The idea of installing an electric drive on a bicycle seems natural. After all, if an internal combustion engine can be mounted (a practice that has existed for a very long time), why not an electric motor? With the current level of electronics, such a modernization of a bicycle should be simpler than using other types of engines. Moreover, it does not require approval from vehicle registration authorities like the DMV.
For those who rely on bicycles as a primary mode of transportation (e.g., commuting to work daily), electrifying their “two-wheeled friend” can significantly save energy and reduce stress. There’s no need to endure the frequent traffic jams of today. The speed of an electric bicycle is quite adequate for urban settings, often reducing actual travel time compared to traditional personal or public transportation.
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By regularly charging the batteries at home or any accessible location, you can achieve a significant range. With proper route planning and battery capacity selection, you can always feel confident in your cycling capabilities. And ultimately, in case of unforeseen issues, you can always get where you’re going the usual way — by pedaling.
Nowadays, it is quite straightforward to purchase a ready-made electric bicycle. However, its cost remains relatively high. But is it possible to retrofit your trusty “steed” yourself? It turns out this is entirely feasible, and many enthusiasts share their secrets on the web.
Some individuals perform extensive “upgrades” to bicycles, using completely unexpected design ideas, components, and materials often found at flea markets or auto shops. Less tech-savvy cyclists resort to purchasing ready-made kits for electrifying bicycles — thankfully, these kits are widely available in a variety of options.
What types of systems exist for transferring rotation from the motor to the drive wheel?
Friction Drive
Electric bicycle with friction drive
This type of electric drive, while available in the market, is not particularly popular. Its principle is simple. The motor is installed directly near the drive wheel, and rotation is transmitted directly from the motor’s shaft to the tire. It seems simple and straightforward. However, what may work for children’s electric cars and bicycles is not very suitable for practical use.
Consider the following:
- There are no transmission mechanisms, meaning no way to increase the wheel’s angular speed using gear reducers.
- Extremely low efficiency.
- Even a slight decrease in tire pressure drastically reduces the efficiency of the drive.
- Continuous friction between the motor’s roller and the tire tread significantly reduces tire durability.
- In wet weather, dirty roads, or in frosty conditions, friction is greatly reduced, causing the motor roller to slip, further lowering the already limited energy transfer efficiency.
The only advantage of this system is its simplicity of installation, which does not require extensive modifications to the bicycle.
However, if the goal is to truly enhance the operational qualities of the bicycle, this type of system should be avoided.
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Classic Chain or Belt Drive
This principle is most often employed by DIY enthusiasts due to its intuitive design and the availability of necessary components from regular bicycles. Motors frequently used for this purpose include those from household appliances (like washing machines) or automotive electrical systems.
What can be said about the disadvantages of such a drive?
- It’s important to note right away that modifying a bicycle in this way will require the owner to have quite deep mechanical knowledge and advanced technical skills.
- Another drawback is the noise of the system with this type of drive, but in road conditions, this is unlikely to cause significant inconvenience to anyone.
- The modification is associated with some changes in the frame’s construction, which can reduce its strength characteristics. In any case, it is not recommended to carry out such work on carbon or aluminum frame bicycles – only on steel frames.
However, the drawbacks are offset by a number of advantages:
- This type of drive is the most economical and efficient of all existing options.
- There is an option to use step-by-step gear shifting, familiar to most cyclists. This significantly increases battery efficiency by choosing the optimal mode depending on traffic or terrain conditions.
folding e-bike
As a rule, this type of drive allows for the use of existing components on the bike, which does not lead to a significant increase in overall weight. Additionally, the system’s efficiency makes it possible to use lighter motors and batteries.- The highest speed indicators are also demonstrated by bicycles with this type of drive system.
It’s clear that this provides a broad field for creative engineering ideas. However, manufacturers have not forgotten about cyclists – ready-made kits for electric bicycles are available for purchase. The most popular are kits from the Taiwanese company “Cyclone.”
These “construction sets” come in various configurations – using the bike’s standard chain or driving force transmitted through an additional chain with one or two extra sprockets.
The systems are equipped with electric motors with power ranging from 360 to 1500 watts, powered by 24 or 36 volts. The drive operation is controlled by electronic controllers, which are typically built into motors up to 500 watts. The kit includes all necessary mounting hardware, monitoring devices, and manual drive control mechanisms.
Installing an electric drive will be a manageable task for any owner with “properly growing hands.”
The overall weight increase of the bicycle is quite acceptable – 3–4 kilograms, but the speeds it can achieve are quite impressive – 40 kilometers per hour or more.
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The Simplest Solution – The Motor Wheel
electric bike motor wheel kit
For enthusiasts of lightweight cycling, manufacturers offer another option, in which the electric motor and wheel are structurally combined into one unit – the so-called motor wheel.
The advantages of such a system are obvious:
- Installing this drive does not require significant modifications to the bicycle, and its appearance does not change substantially. The only changes are the installation of control elements on the handlebars and the battery compartment on the frame.
- Installation does not require any significant knowledge or skills – with the correct selection of a motor wheel, it is accessible to probably everyone.
- The motor operates almost silently.
- If desired, the bicycle can be easily transformed back into a conventional one.
Of course, there are also some disadvantages:
- A wheel with a built-in drive is quite a heavy structure (6 kilograms or more), which increases the overall weight of the vehicle. Experienced cyclists recommend installing a reinforced front fork.
- There are certain limitations on drive power.
- Exceeding the manufacturer-specified speed can have the reverse effect – the motor becomes a generator and decelerates movement autonomously.
The kits sold typically feature a brushless electric motor housed in the wheel hub, with power ranging from 200 to 1000 watts.
As a rule, ready-made structures with spokes and a wheel rim are sold. However, for enthusiasts who prefer a more hands-on approach, motors are also available separately. In this case, choosing and installing the necessary spokes and rim falls to the owner. Essentially, a DIY motor wheel.
The kit necessarily includes a controller to ensure proper drive operation, control mechanisms, and rechargeable batteries with a charging block.
Electric bike with motor wheel
Depending on preferences, you can choose either a front or rear powered wheel. Some cyclists solve the problem “in one go” by making their “machine” all-wheel drive.
The most popular motor wheels among electric drive enthusiasts are “Polariss,” “Yamasaki,” “Electra,” “Golden Motor”. They can be purchased either through specialized stores or ordered online. Realistically evaluating your need for an electric bike, financial capability, and technical readiness for self-assembly, you can make a choice in favor of a specific model.
