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Which is better: buy a ready-made electric bike or build it yourself?

Which is better: buy a ready-made electric bike or build it yourself?
Electric bikes are valued for being able to move around effortlessly, as the motor does the hardest work. Therefore, such transport helps out when traveling long distances. It is indispensable when transporting small but heavy loads. An electric bike is the best alternative to public transport. Instead of being crowded in a tram or bus, it is more pleasant and comfortable to ride with the breeze. Moreover, the bike will overcome traffic jams faster due to its compact size and maneuverability.


To appreciate all the advantages of such transport, you first need to determine your needs and choose a model for them. By the way, today the craftsmen themselves can quickly re-equip the faithful "iron horse" - there are special equipment kits for sale.

Choosing an electric bike


Such transport is selected for themselves. You need to figure out how often it will be used, which route to follow. While there are typical city bikes with a motor that help out when traveling on city streets, but there is also a real off-road vehicle. And then you can go in search of adventure, getting out of the city.

When studying the range, the following factors are also taken into account:

? Are there conditions for storage? If a spacious place can be allocated for transport, it is better to take a one-piece structure. But when space is limited, a folding model will help out
? What is the purpose of a bicycle? If for commuting, a simple front-wheel drive version will do. If the rider likes to feel the power of the engine and speed, the preference is for a rear-wheel drive bike.
? What is the best motor control method? There is a technique that reproduces a classic bicycle - the rider pedals, but it takes less effort, since the motor helps in this. But you can buy vehicles in which the speed is controlled by a lever located on the steering wheel - like a motorcycle. It relieves physical stress

It is important to pay attention to the power of the engine. If the indicator is higher than 250 W, a category M driver's license is issued. Although electric bikes are rarely equipped with motors from 1000 W, it should be borne in mind that if the level exceeds 4000 W, vehicles are already classified as motorcycles. Therefore, you will need an appropriate license to drive.

To avoid trouble with traffic police representatives, it is worth taking a passport for an electric motorcycle with you. Then it will be possible to prove that the power does not exceed the allowable limit.


Let's take a look at the proven models that have earned positive reviews from riders.

Xiaomi Himo C26


The Chinese brand has presented a model that demonstrates the best qualities on trips. This is not a cheap bike, but the cost is justified.

✅ The model with an on-board computer helps to control the parameters - speed, distance traveled, charge level of the built-in battery
✅ The bike is equipped with a capacious battery that provides a range of up to 60 km
✅ Transport with speed switching is easy to adjust to the features of the track
✅ Equipment is reliably protected from moisture and dust - IPX7 standard
✅ The bike is mounted on 26-inch wheels, which provides comfort and confidence on the road, and also contributes to the economical use of battery power

Что лучше: купить готовый электровелосипед или собрать самому?

Xiaomi Himo C26 costs from 80 thousand rubles. Photo: youtube.com


This electric bike does not require a license - the engine power is 250 watts. The model is compatible with the operation of the engine and driving without turning on the engine. Due to this, it is possible to extend the range to 100 kilometers. The maximum speed is 25 km/h.

Buyers note the relatively low weight of the transport - only 25 kilograms. Also, the electric bike is called high-quality and reliable. Attachment inspires confidence.


Claims mainly to the size and painting, which in some places is not done in good faith.

Eltreco XT800


This company has been producing electric vehicles since 2010, having won the trust of consumers. Eltreco XT 800 is a brand new 2021 model that has already received positive customer feedback.

The main features of the hybrid bike:

✅ This is a mountain model with off-road tires that provide excellent grip
✅ The manufacturer managed to lighten the frame - the bike weighs only 21.5 kg
✅ With 27.5" wheels, the rider moves with confidence, and the large diameter helps save energy



The cost of Eltreco XT 80 is from 70 thousand rubles. Photo: youtube.com


It is worth noting that this is a very powerful technique - a 350 W motor is installed here. Accordingly, you need rights, but the speed of movement will please you - the model is gaining up to 35 km / h.

Users note excellent stability and reliable grip on the road surface. Quite a decent level of equipment for this price category.

The main disadvantage of the bike is not enough battery capacity. The manufacturer promises a power reserve of up to 50 km, but experienced riders assure that the battery does not hold that much.

SHULZ E Goa


A Russian manufacturer with a name that is misleading (German notes are obvious in it) also presented a cool electric bike. The model is distinguished by the following features:

✅ Light weight - only 17.5 kg
✅ Excellent cross-country ability
✅ Simplified fit thanks to the low frame
✅ Minimum space when assembled - this is a folding model



SHULZ E-Goa costs around 65 thousand rubles. Photo: youtube.com


This is a complete electric bike with 249W motor power. Although it has small wheels - 20 inches, this does not really limit comfort.

The bike looks miniature, but tall people can also comfortably sit on it thanks to the retractable seatpost - its length is 58 cm. A neat model can withstand a rider up to 100 kg!


One of the complaints about the bike is the rigidity, so when traveling on rough roads, the rider clearly feels every bump. Users also call the headlight unsuccessful, which gives too little light, unable to help out in the dark. Not everyone likes the type of folding yet: in preparation for driving, you will have to get the hang of it so as not to break any wiring. However, if you do not need to fold the bike every time, this problem disappears.

HIMO H1


One of the most unusual models, which stands out for its original design. But the bike is valued not only for its outstanding appearance.

✅ Transport is easy and simple to fold, taking up minimal space
✅ The model weighs only 13 kg, so it helps out if you have to regularly overcome steps and other obstacles



HIMO H1 can be bought for 37 thousand rubles. Photo: youtube.com


HIMO H1 is equipped with a 180W motor. On a single charge, the transport runs up to 20 km, and develops a speed of 18 km/h.

It is worth noting that the bike has miniature wheels - a diameter of only 7 inches. Accordingly, you can only ride it on smooth asphalt.


In general, this model is called an excellent solution for trips around the city. For example, it is quite convenient to get to work and return home. The quality of materials and assembly does not cause claims.

Kugoo V1


In search of a relatively inexpensive electric transport, you can refer to this model. It has some worthy features:

✅ 400W motor
✅ Battery with a capacity of 7.5 Ah, which holds up to 30 km
✅ Maximum speed - up to 35 km / h



Kugoo V1 costs from 30 thousand rubles. Photo: youtube.com


The key difference between Kugoo V1 is its low weight and compact dimensions with relatively large wheels (14 inches). The 17-kilogram model can be brought into the entrance, put in a modest storage corner with the steering wheel folded down, and even transported in the trunk of a car.

Transport is valued for being light and maneuverable, gaining speed quickly and maintaining good speed. Although the charge holds an average of 20 km, you can extend the range by periodically pedaling.


Some users call it a poor-quality assembly - you have to twist different connections very soon after the start of operation. Riders also warn that the steering of an electric bike is overly sensitive: if you do not calculate the movement, it is easy to lose balance.

Do-it-yourself electrification


And now it’s worth figuring out how justified it is to convert your favorite bike into an electric bike. In general, this is not a bad idea, especially if there is a faithful "iron horse" at home. Why not improve it if you want to ride with less effort, developing good speed and covering long distances.

It is only necessary to take into account such nuances:

? Tuning will require tangible costs - a conversion kit costs about $ 400
? The work is very difficult - certain knowledge and skills are required, as well as a set of tools

Theoretically, you can save money by buying the motor and other parts separately. In fact, this is a risky undertaking, since it is important that all elements add up to a harmonious and reliable system.

Today, some workshops offer a conversion service. Then you have to pay extra for the work of professionals.


In general, even choosing a kit for an electric bike is not as easy as it seems. After all, motors differ in design and technical characteristics. Some make it easier to climb uphill, others are designed for long rides, others are installed to feel the speed.



It is worth considering that structurally, an ordinary bicycle is not designed for the loads that fall after installing an electric motor. Photo: youtube.com


The general recommendation is to focus on the minimum acceptable power within 250 watts. This is enough for everyday use of transport - trips to work or to the store.

On sale you can find a variety of kits. We propose to consider several ready-made solutions.

350 W wheel motor


This is a Russian-made kit that comes with a 36V lithium-ion battery. The motor power is 350W, so the bike can go up to 37 km/h. The battery charges up to 4 hours, and travels up to 35 km on a single charge.



A set with a 350 W motor will cost 27.5 thousand rubles. Photo: YandexMarket


The advantage of the kit is the presence of the necessary accessories for assembly - from a flipper to special clips and instructions in Russian.

Kit with 500W motor


The manufacturer ELTRECO, which also produces ready-made electric bikes, also offers kits for self-electrification. This kit includes not only a 500W motor, but also an LCD display. Therefore, you can make comfortable transport, the state of which is convenient to track thanks to the bike computer.



The cost of the kit is from 43.9 thousand rubles. Photo: YandexMarket


The set also includes an accelerator handle, that is, the transport turns into an analogue of a scooter that will pick up speed without the participation of pedals.

By the way, when changing to an electric bike, you should not immediately scorch! You definitely need to break in the transport, feel its speed, feel the control. For an electrified bike, it is doubly important to be fully equipped to make your rides nothing but pleasant memories.

Author:

Photos used: https://www.youtube.com

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