Converting a traditional bike into an electric bike using an Electric Bike Conversion Kit is a popular way to upgrade your ride, offering assistance for hills and longer distances. Recently, I decided to embark on this project myself, converting my wife’s Schwinn trike to electric. This trike, acquired a few years back, allowed my wife to enjoy cycling again due to its stability, something a two-wheeler couldn’t offer. Living in hilly Colorado, the single-speed trike was initially upgraded with a 5-speed derailleur for better hill climbing. This modification involved some lathe work and welding on the intermediate hub, but it significantly improved the trike’s usability.
The inspiration for electrification struck during a family vacation when renting an e-bike for my daughter proved to be a fantastic experience. The boost provided by the e-bike seemed like the perfect solution to assist the trike on those challenging uphill stretches. However, before adding power, safety was paramount. The original trike brakes were inadequate, particularly the rear band brake which offered minimal stopping power. To address this, I replaced the rear band brake with a 140mm disc brake and mechanical caliper. While not top-of-the-line, this upgrade drastically improved the braking performance, providing sufficient stopping power for the added speed of an electric trike. With the braking issue resolved, I proceeded with installing the electric bike conversion kit. I chose the PEXMOR 26″ Electric Bike Conversion Kit with a front wheel motor.
PEXMOR 26″ Electric Bike Conversion Kit Front Wheel E-Bike Conversion
This electric bike conversion kit boasts a powerful 48V 1000W brushless hub motor, promising speeds up to 36 mph (58 km/h) and compatibility with 26″ bicycle frames having a 100mm front dropout spacing. The kit also includes pedal assist features, enhancing the riding experience.
During the installation of this electric bike conversion kit, a concern arose regarding the weatherproofing of the motor controller. While the trike is typically stored indoors, occasional exposure to rain is unavoidable. The controller didn’t appear to be designed for wet conditions. I contacted the seller on Amazon, where the kit was purchased, and they stated the controller was IP67 rated. IP67 should imply sufficient protection against rain, but they advised against using it in wet conditions, which seemed contradictory. Further inquiry to both the Amazon seller and Pexmor regarding the weather resistance of the entire kit, including connectors, display, and throttle, has unfortunately gone unanswered for over a week.
This lack of clarity raises a critical question for anyone considering this or similar electric bike conversion kits: how weatherproof are these systems in real-world conditions? While I can potentially weatherproof the connectors myself, concerns remain about the display, throttle, and overall durability of the kit when exposed to rain. The question becomes: is this electric bike conversion kit reasonably weatherproof for occasional rain, or should I consider returning it and opting for a different, potentially more weather-resistant kit? I am open to returning the kit if necessary, but I want to make an informed decision.
Interestingly, I noticed that newer models of my wife’s Schwinn trike already incorporate disc brakes and derailleurs, suggesting that manufacturers are recognizing the need for these upgrades.
VB1 Classic Adult Tricycle
Modern adult tricycles like the Viribus 7-speed model come equipped with features that enhance both safety and performance, highlighting the evolution of trike design.
Viribus Bikes Logo for Adult Tricycles and E-bikes
In conclusion, my experience with installing this electric bike conversion kit highlights not only the straightforward process of upgrading a trike but also the crucial considerations regarding weatherproofing and manufacturer support. For potential buyers of electric bike conversion kits, especially those in areas with frequent rain, understanding the weather resistance of the chosen kit is paramount. Further research and clearer communication from manufacturers are essential to ensure a positive and safe e-biking experience.
