How to Add an Electric Motor to a Hybrid Bicycle
A hybrid bicycle typically combines the lightweight frame and larger wheel size of a road bicycle, with the upright riding position of a mountain bike. Adding an electric assist to your hybrid bicycle allows individuals to ride the same distance with less effort. For people with health or fitness challenges, an electric assist is one way to get into cycling without worrying about running out of energy miles from home. Want to ride to work but don't want to show up sweaty? Another reason to add an electric motor to your bicycle.
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Instructions
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Choose an electric-assist conversion kit that complies with your local regulations. Different countries have different rules regarding the top speed and maximum power motor you can use, with Canadian and U.S. rules allowing more power and higher speeds than European rules. Three well-known electric-assist conversion kits are Bionx, E-BikeKit, and Ezee. You can order a kit online from suppliers such as ebikes.ca, or find a local bike store in your area that also sells conversion kits. Consider the range and frequency you want to ride and get a battery with enough power to meet your needs.
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Install the conversion kit. Typically, this will mean swapping your conventional front or rear wheel for the wheel and hub motor that comes with the kit, attaching the battery on your rear rack or in the middle of your frame and mounting the controller on your handlebars. Hybrid bicycles typically use a wheel size commonly referred to as "700c." Specify this size of wheel when ordering your conversion kit.
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Charge your battery and take your new electric-assisted bicycle for a test ride. Because terrain, speed and even headwinds can have a significant impact on range, stay relatively close to home for your first few rides. Your controller module will have a battery power indicator to let you know when you are running out of juice, but consider whether your return trip is mostly uphill or into a wind when determining the halfway point of your ride. The added weight of the motor and battery can make riding your e-bike without the electric assist a lot more work than pedaling a regular bicycle.
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Tips & Warnings
An e-bike's powerful motor means you'll expend less energy and won't warm up as quickly as you would on a regular bike. In the summer you won't need to adjust your clothing choices, but in winter, you may find you need to add a layer of clothing and dress more warmly
Consider getting a second battery charger if you need to recharge your battery at work during the day. The charger is a delicate piece of equipment and its components can get damaged if you are taking it with you to and from your workplace.
Get the most battery power you can afford. You will extend your range and won't have to worry about running out of electricity just when you need it. Buy a lithium-ion (li-ion) battery. They are the newest technology, last the longest and are lighter than nickel-cadmium or lead-acid batteries.
Most e-bike kits can be assembled by the hobbyist or handyman. However, use the requisite amount of caution and common sense when working with electricity. If you are unsure of your electrical skills, ask your local bike shop to help you with the installation.
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- Photo Credit bicycle image by david harding from Fotolia.com
