Did you know you can own an e-bike without spending an unreasonable amount of money to buy one? E-bikes continue to increase in popularity thanks to the exciting riding experience and convenience. Electric bikes usually allow you to go further faster and they’re a great substitute for driving.
The e-bike market is broad and sometimes demands a significant upfront investment. So, is it worth it? If you’re not sure, the e-bike conversion kit is definitely worth looking in to.
Simply put, e-bike conversion kits provide an electric boost to a traditional bike without the cost of a full e-bike. So, if you’re having trouble finding an e-bike that fits your needs and already have a bike at home that can be converted, you might want to look into an electric bike conversion kit.
So, here is a rundown of the top electric bike conversion kits on the market today.
Best Options At A Glance
Product Summaries
Keenso Electric Bike Conversion Kit
- Brand - Keenso
- Dimensions - 18 x 12 x 10 cm
- Weight - 500 g
- Wattage - 250/350W
- Special Features -
Firstly we have a budget option in the Keenso Electric Bike Conversion Kit. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £77/$103.
The Keenso e-bike Kit is an excellent solution for anyone who wants to transform their regular bike into an e-bike. It’s powerful 48V 1000W motor provides solid pedal assistance, making longer rides and challenging terrain more manageable. The LCD meter is a nice touch, letting you easily track your speed, mileage, and gear settings so you always know how your ride is going.
Installation can be a bit of a project, especially if you’re not used to tinkering with bikes. The kit includes everything you need, from brake levers that safely cut off motor power to the controller, which helps keep everything running smoothly. The kit also features impressive heat dissipation, which is crucial for protecting the motor and internal components over long rides.
In terms of cons, the kit can feel a little heavy, which might affect handling, especially for smaller bikes. The thumb throttle and control system takes some getting used to, and it might not be as intuitive for beginners. Also, the package doesn’t include a battery, so you’ll need to purchase that separately, which adds to the overall cost.
The Keenso kit offers a practical, budget-friendly way to upgrade your bike. Once installed, the power and convenience make it a worthwhile investment for daily commutes or leisure rides.
Buy the Keenso Electric Bike Conversion Kit on Amazon for £77/$103:
YOSE POWER E-bike 36V250W Conversion Kit
- Brand - YOSE
- Dimensions - aprx. 70 x 15 x 10 cm
- Weight - aprx. 2 kg
- Wattage - 250W
- Special Features -
Next we have the YOSE POWER E-bike 36V250W Conversion Kit. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £220/$294.
The YOSE POWER e-bike 36V 250W conversion kit is another fantastic choice. It is a cost-effective solution that lets you enjoy the benefits of electric assistance while keeping your existing bike.
The AKM 250W brushless motor is impressively quiet and durable. You can tackle various terrains on your daily commute or on a weekend adventure. Its user-friendly digital display offers key stats like speed and battery life. This makes monitoring your ride in real time much easier.
Installation is straightforward, thanks to the included video and manual. Most people can set it up in about an hour, though the instructions could be clearer. A common hiccup is fitting the PAS (Pedal Assist Sensor) around the bottom bracket, but swapping in a longer axle usually solves the issue. Some users might need to modify the bike slightly for a snug fit, but nothing too challenging.
One of the highlights is the solid build quality of the components, particularly the brake levers, which cut off the motor efficiently for added safety. However, the kit does not support hydraulic brakes, which limits its compatibility with specific bikes.
The Yose Power kit provides good value for money, with decent performance and the reliability needed for regular use. While the instructions could improve, it remains a top pick for DIY e-bike enthusiasts.
Buy the YOSE POWER E-bike 36V250W Conversion Kit on Amazon for £220/$294:
Bafang Bike Conversion Kit 48V 500W
- Brand - Bafang
- Dimensions - aprx. 70 x 15 x 10 cm
- Weight - aprx. 2 kg
- Wattage - 500W
- Special Features -
The Bafang Bike Conversion Kit 48V 500W is another great option. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £250/$334.
If you’re on a smaller budget, a kit from Chinese manufacturer Bafang could be better. The Bafang Bike Conversion Kit 48V 500W is designed for easy installation. Most users can get the motor up and running within an hour. The kit is compatible with disc brakes and fits 26”/27.5”/700C wheels, making it versatile for various bike types.
Bafang is one of the world’s largest and most well-known electric bike motor manufacturers. It has been around since 2003, and in 2014, Bafang launched a US subsidiary to serve the US market better.
The Bafang Bike Conversion Kit includes everything necessary and offers many specifications. The more complex installation process might be more time-consuming. However, the result will be a robust, high-quality setup.
One of the standout features is the speed. It can reach up to 38-40 km/h, which makes commuting faster and more efficient. The pedal assist allows you to tackle steep hills easily. Also, the motor’s maximum torque of 65N.m provides smooth, reliable performance on both flat and hilly terrain. However, riding at high speeds, especially in busy areas, may require caution for safety.
The build quality is decent, and the included digital display offers precise, essential riding information like speed and battery life. However, long-term reliability is still to be tested, as only time will tell how the components hold up.
The Bafang 500W conversion kit delivers strong performance for its price and can make your daily commute or weekend rides much more enjoyable.
Buy the Bafang Bike Conversion Kit 48V 500W on Amazon for £250/$334:
Bafang Mid Drive E-bike Conversion Kit
- Brand - Bafang
- Dimensions - aprx. 70 x 15 x 10 cm
- Weight - aprx. 2 kg
- Wattage - 250/350W
- Special Features -
Next we’re going to look at the impressive Bafang Mid Drive E-bike Conversion Kit. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £333/$445.
E-bike manufacturers often select mid-motor systems because they may generate more torque and situate the system weight in an advantageous location to preserve a bike’s balance.
The Bafang mid motor replaces the bottom bracket axle, moving it through the shell to provide a pedal assist system. The catch is that because this adds weight straight to an area of the frame with a lot of welding, the bike it’s mounted on must be alloy and have a bottom bracket width of 68 to 73mm.
Based on our research, we recommend that you look for a 250W system to comply with UK requirements. More robust solutions are available, but they will cause you to violate traffic regulations without considering that you are effectively building a motorbike.
This system will most likely require specialized knowledge and tools, so make sure your local bike shop is willing to install it before you bring it in. Most bike shops will not handle motor kits rated at more than 250W for liability reasons. With 80Nm of torque, this conversion kit can likely handle steep terrain. Remember that the battery is offered separately.
The Bafang Mid Drive e-bike Conversion Kit is a powerful and versatile option for converting your bike. It offers multiple motor sizes, up to 1000W, with impressive torque, making it ideal for commuting and off-road adventures. Installation can be tricky without experience, and some users note issues with chain alignment and the lack of a torque sensor. However, its solid build quality, good performance, and customizability make it a great value.
Buy the Bafang Mid Drive E-bike Conversion Kit on Amazon for £333/$445:
YOSE POWER (700c) E-bike Conversion Kit
- Brand - YOSE
- Dimensions - aprx. 70 x 15 x 10 cm
- Weight - aprx. 2 kg
- Wattage - 250W
- Special Features -
Finally we have the YOSE POWER (700c) E-bike Conversion Kit. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £415/$555.
The YOSE POWER (700c) e-bike conversion kit is a solid choice for those looking to turn their standard bike into an electric one without much hassle. It features a 250W brushless motor that is quiet yet powerful enough for everyday commutes or longer trips. One of the standout features is its maximum speed of 25 km/h, offering a stable ride with decent power assistance across five levels.
Installation is straightforward, taking roughly an hour thanks to the comprehensive kit and included video instructions. However, the provided cables may be too long for some setups, requiring extra cable ties for a tidy finish. The kit works well with most city, touring, and commuter bikes but is incompatible with “HOLLOWTECH II” systems and hydraulic brakes, which may limit some users.
Performance-wise, the pedal assist works well on flat surfaces, though there’s a slight lag when tackling inclines, significantly if you slow down too much. However, you can increase the assist speed in the settings, which can help with those steeper climbs. Users have reported excellent battery life, with some covering over 30 miles on a single charge, but opinions on the battery capacity vary slightly.
This kit offers excellent value for money, with simple installation and a reliable motor. However, double-check compatibility before purchasing, and be prepared to make minor adjustments if needed.
E-bike conversion kits may be excellent DIY projects, yielding a bicycle that is better than before. With your new e-bike, you may use pedal power when you choose and benefit from a battery-powered bike for extra convenience.
Buy the YOSE POWER (700c) E-bike Conversion Kit on Amazon for £415/$555:
FAQs
The YOSE POWER E-bike 36V250W Conversion Kit is one of overall favourites. It offers a great balance of value for money and easy installation without compromising on power.
If you’re not worried about a complicated install, the Bafang Mid Drive E-bike Conversion Kit is another excellent option. It’s difficult to build this capable mid-drive kit from a reputable brand like Bafang.
You can usually check this on the manufacturer’s website. If you have a specific conversion kit in mind, you should be able to review the list of compatible frames or wheel sizes. All of the kits listed here are highly compatible with bicycles of various shapes and sizes.
No, if installed appropriately following UK/EU rules, these kits are a safe, affordable and relatively eco-friendly way to revive an old bike. We highly advise against tinkering with electrics or batteries yourself as you could void your warranty or worse. These items are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure their safety.
Thanks for reading our article on the best electric bike conversion kit.
If you want to take a look at some ready-to-go ebikes, check out our article on the Best Electric Bikes Under £1000.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any queries – we’d be happy to help.
