Are you thinking of buying an electric bike or remodeling your bike on an ebike with e-bike conversion kit, but you still don’t know if it’s right for you? Nowadays, full of modern technology, electric bicycles are very popular. They will allow you a faster way of transport, whether home, work, business or you can use it for a weekend bike trip, where the ebike will make your ride easier. You don’t have to worry about poor fitness, because thanks to the ebik, you can keep up with more physically fit cyclists.
It will help you overcome difficult terrain, hills or long routes without feeling too exhausted. However, you will still perform physical activity, because the ebike will not work without pedaling, although there are options for conversion exchanges to create an electric bicycle by simply replacing or assembling the finished component on your favorite bicycle. In our article you will learn everything you should have about electric bicycles – the so-called ebiks know how to choose the right one and which electric bikes are the best selling.
How did the electric bike – “ebike” – come about?
The electric bike has been on the market for much longer than we think. As early as 1895, the first patent was filed by the American Ogden Bolton Jnr. At that time, electric bicycles did not look at all as we know them today. However, we can say that they were a great inspiration for the electric bicycles that are currently on the market. Although electric bicycles have been known for more than 120 years, the greatest demand for them is right now. People have found that it is an extremely practical means of passenger transport and often consider buying it. It is currently the fastest growing category in cycling and is slowly but surely overshadowing the classic bikes we are used to.
Classic bike vs. electric bike – ebike
We certainly don’t have to introduce a classic bicycle to you, because we all know well the principle on which it works. However, many people are faced with the decision of whether to buy a classic bicycle or an electric bike. Of course, your choice depends on what suits you better. If you are a passionate cyclist and want to use the bike mainly for training your fitness, then it is definitely better to reach for the classics. But if you want to try something new and at the same time help yourself a bit when stepping on the pedals, then you will definitely not regret buying an ebony.
But you have to take into account that you will take care of electrical engineering more than a classic bicycle. It will not be enough to inflate the wheels or repair the defect. In addition, the electric bicycle weighs about 30 kg, which is significantly more than a conventional bicycle. The difference is certainly in the price, as the electric bike has a more complex system. It is not entirely clear for whom the electric bike is intended, because it is used by both younger and older generations for various reasons.
How does an electric bicycle work?
Ebike is most often defined as a classic bicycle with an integrated electric drive system that helps the cyclist to ride. Everyone will appreciate the electric drive, especially in more demanding terrain, where we expend approximately as much effort as when we walk on the plain. The electric motor does not switch on until you start pedaling and has different levels of electrical assistance intensity, from 3 to 5 degrees. You can adjust everything using the control panel, which is located on the handlebars. Another great advantage is that you can switch off the electric drive completely and you immediately have a classic bicycle from an electric bicycle.
What are the types of electric bicycles?
The choice of a specific type of electric bike depends on the terrain and distance you will most often cover. The gender that will own the electric bike and its weight are also important. You can choose from the following types of ebikes that are commonly available.
Urban electric bicycles
City electric bicycles differ mainly in construction and at first glance you will notice what type it is. This type is mainly used for paved and groomed roads in cities and is designed so that sitting on it is as comfortable as possible in urban clothing. City electric bicycles are characterized by a low-pitch design for easy mounting and dismounting. They have a smaller number of gears and accessories such as fenders, stands, brackets, lights or a bell.
Trekking and cross electric bikes
Cross-country ebicycles are considered a compromise between mountain and city bikes. They are suitable for longer routes, are universal and are very often used by families with children. You can also use this type for effective cardio training, because you can choose the help that will achieve the optimal heart rate for fat burning. The design is available for both men and women, so a family member with a weaker condition will match the others.
Mountain electric bicycles
Mountain electric bicycles are suitable for terrain and mountains and are characterized by a durable construction and increased engine power. They have adapted suspension and with them you can easily get even in more demanding terrain, where the surface is not paved. Mountain electric bicycles are very high quality and reliable, especially due to high-capacity batteries, and therefore their price is higher than for other types.
E-Bike conversion kits
Ebike converion kits are a great alternative if you don’t want to invest in a new electric bike and you have your favorite classic bike. You can mount the e-bike exchange set on your classic bike in a few minutes and they are usually center motors (BAFANG) of pedal transmissions, or you can mount a finished electric wheel that has an electric motor mounted directly in the hub of your front (IMORTOR – IMOTOR ) or rear wheel (BAFANG) and with the added battery turns your classic bike into an electric bike.
Electric bike e-bike conversion kit – ebike and legislation
The use of electric bicycles is regulated by law and it is recommended to prefer electric bicycles that comply with the EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) standard instead of custom-made bicycles. The standard specifies several requirements regarding the construction of electric bicycles, and if yours meets it, you can use it without any problems. It is true that electric bicycles must have the same equipment as conventional bicycles.
According to the law, ebike owners are perceived as drivers of a non-motorized vehicle and the rules of road traffic apply to them. The maximum power of the electric bicycle engine is 250 watts and with pedaling a maximum speed of up to 25 km / h is allowed. If it exceeds these parameters, it approaches the power and speed of the mopeds, and it is true that a driver’s license is required to drive them.
How to choose an electric bike or e-bike conversion kit?
You should choose the electric bike first of all according to the purpose for which you will use it most often, and the types we imagined at the beginning are also connected with that. However, this is not the only criterion you should consider when choosing an electric bicycle. Range, battery capacity, battery life or the type and location of the engine are also very important. We will gradually analyze the individual parameters and according to them it will be much easier for you to choose the right electric bike – ebike for you.
Range, capacity and location of the e-bike battery
Range is one of the most important parameters when choosing an electric bicycle, because it is also associated with the battery capacity itself. The range is also affected by the riding style, the preferred terrain, the use of levels of assistance and even the weight of the cyclist. For manufacturers, the range is calculated according to the average figure with a weight of 80 kg on difficult terrain.
Battery capacity distribution by mileage:
range 20-40 km – battery capacity 3-7 Ah
range 60-80 km – battery capacity 9-10Ah
range 80-100 km – battery capacity 11-12Ah
range 100-120 km – battery capacity 13-14Ah
range of 120 and more km – battery capacity 15Ah and more
The location of the battery affects the overall control of the electric bicycle, and the battery can be positioned in the following three ways:
- Carrier battery – this location is most often used for city and trekking e-bikes. This is a very practical placement, because these types have a two-tiered carrier and you can place a basket or bag on the upper part. The battery is very easy to handle and will come in handy when charging.
- Frame battery – this location is most common on mountain e-bikes, which achieve an aerodynamic shape and a nice appearance. The battery is located on the bottom frame where the bottle is stored and it is also very practical.
- Battery behind the seatpost – this placement is not so practical, because it is at the expense of extending the frame, which also means extending the chain and the entire pedal assembly. It is mostly used for folding e-bikes.
- Battery directly in the wheel – this type of placement is typical of the IMORTOR – IMOTOR electric bike, which brings a revolution in the form of a finished wheel for replacement on your old bike and you can use it completely without pedaling like a moped. Just hold the gear lever for more than 8 seconds and reach a minimum speed of 5 km / h and the IMORTOR – IMOTOR electric wheel will take you completely effortlessly.
Battery life of an electric bicycle – e-bike conversion kit
Batteries are most often lithium, light weight and good endurance. Standard battery voltage is from 24V to 36V. The higher the voltage, the higher the range we can expect from the electric bicycle. Its lifespan will be significantly affected by how you take care of it. With this type of battery, it is recommended to charge to maximum capacity after each ride and it is not recommended to let it discharge to zero capacity.
Users are often interested in how long it takes to charge such a battery. Charging to 50% takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and charging to 100% takes 3 to 4 hours. Keep in mind that the battery will discharge even when you are not using the electric bicycle. Therefore, you should always charge it before you decide to use it. This will avoid unwanted discharge in the middle of the cycle path.
Engine type and location of electric bike – e-bike conversion kit
The motor is the main driving force of the electric bicycle and is on the same level of importance as the battery. We have already mentioned engine performance and legislation, but due to the balance of the electric bicycle, the location of the engine is essential. Just like a battery and a motorcycle r can be placed in three different ways and also remember their advantages and disadvantages.
- Electric front-wheel drive e-bike conversion kit – used in city and folding electric bicycles. The big advantage is the weight distribution and low price, but the disadvantage is that this type of engine is only suitable for driving on the road.
- Electric drive on the rear wheel e-bike conversion kit – used especially for electric bicycles in more demanding terrain, thanks to better torque transmission, the wheel does not slip. The disadvantage is the higher weight of the bike in the rear, which results in unbalance.
- Electric drive in the middle of the bike e-bike conversion kit – this engine location is the most optimal choice and provides the ideal balance of the electric bike and high engine effect. The disadvantage, however, is its higher price.
BONUS: E-bike conversion kit electric front wheel IMORTOR
E-bike conversion kit All in One iMortor 3.0 Front wheel 20/24/26 / 27.5 / 28/29 / 700c inches
In order for the Imortor to work in optimal condition, a minimum speed of 5 km / h must initially be reached. The e-bike conversion kit for the front wheel of the All in One iMortor 3.0 20/24/26 / 27.5 / 28/29 / 700c engine and the implemented battery can reach speeds when riding at a speed of 35 – 40 km / h for a distance of at least 35 – 40 km, depending on the terrain and driving style.
The front electric wheel of the Imortor electric bicycle for the conversion of a traditional bicycle into an electric bicycle provides the possibility of independent riding without the need to pedal. Just hold the gear lever on the handlebars for 8-10 seconds and the Imortor wheel will pull the bike in moped mode without the need for pedals.
Main features of the All-One iMortor 3.0 kit for converting the front wheel to an electric bicycle 20/24/26 / 27,5 / 28/29 / 700c
– Powerful motor with a large capacity battery, reaches up to 25 km in pure electricity mode and 40 – 50 km in moped mode
– Intelligent FOC drive controller for speed adjustment
– Comes with a mobile phone holder with a USB port in the battery to charge the mobile device while driving
– Adjust the speed and monitor the condition of the wheel, the total mileage using the application, by scanning the QR code in the user manual or on the body of the wheel
– Removable battery for easy recharging
Technical specifications:
Material: rubber tire, aluminum alloy hub, ABS engine casing, nylon battery casing
Location: front wheel of the bicycle
Gear lever: five-star acceleration
Connectivity: bluetooth 4.0, Android and iOS support
Applicable: mountain bike wheel, road bike, leisure bike, etc.
Battery: lithium-ion battery 36 V 7.2 Ah (included)
Motor: DC motor with permanent magnet 36 V 350 W, control controller: intelligent drive control FOC.