Hey, I’m looking to buy a new bike (or used!) that’s electric in someway. Any recommendations that won’t break the bank? $2k for a bike has got me reeling.
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Are you mechanically inclined at all? I purchased a motor conversion kit and a battery to convert my regular bike to ebike. It wasn’t really a difficult process, the hardest part was removing the bottom bracket as it was quite stuck. Took some thinking to get enough leverage without having the tool head chew out the bracket teeth. The rest was relatively plug and play. I was able to get the 500 W motor and 48 V 18 A hour battery for ~$1200 CAD together. I use it to commute to work so I wanted a longer range, if you don’t need as much power or as much range you could do it for cheaper.
I went for a mid drive motor which are more efficient but more expensive than hub drive, if you’re budget conscious you could do a hub drive. From my understanding the hub drive can be more difficult for maintenance (the wheel is a special version, so you need to buy another wheel that works with the hub drive if any issues occur) but I’m no expert.
All of that is a moot point if you don’t already have a bike to use, but you could find a local bike recycle store to get one cheap? Or you could get a new bike and convert that. I had a marin fairfax 2 that I converted over and it works great, haven’t had any issues and I’ve put on a couple thousand kms on it since converting (the display tracks total distance which is handy). I believe the marin was $700ish new from my local store.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B083J95GJP?geniuslink=true&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/10AH-Electric-Bicycle-Lithinum-Battery/dp/B09C1RP9KV
You could search for other options if you don’t want to support amazon, there are different sites to source the parts from, those were just the first two that I saw.
Here’s a battery from a Canadian company.
https://lunacycle.com/no-drill-battery-mount-kit/
Here’s a mounting bracket for the battery if the bracket seems unsteady or the holes don’t line up like with mine.
This is what I ended up going with. Let me know if you have any questions, I’d be happy to chat about the process more.
Some great info, thanks. I do have a bike already and I am mechanically inclined.
It might not be enough E or even enough bike (also online, not sure how Canada availability is), but let me re-comment this:
I wanted a small ebike with ultra value, I ended up getting the Fiido D4S (20" wheels, folding, 45 pounds, has gears, 36v 10.4Ah, 250w). Price is 800 USD but I got it on sale for $720. I love the gears, but it came poorly adjusted (chain fell off first ride) so I had to adjust it myself (probably not 100% right, but the Park Tool video got me through it).
I have rode almost 100 miles, though my longest trip thus far was ~20 miles (round trip).
Other caveats:
- the charger doesn’t have a US plug, but can be replaced with a standard 2-prong cord.
- the battery meter is inaccurate, I suspect it errs way too early (maybe even by 10+ miles)
- there is no ignition system, bell (does have digital horn), mirrors, rear light
- also no front mounting (aside from headlight bolt) or bottle mount etc, rear rack is not included by default
- at 250w it is barely an ebike (also EU speed limit), still nice though (helps build muscle but get a bit of help/speed)
- even still, it has a half-twist throttle (that cannot be easily disabled/removed) so is technically class II
- tires (especially spokes) don’t seem to be great, though I suppose it’s acceptable
- battery is not quick-swap (but is an 18650 battery pack, thus likely even more replaceable than other types)
- no suspension
- says on the site (unless in error?) it’s discontinued
I purchased a bike bell for $12 from the local bike shop. I was hoping for a cheaper (or even free) mirror since I mostly use the trail, but no luck so far (though I’m a shut-in so I don’t know anybody really). Same with a storage option.
