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AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST AND BEST RANGE OF CERTIFIED EBIKE BATTERIES AND CHARGERS AT THE LOWEST PRICES! FREE POSTAGE OVER $99*

AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST AND BEST RANGE OF CERTIFIED EBIKE BATTERIES AND CHARGERS AT THE LOWEST PRICES! FREE POSTAGE OVER $99*

What’s the best eBike for you? What conversion kit fits your needs, budget, and riding style?

If you’ve already done some research, check out our eBike conversion products here. If you’re still weighing your options, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got plenty of detailed info to help you make the best choice.

Choosing the Right Bike

Already have a bike in mind for your eBike conversion? That’s great! If not, it’s important to consider your specific needs and riding style. Are you primarily looking for a bike to navigate trails, or are you more interested in smooth neighborhood rides or commuting to work? Think about what you want to achieve—are you seeking a workout, recreational fun, or reliable transportation for your daily commute? Do you need a bike that can handle heavier loads or even carry kids? There’s a perfect eBike option for every use case, from versatile mountain bikes and practical cruisers to speedy road bikes and cargo bikes. Whether you’re aiming to replace a car for daily errands or simply want a reliable way to enjoy outdoor adventures, CAPROUGE offers a range of customizing options to ensure your bike meets your unique needs. Explore our selection to find the ideal powered ride that fits you best.

Mountain

Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs)

Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs)

Electric mountain bikes are gaining popularity across all ages, offering an entirely new way to enjoy outdoor adventures. For younger riders, eMTBs allow for multiple rides a day and the thrill of uphill flow—transforming uphill climbs into just as much fun as downhill runs.

For commuting, eMTBs provide the comfort of full suspension with added power, making them ideal for city roads, curbs, and off-road shortcuts. For older riders or those with physical limitations, eMTBs offer the ability to explore more while staying active. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bike or create a custom eMTB, CAPROUGE is here to help.

City & Cruiser

Electric City Bike or Electric Cruiser Bike

Electric City Bike or Electric Cruiser Bike

Modern bike shops are often stocked with sleek road bikes for racing or rugged mountain bikes for off-road adventures. While both serve their purposes, they emphasize speed and performance over comfort, leaving riders hunched forward. Do you remember the days when biking was about enjoying the fresh air in everyday clothes, sitting upright to take in the scenery, and casually greeting neighbors? Back when the journey was just as enjoyable as the destination?

In Europe, cycling for daily errands or leisurely rides remains popular, and upright city bikes have been refined to perfection for this purpose. Meanwhile, in the U.S., cruiser bikes—like the iconic Electra Townie or classic beach cruisers—continue to charm riders. City bikes are excellent for commuting and errands, while cruisers prioritize comfort and relaxation. Both styles, however, can do it all, making them ideal for electric bike conversions.

If you’re in good health and live in a flat area, a traditional bike might suffice. But for those navigating hilly terrain, battling headwinds, or seeking a bit of extra support—especially for seniors or individuals with health concerns—an e-bike can transform your riding experience. Here in the Salt Lake Valley, for example, the landscape naturally slopes from the mountains toward the Jordan River, creating frequent hills, not to mention seasonal winds. For many, the added assistance of an electric motor makes all the difference, flattening hills and cutting through wind with ease.

Riders often find that once they convert their bike to electric, they start riding more frequently. The barriers that made cycling less appealing—like hills, distance, or effort—simply disappear.

If this sounds like the kind of cycling experience you’re looking for, a city bike or cruiser might be perfect for you. Whether you have one collecting dust in your garage or need help selecting the right bike, we’re here to help you transform it into an e-bike you’ll love.

Hybrid/Commute

Electric Commuter Bikes

Electric Commuter Bikes

One of the main reasons people hesitate to bike to work is the fear of arriving sweaty and uncomfortable. While the desire to ride is there, practicality often wins, leading many to drive instead. Enter the electric bike—a game changer. With an e-bike, you can commute without breaking a sweat and even shave time off your trip. For longer distances that might seem daunting on a traditional bike, the speed and range of an e-bike make commuting by bicycle more achievable.

So, what makes the best commuter bike? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it all depends on your needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of popular bike styles and their suitability for commuting:

  • City and Cruiser Bikes: Both styles can provide a smooth and comfortable ride for most commutes. While cruisers prioritize comfort, city bikes often offer more versatility for urban environments. If your route has rough roads or potholes, consider adding a suspension seat post to absorb bumps and improve your ride quality.
  • Mountain Bikes (MTBs): For those commuting on rough terrain or through areas with trails, mountain bikes are a solid option. With full suspension, they offer unbeatable comfort and the ability to handle curbs, trails, and shortcuts. Though full suspension adds weight, this is hardly noticeable with electric assist.
  • Road Bikes: Ideal for riders who enjoy speed and efficiency, road bikes can double as a training tool. Electrifying a road bike allows you to commute without exertion in the morning while saving the workout for the ride home.
  • Hybrid Bikes: A popular choice for commuters, hybrids combine the speed of road bikes with the comfort of mountain bikes. You can further customize them for an upright, ergonomic ride with accessories like riser handlebars or upgraded saddles.
  • Folding Bikes: Perfect for multi-modal commutes, folding bikes pair seamlessly with public transit or car travel. They’re compact enough to store under a desk at work and offer an easy way to navigate the last leg of your journey, whether from a station or a distant parking lot.

No matter which type of bike fits your commuting style, converting it into an electric commuter bike can transform your daily routine. Let us help you electrify your ride for a commute that's efficient, enjoyable, and uniquely yours.

Road

Electric Road Bikes

Electric Road Bikes

Road bikes are often associated with speed, fitness, and the pursuit of personal bests. They’re typically favored by racers and enthusiasts aiming to push their physical limits. At first glance, it might seem that road bikes are not the best candidates for electric conversions. However, there are two compelling reasons why electrifying a road bike can be a game changer.

1. Staying Connected Through Cycling
For many, cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a social activity shared with friends, family, or teammates. But what happens when someone in the group struggles to keep up? Whether due to differences in fitness levels, recovering from an injury, or managing a health condition, it can be disheartening to fall behind. Electric road bikes bridge this gap, allowing riders to join in and enjoy the experience without slowing down the group. Whether it’s a spouse wanting to ride alongside their partner or a cyclist recovering from a setback, an electric road bike can bring the joy of togetherness back to cycling.

2. The Ultimate Commuter-Training Combo
For road bike enthusiasts, commuting can double as an opportunity to train. However, arriving at work sweaty is often impractical. An electric road bike offers the perfect solution: riders can commute to work with minimal effort, thanks to electric assist, and then challenge themselves on the ride home by reducing or turning off the motor. This hybrid approach allows cyclists to incorporate training into their daily routine while maintaining the convenience and efficiency of an e-bike.

While electric road bikes are uncommon in traditional e-bike shops, converting your existing road bike can unlock its full potential. Whether you’re looking to enhance your group rides or transform your commute, we’ll help you select the ideal motor and battery to create an electric road bike that perfectly suits your needs.

Folding

Electric Folding Bike

Electric Folding Bike

Folding bikes are perfect for those who need a compact and versatile transportation solution. Whether you’re fitting your bike into the trunk of a car, conserving space at home or work, or navigating public transportation policies, folding bikes are built for convenience. For public transit commuters, some systems require compact bikes, while others may allow full-sized models—but a folding bike is always a safe bet.

If you’re considering an electric conversion, it’s important to choose a lightweight e-bike kit that won’t interfere with the bike’s folding mechanism. Keeping the setup light ensures that your bike remains easy to carry and store while giving you the added power and range of an electric motor.

Perfect for Split Commutes
Folding bikes shine in split commutes, where part of the journey is completed by car or public transit and part by bike. For transit riders, a folding bike bridges the gap between the station and the office. For drivers, it eliminates the hassle of finding parking in congested areas—park further out where it’s free or affordable, and ride your folding e-bike the rest of the way.

Most folding bikes are excellent candidates for electric conversion. If you already own one, or have a model in mind, that’s a great start! If you’re still exploring your options, we’re happy to help you choose a bike that fits your needs. Either way, we’ll work with you to transform it into an electric folding bike you’ll love—perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.

Cargo

Electric Cargo Bike

Electric Cargo Bike

Cargo bikes are perhaps the most practical and obvious choice for electrification. If you’ve ever hauled kids, groceries, or other heavy loads, you’re likely familiar with the added effort it takes—especially when tackling hills or fighting headwinds. While baskets, racks, or panniers on a regular bike can help with small loads, a cargo bike is a game-changer for replacing more car trips and handling larger hauls.

Adding an electric assist to a cargo bike makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable. With a mid-drive motor, you gain optimal power for climbing hills, as it works seamlessly with your bike’s gears to make pedaling effortless, even with a heavy load. And the best part? An electric cargo bike is still an eco-friendly, cost-effective option—charging the battery typically costs less than 20 cents.

Replace More Car Trips with Ease
Whether you’re transporting kids, a week’s worth of groceries, or bulky hardware, an electric cargo bike can take the strain out of your ride while helping you reduce car usage. It’s not only good for the planet but also saves money and offers the flexibility to make errands enjoyable.

Some of our favorite projects have been cargo bike conversions, and we’d love to help you create one that fits your needs. Let us work with you to electrify your cargo bike and turn it into a reliable, powerful alternative to your car—a solution that will make every trip more efficient and enjoyable.

Fat Bike

A Fat Bike for everything

Before electric motors, fat bikes were primarily used for specific terrains like sand and snow. Their wide 4-5” tires provide excellent traction and control, allowing riders to effortlessly navigate fine sand, deep snow, and transitions between hard-packed and soft surfaces without getting stuck. These features make them a favorite for beach rides or desert trails.

However, the extra weight and rolling resistance of those wide tires make fat bikes challenging to pedal on regular surfaces without a motor. That’s where electrification transforms the experience. With an electric motor, the added weight and resistance disappear, giving you all the benefits of fat tires without the drawbacks.

Versatile and Adaptable
Many riders now choose fat bikes as their go-to option for everyday use. Whether for neighborhood rides, commutes, or being prepared for unexpected sand or snow adventures, an electric fat bike offers unmatched versatility. With the motor doing the heavy lifting, you can enjoy the stability and comfort of fat tires while being ready for any terrain—all with just one e-bike.

If you’re looking for an all-purpose e-bike that can handle everything from smooth pavement to rugged trails, an electric fat bike might be your perfect match. Let us help you create an e-bike that’s as adventurous and adaptable as you are.

Tandem

e-Bicycle built for two

Tandem bikes, designed for two riders, are excellent candidates for electric conversion. Adding a mid-drive motor enhances their performance without the need to replace the wheels, which are already built to handle the extra weight of two riders with reinforced rims and additional spokes. A mid-drive motor also uses the bike’s gears, making it easier to tackle hills and headwinds—perfect for long rides or when one or both riders need a break.

Unique Requirements for Tandem Conversions
Tandem e-bike conversions require specific adjustments to ensure smooth operation:

  • Motor Placement and Controls: The motor is typically installed in the stoker’s bottom bracket (rear rider), while the controls are mounted on the captain’s handlebars (front rider). This setup allows the bike to function seamlessly even if only the captain is riding.
  • Timing Chain Considerations: Tandem bikes use a timing chain to synchronize the cranks between the captain and the stoker. When adding a mid-drive motor, this chain needs to be reconfigured. While the timing chain is usually on the left side, it can be adjusted to the right if necessary. The key is to find compatible cranks:
  • CYC motors require cranks with ISIS splines.
  • Bafang and Tongsheng motors use square-tapered cranks.

If a left-side chainring isn’t available, both timing chainrings can be moved to the right side, where compatible options are more common.

Why Electrify a Tandem Bike?
Electric assistance on a tandem bike ensures that both riders can enjoy the journey, even if one gets tired. It makes longer rides more accessible and enjoyable while maintaining the spirit of teamwork that makes tandem cycling special.

If you’re considering an electric tandem bike, we can guide you through the conversion process, ensuring every detail is perfectly tailored to your needs. Let us help you turn your tandem into an e-bike built for two!


Choosing a Motor

Got your bike ready for conversion? If not, think about the type of riding you plan to do. Are you tackling trails, commuting, or just enjoying casual rides around the neighborhood? Do you need to haul heavy loads or kids? Your bike type—whether it’s a mountain, cruiser, road, folding, or cargo bike—affects your motor choice. Each bike serves different purposes, and with the right motor, you can customize your ride for optimal performance. Explore options and select the perfect setup for your needs.

MID-DRIVE

Mid-Drive Motor

Mid-drive motors are positioned at the bike’s cranks, delivering power through the bike’s drivetrain. This setup offers several advantages:

  1. Balanced Weight: The low and centered motor placement improves stability.
  2. Easy Maintenance: With no motor in the wheel, flat tires are easy to fix.
  3. Efficiency: Gears are used for smooth operation on hills and flats.
  4. Torque: Excellent for climbing steep terrain and battling headwinds.
  5. Longer Battery Life: Prevents motor strain, allowing for longer rides.

Advantages:

  1. Low, centralized motor weight for better handling.
  2. Full use of bike’s gears for optimal performance.
  3. Easy wheel removal for repairs.

Disadvantages:

  1. Extra power through the drivetrain leads to quicker wear.
  2. Regular maintenance needed, but parts like chains and sprockets are affordable.

Looking for the best mid-drive motor for your eBike?
Compare options with us today.

HUB

HUB MOTORS

Hub motors are a straightforward and often necessary solution for converting bikes to electric. They provide adequate assistance for most street-riding conditions and are simpler to install than mid-drive motors. However, they come with some drawbacks:

  • Weight Distribution: The motor’s weight is positioned on one wheel, which can make the bike feel unbalanced.
  • Limited Gear Use: Unlike mid-drive motors, hub motors cannot use the bike’s gears, leaving them “stuck” in a single gear. This can lead to challenges when starting from a stop, climbing hills, or riding against headwinds. These limitations can make the motor less efficient and increase battery consumption.
  • Overheating Risks: Without the ability to downshift, hub motors can overheat on extended uphill rides.
  • Maintenance Challenges: Repairs, like fixing a flat, can be more complicated. You’ll need to unplug wires and possibly remove torque arms, as hub motors typically use axle nuts instead of quick-release mechanisms.

Types of Hub Motors

Direct Drive Hub Motors

Advantages:

  • Quietest type of motor.
  • Simple design with fewer components to fail.

Disadvantages:

  • Heavier than other motor types.
  • Fixed single gear, which increases power consumption when accelerating, climbing, or battling headwinds.

Geared Hub Motors

Advantages:

  • Lighter and more compact than direct-drive motors.
  • Less noticeable in the wheel’s appearance.

Disadvantages:

  • Noisier than direct-drive motors.
  • Smaller size can lead to overheating due to less surface area for heat dissipation.

Caprouge's Focus: Mid-Drive Motors

At Caprouge, we prioritize finding the ideal balance between weight, power, and range—the "Goldilocks Zone" of e-bike performance. While hub motors have their place, we specialize in mid-drive motors for their superior versatility, efficiency, and ability to handle challenging terrains. We do not currently offer hub motor options, as our focus is on providing the best overall riding experience for our customers.

HOW MUCH POWER?

How Much Power Do You Really Need?

Choosing the right motor power for your e-bike is all about balance. More power provides additional capabilities, but it also increases the bike’s weight and cost. If you’re opting for an e-bike over a motorcycle, chances are you’re looking for a lightweight, exercise-friendly option that still lets you pedal like a traditional bicycle.

At Caprouge, we focus on optimizing power while maintaining a lightweight design. This balance allows you to enjoy a more natural cycling experience. To tailor the bike to your needs, we consider factors like how far you plan to ride. A larger battery can cover more distance but adds weight, and the same applies to motors.

Finding the Sweet Spot

For street use, U.S. law caps motor power at 750 watts, which we’ve found to be ideal for most riders. While many e-bikes are designed for European standards with 250-watt motors, this lower power level can struggle on steep hills, against headwinds, or with heavy loads. A 750-watt motor provides that extra boost when you need it, whether for tackling challenging terrain or simply speeding up, without requiring you to use maximum power all the time.

Most riders use their e-bikes at lower power levels (around 250 watts or less) to conserve battery life and get more exercise. However, having additional power on tap is invaluable for those moments when you need it, so long as it doesn’t weigh down the bike unnecessarily. Our solutions ensure this balance between power, efficiency, and weight.

Lightweight and Versatile Motor Options

Our street-legal 750-watt motors weigh between 7 and 9 pounds, offering excellent power without unnecessary bulk. For those who need more power, we also offer the CYC X1 Stealth and X1 Pro motors, weighing 10 and 11 pounds respectively, as well as the BBSHD motor at just over 12 pounds.

For versatility, the BBSHD and Ultra motors can be configured for dual modes using the EggRider display. This display allows riders to switch between a 750-watt street-legal mode and a high-power off-road mode (1,000+ watts) with the press of a button, ensuring compliance while providing extra power when needed.

At Caprouge, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect motor that matches your riding needs while keeping your e-bike lightweight and efficient.

WHAT IS TORQUE SENSING?

What is Torque Sensing?

Torque sensing is a feature that measures how much effort you’re putting into the pedals and adjusts the motor's power output accordingly. This system allows for a more responsive and natural ride, giving you more control over how much assistance you receive from the motor based on your pedaling effort.

Basic Pedal Assist vs. Torque Sensing

Basic Pedal Assist:
In a basic pedal assist system, the motor delivers a predetermined level of power whenever it detects you’re pedaling. The more you pedal, the more the motor assists, but it doesn’t consider how hard you’re pedaling. For example, if you choose level one assistance, the motor will provide about 100 watts of power, regardless of whether you’re pedaling lightly or giving it your all. The motor will increase power with each higher level of assist, up to the maximum available, which might be 750 watts (five times the effort of a person pedaling hard).

Torque Sensing:
With torque sensing, the motor takes into account how hard you’re pedaling and adjusts the assistance accordingly. If you’re pedaling harder, the motor provides more power, creating a more seamless and natural riding experience. It feels as though you’re generating more power, making the ride feel more intuitive and responsive.

How Important is Torque Sensing?

While torque sensing offers a more dynamic and powerful riding experience, it’s not essential for every rider. If you’re willing to pedal hard on your own, basic pedal assist can still give you a great experience. However, for those who prefer a more refined, responsive ride, torque sensing is a game-changer.

Not all bikes are suited for torque sensing, and adding it may mean sacrificing some other capabilities, such as extra power or noise reduction. For instance, the Bafang BBSHD and BBS02 are powerful, robust, and silent motors that rely on pedal assist and throttle, but they don’t feature torque sensing. If you don’t need that level of power or ultra-quiet operation, the TongSheng TSDZ2 offers a lighter motor with torque sensing. Additionally, CYC Motors’ new line of motors all include torque sensing, along with more power than the TSDZ2. CYC engineers have perfected this feature, offering a refined and natural pedal assist experience that can even be fine-tuned through a smartphone app.

Still Unsure?

If this all sounds a bit confusing, don’t worry. Torque sensing provides a more tailored riding experience, but you’ll enjoy any of our conversion solutions. The most important factors are the type of bike you start with and how you plan to ride it. To help you make the best choice, fill out our conversion questionnaire, book an appointment, and let us guide you in selecting the ideal setup for your needs.

Battery & Other Accessories

Battery

Choosing a Battey

Choosing a Battey

When selecting a battery for your eBike, consider these key factors:


1. Quality Brands: The cells inside your battery are crucial. Opt for well-known brands like Samsung, LG, or Panasonic to ensure safety and performance. Avoid cheap knockoffs, as one faulty cell can damage the entire battery.

2. Power and Capacity: Look at voltage (V), amp hours (Ah), and watt hours (Wh). Higher voltage provides more power and speed. Ensure the battery suits your riding needs with the right wattage and capacity for extended range.

3. Battery Size: Match the battery size with your typical riding distance. For long rides, choose a battery that supports your range. For shorter rides, a smaller battery may suffice, with an additional one for longer trips. Our most popular options include the 52V Super Shark (50 miles) and Jumbo Shark (70 miles).

Charger

Choosing a Charger

Choosing a Charger

When choosing a charger, there are a few key factors to consider. High-quality chargers typically come in metal cases and feature fan cooling to prevent overheating. They are available in various amperages, which determine how quickly your battery charges. However, charging too quickly with a high amperage can reduce the lifespan of your battery.

For those unfamiliar with battery technology, it’s best to purchase a charger from the same brand that supplied your battery. The charger’s amp rating should match or be lower than the standard charging rating of your battery pack—not the maximum charging rate. Consistently charging at the maximum rate can shorten battery life, which is why Tesla recommends avoiding frequent use of their superchargers. Superchargers are intended for long trips, while regular daily charges should be done with a slower charger at home.

At Caprouge, we offer two types of smart chargers: 2-amp and 4-amp models. The 4-amp charger charges twice as fast as the 2-amp version. For example, a 52V 700Wh battery will charge in about 3.5 hours with a 4-amp charger if fully depleted, while the same battery will take 7 hours with a 2-amp charger. All of our batteries, including the mini-cubes, are designed to handle a 4-amp charge without negatively affecting battery life.

We also offer the Caprouge Super Charger, which features a selectable amp range from 1 to 5 amps, as well as options to set the charge level to 80%, 90%, or 100%. It includes a display showing the current amps and the charge level in volts.

Extending Battery Life with Proper Charging

Using a smart charger can significantly increase the number of charge cycles your battery can handle. If you charge your battery to 100% each time, you can expect about 400 charge cycles before its capacity drops to 85%. This would last about 2 years if you charge twice a week. However, if you charge your battery every day for a long commute, you could deplete those 400 cycles within just over a year.

By charging your battery to only 90%, you can extend it to around 1,000 charge cycles, and charging to 80% can stretch it to nearly 2,000 cycles. This principle applies to all lithium-ion batteries, including those in cell phones. Manufacturers often push for 100% charges to compete on battery life metrics, but the reality is that charging to only 80% or 90% is better for long-term battery health. Electric car manufacturers often use this same technique to ensure a longer warranty period for their vehicles.

Caprouge’s smart chargers come with an adjustable rotary switch, allowing you to select between 80%, 90%, and 100% charge levels. We recommend charging to 90% for everyday use unless you're preparing for a long ride—then you can top it off to 100%. Occasional full charges won’t have a significant impact on battery life.

For more tips on battery care and how to get the most out of your lithium-ion ebike battery, feel free to reach out to us.

Chainring

Choosing a Chainring

Choosing a Chainring

Selecting the right chainring for your mid-drive motor is a crucial step in optimizing performance. Whether you're using a CYC, BBSHD, BBS02, or TSDZ2 motor, the choice of chainring can affect your ride in several ways. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the decision-making process.

Choosing a Chainring

Fewer Gears with a Mid-Drive Motor

When you switch to a mid-drive motor, the number of gears on your bike may decrease. The front chainring, located near the pedals, is replaced by the motor’s own chainring, which means you might lose one or more gears. For example, if you had 3 chainrings and a 9-speed rear cassette, you had a total of 27 gear combinations. After installing a mid-drive motor, you’ll likely be down to a single front chainring, leaving you with 9 gears on the rear cassette.

Though this may seem like a limitation, many riders find that electric assist reduces the need for multiple gears. With electric power assisting your pedaling, you won’t need to shift as frequently. However, if you still prefer a wide gear range, consider upgrading your rear cassette to a wider-range model to compensate.

Modern mountain bikes, as well as many city and road bikes, often come with a 1x drivetrain (one chainring in the front and a wide-range cassette in the back). Installing a mid-drive motor on a bike like this is a smooth upgrade with no major trade-offs.

Why Are Some Mid-Drive Motor Chainrings Offset?

Mid-drive motors typically come with a chainring between 42 and 46 teeth, designed to work for most riders. However, many motors have an offset chainring design. The offset means the chainring is pushed outward, which helps align the chain better with the rest of the drivetrain. Chainrings smaller than 42 teeth can’t be offset due to space limitations, leading to a misaligned chainline. While this may not cause immediate issues on some bikes, it’s always best to keep the chain as straight as possible for optimal performance.

Some riders prefer smaller chainrings (such as 40T) for lower gearing on mountain bikes. Lekkie, for example, offers a 40T chainring for both the BBSHD and BBS02, which improves chainline alignment but requires a bit more work during installation.

Ideal Chainring Size

The best chainring size depends on your riding style and goals. Here are some guidelines:

  • Lower Gearing for Mountain Biking: If you’re after lower gearing, ideal sizes range from 30T to 38T. These sizes give you more torque for climbing hills or navigating rough terrain.
  • Standard Gearing for Versatile Riding: A 42T chainring offers a good balance, giving you a solid range of gears without sacrificing too much power on hills or flat roads.
  • Higher Gearing for Speed: If you’re more focused on speed and want to feel like you're getting a workout at higher speeds, consider upgrading to a 48T or 52T chainring. Keep in mind, though, that the motor will still do most of the work at higher speeds, though you’ll still get some exercise.

Should I Upgrade My Chainring?

Upgrading your chainring may be necessary if you want a different gearing range or need to solve specific issues like chain drop. Many mid-drive motor kits come with a stock chainring, but you may find that a lightweight, high-quality chainring made from materials like CNC-machined 7075 T6 aluminum offers both performance and aesthetic benefits. These upgraded chainrings are not only more durable but also feature a narrow/wide tooth profile, which helps keep the chain securely in place, preventing it from coming off—especially on bikes without a front derailleur.

If your bike’s chain frequently drops, upgrading to a narrow/wide chainring can address this problem. Alternatively, chain guides or a rear derailleur with a clutch can also help keep the chain in place.

What About Internal Gear Hubs (IGH)?

If your bike is equipped with an internal gear hub (IGH), the same chainring considerations apply. However, the main advantage with IGHs is that, when properly adjusted, your chain won’t slip off, eliminating the risk of chain drop. You might still want to upgrade your chainring for better gearing options, improved weight savings, or simply to improve the bike’s overall look.

In conclusion, selecting the right chainring for your mid-drive motor requires balancing your gearing preferences, chainline considerations, and the type of riding you’ll be doing. Whether you’re upgrading for performance or to address a specific issue, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

Gear Sensors

Gear Sensors

Gear Sensors

A gear sensor is an essential component when riding a bike equipped with a mid-drive motor, especially for those using a rear derailleur. When cycling with only human power, around 150 watts of effort is typical, and most bike drivetrains are designed to handle this amount. However, when you add the power of a mid-drive motor, producing anywhere from 450 to 750+ watts (equivalent to 3 to 6 additional cyclists), the drivetrain faces a significant amount of stress—particularly when the chain is engaged on multiple gears.

A gear sensor prevents damage to your drivetrain by temporarily cutting power to the motor during gear shifts. This reduces the risk of excessive torque being applied while the chain moves across cogs with only a few teeth engaged.

How Does a Gear Sensor Work?

A gear sensor works by detecting when you shift gears. As the shift cable passes through the sensor, it sends a signal to the motor to momentarily cut power (about 0.8 seconds). This brief pause ensures the shift completes smoothly without overwhelming the drivetrain.

To install a gear sensor, the shift cable is threaded through the sensor. When the sensor detects the movement of the cable, it triggers the motor to stop for roughly 800 milliseconds, allowing for a seamless gear change.

Bafang Mid-Drive Motors from Electrify Bike Co. come with a gear sensor cable directly from the motor controller, making them ready to connect to a sensor. If your motor lacks this cable, you can connect the sensor to a brake sensor cable, though it’s worth noting that brake sensors cut motor power for a longer duration (around 2 seconds), which can be more disruptive than the shorter 0.8-second cut provided by a dedicated gear sensor.

Do You Need a Gear Sensor for a Hub Motor?

No, hub motors do not require a gear sensor because they don’t use the drivetrain for power transfer. The motor's direct connection to the wheel bypasses any need for a sensor to protect the drivetrain during shifts.

Do You Need a Gear Sensor with a Bafang Mid-Drive Motor and Rear Derailleur?

If you're using a rear derailleur with a Bafang mid-drive motor, a gear sensor is highly recommended. Shifting under motor assistance, especially at high power levels, puts significant strain on your drivetrain. For instance, a BBS02 or BBSHD motor can deliver up to 1000 watts or more, and shifting while the motor is engaged can lead to chain damage or skipped gears.

If your motor operates under 400 watts and you tend to shift at lower levels of assist, you may not need a sensor, but it’s still a good idea for smoother shifts and to protect your components.

Do You Need a Gear Sensor with an Internal Gear Hub (IGH)?

If you have an internal gear hub (such as a 3-speed or 5-speed Shimano IGH), a gear sensor is generally unnecessary. IGHs are designed to work with gear shifts when you stop pedaling, which naturally pauses the motor. When you resume pedaling, the motor restarts automatically. Some motors may have a slight delay before cutting off when you stop pedaling, but many, including those from Electrify Bike Co., are reprogrammed to cut off immediately to avoid this issue.

While some riders still prefer the instantaneous power cutoff provided by a gear sensor, the IGH system generally eliminates the need for one.

Do You Need a Gear Sensor with a Torque-Sensing Motor (CYC or TSDZ2)?

With torque-sensing motors like the CYC or TSDZ2, you typically don't need a gear sensor. These motors adjust their power output based on the force you apply to the pedals. By easing off the pedals slightly when shifting, the motor naturally reduces its power, allowing for smooth gear changes without the risk of damaging the drivetrain.

However, if you prefer to shift while applying a lot of torque, a gear sensor can still be useful. Keep in mind that, since CYC and TSDZ2 motors don’t support gear sensors directly, you'll need to connect the sensor to a brake sensor. Unfortunately, brake sensors cut power for 1.5 to 2 seconds, which may feel like a long pause compared to the 0.8-second cut provided by a dedicated gear sensor, but it is a workable solution.

In summary, whether or not you need a gear sensor depends on your motor type and riding style. For mid-drive motors with a rear derailleur, a gear sensor is generally a good investment to protect your drivetrain and ensure smooth, reliable shifting.

Bottom Bracket

Need a bottom bracket adapter?

Need a bottom bracket adapter?

Mid-drive motor kits are designed to mount to the bottom bracket of your bicycle, typically a standard threaded 68/73mm bottom bracket. However, if your bike has a different bottom bracket type, you may still be able to use an adapter to make it compatible. Motor kits like the CYC Photon, X1 Stealth, X1 Pro, BBSHD, BBS02, and TSDZ2 are all designed for threaded bottom brackets.

The bottom bracket is the part of the bike where the bearings for the pedals are located. When installing a mid-drive motor, you remove the existing cranks, spindle, and bottom bracket bearings. The motor then slides into the bottom bracket shell and takes the place of these components, except for the pedals.

Threaded vs. Press-Fit Bottom Brackets

Before 2013, most bicycles used English-threaded bottom brackets (BSA/JIT standard), which are still the most common type today. Bikes made before 2013, or those priced under $1500, typically have this standard, so a motor kit will fit without an adapter. If your bike has a square-tapered spindle for the cranks, it’s compatible with threaded bottom brackets, which means you can install a mid-drive motor kit directly.

However, starting around 2012, many higher-end bikes began using press-fit bottom brackets, which don't directly accept threaded motors. Fortunately, adapters are available to convert press-fit bottom brackets to the threaded standard, allowing you to install a mid-drive motor.

Electrify Bike Company offers a range of threaded adapters for various bottom bracket types, including:

  • One-piece adapters for 68mm & 73mm BB30, and 68mm & 73mm PF30.
  • Two-piece adapters for wider bottom brackets, including BB30 and PF30.
  • A two-piece PF41/BB92 adapter that works for a variety of bottom bracket widths using these standards.

Wide Bottom Brackets for Fat Tire Bikes

Some newer bikes, especially fat tire bikes, have bottom brackets wider than the standard 68/73mm. In these cases, the BBSHD motor is available in wider sizes, such as 100mm and 120mm. For bikes with bottom brackets that don't match these sizes, you can use bottom bracket spacers to make it work. The TSDZ2 and BBS02 motors also have aftermarket extensions available for wider bottom brackets, though these extensions can be difficult to install.

Adapting for Older Bikes

If you have an older Schwinn or cruiser-style bike with a one-piece crank and American-style bottom bracket, we also have adapters available. Contact us for more details or assistance with fitting your motor kit.

Installation Tips

When installing an adapter, we recommend using sleeve Loctite (like Loctite 641) for press-fit bottom brackets. This product helps secure the adapter, similar to thread lock but designed for sleeve inserts.

For the two-piece adapters, you can tap them in gently with a soft mallet, ensuring it goes in straight. A bottom bracket press can also be used for this process. For the one-piece adapter, we suggest using a bottom bracket press to avoid binding or difficulty during installation. If you don’t have a bottom bracket press, you can make one using common hardware available at a local store. A tutorial for creating a press can be found on YouTube.

These steps will help ensure a smooth installation and secure fit for your mid-drive motor kit.

Programming

How do you want your motor programmed?

One of the key advantages of converting your bike to a mid-drive motor is the ability to customize the motor programming to suit your riding style and preferences. This level of flexibility is typically not available with factory e-bikes. Historically, Bafang motors were the only ones offering this customization, but with the latest OSF upgrade, the TSDZ2 motor can now also be highly programmable.

When you purchase a Bafang motor from Electrify Bike Co., we allow you to choose between two programming options: aggressive or moderate. Both options unlock the motor's full power, but the difference lies in how the power is delivered:

  • Aggressive Programming: Power is applied as quickly as possible, giving you rapid acceleration for demanding riding conditions, such as steep climbs or high-speed acceleration.
  • Moderate Programming: Power is ramped up more gradually, which is easier on your drivetrain and bike components. This is a great option for riders who prefer a smoother, more controlled power delivery.

Additionally, we take into account:

  • The size of your battery, to ensure the correct low-voltage cutoff is set, preventing any potential damage.
  • The size of your tires, as this affects the motor’s speed and power output, which we incorporate into the programming for optimal performance.

For more details on programming the CYC Motors, Bafang mid-drive motors, or TSDZ2 motors, follow the respective links below:

  • Programming CYC Motors
  • Programming Bafang Mid-Drive Motors
  • Programming TSDZ2 Mid-Drive Motors

With these customizations, your mid-drive motor will feel just right for the way you ride.

Lights

Lights for your e-bike:

Lights for your e-bike:

When you convert your bike into an e-bike, the large battery powering your motor often has enough juice to also power your lights, eliminating the need for changing or charging separate light batteries. However, setting up a reliable and powerful lighting system isn’t as straightforward as you might expect.

Directly Powered Lights:

Both TSDZ2 and Bafang mid-drive motors from Electrify Bike Co. allow you to hook up lights directly to the motor and control them from the display on your handlebars. Sounds convenient, right? However, there's a catch. The motor only provides 6V at 0.5A, which is enough to be seen by cars but not sufficient for lighting your path at higher speeds. While this will work for basic visibility, you’ll need something brighter for night riding. We offer lights designed for this solution, which can be found in our store here. You can also check out a complete plug-and-play head and tail light kit for TSDZ2 here.

The Search for Better Lighting:

For many riders, this basic setup doesn't cut it, so we often recommend standard bicycle headlights that run on replaceable or rechargeable batteries. While this is effective, it’s not ideal for an e-bike, as it doesn't use the e-bike’s battery.

The Ultimate E-Bike Headlight:

After years of testing, we’ve found a solution that addresses both brightness and convenience. Introducing the EBC 1900 Lumen Super-bright Headlight — the perfect solution for e-bike conversions.

Key Features:

  • Brightness: 1900 lumens on high beam (brighter than most car halogen headlights) and 600 lumens on low beam with a sharp cutoff to prevent blinding oncoming traffic.
  • Power Input: 12-60V input range, compatible with most e-bike batteries, and plugs directly into your battery via XT90 or Anderson Tap connectors.
  • Power Consumption: 35W on high beam, 8W on low beam.
  • Durability: Made with a sturdy aluminum casing and IPX6 waterproof rating, it’s built to withstand rain and rough conditions.
  • Installation: The light includes a mounting bracket that secures to the handlebar stem clamp bolts (fits 90% of modern bicycle handlebar stems), leaving your handlebars clutter-free.

This setup solves the problem of lighting up the road ahead without needing complex modifications or unreliable setups. We’ve tried various methods, like using relays and DC-DC converters, but they were labor-intensive and costly. Now, with this headlight, installation is quick, it’s bright, and the price is great.

Bike, Motor, Battery

Let our experts guide you through selecting the perfect conversion kit. We’ll help you find the right combination of components for your ride.

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