In recent years, many riders want to convert their ordinary bicycles into electric mountain bikes, relying on the advantages of electric mountain bikes that save effort and can travel farther than ordinary bicycles. So what accessories are needed for this process? And how to choose the corresponding accessories for modification? This article will answer them one by one for you!
1. Preliminary preparation
- Check the maximum speed limit in your area and the type of bicycle
- Choose the right wheel size, original brake type, and favorite wheel color
- Choose the wheel hub according to your preferences and tire width and valve type
- Choose a charger that complies with local electricity standards
- Choose tire type and inner tube
- Understand whether the accessories are compatible with your original ebike
2. Collect components
Motor: Hub motor/mid-mounted motor
Hub motor: Installed inside the wheel, easy to install, but poor uphill and adventure performance.
Mid-mounted motor: Replace the bottom bracket, the mid-mounted motor will perform better uphill and in rugged places, but the corresponding installation will be more troublesome
Battery: Choose the right voltage and capacity
Voltage: Common voltages include 24V, 36V, 48V, and 52V. The higher the voltage, the better the performance it can provide and the faster the maximum speed it can have.
Capacity: Generally, the unit is AH. The larger the ampere number, the more electricity can be stored. The more common amperes in daily life are 12Ah, 16Ah, 20Ah, 24Ah, 32Ah, and 38Ah.
Controller: Motor and the battery power distribution
Manages the power distribution between the motor and the battery. Some of the more famous ones are Kelly Controls and Sabvoton's e mountain bike controller.
Throttle or pedal assist sensor: Thumb throttle or Twist handle throttle or Half twist handle throttle
Common throttles include thumb throttle, twist handle throttle and half twist handle throttle
Thumb throttle is simpler, easier to control and adjust, because it is only on one side of the handlebar, and only uses thumb push to achieve power assistance, but it is not conducive to long-term driving, which may cause thumb fatigue. It is usually suitable for small-range riding/urban riding riders.
Twist handle throttle is similar to motorcycle throttle, usually occupies half or more of the handlebar, which is easier for riders with motorcycle driving experience to adapt to, but may cause wrist fatigue, and has a greater impact on the installation of other components. It is usually more suitable for adventurous riders who need stable and continuous acceleration.
Half twist handle throttle only needs to rotate part of the handle, usually half, compared with twist handle throttle, it usually rotates less than twist handle throttle, compared with full twist handle throttle, it reduces hand fatigue caused by long-term use of hands, and can accurately control the power assistance intensity, suitable for users who want to reduce hand fatigue.
Hall effect sensors are a common type of PAS. This type of sensor is usually installed near the axle, close to the pedal crank. This sensor has no mechanical parts, has a longer lifespan, and is relatively cheap. However, when using this type of sensor, there will be a delay in starting, and the accuracy is generally poor because it cannot sense the pedaling force and can only be judged by frequency.
Torque sensors sense force and provide assistance by measuring the force applied by the rider. They are usually installed on the middle axle, crank or rear axle. They have the characteristics of fast response speed and high pedaling accuracy, which can make your pedaling more personalized. Compared with Hall effect sensors, they are more difficult to install and are suitable for users who need to ride in the mountains and long distances.
Mountain ebike display screen: record your riding data
Display screens are generally available in color or black and white. Black and white displays are more obstructed at night, and the display is not clear, which will cause the rider to be unable to make specific judgments by viewing the data.
Although the color display screen is more expensive, it can also provide accurate data prompts at night, so as to provide accurate decision-making data for the rider, and can also be clearly seen at night.
3. Install the Motor
Mid-mounted motor: Most mid-mounted motors require the removal of the original center shaft. If you want to install the motor, you need to install the mid-mounted motor and the center shaft together to be effective.
Hub motor: When installing a hub motor, you will need to replace the hub. You need to replace the original ordinary hub with a hub with a motor, and connect it to the controller.
4. Installing the Battery
Batteries are generally divided into internal and external. If you choose an internal battery, you usually need to remove the original frame and install the battery on the frame. External batteries usually have auxiliary accessories for fixing the battery on the frame.
5. Wiring and Connections
Connect the motor, battery and controller with cables, make sure all connections are normal and tight enough, make sure the cables are stable and waterproof, and keep the cables clean to avoid damage later.
6. Testing and Adjustment
After completing the installation, you need to test it on a flat and open road first to test whether each component can operate normally and ensure that each component is operating normally. Don't forget to test whether switching various gears and modes can switch and operate normally.
7. Check Regulations
Different states have different laws and regulations for electric vehicles. Some states have regulations on the maximum speed and maximum motor power of electric vehicles. First understand whether the relevant policies are in compliance to ensure that your mountain ebike modification is reasonable and compliant.
8. Adjusting the Brake System
Since electric mountain bikes are faster than ordinary bicycles, the brakes must be replaced with more powerful brakes to meet the needs. It is recommended to upgrade the brake system, such as hydraulic disc brakes.
9. Upgraded Suspension System
If you plan to go out for an adventure or go to some rough places, we recommend that you upgrade your front and rear suspension to adapt to more rugged terrain.
Conclusion
To convert a mountain bike into an electric mountain bike, you need to not only learn the common ebike construction knowledge, but also start from all aspects and understand a series of knowledge such as local laws, regulations and policies to ensure that you can complete the entire modification process.
