How much does it cost to convert a bicycle to electric?

Friends, have you ever thought about upgrading your bicycle into an electric bicycle? It’s both environmentally friendly and can save you effort. It’s so cool! But how much does it cost for this transformation? I’ve done some research on my own and also referred to the experiences of some netizens. Today, I’d like to have a good chat with you about it, so that you can have a clear idea. Maybe you’ll be eager to transform your beloved bike after reading this!

When I first had the idea of transforming my bicycle into an electric one, my mind was full of questions. How much would it cost? Would it be very complicated? It was like preparing to embark on an unknown little adventure, and I was both looking forward to it and a bit scared in my heart. I searched online and found that the price range was quite wide, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan. I was completely confused and didn’t know where to start.

I saw a netizen sharing his transformation experience in a cycling enthusiast group. He said that he chose a relatively basic electric assist kit, including a motor, a battery, a controller and so on, and it cost him about 800 yuan in total. His bicycle was originally an ordinary mountain bike. After the transformation, it was much easier to ride. It was like having a little helper pushing him quietly from behind, and he didn’t struggle at all when climbing slopes. However, he also mentioned that the functions of the kit at this price were relatively simple, and the battery life wasn’t very long. If you wanted better performance, you’d have to pay more.

If you have higher requirements for the performance after the transformation, the cost will increase rapidly. I have a friend who wanted to transform his bicycle into a high-performance electric bicycle, aiming for long battery life and powerful driving force. He chose a motor of a well-known brand and a large-capacity battery, plus some advanced controllers and accessories. Altogether, it cost him nearly 3,000 yuan. Although the price was high, the speed and battery life of the transformed bicycle were almost comparable to those of some mid-low-end electric bicycles. It was like giving an ordinary bicycle a super transformation and making it look much more advanced in an instant.

Besides the price of the kit, the installation cost also needs to be taken into account. Some people are good at DIY and can install it by themselves, so they can save this part of the money. But for people like me who are not handy at all, we can only ask professional mechanics for help. I asked several bicycle shops, and the installation cost ranged from 100 to 300 yuan. It’s just like going to a barber shop to have your hair done. Different skills lead to different prices.

Moreover, the follow-up maintenance cost can’t be ignored either. Batteries have a service life, and they may need to be replaced after being used for a long time, which is another expense. I heard from a netizen that the battery of his electric bicycle didn’t work well after being used for more than a year, and it cost him several hundred yuan to buy a new one. Besides, if there are problems with the motor or other accessories, repair also requires costs. It’s just like raising a pet. Besides the money spent on buying the pet, you also have to consider the subsequent costs for its food, accommodation, and medical treatment.

I think that the cost of transforming a bicycle into an electric one varies from person to person, mainly depending on your requirements for performance and the brands of the accessories you choose. If you just want to experience the fun of electric assist, a basic transformation that costs a few hundred yuan can meet your needs. But if you want to own a high-performance electric bicycle, you should be prepared to spend more money. Just imagine that on a breezy evening, you ride the transformed electric bicycle slowly along the path beside the river. You can enjoy the pleasure of cycling, don’t have to worry about getting too tired, and can also appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way. Isn’t it so pleasant? However, before the transformation, you must make a budget and plan well. Otherwise, you may overspend or fail to achieve the expected results. So, you should think carefully and make a choice according to your actual situation.