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E-bike Conversion FAQ’s

E-BIKE CONVERSION FAQs

1. WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC BIKE?

An electric bike has an electric motor and battery, which provides assistance when cycling. It doesn’t have a throttle so it isn’t a moped and you will still have to pedal. It does, however, enable you to cycle further, for longer and in a lot more comfort especially when it’s hilly. The level of assistance can be adjusted to suit your needs at the push of a button and in the worse case scenario, if the battery runs flat, you can still pedal it home like a normal bicycle.

2. WHY SHOULD I GET AN ELECTRIC BIKE?

Cycling has been scientifically proven to improve your health and well-being and to bust a common myth, riding an electric bike is not cheating – you do still have to work!

By using an electric bike instead of a car you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint whilst avoiding traffic jams and car parking charges, get fresh air, exercise and the convenience of door-to-door transport!

​3. WHY SHOULD I CONVERT A BIKE INSTEAD OF BUYING A NEW ONE? 

If you already own a bike that you find comfortable or enjoy riding but wish to have an electric bike, this could be a great solution. An electric bike conversion is significantly cheaper than buying a new electric bike and the kits we use are of higher value than those used on off the shelf e-bikes at the same cost. On top of this, by recycling your bike, you will be reducing waste going to landfill. 

4. CAN ANY BIKE BE CONVERTED?

Nearly all conventional bikes can be converted, provided the frame is made of metal (aluminium or steel). The kits we use are generally not suited to carbon fibre bikes.

5. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

We charge £895 to supply and fit a 250W 36V Tongsheng TSDZ2 motor with a VLCD5 display complete with a 19.2Ah battery fitted with Samsung 21700 cells . We charge an extra £10 to re-route the rear derailleur cable, if needed, and an extra £25 if the battery requires mounting on the rear pannier rack where there is insufficient space within the frame to mount the battery.

6. CAN YOU FIT OTHER CONVERSIONS KITS?

Yes we can fit conversion kits from different manufacturers provided the kit meet the UK laws and regulations for use on the public roads (250W rated power and a maximum speed of 15.5mph)

​​7. HOW DOES THE KIT WORK?

A motor is fitted where the existing pedals sit. The battery is mounted on the frame and a small LCD screen attaches to the handlebar along with a remote control to adjust settings. The screen displays speed/distance/times/battery capacity/assistance level.

​8. WHAT IS THE BATTERY RANGE?

The 19.2Ah battery we supply is perfect for the vast majority of cyclists giving a range of 40-60 miles per charge. This is dependent on the terrain, the rider’s weight and how much assistance is used. 

​9. HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY TAKE TO CHARGE?

From empty an average battery will take around 6 hours to charge.

​10. HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BATTERY?

E-bike batteries are expensive and make up around 50% of the total parts cost of conversion kits. For this reason, it is well worth taking the time to look after it. A well cared for battery will last a number of years and many, many miles. Below are some useful tips on battery maintenance:

  • Batteries like to be stored at around room temperature in a dry environment.
  • It is not essential to charge your battery after every ride in fact e-bike batteries like to spend most of their time between 20% and 90% capacity.
  • It is fine to occasionally run the battery completely flat, however if the battery is frequently used in this way it’s performance and lifespan will be negatively affected. 
  • If the battery is not going to be used for more than 6 weeks then it should be stored with around 50% charge. The easiest way to reduce the charge to this level is to go for a bike ride!
  • A clean battery is a happy battery. In particular the metal contacts on the bottom corner of the battery should be kept clean as it is these that transfer the electrical current from the battery to the motor.
  • All large lithium batteries, like e-bike batteries, are a potential fire risk when they are being charged. It is best, if possible, to charge the battery in a shed or garage away from any flammable items. Do not attempt to charge the battery if you think it may be damaged.
  • The battery will provide slightly less range in cold weather (less than 10 degrees Celsius).

11. CAN I TRY BEFORE I BUY?

Yes, absolutely! We have a variety of electric bikes that you are welcome to hire fitted with both the Tongsheng TSDZ2 250 Watt motor and the Bafang BBS01 250 Watt motor. Get in touch to find out more.

​12. CAN I PUT THE KIT ON ANOTHER BIKE IF I GET A NEW ONE?

Yes, the kit can be easily removed from the bicycle and fitted on another suitable bike.

13. HOW FAST CAN I GO?

The UK law has set the maximum speed of 15.5 mph. At this speed the assistance will stop, but you can still continue to pedal faster if you wish.

​14. IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO RIDE E-BIKES?

UK law states that you must be over the age of 14 in order to ride an e-bike.

​15. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CONVERSION KIT HAS A FAULT?

Sadly things can occasionally go wrong with the conversion kits. It’s just the nature of the beast! Our kits come with a 12 month warranty. We are able to repair the vast majority of motor related faults in-house. Spare parts are easily available meaning the motor can be repaired rather than thrown away. Battery faults generally will require the battery to be returned to the manufacturer.