Instead of buying a purpose-built electric bike, there are e-bike conversion kits to electrify your traditional bike.
Table of Contents
1. Bafang 48V 750W Mid Drive Ebike Conversion Kit and Battery
For the most cost-effective and best overall e-bike conversion kit, Bafang has you covered. Bafang has been around since 2003 and has become a leading manufacturer of e-bike motors and components.
The 48V 750W mid-drive motor kit turns your traditional bike into a high-performing e-bike. While it’s $449 for the 44T Chain Ring kit, adding the battery increases it to $829. The battery is an expensive and necessary aspect.
In the kit, you’ll get the following items:
- Bafang MM G340.750 Motor.
- Brake levers.
- LCD with Bluetooth function (Only for IOS 9.3.5+ systems on iPhone).
- EB-BUS water-proof cable.
- Chain wheel with chainring plastic guard (44T/46T/48T/52T).
- A pair of cranks.
- Thumb throttle.
- A set of lock nuts.
- Speed sensor and magnets.
- 68 mm- 73 mm installing extra parts (gaskets).
- A headlight and a power extension cable.
- Installation manual.
Bafang also recommends using the 48V battery to its 48V motor.
Buy the Bafang 48V 750W Mid Drive Ebike Conversion Kit and Battery from Amazon for $829.
2. AW Rear Wheel 48V 1000W E-Bike Conversion Kit
AW offers a 48V 1000W brushless hub motor built into a 26-inch by 1.75-inch wheel. It has a reinforced 32mm rim and 40mm tire.
Instead of installing a motor, you’ll replace your current wheel with the AW wheel. It makes the process of converting your bike much quicker.
The AW conversion kit also includes an LCD, which shows battery levels, time, speed, mileage, and gears.
In the kit, you’ll get the following items:
- A 1000W 48V brushless hub motor.
- 26″ Rear wheel and tire.
- Electric controller.
- Brake pullers.
- Speed throttle.
- Handlebar grips.
- LCD Display.
- PAS.
- Controller bag.
- Battery connection cable.
- Fuse.
- Rope.
- Widing pipe and cable tie.
- Twist Throttle.
- Manual.
The only drawback is that it doesn’t come with a battery. So, you’ll have to purchase it separately. The UPP Official Hailong Ebike 48V Battery from Amazon is $270.95 and works well.
Buy the AW Rear Wheel 48V 1000W E-Bike Conversion Kit from Amazon for $265.90.
3. Electric Bike Outfitters 48V Burly
With the 48V Burly e-bike kit by Electric Bike Outfitters (EBO), you can choose between a front or rear wheel hub 48V 350W motor. It also comes with a 48V mid-mount battery.
The kit is compatible with wheel sizes that range from 16 inches to 29 inches. Having the variety makes it more likely to be compatible with your current setup.
The EBO 48V Burly kit gives your bike a peak power of 812W, 21nm, and a maximum speed of 28 mph. You can use a throttle or one of the five levels of pedal assistance.
You’ll also get an LCD that has an integrated USB port. The LCD shows your battery level, assistance level, trip time, and speed. Overall, it’s one of the best kits on the market.
Buy the 48V Burly from Electric Bike Outfitters for $1,550.
4. Magnum 26″ 500W 48V 13Ah R2 Conversion Kit
Magnum’s conversion kit has everything you need to electrify your bike. It has a patented German-engineered electrical system.
You get a 500W 8FUN motor installed on a 26-inch rear wheel. You’ll also get a 48V 13Ah Samsung battery. Combined, you’ll have a maximum assisted speed of 22 mph.
In the Magnum R2 Conversion Kit, you’ll receive the following items:
- 48V Charger.
- Pedal Assist Sensor.
- Rims: Double Walled.
- 26-inch rear wheel with motor.
- Rear Battery Carrier Rack with Integrated Controller Box.
- Left and Right Artec Brake Levers.
The LCD shows your battery level, speed, assist level (0-6), and odometer. The rear rack is an excellent and functional addition. Other kits don’t provide it, which is one of the reasons that make Magnum stand out. You’re also covered by Magnum’s one-year warranty.
Buy the 26″ 500W 48V 13Ah R2 Conversion Kit from Magnum for $1,099.
5. 8Fun Bafang 48V 1000W Ebike Mid Drive Conversion Kit
Last but certainly not least is the 8Fun Bafang 48V 1000W Ebike Mid Drive Conversion Kit. It’s an all-in-one kit that’s completely waterproof.
Before you purchase it, take note that a 1000W motor isn’t legal for e-bikes in some places. It exceeds the Class 3 requirements.
If you’re taking it off-roading, it could work. It’s powerful and can take on hills. Plus, you’ll feel a punchy acceleration due to its maximum torque of 160Nm.
In the kit, you’ll get the following items:
- Bafang BBSHD 48V 1000W Motor.
- Brake levers.
- LCD.
- EB-BUS water-proof cable.
- Chain wheel (42T/44T/46T).
- A pair of cranks.
- Thumb throttle.
- A set of lock nuts.
- Speed sensor and magnets.
- Installing extra parts.
- A headlight and a power extension cable.
- Installation manual.
The kit is customizable and versatile. You can swap out the brake levels for hydraulic or mechanical sensors. There are also many size options. Plus, it works for many types of bikes, including fat-tire bikes.
Buy the 8Fun Bafang 48V 1000W Ebike Mid Drive Conversion Kit from Amazon for $1,076.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of e-bike conversion kits?
There are three different types of e-bike conversion kits, friction drive, mid-drive, and wheel swap. Mid-drive conversion kits are the best because it gives you a low center of gravity.
Who makes the best electric bike conversion kits?
Out of all the brands, Bafang makes the best e-bike conversion kits. The Bafang 48 V 750W Mid Drive Conversion Kit is the best because it has the perfect blend of performance and quality.
What do I need to look for in an e-bike conversion kit?
The most important things to consider are your power needs, the battery, and local laws because there are different e-bike classes. It’ll help you find the perfect kit.
Bottom line
If you have a traditional bike and aren’t looking to purchase a new purpose-built electric bike, a conversion kit is an excellent alternative. It gives you the extra boost similar to an e-bike.
If you’re considering it due to cost, know that it’ll likely cost around the same amount when you factor in labor costs.
Related articles:
- The best electric bikes
- Electric bike range: How far can you go?
- The best fat tire electric bikes
- The best roof-mounted bike racks
Featured image courtesy of Canva.
About David Em
David Em is the founder and editor-in-chief of Hello E-Bikes, the destination for electric bike reviews, comparisons, gear, and tips.
