How much would you pay to convert your bike to an e-bike?
Posted by Thehowltonight@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 13 comments
INSTALLATION COSTS ONLY.
Market research purposes.
JG-at-Prime@reddit
If you are considering doing this yourself then you might want to consider the costs of liability insurance.
You’ll also want to be the one supplying the conversion kits. Otherwise you will be dealing with whatever busted ass kits the customer brings in.
With insurance brings UL limitations. The kits will need to be UL rated which means expensive and they may not match whatever busted ass bicycle that the customer brings in.
You’ll want to supply the bicycles as well. If possible. Otherwise it’s a crapshoot.
The bike will most likely need servicing before you can do the installation. So you’ll need the resources of a bike shop to either tune them up or finish their final assembly.
Since you are the manufacturer, you assume the liability for the bike being legal. If some boneheaded customer uses your bike to plow into a crowd you will get part of that liability.
Good luck! 🍀
silenceispower26@reddit
this is the correct answer
joefresco2@reddit
I did mine in about 20-30 hours of labor plus a bike stand. Of course, I replaced everything except the brake calipers, and it's only the second time I ever replaced a drivetrain and the first on a lot of other components, including the battery/wiring. So if you're asking the question, figure that range of time and calculate against how much that time is worth to you.
Otherwise, ask nearby ebike shops. Reddit #s on this question is practically useless.
AntEaterApocalypse@reddit
Zero. I don't think DIYing is worth it except for the small minority of people that happen to already have the shop space, exact tools needed, and a capable frame and parts already.
For everyone else, DIYing an ebike means buying a suitable frame, quality components, needed tools, finding shop space, then buying the DIY kit itself with battery. Or paying hundreds to pay for labour. By the time you're done you could've just purchased a factory ebike.
I would also like to stress suitable frame. Normal bike frames are not designed for motors or the speeds and torque they are capable of. I don't know how many times I've seen people say you can save money by DIYing some old pile of rust from the 90's. That is a trip to the emergency room waiting to happen.
rabotat@reddit
I voted before I read instalation costs only .
I payed 1000 euros to install everything necessary, including a 1500 w motor and a decent battery for it.
newcitynewme724@reddit
Lol me too. Not the best configuration there bud
iH8MotherTeresa@reddit
There's three suckers born every day, at least lol. I would not pay $600+ for labor to convert my bike
SaccharineTits@reddit
I would never do this. Why would I want to ruin one of my nice light carbon bikes by slapping some aftermarket motor kit on it?
That's why I bought an e-bike.
BunnyEruption@reddit
I don't think it's viable as a business because once you factor in liability and the total cost to the customer versus just buying an ebike it's not going to make sense for either of you
InfluenceEfficient77@reddit
Take cash as donation use a burner phone from a parking lot and make them sign a waiver
beagles4ever@reddit
Nothing. E-bikes should be purpose built.
Duct_TapeOrWD40@reddit
A proper small battery alone is $400- ish....
Odd-Lime-2738@reddit
Zero, but I’m handy with a spanner. Leaving aside the legal issues, you’d probably want to work on a parts+labour basis like mechanics more than a flat fee.