Convert a standard bike into an electric bicycle, this is a process that requires patience and skill. The process involves drilling holes in the frame and filling them with all sorts of wires to make it look like a mess. There is no way to convert a bike to an electric bicycle without any major rework, which can be time-consuming and expensive. So before you buy your dream model, think carefully about what your wants might be and consider whether or not you want to go through such extensive work to get it.
Before you start, you will need:
- A standard bicycle. It should be made out of steel and not aluminium, which is better for electric bicycles. Aluminium bikes can easily be converted into electric bikes, but the process is slightly different than with steel models.
- All parts needed for installation such as batteries, motor, or any other necessary hardware that does not come in the package when you buy it online or from an offline store. You can either buy it from a vendor or search online for an electric bicycle you like and find the necessary parts and DIY instructions.
- A screwdriver and other hand tools are needed to assemble the bicycle according to instructions found online or in the store where you got your bike.
- A pair of vice grips or pliers to take out all screws used for installation such as wires, solenoids, and other parts that come with batteries.
- Electrical tape, nuts, and bolts of different sizes, power drill, and a drill bit that fits the size of the screws on your bike.
Steps to Convert a Standard Bike Into an Electric Bicycle:
Step 1: You will need to decide whether or not you want your bike to have a throttle or a foot-activated pedal to control how fast your bike goes. If you want a throttle, you will have to purchase a throttle grip with the correct type of wiring that allows it to communicate with the battery. If you want to use the pedal to move your bike, you will also need to buy a control switch that you can connect to the bike’s power source.
Step 2: Carefully remove the screws on your bike with a screwdriver. Remember which screws go where so you won’t waste time later on.
Step 3: Use vice grips or pliers to remove any of the nuts and bolts that hold the wires in place on your bike.
Step 4: In addition to screws, you will also need to remove any other hardware that is holding the bicycle together such as the rubber parts that keep it from moving around. You can use vice grips or pliers for this as well.
Step 5: Clean the fork, handlebars, and front-wheel with a cloth that allows it to be easily washed later on. Make sure you do not leave grease marks on the bike’s frame.
Step 6: Remove the handlebars and remove the wheels. Set the wheels aside somewhere safe so you don’t have to worry about them falling off during installation. Also, remember to take note of how they are aligned because you will have to put them back in their original positions later on. You can put new tires on your bike or replace some worn-out ones with another type if you are looking for the best results.
Step 7: Cut wires that are attached to all parts of your bicycle. Remove the parts and hook up the wires together according to the instructions you got online or from a vendor.
Step 8: If your bike does not include any battery pack, you will need to purchase an external battery pack and attach it to your bike. You can either buy one or make one.
Step 9: If your bike includes a motor, you will have to remove it before installing your new batteries. You can do this by removing the screws that are holding it in place or unscrewing the motor. You will also need to take note of how it is installed so you can put it back together correctly.
Step 10: Install the new batteries if needed. If you have already purchased a battery pack, you will have to connect it to your bicycle’s power source.
Step 11: Put the parts you removed back on your bike. Make sure to measure where all parts will go.
Step 12: Attach the handlebars and wheels back to their original positions and test them out. Make sure to attach them perfectly so they don’t rattle around during use. Also, make sure that the location of the wiring is correct because if not, you will have problems later on with your electric bicycle’s performance and safety.
Step 13: If you used rubber parts to secure your bike’s wheels, you will have to use vice grips or pliers to fasten them back onto the bike again. Failure to do so could cause a collision and result in a loss of balance.
Step 14: Test out your electric bicycle by going on a ride or around the block. Drive carefully because even though you have driven many times before, your bike is different now and might perform differently. Make sure it is working as intended.
Step 15: After you have tested your bike, make sure to do some basic maintenance on it such as checking the tires and parts for any sign of wear and replacing them with new ones if needed. You can buy replacement parts online or in shops that sell bicycle parts.
Step 16: After some time, you will likely need to change the batteries in your bike because they are no longer able to hold a charge or they might be damaged in some way. You can either replace them with new ones or make sure your bike is working properly before you put new batteries on it.
- Also Read:
- Top 5 Electric Scooters (EVs) in India 2021
- EV Batteries after life, What will happen to 100 billion of EV batteries? Isn’t it a new threat to us!
- Electric Cars Safe or Not in the Long Run
If you are interested in doing this yourself, there are many different ways to do it depending on how complex of an electric bicycle you want. The steps above explain how to change the batteries in basic electric bicycles. If your bike has more than one battery, you will likely need to use a voltmeter to test their power levels and then replace them if needed. You can buy a voltmeter online or at auto parts shops.
This article was written by Joey Miller from Easi-Fit Bike Kits, an electric bike conversion company in the UK.
https://easifitebikekit.co.uk/
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