DIY e-bike advice
Posted by Themelon_1@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Hi everyone, I’m thinking about converting my MTB into an e-bike with a 1500W motor, but I’m completely new to this world.
Do you have any recommendations for good kits and batteries to buy, possibly on Amazon?
And most importantly, are the motor kit and battery enough, or do I need to buy anything else separately?
Speedtrap1@reddit
For 1500w you may want to head over to r/emoto
Sinesolder@reddit
That’s wrong. My bike is 1700W, built out of a Surly. A real bike with real pedals and I ride like a cyclist. I have over 40,000 miles by DIY ebike.
Emotos are not bikes and power has nothing to do with it.
EvidenceImmediate681@reddit
Power has everything to do with it. If you are in the US, 1500 watts would make it a motorcycle in every single State. It would be illegal to ride it on any trail, pathway or bike lane. Know your laws before you comment or make erroneous suggestions that can get someone ticketed and their motorcycle impounded.
pickandpray@reddit
Would 1500w, with a speed limited to 20mph still be illegal? The extra power helps on the hills.
EvidenceImmediate681@reddit
Yes. Ebikes are not just defined by speed.
Themelon_1@reddit (OP)
It's private
robotcoke@reddit
1500 watts is nothing, anyway. Don't let these Karens discourage you. If it has pedals, it probably doesn't belong in emoto. Especially if it's only 1500 watts.
motofoto@reddit
I’ve been doing the math on this. If you spec out a lightweight bafang mid drive unit BBS01B with the lightest battery combined it’s almost 17 pounds. If you’ve got a 35 pound bike you’re looking at 52 pounds total. An ozark trail ridge plus costs $1300 and weighs 56 pounds. Swap that heavy for for a lighter air fork and you’re at 54 pounds. A bafang mid drive kit with display, battery and all the pieces could easily run over $1000 on amazon but I haven’t actually built one so I don’t know if there’s cheaper ways to get it. I ended up buying the trail ridge plus and I’ve got Raidon forks on the way. I would like to build a 45 pound e MTB but I haven’t found a way to do it on a budget yet.
pickandpray@reddit
Salvaged batteries can help with cost of a build but the battery tester, welder and soldering iron removes the cost savings
Themelon_1@reddit (OP)
Actually on Amazon I saw kits for more or less 200-300 and batteries (with Samsung cells) also for 200-300 euros
motofoto@reddit
You are correct. I was able to spec out a full kit with battery and display for about $750 total.
Revolutionary_Fly769@reddit
Hilltoppers sells a complete front hub kit but you’ll only have one battery. A spare is almost the price of the kit. Could you get by with a hybrid? Eric’s has some decent priced ones.
Lordly_Lobster@reddit
if you opt for a mid drive kit you need to make sure the motor case and the chainring clear the chainstay. 90% if the time it will unless it's a modern MTB with flared chainstays. Also make sure that the battery will fit in the main triangle. It usually can unless it's a full suspension MTB.
thetonk@reddit
Hub or mid-drive?
Complete kit, go CYC. Easy peasy, all in one package, all works, but expensive.
DIY route is cheaper but cumbersome. Bafang has been my go to but most folks like the torque sensing the other units have.
Battery is the main issue. You can go custom (I did) or go to a manufacturer like Amorge.
I suggest to opt for the Eggrider display if you go Bafang. So much easier to modify the settings on the fly. Also, get the programming cable just in case.
Other than that, have a fun journey. I'm on my 3rd 🤣