensor and magnetic discs are attached well to track the speed and pedal-assist features.
Attach the handlebar brackets to provide mounting points to add more components like throttle.
After all the components are securely installed, gently plug in all the cables and connectors to ensure smooth performance.
Be cautious when doing wiring on the frame to ensure they don’t tangle or interfere with the riding experience. Double-check the components to ensure each has fit in the right place.
- Conduct Testing and Calibration
Make sure you test the biker it is serving the purpose that fits your choice. Turn on the systems to check if all the components are functioning well, and check the throttle, brakes, and pedal-assist features.
Calibrate your system by adjusting and setting the speed limits, acceleration, and pedal assist functions as per your preference. Check all the wiring and electric connections to avoid any problems when riding.
There you have it, however, it’s advisable, if you’re not capable of doing the conversion, look for a professional. A professional will take less time and know what to do. You might end up messing up the whole conversion process if you don’t have any idea what you’re doing.
