Best Ebike Conversion Kits: Turn Any Bike Electric in 2026

Looking to convert your regular bike into an electric one? We compared the top ebike conversion kits from budget hub motors to premium mid-drives to help you find the right match for your ride.

Published Categorized as Bicycle maintenance, Electric Bikes
Electric bike conversion kit hub motor installed on rear wheel in garage

A decent electric bike costs $1,500 to $3,000. An ebike conversion kit costs $200 to $600 and turns the bike you already own into an electric ride. That math alone is why conversion kits are exploding in popularity – you keep the frame, the fit, and the ride feel you already love, but now you’ve got a motor doing the hard work on hills and headwinds.

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The tricky part is picking the right kit. You’ve got mid-drive motors that bolt onto your pedal area and use your gears, hub motors that replace your front or rear wheel, batteries sold separately or included, and wattage options from a gentle 350W all the way up to a face-melting 1500W. Some kits are perfect for a casual commuter, others are built for riders who want to fly up mountain roads. If you’re not sure whether a conversion kit or a ready-made e-bike makes more sense for you, we’ve got a guide for that too.

I’ve pulled together 10 electric bike conversion kits that cover every type of rider and budget. Mid-drives, rear hubs, front hubs, fat tire setups, and complete packages with batteries included. Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W is the best overall mid-drive kit for most riders, with proven reliability and a massive community behind it.
  • Mid-drive motors (Bafang, Tongsheng) use your bike’s gears for better hill climbing and efficiency, while hub motors (Voilamart, eBikeling, AW) are simpler to install and cheaper.
  • Motor wattage ranges from 350W for flat-terrain commuting up to 1500W for off-road and high-speed builds – but 750W is the federal road-legal limit in the US.
  • Most kits do NOT include a battery – expect to spend $200-$500 extra for a lithium battery pack unless you pick the Yose Power kit, which includes one.
  • Bottom bracket width is the biggest compatibility concern for mid-drive kits, while hub motor kits need the right wheel size and dropout spacing.

Our Top Ebike Conversion Kit Picks

Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit Best Overall Mid-Drive Motor: 48V 750W mid-drive Torque: 100-120 N.m Speed: Up to 25 mph VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Bafang BBSHD 52V 1000W Mid Drive Kit Bafang BBSHD 52V 1000W Mid Drive Kit Best for Hills & Power Motor: 52V 1000W mid-drive Torque: 160 N.m Speed: Up to 33 mph VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Tongsheng TSDZ-8 750W Mid-Drive Kit Tongsheng TSDZ-8 750W Mid-Drive Kit Best Torque-Sensing Motor: 750W mid-drive Torque: 140 N.m Sensor: Torque sensing VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Voilamart 48V 1500W 26″ Rear Wheel Kit Voilamart 48V 1500W 26 Inch Rear Wheel Kit Best Budget Power Motor: 48V 1500W rear hub Speed: Up to 34 mph Capacity: 330 lbs VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
eBikeling 48V 1200W Waterproof Kit eBikeling 48V 1200W Waterproof Kit Best All-in-One Package Motor: 48V 1200W hub Waterproof: Yes Support: US-based (Chicago) VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Bafang Rear Hub Motor 48V 500W Kit Bafang Rear Hub Motor 48V 500W Kit Best Brand-Name Hub Motor: 48V 500W rear hub Efficiency: 80%+ rated Brakes: Disc/V-brake VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
AW 48V 1000W 26″ Front Wheel Kit AW 48V 1000W 26 Inch Front Wheel Kit Best Front Hub Kit Motor: 48V 1000W front hub Speed: Up to 28 mph Install: Simple front swap VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
PEXMOR 48V 1000W Fat Tire Front Kit PEXMOR 48V 1000W Fat Tire Front Kit Best for Fat Tire Bikes Motor: 48V 1000W front hub Speed: Up to 36 mph Tire: 26″ fat tire VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
CUBELLIN 36V 350W Front Wheel Kit CUBELLIN 36V 350W Front Wheel Kit Best Budget Beginner Motor: 36V 350W front hub Speed: Up to 22 mph Best For: Flat terrain VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Yose Power 500W Kit with 48V 13Ah Battery Yose Power 500W Kit with 48V 13Ah Battery Best Complete Package Motor: 48V 500W rear hub Battery: 13Ah included Speed: Up to 25 mph VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit

    Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit

    Best Overall Mid-Drive

    View Latest Price

    There’s a reason the BBS02B is the most popular mid-drive conversion kit on the planet. It has a track record that most competitors can’t touch, backed by a huge community of riders who’ve installed and tested it over the years. This is the kit that turned the DIY ebike conversion scene from a niche hobby into something your neighbor is doing in the garage.

    The 48V 750W motor pushes out 100 to 120 N.m of torque, which is enough to flatten most hills without breaking a sweat. Because it’s a mid-drive, it works through your existing gears – that means better efficiency on climbs and a more natural riding feel compared to hub motors. You can hit 25 mph comfortably, and it stays within the US federal 750W limit for road-legal e-bikes.

    Installation requires a 68-73mm bottom bracket, which covers most standard road and mountain bike frames. You’ll need to remove your existing crankset and bottom bracket, slide the motor unit in, and route the wiring. It’s a 2-3 hour job if you’re handy, or about $100 at a bike shop. The kit includes a display, thumb throttle, brake levers, and speed sensor – battery sold separately.

    Personally, I’d recommend this to anyone who wants the best balance of power, efficiency, and proven reliability. It’s not the cheapest option, but the BBS02B has years of real-world use behind it and a massive community for troubleshooting and upgrades. If you ride hilly terrain regularly, mid-drive is the way to go.

    • Motor Type:Mid-drive
    • Voltage/Wattage:48V 750W
    • Torque:100-120 N.m
    • Top Speed:25 mph
    • Bottom Bracket:68-73mm compatible
    • Display:Included (multiple options)
    • Throttle:Thumb throttle included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Pedal Assist:Cadence sensor
  2. Bafang BBSHD 52V 1000W Mid Drive Kit

    Bafang BBSHD 52V 1000W Mid Drive Kit

    Best for Hills & Power

    View Latest Price

    If the BBS02B is a solid daily driver, the BBSHD is the muscle car. This thing puts out 160 N.m of torque – more than some electric motorcycles – and it shows. The BBSHD motor has been a legend in the ebike community for years, and for good reason.

    The 52V 1000W setup means you’re getting serious power. Top speed sits around 33 mph, which exceeds all three US e-bike classes – this is not street-legal as an e-bike on public roads in most states. Check your local laws before riding it anywhere other than private property. The higher voltage compared to 48V systems gives you better performance under load and less voltage sag when climbing steep grades.

    One thing I really like about the BBSHD is the 68-120mm bottom bracket compatibility. That wider range means it fits almost any bike frame, including fat tire bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes that the BBS02B can’t handle. The motor housing is beefier too, with better heat dissipation for sustained high-power riding.

    This is not a kit for casual commuters – it’s for riders who want maximum power for steep hills, heavy cargo, or off-road adventures. Keep in mind that 1000W exceeds the US federal limit of 750W, so check your state and local regulations before riding on public roads. For private property and trails? Go wild.

    • Motor Type:Mid-drive
    • Voltage/Wattage:52V 1000W
    • Torque:160 N.m
    • Top Speed:33 mph
    • Bottom Bracket:68-120mm compatible
    • Display:Included
    • Throttle:Thumb throttle included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Pedal Assist:Cadence sensor
  3. Tongsheng TSDZ-8 750W Mid-Drive Kit

    Tongsheng TSDZ-8 750W Mid-Drive Kit

    Best Torque-Sensing

    View Latest Price

    Here’s the thing about most ebike conversion kits – they use cadence sensors. You pedal, the motor kicks in at full power, and it feels like an on/off switch. The Tongsheng TSDZ-8 uses a torque sensor instead, and the difference is night and day. It’s a newer release, but riders who’ve tried it are seriously impressed.

    A torque sensor measures how hard you’re pressing the pedals and matches motor output proportionally. Push harder, get more assist. Ease up, and the motor backs off. The result is a ride that feels like you suddenly have superhero legs instead of a motor strapped to your bike. The 140 N.m of torque from the 750W motor is right between the BBS02B and BBSHD.

    Tongsheng backs this kit with a 2-year warranty, which is better than what most competitors offer. The motor is also noticeably quieter than Bafang units – something you’ll appreciate on peaceful morning rides. Build quality is solid, and the TSDZ series has earned a loyal following among riders who care about ride feel over raw specs.

    If you want your converted ebike to feel like a premium factory-built one, the TSDZ-8 is the way to go. The torque sensor alone makes it worth the premium over cadence-based kits. Just know that the installation is slightly more involved than the Bafang kits because of the sensor calibration.

    • Motor Type:Mid-drive
    • Voltage/Wattage:750W
    • Torque:140 N.m
    • Sensor:Torque sensing (proportional assist)
    • Warranty:2 years
    • Noise Level:Quieter than Bafang
    • Display:Included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Pedal Assist:Torque-based multi-level
  4. Voilamart 48V 1500W 26″ Rear Wheel Kit

    Voilamart 48V 1500W 26 Inch Rear Wheel Kit

    Best Budget Power

    View Latest Price

    Want raw power without emptying your wallet? The Voilamart 1500W rear hub kit delivers serious wattage at a budget price point. Riders are genuinely impressed by how much motor you get for the money.

    At 1500W unrestricted, it can hit 34 mph – that’s faster than most factory e-bikes. There’s also a 750W restricted mode, but note: limiting a 1500W motor’s output does not make it street-legal as an e-bike – the motor’s rated wattage still exceeds the federal 750W nominal limit for e-bikes on public roads. The rear hub motor design means all the power goes directly to the back wheel, giving you solid traction and a natural power delivery that pushes you forward instead of pulling you.

    The 330 lb weight capacity makes this a great option for heavier riders or anyone who carries gear. The double-wall aluminum rim is built to handle the extra stress that high-wattage motors put on spokes and hubs. One important caveat – battery is NOT included. You’ll need a 48V lithium battery pack separately, which typically adds $200-$400 to the total cost.

    This kit is ideal for riders who want maximum power on a budget and don’t mind sourcing their own battery. It’s not the most refined option here, but the pure watts-per-dollar ratio is hard to beat. If you plan to ride on public roads, stick to the 750W mode.

    • Motor Type:Rear hub
    • Voltage/Wattage:48V 1500W (750W road mode)
    • Top Speed:34 mph unrestricted
    • Wheel Size:26 inch
    • Weight Capacity:330 lbs
    • Rim:Double-wall aluminum
    • Controller:Included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Brake Type:Disc brake compatible
  5. eBikeling 48V 1200W Waterproof Kit

    eBikeling 48V 1200W Waterproof Kit

    Best All-in-One Package

    View Latest Price

    The eBikeling kit has something most competitors on this list don’t – a massive following and a company you can actually call. It’s one of the most popular hub motor kits out there, and the fact that eBikeling is based in Chicago means you get real US customer support instead of broken-English emails from overseas.

    The 48V 1200W motor sits in a sweet spot between the entry-level 500W kits and the overpowered 1500W options. It comes with waterproof connectors throughout, which is a detail that matters more than you’d think. I’ve seen riders fry their controllers because water got into cheap connectors during a rainstorm. That won’t happen here.

    What makes this an “all-in-one” is the completeness of the package. You get the motor wheel, controller, display, throttle, brake levers, PAS sensor, and all wiring harnesses with waterproof connections. Multiple wheel sizes are available, so you can match your existing frame. Battery is still sold separately, but everything else is in the box.

    If you want peace of mind with your purchase – someone to call if something goes wrong, waterproof components for year-round commuting, and a proven track record of happy customers – the eBikeling is the safe choice. Not the flashiest, but arguably the most practical.

    • Motor Type:Hub motor
    • Voltage/Wattage:48V 1200W
    • Waterproof:Yes (all connectors)
    • Wheel Sizes:Multiple available
    • Company:US-based (Chicago, IL)
    • Display:Included
    • Throttle:Included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Pedal Assist:PAS sensor included
  6. Bafang Rear Hub Motor 48V 500W Kit

    Bafang Rear Hub Motor 48V 500W Kit

    Best Brand-Name Hub

    View Latest Price

    Bafang doesn’t just make mid-drive motors. Their rear hub motor kit brings the same brand reliability to a simpler, more affordable package. It’s a newer listing, but Bafang’s reputation as the world’s largest e-bike motor manufacturer speaks for itself.

    The 48V 500W motor is rated for 38-40 km/h (about 24-25 mph) with an efficiency rating above 80%. That might not sound exciting next to the 1500W beasts on this list, but 500W is plenty for daily commuting, and the higher efficiency means you’ll get more miles out of every battery charge.

    What sets this apart from no-name hub motors is the build quality. Bafang uses precision windings and quality magnets that produce less heat and noise than cheaper alternatives. The motor is compatible with both disc brakes and V-brakes, which gives you more flexibility in which bike frame you use as a donor.

    This is a great option for riders who want a well-engineered hub motor from a brand they can trust, without going overboard on wattage. If you’re building a practical commuter ebike and want it to last, Bafang’s quality control is worth the slightly higher price over generic brands.

    • Motor Type:Rear hub
    • Voltage/Wattage:48V 500W
    • Top Speed:38-40 km/h (24-25 mph)
    • Efficiency:80%+ rated
    • Brake Compatibility:Disc and V-brake
    • Brand:Bafang (world’s largest e-bike motor maker)
    • Display:Included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Pedal Assist:PAS sensor included
  7. AW 48V 1000W 26″ Front Wheel Kit

    AW 48V 1000W 26 Inch Front Wheel Kit

    Best Front Hub Kit

    View Latest Price

    Front hub kits are the easiest conversion kits to install, and the AW 1000W is the most popular one out there. You literally swap your front wheel for the motorized one, mount the controller, wire the throttle, and you’re done. Plenty of riders have proven it works.

    The 48V 1000W motor can push you up to 28 mph, and because it’s in the front wheel, you effectively get two-wheel drive when combined with your own pedaling in the rear. That sounds cool on paper, but fair warning – front hub motors can make the steering feel heavier, especially at low speeds or when the front wheel loses traction on loose gravel.

    Weight capacity is rated at 220 lbs, which is on the lower end. Heavier riders should look at the rear hub options instead. The kit comes with a controller, LCD display, throttle, PAS sensor, and all necessary wiring. Like most kits on this list, you’ll need to buy a 48V battery separately.

    The AW front hub kit is best for riders who want the simplest possible installation and don’t want to mess with their drivetrain, chain, or rear wheel. Just know the trade-offs – front-heavy handling and lower weight capacity. For flat-terrain commuting, it’s a solid and straightforward choice.

    • Motor Type:Front hub
    • Voltage/Wattage:48V 1000W
    • Top Speed:28 mph
    • Wheel Size:26 inch
    • Weight Capacity:220 lbs
    • Display:LCD included
    • Throttle:Included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Installation:Front wheel swap (easiest)
  8. PEXMOR 48V 1000W Fat Tire Front Kit

    PEXMOR 48V 1000W Fat Tire Front Kit

    Best for Fat Tire Bikes

    View Latest Price

    Got a fat tire bike and want to electrify it? Most conversion kits won’t fit those wide hubs and oversized tires, but the PEXMOR is built specifically for the job. It’s popular with riders who were tired of pedaling their heavy fat bikes up hills.

    The 48V 1000W motor is laced into a 26-inch fat tire rim and can hit 36 mph – which is borderline insane on a fat tire bike, so please wear a helmet. At 36 mph and 1000W, this exceeds all three US e-bike classes and the federal 750W nominal limit; it is not street-legal as an e-bike on public roads in most states. The sine wave controller is a nice upgrade over the cheaper square wave controllers most budget kits use. Sine wave means smoother power delivery, less motor noise, and better efficiency.

    Fat tire bikes are popular for beach cruising, snow riding, and off-road trails, and this kit lets you add electric power without giving up the wide-tire advantages. If you already own one of the best fat tire electric bikes and it died, this could be a cheaper fix than buying a whole new one.

    The main downside is that front hub motors on fat bikes can feel extra heavy in the steering. Fat tires already have more rolling resistance, so the motor weight up front is noticeable at low speeds. Once you’re moving, though, the power more than makes up for it.

    • Motor Type:Front hub (fat tire)
    • Voltage/Wattage:48V 1000W
    • Top Speed:36 mph
    • Wheel Size:26″ fat tire
    • Controller:Sine wave (smooth & quiet)
    • Display:Included
    • Throttle:Included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Compatibility:Fat tire frames only
  9. CUBELLIN 36V 350W Front Wheel Kit

    CUBELLIN 36V 350W Front Wheel Kit

    Best Budget Beginner

    View Latest Price

    Not everyone needs 1000 watts of face-melting power. If you just want a little help on your commute or a boost on that one annoying hill on your daily route, the CUBELLIN 350W gets the job done at the lowest price on this list. Riders love it for what it is – a simple, affordable entry point into e-bikes.

    The 36V 350W front hub motor tops out at about 22 mph, which is perfect for bike paths and residential streets where you don’t need to keep up with traffic. The lower voltage and wattage also mean a lighter motor, so your bike won’t feel as front-heavy as it would with a 1000W front hub. Because the kit includes a throttle, it technically falls under Class 2 (throttle allowed, 20 mph max) – not Class 1, which is pedal-assist only.

    Installation is about as simple as it gets – swap the front wheel, mount the small controller, connect the throttle, and wire up the battery. The whole process takes under two hours even if you’ve never worked on a bike before. The kit includes everything except the battery.

    This is the kit I’d recommend to someone who’s on the fence about ebike conversions and doesn’t want to invest $500+ before knowing if they’ll like it. Get this, grab an affordable 36V battery, and test the waters. If you love it, you can always upgrade later. For flat terrain and short commutes, 350W is genuinely all you need.

    • Motor Type:Front hub
    • Voltage/Wattage:36V 350W
    • Top Speed:22 mph
    • Best For:Flat terrain, casual commuting
    • Weight:Lighter than 48V kits
    • Display:Included
    • Throttle:Included
    • Battery:Not included
    • Installation:Beginner-friendly
  10. Yose Power 500W Kit with 48V 13Ah Battery

    Yose Power 500W Kit with 48V 13Ah Battery

    Best Complete Package

    View Latest Price

    Every other kit on this list makes you buy a battery separately. The Yose Power doesn’t. That’s a bigger deal than it sounds, because choosing the wrong battery is the number one mistake new builders make. The convenience factor is real, and that alone makes it stand out.

    You get a 48V 500W rear hub motor paired with a matching 48V 13Ah lithium battery that mounts on a rear rack or in a triangle bag. That’s 624Wh of capacity, which translates to roughly 25-40 miles of range depending on terrain and assist level. Top speed is about 25 mph, and the motor includes waterproof connectors for all-weather riding.

    The battery and motor are designed to work together, so there’s no compatibility guessing. You won’t end up with a battery that’s too weak for the controller or connectors that don’t match. For someone who just wants to buy one box, install it, and ride – this eliminates the most confusing part of the process.

    The trade-off is that 500W is modest compared to the 1000W+ options, and some riders have reported quality inconsistencies. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way into e-bikes without researching battery specs, voltage compatibility, and BMS ratings, the Yose Power kit keeps it simple.

    • Motor Type:Rear hub
    • Voltage/Wattage:48V 500W
    • Top Speed:25 mph
    • Battery:48V 13Ah lithium (INCLUDED)
    • Range:25-40 miles estimated
    • Waterproof:Yes (connectors)
    • Display:Included
    • Throttle:Included
    • Pedal Assist:PAS sensor included

Hub Motor vs Mid-Drive: Which Type Is Right for You?

This is the single most important decision you’ll make when picking an ebike conversion kit. Get this right, and everything else falls into place.

A mid-drive motor replaces your bottom bracket and drives your chain directly. Because it works through your bike’s gears, it can multiply its torque on steep climbs the same way you downshift to make hills easier. The Bafang BBS02B, BBSHD, and Tongsheng TSDZ-8 are all mid-drives. They’re more efficient, better on hills, and keep the weight centered low on the frame.

The downsides? Mid-drives cost more, they’re harder to install, and they wear out your chain and cassette faster because all that motor power runs through your drivetrain. You’ll replace chains more often than with a hub motor setup.

A hub motor is built into either the front or rear wheel. It spins the wheel directly with no connection to your pedals or gears. The Voilamart, eBikeling, AW, PEXMOR, CUBELLIN, Bafang hub, and Yose Power kits are all hub motors.

Rear hub motors (like the Voilamart and eBikeling) push from behind, which feels more natural and gives better traction. They’re the most popular hub motor type for a reason. Front hub motors (like the AW and CUBELLIN) are the easiest to install because you don’t touch the drivetrain at all – just swap the front wheel. The trade-off is lighter steering feel and potential traction issues on wet or loose surfaces.

Here’s the short version. Pick a mid-drive if you ride hills, want efficiency, and don’t mind a harder install. Pick a rear hub if you want a good balance of power and simplicity. Pick a front hub if you want the easiest possible installation and ride mostly flat terrain.

How to Choose an Ebike Conversion Kit

There are a lot of specs and options to sort through, but it comes down to five things that actually matter.

Motor Wattage and What It Means

Wattage tells you how much power the motor can produce. 350W (like the CUBELLIN) is fine for flat terrain and gentle assistance. 500-750W (like the Bafang BBS02B or Yose Power) handles hills and headwinds without breaking a sweat. 1000W+ (like the BBSHD or Voilamart) is for steep climbs, heavy loads, or riders who just want speed. More watts means more power, but also more battery drain and more weight. Don’t buy more motor than you need.

Battery: The Most Important (and Expensive) Part

Your battery determines range, weight, and about 40-50% of the total project cost. Most kits on this list don’t include one. You’ll need to match the voltage (36V battery for 36V kit, 48V for 48V, 52V for 52V – never mix these). Higher amp-hours (Ah) means more range. A 48V 13Ah battery like the one included with the Yose Power gives you roughly 25-40 miles. A 48V 20Ah battery would push that to 40-60 miles. Expect to spend $200-$500 on a quality lithium battery with a BMS (battery management system).

Compatibility: Will It Fit Your Bike?

For mid-drive kits, your bottom bracket width is everything. The BBS02B needs 68-73mm, while the BBSHD fits 68-120mm. Measure yours before ordering. For hub motor kits, you need the right wheel size (26″, 27.5″, 700c) and your frame’s dropout spacing needs to match. Most standard bikes work fine, but some carbon frames, through-axle frames, and bikes with internal gear hubs won’t accept conversion kits. When in doubt, measure twice and check the product specs.

E-Bike Classes and Legal Limits

In the US, the federal limit for e-bikes on public roads is 750W. Beyond that, states classify e-bikes into three categories. Class 1 (pedal assist only, 20 mph max) goes anywhere bikes go. Class 2 (throttle allowed, 20 mph max) is accepted in most places. Class 3 (pedal assist, 28 mph max) is often restricted from bike paths. Kits like the Voilamart 1500W and Bafang BBSHD 1000W exceed the federal limit – they’re perfectly legal on private property, but check your local laws before riding them on streets.

Installation: DIY or Bike Shop?

Front hub kits (AW, CUBELLIN, PEXMOR) are the easiest – most people finish in 1-2 hours. Rear hub kits (Voilamart, eBikeling, Yose Power, Bafang hub) take 2-3 hours because you need to transfer your cassette and adjust the derailleur. Mid-drive kits (Bafang BBS02B, BBSHD, Tongsheng) are the most involved at 3-4 hours, requiring bottom bracket removal and more wiring. If you’re not comfortable with bike tools, any local bike shop will install a kit for $75-$150.

Ebike Conversion Kit Comparison

Kit Type Wattage Top Speed Battery
Bafang BBS02B Mid-drive 750W 25 mph Not included
Bafang BBSHD Mid-drive 1000W 33 mph Not included
Tongsheng TSDZ-8 Mid-drive 750W Not included
Voilamart Rear hub 1500W 34 mph Not included
eBikeling Hub motor 1200W Not included
Bafang Hub 500W Rear hub 500W 25 mph Not included
AW Front Front hub 1000W 28 mph Not included
PEXMOR Fat Tire Front hub 1000W 36 mph Not included
CUBELLIN Front hub 350W 22 mph Not included
Yose Power Rear hub 500W 25 mph 48V 13Ah included

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to convert a bike to electric?

The kit itself ranges from about $150 for a basic 350W front hub (like the CUBELLIN) to $500+ for a premium mid-drive (like the Bafang BBSHD). But the kit is only half the equation – most kits don’t include a battery. A quality 48V lithium battery adds $200-$500 depending on capacity. Total cost for a complete conversion runs $350-$1,000, which is still significantly less than buying a new e-bike that typically costs $1,500-$3,000.

Can you put an electric motor on any bicycle?

Most standard steel and aluminum bikes with quick-release axles and standard bottom brackets work fine. However, carbon fiber frames, through-axle setups, bikes with internal gear hubs, and some full-suspension designs can be problematic. For mid-drive kits, measure your bottom bracket width first – the Bafang BBS02B needs 68-73mm, while the BBSHD fits up to 120mm. For hub motor kits, make sure you know your wheel size and that your dropouts can accept the motor axle.

How fast can an ebike conversion kit go?

Speed depends on motor wattage and voltage. A 350W kit like the CUBELLIN tops out around 22 mph. Mid-range 500-750W kits reach 25 mph. High-power kits like the Voilamart 1500W can hit 34 mph and the PEXMOR reaches 36 mph. Keep in mind that the federal speed limit for e-bikes on public roads is 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). Anything faster is technically not a legal e-bike on public streets in most states.

Is a mid-drive or hub motor better for hills?

Mid-drive wins on hills, hands down. Because a mid-drive motor (like the Bafang BBS02B or Tongsheng TSDZ-8) works through your bike’s gears, it can multiply its torque by shifting to a lower gear – just like you do when climbing. A 750W mid-drive in low gear will climb better than a 1000W hub motor because the hub motor is stuck at a single gear ratio. If you live in hilly terrain, go mid-drive. If your area is mostly flat, hub motors work just fine and cost less.

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By Marco

Marco is an avid cyclist and passionate blogger. He takes great pride in sharing his insights and experiences with the cycling community, hoping to inspire others to take up the sport and enjoy its many benefits. His words are an ode to the joys of cycling, and the exhilaration it brings.

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The information on VolataCycles is shared in good faith for general guidance only and reflects our own opinions. We are not responsible for any decisions you make based on it – always do your own research and use your own judgment before buying, riding, or maintaining a bike.