Embarking on the journey of building your own electric bike can be both a cost-effective and deeply rewarding experience. Like many, I was intrigued by the idea of electric mobility but wanted to avoid the hefty price tag of pre-built e-bikes. That’s why I decided to dive into the world of Diy Electric Bike conversions, starting with a readily available kit.
My adventure began at thediyoutlet.com, a site offering a range of conversion kits. After browsing their options, I opted for a front-wheel conversion kit. Initially, a rear-wheel kit with pedal assist seemed appealing, but I reasoned that a front-wheel setup would offer greater flexibility for future modifications and potential upgrades. To ensure ample power, especially considering I’m not the lightest rider, I selected the 48 volt / 1000 watt system. I wanted to be confident that my diy electric bike would handle various terrains without struggling.
The next crucial component was the battery, often the most significant investment in any diy electric bike project, and a recurring expense over time. For budget-conscious builders like myself, Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries are a practical starting point. While lighter and more compact battery technologies exist, SLAs provide an economical entry into electric biking. Importantly, the conversion kit I chose was designed to be compatible with SLA batteries, simplifying the setup process and avoiding the need for additional charger modifications.
The kit specifications recommended four 12-volt batteries, each with a minimum of 17 amp-hours. I sourced 18 amp-hour batteries from Amazon. From my research, these types of batteries typically have a lifespan of around two years. With a total cost of about $160 for the set, the annual battery replacement cost would be approximately $80, in addition to electricity for charging and general maintenance. Even with these costs, using a diy electric bike for commuting is considerably cheaper than driving or using public transportation.
Finally, a bicycle itself is essential. “Perfect,” I thought, “I already have a bike!” However, I soon realized that the standard adult bike wheel size in the US, 26 inches, was different from my bike’s 700mm European wheels. This necessitated a trip to the local St. Vincent de Paul’s, where I found a reasonably good, rust-free used bicycle for just $20. While the initial bike purchase was cheap, I encountered an unexpected expense – the brakes were faulty. To ensure safety, I opted to have a local bike shop professionally install and adjust a new set of brakes, costing an additional $60. This investment was a small price to pay for peace of mind, especially after a terrifying near-miss due to malfunctioning brakes on my initial test ride! This experience highlighted the importance of thoroughly checking and, if needed, upgrading safety-critical components when undertaking a diy electric bike conversion project.
