By Jordan McDowell
You look forward to biking to a local shop in the evening or to work in the morning, but in the back of your mind, you wonder whether you’ll ever get too tired to keep pedaling. Or, perhaps you’re worried about suddenly becoming stuck on a hill. What then?
The good news? You don’t have to depend on your muscles alone to complete any bike trip. Electricity can give you the boost you need during both a brief trip and a lengthier adventure. Of course, if you don’t already have an electric bike, that’s okay. A user-friendly e-bike kit can help you to transform your traditional bike into its electric counterpart. Here’s a rundown on the conversion kit tools you need to upgrade your bike.
E-Bike Motor
One of the most important tools for upgrading your ride to an electric bike is a motor that will run when you’re ready for it to run. Both front and rear motors are available. They are also designed to work with either disc brakes or V-brakes. You can find motors in colors ranging from silver to black, so you can choose the shade that best matches your bike’s aesthetic.
As a general rule of thumb, a motor that is small and light is usually sufficient for a short trip on predominantly flat terrain. Meanwhile, you will likely need a stronger motor for climbing more hills or taking longer rides.
Battery and Charger
Other important tools for converting your bike to an e-bike include a lithium-ion battery and a charger.
The battery management system, or BMS, is an especially essential part of your lithium battery. That’s because this system controls and monitors the discharging and charging of your rechargeable battery. It also balances the changing temperature and current. As a result, the BMS protects your battery cells from being damaged and prolongs your battery’s life.
When it comes to charging your battery, the process is similar to charging a laptop or mobile phone. You can expect to charge your battery in about four to six hours. Also, note that you can charge the battery either off or on your bike, and it can be charged anytime. In other words, you don’t have to completely discharge the battery before recharging it; you can recharge it following a brief trip to the office so that your bike is completely optimized for your next ride.
Image source: slikviditet / Pixabay
Additional Tools for Bike Upgrade
The e-bike conversion kit that you choose for your bike may include a cabling system that comes with a pressure grip throttle. Alternatively, you might end up with a pedal-assist sensor, depending on the type of kit you select.
With a throttle, you’ll operate your e-bike similarly to a motorcycle—with your hands. Thus, you don’t have to use a pedal. Instead, you can simply enjoy an effortless ride. Meanwhile, with a pedal-assist sensor, you’ll receive power only when you pedal your bike. This is a good option if you’re a cyclist who enjoys the muscle-building experience of pedaling.
In addition, look for a kit that features a battery bag that is weatherproof and includes frame clips. This type of bag can be helpful when you want to remove your battery out in public versus at home.
Additional Considerations
Be sure to also look at the specifications provided for any e-bike conversion kit you choose, as various kits are designed with specific types of riders in mind. For instance, you can take advantage of a 500-watt motor or a 250-watt motor for your bike. In addition, some bikes are designed for going 10 miles, whereas others are built for those seeking a 40-mile range.
Upgrade Your Ride with an E-Bike Conversion Kit Today!
If you’re tired of losing time and energy by pedaling around, this year may be the perfect time for you to upgrade your ride with the above tools. By taking advantage of an easy-to-install kit, you can elevate your green transportation to a whole new level and, ultimately, get to your destinations quicker and with more energy.
Alternatively, if you’ve never been much of a biker, then an e-bike conversion kit can introduce you to biking without the challenges of riding a traditional bike. Your newly converted bike could even replace your gas-guzzling car and make work or school commutes more environmentally and wallet-friendly.
Likewise, an e-bike conversion kit may be a smart choice if you’ve been thinking about purchasing an electric bike but would like to test the waters with a kit first.
Take advantage of a comprehensive e-bike conversion kit today to start living in the future and saving yourself time, energy, and money in the process.
Author Bio
Jordan McDowell is a writer and cycling enthusiast. He specializes in content that helps both bike and motorized vehicle owners get the most from their rides through aftermarket upgrades.