Homemade Electric Bicycle

"When You Just Gotta Ride
 It's A Homemade Electric Bicycle..."

 The term "homemade electric bicycle" may conjure up a picture of a bike with a boat engine battery strapped on to it. Or perhaps a bike that has a really long extension cord trailing off the back.

But the reality is that you'd have to look twice at a homemade electric bike to see anything out of the ordinary about it. That's because the "homemade" part simply means you started with a conventional bicycle, added a conversion kit,  and ended up with an electric assisted bike.

Elec Bikes, Trikes, Scooters

You may be wondering why anybody in his right mind would do such a thing.

Electric bicycles are getting more popular as people become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the internal combustion engine.

They get more popular as people grow tired of having to take out a loan in order to fill a gas tank.

They get more popular as people realize they're spending a lifetime sitting in traffic.

That's why anybody in his right mind would want to build a homemade bicycle electric.

So for folks who already have a bike they love and cherish, a bicycle electric conversion kit will enable them to take their bike to the next level.

Let's face it-none of us is getting any younger. And even the most hard-core cyclist might like a little help now and then.

Every year that goes by, the hills get a little harder. Making a conventional bike into electric assisted means cyclists can go faster, farther, or easier.

Surprisingly, the kits aren't all that difficult to install. Depending on the type, installation may be completed within an hour or minutes.

Since this kind of nuts and bolts activity isn't everybody's cup of tea, you can also have your bike shop take care of the installation.

You may even find some sellers will offer you a sort of rebate on the price of the conversion kit to offset the price of professional installation.

Hub motor conversion kits get rave reviews. For the do-it-yourselfer, the electric hub motor kits are some of the easiest to install. Most of the time, they come with the hub already mounted in the wheel.

These motors are sealed, so they do well in wet or gritty conditions. With no chains or belts, they also don't need much maintenance.

Some electric motor bicycle kits offer new and sophisticated feature, like batteries that are good for 50 miles. Other features out there now are different levels of assist, alarms with personal identification numbers, and energy management systems controlled by microprocessors. (Gosh, if it could only make a latte!)

Of course, you pay for that kind of advanced technology. In the neighborhood of $1000 will buy you the top of the line. But there's a great selection of less expensive conversion kits. Average price, about $350.

As you shop for electric bicycle kits, be aware of what is included in the kit. Sometimes batteries, chargers, or other peripheral items aren't included. Once you decide on a particular kit, have a look at what all its options are.

Some kits may have upgraded batteries available. If longer range is important to you, that may be worth considering. The upgraded batteries cost and weigh more, though.

You also must consider electric bike battery chargers.

Now you know that a homemade electric bicycle isn't some strange contraption being ridden by a guy whose eyebrows have been singed off during the fabrication process.

It's an ordinary bike turned extraordinary by the addition of a simple and affordable electric conversion kit.

Ride With The Wind...
Trey Taylor
Electric Bike Guy

 Homemade Electric Bicycle