The electric bicycle has been a revelation in wheel revolutions. By supplementing traditional pedaling with motorized assistance, cyclists can travel longer distances at faster speeds, more easily overcome challenging terrain, and arrive at their destinations with less physical exertion. It’s like biking with a boost! While the benefits are numerous, being able to ride to work without showing up in need of a shower is all the reason some of us need. Alas, buying a brand-new electric bicycle can be cost-prohibitive for many riders. A new, high-quality e-bike that will stand up to the use you intend to give it will cost between $2,000 and $4,000. That’s a sizable upfront cost. We have good news—an e-bike doesn’t need to be a new bike. You can transform your traditional, “manual” bicycle into a good-as-new e-bike with a full e-bike kit from Ebike Essentials—and a little work and know-how on your end. Not only do we have the kits you need, but we also have these four quick tips for converting your bike into an e-bike. Make Sure Your Bike Is Up for It While traditional bikes can become e-bikes, it’s not always a guarantee. Older models may be too worn-out to handle the conversion. The newer your bike and the less wear it has, the more likely it is to have a seamless switchover. A bike that you just bought within the last year is a perfect starting point. Decide Where You Want To Electrify You have options when it comes to where you want to put the power. The most effective and comfortable means of electrification is a mid-drive motor, which attaches to your bike’s bottom bracket for a low center of gravity and a balanced feel that compares favorably with traditional bikes. Hub-drive motors attach to your front or rear wheel, giving that wheel a boost. It’s a more affordable approach, but one with a learning curve. Find the Right Battery for You E-bikes don’t get their energy just from you pedaling—that power comes from elsewhere, and you’ll need a battery to contain that power. Ebike Essentials carries a complete line of batteries for e-bikes, all of which vary in how much power they can store and for how long. Know your riding habits to make the most sensible purchase. Our complete e-bike kits match batteries with motor kits for ideal and money-saving pairings. Don’t Forget the Lock Our last quick tip for converting your bike into an e-bike is to make an additional investment in the security of your new and improved electric bicycle. You don’t want to put in all this work for nothing. While your base bike may not be brand-new, your bike lock should be. Look for the strongest and most sophisticated bike locks on the market to protect your e-bike from theft. With such a lock in place, you’ll ride faster and easier, but also with peace of mind.
