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Best buys are selected because they work well, come from solid companies and get high marks from users. In addition to these kits, consider one of the many e-bikes available.

Mid-drive kits modify the recumbent's chain system to transmit both human and motor power to the gearing at the rear wheel. Adding gearing to the motor provides the user with both high speed and good hill-climbing.
Hub motor kits power the bike using a hub motor built into the bicycle wheel.

BEST BUYS - KITS

* Kits with an asterisk offer through-the-gearing power assist - i.e. the force of the motor goes through the bike's gearing system - which provides better hill-climbing and top-end speed than direct drive systems with the same size motor.

For each bike or kit listed on this site, we offer a way to purchase; just follow the link(s) at the end of the description. The dealers we list are trustworthy and provide good customer service. If you find that's not the case, please contact us so we can make appropriate adjustments.

"Bargain Buys" Most electric bikes priced less than $500 at big box retailers and on-line are aimed at the kid/teen/toy market. They generally lack the performance and durability that people want and expect. Also, parts and service can be problematic with both big box retailers and on-line vendors. We urge you to invest in an e-bike that will serve you (and others) for many years. If you choose to buy one anyway, read our quality control and final adjustment guidelines. Remember, if it's poorly constructed and you can't get repair parts, it's likely to become land-fill material.

BMC Hub Motor Kit


BMC offers a light (9 lbs) brushless planetary gear hub motor kit.
This hub is reliable, quiet, efficient, high-torque and affordable.
    Features:
  • 540W (36V battery pack with 15A controller) motor with torque rivaling 1000W gearless motors
  • Hall Effect Throttle with power-on indicator
  • NO DRAG FREEWHEELING
  • Additional options include rear hub motor, controller upgrades, and flat tire protection.
This hub wheel is built in-house to desired sizes of 20", 26", and 700C by Electro Ride LLC. The wheel build features high quality spokes and a durable spoke pattern often seen in touring bikes carrying 200 lbs of cargo. For added protection from flat tires, you can request any combination of tire liners ($12 each), thorn resistant tubes ($6 each) and Kevlar tires ($45, shown in picture above).

Pricing for the BMC motor kits:
MOTOR
  • $500 for a light-weight brushless planetary-gear hub motor and throttle - without spokes and rim.
  • Add $120 for wheel build (includes spokes and rim in your choice of size - 20", 26", 700c)
  • Total for hub motor wheel = $620 (add $50 for rear wheel version with freewheel). (Price includes thumb throttle; add $20 for twist throttle.)
CONTROLLER
  • $100 for 15A controller for 36V battery pack - recommended for most users.(20 mph with 26" wheel; 22-23 mph with easy pedaling; 36V x 15A = 540 watts; lower amp rating means less stress on battery pack)
  • $150 for 25A controller for 36V battery pack (22 mph with 26" wheel; up to 25 mph with easy pedaling; only needed for serious hills; includes switch to limit speed to 20 mph)
  • $200 for 35A controller for 24V, 36V, and 48V battery packs (speed varies with voltage; requires minimum 30Ah battery pack)
  • The 15A and 25A controllers only work with 36V battery packs.
  • The 35A controller accepts 24V, 36V, and 48V battery supplies. (Although more expensive than the 15A controller, the 35A controller allows a user to start with a single 26V Lithium battery and upgrade to 52V by adding a second battery.
  • Note: although nominal values of 24V, 36V and 48V are used above, these controllers easily handle the slightly higher Lithium voltages of 26V, 37V and 52V.
  • Note: all the 36V controllers will have max of 342 rpm (26 mph for 26" wheel) regardless of amp rating. The more you pedal the close you get to the max assist speed. (For details, click here to access motor performance charts.)
BATTERY PACK
  • Lithium batteries are priced at $1.25 per amp-hour plus $100 for the charger. (Lithium batteries purchased separately, i.e. without a hub motor and controller, are priced at $1.50 per amp-hour plus $100 for the charger.)
  • 37V 20Ah batteries available today (LiMnCo, 15 lbs. fits in Topeak bag) (37 x 20 x $1.25 = $925 plus $100 for charger = $1025)
  • 37V 10Ah (LiFePo, larger size fits on rear rack) (2 available now)
  • Others available soon.
  • A 36V 12Ah B&B sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery pack (including Topeak bag and rear rack) plus charger goes for $375.
Users can opt to install the kit themselves on their bike, or pay a $75 installation fee to the dealer.

Find additional technical/performance charts, click here.

Available from:
  • Electro Ride LLC, 110 #11 Glenn Way, San Carlos, CA, 94070, 650-222-0378 (call to arrange for a test ride), brian.howell@comcast.net, Electro Ride LLC
  • Electro Ride Bikes and Scooters (sponsor of this website), Milpitas, CA 95035-6913, 408-262-8975

Go-Hub Hub Motor Kit

Designed for "Plug & Play" and reliability, kits are available for either 26" or 24" wheels. Wiring for the 24" kit was measured specifically for a trike but will work on a regular bike with 24" wheels. The controller on the 26" kits is mounted on the front of the bike with an aluminum clamp. This allows for better controller cooling and eliminates running the motor and throttle wires along the frame to the rack.

The Go-Hub kit uses the highly regarded B&B SLA batteries and Soneil charger. The hub motor is laced into an alloy wheel with heavy duty stainless steel spokes. The 26" kits use the 408 motor and the 24" kits the 409. The motor operates at 36V from three 12ah batteries. All of the connections, except for the battery, are inside the controller box. If components need replacing, then they are unplugged from inside of the controller box. This eliminates any external connector problems and gives a very neat "factory installed" appearance. The only wire running along the frame is the battery wire going to the trunk. All components are already factory connected except for the battery wire. Batteries and charger comfortably fit within a Topeak Super Trunk. The trunk slips into a track on the included Topeak Explorer rack and clips in place. No velcro or straps are needed. The trunk also has large side pockets to carry other items.

Installation is simple:

  • Move your old tire and tube to the new hub motor wheel and mount on your bike.
  • Slide the thumb throttle onto the handlebar.
  • Clamp the controller onto the frame.
  • Attach the rack (no need to remove the axle bolts).
  • Slip on the trunk.
  • Run the battery wire from the controller to the trunk.
  • Tie-wrap the motor wires onto the fork and the battery wire on the frame.
  • Switch it on and go!

The Go-Hub kit uses the high-tech Soneil 2-amp charger which is equal to an ordinary 4-amp transformer type charger. The batteries, sitting on the bottom of the trunk, are covered by a 1/8" divider board upon which rests the charger. With the onboard charger you can charge anywhere by pulling out the AC wire and plugging into an standard 110VAC outlet. The ignition key is located at the front/top corner of the trunk for easy access. There is also a 30A inline fuse on the pack.

The 24" trike kits will also come pre-connected but the controller is mounted onto the rear of the seat post since the front center pull brake runs in front of the steering tube on trikes. The trunk used for the trikes mounts between the rear basket and seat tube and velcro straps to the basket. The trike kit will use a twist throttle which works better on 3 speed trikes. (Click here for an example.)

Warning! Only mount Go-Hubs on front forks made of steel or Cro-Moly, not aluminum. The torque-stress of the Go-Hub's axle can break the drop-outs on some aluminum forks, potentially leading to serious injury. Also, fork spacing is important. Click here to see required fork dimensions.

For more Go-Hub photos, visit:
http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/go-hub.html

Installation instructions for the Go-Hub kit:
http://www.largoscooters.com/go-hubinstructions.html

Go-Hub Motor Kits are priced comparably to the RoadRunner kits from http://www.electricrider.com/crystalyte/index.htm
  • Go-Hub 408 for regular bikes (19 mph)
  • Go-Hub 409 for 24" trikes (12 mph)
  • Go-Hub 408/48V 48-volt version for regular bikes (more torque and 25 mph)
    (To learn more about the 48-volt verstion, click here.
Available from:

Crystalyte

offers a wide selection of hub-motor kits to power your bike. Choose from 2 models of the Sparrow (20+ mph, brushed motor), 2 models of the faster Road Runner series (20+ mph, brushless 408 motor), or 6 models of the powerful Phoenix (25 to 36 mph). Sparrow models are available on 16", 20", 24" and 26" wheels. Other models come mounted on 700c wheels. To compare performance of the various motors, check the charts at http://www.electricrider.com/crystalyte/index.htm

Warning: The Phoenix is the most powerful system available for a bike. The motor is much larger in diameter (200 mm vs. 130 mm) and weight (23.5 lbs. vs. 15.5 lbs.) than the RoadRunner and Sparrow hub motors. So, it produces greater torque, greater speed, and can handle the current of a larger controller. The Phoenix Racer 26" front wheel with fully inflated street tire is about all a 180-lb. rider can manage on a dry, paved surface. Click here for photos.

Crystalyte electric wheels require no periodic maintenance. There are no belts, chains, sprockets or pulleys. The spokes of the wheel are directly connected to the electric motor. Direct coupling eliminates losses in the transmission of power to the wheel.

Crystalyte electric wheel systems come complete with everything you need to convert a pedal bike to an electric bike. The installation guide takes you step-by-step through the conversion process. If you have questions, you can call your dealer or the parts and service number included with your kit. Crystalyte encourages builders to get creative with your electric power system. You will find just what you need for your own project on our PARTS list.

Crystalyte supports dealers who support you. Parts and service can be obtained from your dealer or from the service center at EV Depot ( www.evdepot.com/ ). Crystalyte is an American-owned company offering freedom from the pump, and clean, non-polluting local transportation.

Street Legal
To meet US Federal law as it defines bicycles, electrically powered vehicles cannot exceed 750 watts or 20 MPH, and must have functioning pedals. Check your local laws and choose your power system accordingly if you intend to ride on-road.

Above Street Legal
Some Crystalyte systems exceed limits that define a bicycle under US Federal law. As with all power systems, their use and suitability to a given application is the responsibility of the buyer. Crystalyte is an advocate of all electrically powered vehicles, regardless of their use. Choose a bike with good brakes, inspect them often, and replace worn shoes or pads as needed. You'll be putting a lot more miles on a bike powered by Crystalyte than a pedal bike, and brakes become very important at the speeds you will reach.

Retail prices range from $600 to $1100. (Check for current prices.) Available from:

Electro Cycle E-4 Kit
for EZ-1 and EZ-3 Recumbent Cycles

Combine an EZ-1 or EZ-3 recumbent bike with a 500-watt drive system to get an extraordinary electric bike. The lowered seat and feet-ahead design of these bikes provide a comfortable, stable and safe ride. The Electro Cycle E-4 takes advantage of the bike's gearing to deliver great hill-climbing ability along with higher speeds - not just one or the other like most electric bikes. Most electric drive systems directly drive a wheel. The E-4 mid-drive motor system works in tandem with the rider's pedaling through the 7-speed rear deraileur, significantly increasing motor and battery efficiency for higher assisted speeds and better pulling power. The power-on-demand drive system means no pedaling is required, but your effort will extend the range and increase the speed. The stock E-4 battery pack can be fully re-charged in about 4 hours via the included charger.

The comfortable and streamlined recumbents from Easy Racers are excellent for transportation. The recumbent design reduces wind resistance and greatly increases comfort and safety over a standard upright trike. Recumbents are safer in two important ways: 1) sitting closer to the ground means that falls to the side hurt much less and 2) in a head-on collision, your feet in front provide shock absorbtion and prevent the head-first fall over the handle bars common in such collisions. It's long frame also allows for additional batteries, if needed, for longer range.

The two-wheeled EZ-1 is the most popular recumbent on the market, largely due to its excellent reputation and low price. The three-wheeled EZ-3 provides the same great features with a stable, no-balancing-required configuration.

Other Features:

  • 24-volt High Output Battery Pack
  • 18 MPH Cruising Speed (without pedaling, faster with pedaling)
  • Unassisted range up to 10 miles with the standard battery pack
  • Quick Acceleration
  • Amazing Hill-Climbing ability
  • Weight: motor and gearing = 7 lbs.; battery pack = 20 lbs.
  • Warranty: motor drive system = 6 months; batteries = 90 days

Click here for more information and photos.

Electro Cycle E-4 - $650 (includes a motor mount bracket, battery pack, charger, throttle and wiring)
Sun/Easy Racers EZ-1 SX Recumbent (red or blue) - $750
Sun/Easy Racers EZ-3 trike (red or blue) - $900
Available from:

Powerpack upgrade kit (for ElecTrec)

Upgrade your ElecTrec, LashOut or pre-2004 Currie electric bike. Powerpack Motors offers a state-of-the-art 750 watt BMC brushless DC motor with a heavy-duty external controller. The motor is the same size as the stock 600-watt motor, but without the controller circuitry inside. Instead, with the controller circuitry external to the motor, the motor can operate at a much higher output without overheating. The controller will operate at 24V, 36V or 48V:

  • At 24V, it runs slightly slower than stock, but with better acceleration & hill climbing.
  • At 36V, it runs faster than stock, 22-23 mph, with much better acceleration & hill climbing.
  • At 48V, it runs much faster than stock, 26+ mph, with solid acceleration and surprising hill climbing. It accelerates up hills that cause the stock bike to slow by at least 5 mph (even when pedaling).

The Hi-Power Cycle can be converted to the 36V configuration by replacing the stock 24V battery pack, with the custom 36V battery pack. A 36V charger will also be required. Likewise, the Hi-Power Cycle can be easily converted from 24V configuration to the 48V configuration, by adding a second battery pack, and a wiring harness. The dual battery-pack bike requires a rear rack, all hardware to mount the second battery pack, and wiring harness. Both of these upgrades are non-standard configurations and will void all warranties from the bike manufacturer. Also, due to the higher torque, we recommend that one only use this motor with the ElecTrec - or plan to replace drive assembly with the much stronger version that is now standard on the ElecTrec and available from an ElecTrec dealer.

Available from:
EV Deals

EPS BionX

The EPS (Energy Propulsion System) BionX has taken electric kits to the next level. The BionX kit is the most sophisticated and well integrated electric kit available today. Using advanced chemistry NiMH batteries and a totally silent, brushless motor, the EPS kit is lightweight and extremely unassuming. In pedal activated mode, the power is applied seamlessly and intuitively, and the addition of a throttle also allows the BionX to be used without pedaling on flat terrain.

The EPS BionX kit consists of a wheel-mounted motor, battery pack, command console, and the wiring needed to install it.

  • Motor: The BionX system is powered by a lightweight, smart, zero-maintenance motor. High performance direct drive generative wheel motor (no gears or brushes). Power: 250 W nominal power and 450 W peak power. Nominal torque: 7 N.m; maximum torque: 25 N.m . Weight: 4.1 kg (9 lbs). Four multiplying effort levels - the motor can boost your thrusting power by 25%, 50%, 100%, or 200%,depending on the sssistance level selected. Four generation levels: The battery can be recharged when riding, braking or going downhill,
  • Battery: The 24-volt, 8 amp-hour NMH battery pack will last up to 80 km and can be recharged in 3 hours. Weight: 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs). Size: Length: 30cm, height: 14cm, depth: 7.5cm. The battery is installed on the lower frame using the water bottle mount. This technology allows a quick installation or removal of the battery. It is also possible to install the battery on the rear bicycle rack.
  • Control Console: Everything you need to control the BionX system is at your fingertips. The analog display, indicates the power supplied by the battery. The console includes a multifunctional odometer that displays the following information: current speed, distance travelled, odometer, trip meter ,average speed. The console also includes an alarm system with a 4-digit PIN (personal identification number). When the alarm system is activated, two wheel turns are enough to set it off. From that moment, the motor goes into generative mode 4 and the alarm sounds. The bicycle’s maximum speed is programmable. It can be adapted to the local regulations (e.g. Canada: 32 km/h, Europe: 25 km/h).

Learn more at:
http://www.bionx.ca/
http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/bionx.html

Price = $1000 - $1450. Available from:

  • Electric Cyclery, 910 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA, 92651, 949-715-2345, electriccyclery.com
  • NYCeWHEELS, 1603 York Avenue, NY, NY 10028, (212) 737-3078, www.nycewheels.com
  • Folks near Ashland, OR, can get assistance from Jay Springs, 541-326-8733 or 541-552-0837
  • Electro Ride Bikes and Scooters (sponsor of this website), Milpitas, CA 95035-6913, 408-262-8975 (call to arrange for a test ride)
  • or to find a local dealer, go to http://www.bionx.ca/en/buy.html

Also available in combination with the Birdy and Xootr folding bicycles: www.nycewheels.com

Electric Bike Factory

At last an Electric Bicycle that is affordable. If you already have a bike or tricycle, the new Electric Bike kits come with instructions for EASY assembly for the do it yourselfer or can be installed by any bicycle shop. The Electric Bike Kit is made right here in the U.S.A. With all U.S.A. made parts. The kits are available direct from the Electric Bike Factory in Florida. The new Electric Bike is made with a battery that will provide constant power to the motor at top speed of 15 MPH for two wheel bikes, 10 MPH for the tricycle. We also sell bikes with the kit already installed.

"We manufacture electric motor kits for bikes, trikes and joyrider. Our motor is not an exchange for ZAP's DX kits. We designed our own kit. It is a friction drive. We have a front wheel and rear wheel model. It is a simple one bolt bracket that mounts our motor to a trike or bike frame. Our motor fits all trikes and most bikes. We make 2 metal size rollers. The large roller on bikes gives about 14-15 mph and on trikes 12-13 mph. The small roller on trikes gives about 8-10 mph. We also make a double motor (although in most cases it is not necessary) for trikes that is one of the most powerful kits on the market. It is not faster, but it is great for climbing hills or inclines. Our kit is the easiest kit to install and Trailmate Co. is recommending us to their dealers.

Electric Bike Factory, 14250 A & W Bulb Road, Fort Myers, FL 33904
Tel: (239) 415-2223, Fax: (239) 415-1121
http://www.electricbikefactory.com

Heinzmann Kits

Heinzmann of Germany builds a variety of hub motors both in wattage rating and gearing for both front and back wheels. Unlike many kits that perform to specification only on 26" wheels, Heinzmann offers 16"- and 20"-wheel kits. The quality and dependability of their system is excellent. They sell a complete kit or individual components. Their hub is used on the EV Global bike as well as others. Their controller is a twist grip throttle that comes both in a Pedelec, (must be pedaling) and an EBike version. NiCad and NiMH battery packs are available.

Light Electric Vehicle Technologies provides service and warranty work on Heinzmann motors sold in the U.S. To contact the National Service Center, e-mail Light Electric Vehicle Technologies with technical questions.

Heinzmann Motors is more than 100 years old. The company has been building electric motors for 40 years, and electric bicycle motors since 1994.

Here's a note from someone who seems to know: "You are correct in that the Heinzmann hubs with high torque have lower top speed. However, Heinzmann is the best electric choice I know of for good torque. They are being used on Pedicabs that haul up to 4 people around fairly steep environments. You can select the gearing and voltage options you wish from about 12 configurations now available from dealers in North America. These include hubs with very high torque and ones that achieve high top speeds as well as good compromise units."

MANUFACTURER: Fritz Heinzmann GmbH, zHd. Frau Geppert, Am Haselbach 1, 79677 Schönau, GERMANY
Tel +07673 - 82 08 22, Fax +07673 - 82 08 94
http://www.heinzmann.de

Available from:

Review/Background on Heinzmann

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