THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CYCLING
ELECTRIFY YOUR BIKE
You can turn almost any bicycle into an e-bike. Here’s how E-bikes are great, but they can be expensive. And if you already own a bike, you may not have space for two. That’s where an e-bike conversion comes in. You buy the kit and fit it to your bike (or ask a bike shop to do it). It could take as little as half an hour. No more struggling on hills, all for a few hundred pounds. So, how does an e-bike conversion kit work? There are a few different kinds. Some fit to the seat post, and drive the rear wheel by friction. Others used a motorised wheel. Some mount to the
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side of the bike, replacing the bottom bracket (the bearings the cranks turn on). How much does an e-bike kit cost? Prices start from a few hundred pounds. You can find conversions online from the likes of Amazon, but these are often mid-mounted motor kits that need some mechanical know-how to fit. You also need to check that these kits come with everything you need. Is an e-bike kit legal? Yes, so long as the converted bike meets all the same rules as a regular e-bike and the
rider is 14 or over. That means an assisted top-speed limited to 15.5mph, maximum power of 250 watts, and pedals to propel the bike. If the bike doesn’t meet these rules, it could be classed as a moped, and you’ll need a licence, insurance, and a helmet to stay legal. Should I buy an e-bike or a conversion kit? As a rule, a purpose-built e-bike will have a more neatly integrated motor and battery, and will typically go further on a charge. On the other hand a kit can give a new lease of life to a roadworthy bike, usually for a lower price.
