Cycling is one of the world’s most sustainable means of getting around and working out that folks have used for years. But it can be a bit slow and tedious, so if you need more power than what your legs can offer, you need an electric mountain bike.
Among the best electric mountain bike kits that are up for review are Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit, AW Front-Wheel Ebike Conversion Kit, Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit, and the Voilamart 26″ Rear Wheel Electric Bike Kit.
So instead of getting a new eBike, why don’t you get an electric mountain bike kit? Many electric mountain bike kits can help upgrade your current bike. These kits work flawlessly, with some increasing your speed to about 45km/h.
The Best Electric Mountain Kits Reviewed
Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit – Best Overall
I love cycling and have been doing it for years, but the need for more power has always pushed me to go on e-bikes, which are pretty costly. So when I heard about electric mountain bike kits, I had to try and upgrade my bike.
But, I still wanted to be able to commute and work out at the same time; therefore, during my research, I came across Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit. (link to Amazon)
Bafang BBS02B is a mid-drive conversion kit which means I can use both the throttle and pedal assist modes. So when working out, I only use the pedal assist way, which allows me to work out while going to work, and when tired, I go electric, which makes it ideal for anyone who still yearns for the ability to pedal even when using an eBike.
Two Working Modes
Even though it’s pretty costly, the Bafang unit is one of the best mid-drive kits. This mid-drive system has two working modes; therefore, you can easily switch between throttle only and pedal-assist modes. The throttle-only method guarantees you a burst of speed when you get tired and need to increase your bike’s speed.
One of its key benefits that stood out for me is its compatibility with a wide range of bikes, including mountain and road bikes. You can easily convert your typical mountain bike to a motorized unit within less than 60 minutes with the right tools. Plus, its motor is powerful, and quiet which is a bonus.
Why I Love the BAFANG BBS02 Mid-Drive Conversion Kit
Mid-Drive motors use the gears on your bike just like normal. So many folks think that hub motors use the gears, but that’s false. When climbing a hill the mid-drive can take advantage of the gear the same way the rider can. Some other stuff I like:
- The motor weight is low and centered making riding more natural.
- Mid-drives are easy to install and many kits come with all the tools included.
- You can use a variety of batteries. Even double your range with two batteries.
- Fast, the 750 watts will propel you to almost 35 mph.
It has a 750W brushless gear motor with a torque of about 160N.M, making it exceptional for climbing hills and speed. And to guarantee your safety, it has a power cut-off braking system which is a distinctive feature. It also comes with an LCD that displays various information, including pedal-assist level, mileage, and battery percentage. (source)
Specs
- Brand: Bafang
- Age range: adult
- Bike type: electric bike
- Item weight: 5kg
- Size: 750W+44T (without the battery)
Pros
- Lightweight
- It has a brushless motor
- It’s quiet and effective
- Great battery
Cons
- Costly
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
AW Front-Wheel Ebike Conversion Kit – Best Budget
AW has been doing an exceptional job in this industry for years; therefore, it’s no surprise why we just had to feature their front wheel kit in our list. This 26″ by 1.75″ front wheel electric mountain bike kit is ideal for mountain bikes with such dimensions. The 24-inch is also available, so you should try this brand if your bike has this specification.
The AW front wheel kit comes with a powerful motor that functions on 48V at 1000W, powerful enough for mountain bikes. Generally, a 1000W front-wheel engine may feel strange for someone who has never tried an eBike, but you can get used to it with time. This electric kit can attain a maximum speed of about 45 KM/H, ideal for mountain bikes for commuting and even hunting.
Dual-Mode Controller
Another feature that makes it stand out is its brushless hub motor that guarantees you a silent run, making cycling fun. Its dual-mode controller motor functions perfectly under the non-Hall effect and Hall effect, which can extend the life of your electric bike. So if any component of this kit breaks down, the dual-mode controller switches to non-hall effect mode, and the motor will still function.
It comes with a reliable LCD to help you monitor the battery condition, distance, speed, and trip time. Its pedal assist sensor can sense when pedaling and adjust its motor accordingly to provide the needed power without the throttle. Therefore, it’s an exceptional kit for long-distance riding that protects you from wrist pain. (source)
RIDEeMTB Tip: The Dual-Mode Controller is a standout feature on the AW Front Wheel Kit. Ebike kits that install on the front are so fast to install, in an hour or so you can be riding with power. Read 100s of reviews and check prices on Amazon with this shortcut link 👉 AW Front-Wheel Ebike Conversion Kit
Specs
- Brand: AW
- Suspension type: Front
- Wheel size: 26 inches
- Frame material: aluminum
- Unique feature: Aluminum frame
Pros
- Durable
- It has a great LCD
- Efficient
- It has a brushless motor
Cons
- The brake pads tend to wear out faster.
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit – Best Value
Another reliable front wheel conversion kit that can improve your riding experience is the Ebikeling kit which offers an excellent value for the money. And being a front-wheel option, this is the best option for installation, so when you get a flat, you can quickly fix it and continue with your journey.
After all, it comes with an aluminum rim and hub motor attached; therefore, all you have to do is fit a new tire, and you’re good to go.
However, its powerful 1200W motor weighs about 12.9 pounds, making it one of the heaviest options. This unit comes with both the pedal-assist system and throttle, but since the pedal-assist sensor is more effective, you can accelerate without using the throttle.
Therefore, you will never have to worry about wrist pains caused by placing your wrist in certain weird positions.
The throttle can come in handy when you don’t feel pedaling; that said, you will have to purchase the tire and battery separately. (source)
RIDEeMTB Tip: What’s so cool about the EBIKELING Kit is that thousands have purchased this kit and proven it out. Read more reviews and check prices on Amazon with this shortcut link 👉 EBIKELING Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit with Battery
Specs
- Brand: Ebikeling
- Suspension type: front
- Item weight: 12.9 pounds
- Wheel size: 26 inches
- Brake style: functions with a caliper, disc, and cantilever
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great value for cash
- One year warranty
- It has both throttle and pedal assist functions
Cons
- Heavy
- Battery sold separately
Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5
Voilamart 26″ Rear Wheel Electric Bike Kit – Easy To Install
Another affordable electric mountain bike kit that can convert your old bike to a powerful unit that can tackle a wide range of terrains and weather conditions is the Voilamart electric bike kit. This rear wheel kit has a powerful 1500W motor that can power your bike while off-roading, and the fact that it’s waterproof means that you don’t have to worry about water messing it.
Unlike most electric mountain bike kits on our list, Voilamart’s kit has a pre-installed nylon tire, making it the most efficient unit to install. You have to remove your old tire and install this one; plus, you don’t have to purchase a separate tire.
One draw back is that you can only buy the battery separately. But it does give you better control over the battery life thanks to its adjustable amp modes.
Another exceptional feature that makes pedaling fun is its reliable pedal assistance system that can help you support over 551LB load capacity with ease. Therefore, you can easily cruise challenging terrains and climb hills without worrying about getting tired. (source)
RIDEeMTB Tip: If you’re thinking the Voilamart Rear Hub ebike kit is for you, check out the prices and reviews with this shortcut link 👉 Voilamart EBike Conversion Kit 26″ Rear Wheel 36V 500W Electric Bike
Specs
- Brand: Voilamart
- Wheel size: 26 inches
- Frame material: steel
- Number of speeds: 7
- Item weight: 27.96 pounds
Pros
- It’s an approved road-legal pedal conversion unit
- Waterproof
- It can improve your bike’s performance
- It comes with a tire
- Easy to install
Cons
- Battery sold separately
Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5
Things To Consider When Looking For The Best Electric Mountain Bike Kit
Unless you are an industry expert, determining which type of electric bike conversion kit is right for you can be very tricky. It can also be challenging to determine which option matches your current mountain bike. After all, there are several brands in the market, each having its unique benefits. So before picking the first kit you find on the shelf, you should consider the following things:
Types Of Electric Mountain Bike Kits
Front Hub
The front electric hubs are the most reliable and standard options in the market and the easiest and cheapest to maintain and fit. However, they offer less feel and performance, but they rarely get punctures since they kick out debris. And to gain balance, you can place the battery on the rear part of the bike.
The only challenge with this kit is that it can be challenging to handle, especially when it has too much power.
Rear Hub Motors
The rear hub motors are relatively cheap and reliable, but they can be hard to fit and even change when getting a flat tire. On the other hand, the rear wheel option can easily handle more power as the bike’s weight will provide more traction.
Mid-Drive Motors
When it comes to performance, this type of kit is the king. It functions by sending power to the rear tire using a gear set and chain, which means that you can select the gear to use. The ability to change gears means climbing hills faster without burning out. Plus, they are lighter than the hub motors. (source)
Power
The next factor to consider is the amount of power you will need for your bike. When looking for power, you should consider the torque and the watts of the motor.
Watts are like horsepower, so the more watts it has, the more powerful it will be. So if you live in a hilly place, you should look for a motor with over 750watts.
Battery
Some kits have batteries, while others don’t. But the fact that it has a battery doesn’t mean that you don’t have options. So if your kit has a powerful motor, you should get a better battery with more capacity. But this doesn’t matter when you’re working with a pedal-assist option, which can extend the battery life. (source)
Compatibility
Every kit comes with its specifications, including the dimensions and type of bike it suits. So you should never go into the store and pick the first kit you get; instead, you should make sure that it’s compatible with your current bike. And in most cases, when discussing compatibility, we are talking about the size of your bike’s wheel.
Final Thoughts
Electric mountain bike kits help improve your bike while saving you a lot of cash. But before you pick one, you should consider the type of unit you want, power, compatibility, and battery. If you live in a hilly place and are looking for a powerful option, you should consider getting a mid-drive motor.
Our research concluded that the winner is the Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit. The Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit has a mid-drive motor, guaranteeing you more power than you will ever need. Plus, the ability to change gears can come in handy when riding.
Hi David Humphries here the guy doing all the pedaling behind the scenes with this blog. I’ve been in the MTB world for a while and recently started getting into eMTBs. You can check out more about me HERE and on my other passion project – DIYMountainBike.com
Sources
- Amazon contributor, Bafang BBS02B 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit, Accessed May 12, 2022, https://www.amazon.com/BAFANG-Optional-Conversion-Chainring-Electric/dp/B09WN568JN
- Amazon contributor, AW Electric Bicycle Motor Kit, Accessed May 12, 2022, https://www.amazon.com/AW-Electric-Bicycle-Conversion-Controller/dp/B07CTBX6HQ?th=1
- Amazon contributor, Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike conversion kit, Accessed May 12, 2022, https://www.amazon.com/EBIKELING-Waterproof-Conversion-Electric-Bicycle/dp/B09JN7HS14
- Amazon contributor, Voilamart 26” Rear Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kit, Accessed May 12, 2022, https://www.amazon.com/Voilamart-Electric-Conversion-Programmable-Controller/dp/B07FVQPKYV
- YouTube contributor, Electric Bike Conversion Kit Options-DIY Ebikes with EMBN, Accessed May 12, 2022,