How the Smart Wizard Works

Our intelligent recommendation system goes beyond basic compatibility checking. By understanding your specific riding goals, physical requirements, and experience level, we can suggest the optimal motor type, battery capacity, controller specifications, and component combinations for your unique needs.

The more context you provide, the better our recommendations become. The wizard considers factors that many riders overlook until after their first build, helping you avoid common mistakes and get the right setup from the start.

What We'll Ask You

Your Riding Profile

Primary Use Cases:

• Daily commuting to work or school
• Recreational weekend rides
• Cargo hauling for family or business
• Mountain biking and trail riding
• Long-distance touring
• Winter or year-round riding

Typical Routes:

• Mostly flat city streets and bike paths
• Rolling hills with moderate climbs
• Steep hills and mountain roads
• Mixed terrain with varying elevation
• Off-road trails and unpaved paths

Physical Requirements

Distance Needs:

• Daily round-trip distance
• Longest single ride planned
• Frequency of riding per week
• Range anxiety tolerance level

Load Considerations:

• Your body weight
• Typical cargo weight (work gear, groceries, kids)
• Bike weight and style
• Need for racks, baskets, or trailers

Speed Preferences:

• Desired cruising speed
• Need for quick acceleration
• Class 1/2/3 legal requirements in your area
• Traffic conditions and safety concerns

Technical Experience

Mechanical Skill Level:

• Beginner: Basic bike maintenance (inflating tires, adjusting seat)
• Intermediate: Comfortable with tools, can follow detailed instructions
• Advanced: Experience with bike repairs, electrical work, problem-solving

Installation Preferences:

• DIY installation with online guides
• Local bike shop professional installation
• Partial DIY with shop assistance for complex parts
• Time constraints and project timeline

Budget and Priorities

Investment Range:

• Total budget including installation
• Priority areas for spending (motor, battery, accessories)
• Interest in future upgrades vs. buy-once approach
• Value consciousness vs. premium performance

Feature Priorities:

• Maximum range per charge
• Hill climbing power
• Quiet operation
• Weather resistance
• Aesthetic integration with bike

Recommendation Categories

Based on your answers, our wizard categorizes your needs and suggests appropriate solutions:

Commuter Builds

Profile: Daily riders needing reliable, efficient transportation
Typical recommendations:

• Motor: 250-500W geared hub or mid-drive
• Battery: 48V 10-15Ah for 20-40 mile range
• Features: Integrated lights, fenders, rack compatibility
• Focus: Reliability, weather resistance, low maintenance

Hill Climber Builds

Profile: Riders facing steep terrain or heavy cargo loads
Typical recommendations:

• Motor: 750W mid-drive with torque sensing
• Battery: 48V-52V 15-20Ah for sustained power
• Features: Lower gear ratios, robust brakes
• Focus: Torque delivery, heat management, durability

Budget Builds

Profile: Cost-conscious riders wanting basic e-bike functionality
Typical recommendations:

• Motor: 250-350W direct-drive hub motor
• Battery: 36V-48V 10-12Ah for adequate range
• Features: Simple throttle or basic pedal assist
• Focus: Lowest cost, easy installation, proven reliability

Performance Builds

Profile: Enthusiasts wanting maximum capability and features
Typical recommendations:

• Motor: 1000W+ mid-drive with advanced controllers
• Battery: 52V 20+ Ah for extended range and power
• Features: Color displays, smartphone integration, advanced sensors
• Focus: Power, technology, customization options

Cargo & Family Builds

Profile: Utility riders needing to haul people or heavy loads
Typical recommendations:

• Motor: 750W mid-drive or powerful hub motor
• Battery: High capacity (15-25Ah) for range with load
• Features: Throttle for easy starts, robust construction
• Focus: Load capacity, stability, family-friendly operation

How We Match You to Components

Motor Selection Logic

• Hub motors for simple, low-maintenance builds with moderate power needs
• Mid-drive motors for hills, cargo, and natural pedaling feel
• Geared hubs for torque and efficiency, direct-drive for simplicity and durability
• Power ratings based on your weight, terrain, and legal requirements

Battery Sizing Strategy

• Capacity calculation based on your typical range needs plus 30% buffer
• Voltage selection optimized for your motor and desired performance
• Form factor considering your bike geometry and mounting preferences
• Quality tiers matched to your budget and longevity expectations

Controller and Display Matching

• Current ratings appropriate for your motor and battery combination
• Feature sets aligned with your technical comfort level
• Display complexity from basic LED to full-color smartphone integration
• Programming options for fine-tuning performance characteristics

Sensor and Safety Components

• Torque sensors for natural pedaling feel (recommended for mid-drives)
• Cadence sensors for simpler, more affordable pedal assist
• Brake sensors for safety and legal compliance
• Throttle options based on local laws and personal preferences

Using Your Recommendations

Understanding the Results

Each recommendation includes:

• Primary component suggestions with specific part numbers when possible
• Alternative options at different price points or performance levels
• Compatibility notes specific to your bike type and geometry
• Installation complexity estimates and tool requirements
• Performance expectations for range, speed, and hill climbing

Next Steps After the Wizard

1. Review detailed guides for your recommended components
2. Check local laws for Class 1/2/3 compliance
3. Measure your bike to verify component fit
4. Budget for accessories like safety gear and installation tools
5. Plan your timeline from ordering to first ride

Getting Additional Help

• Consult our detailed guides for technical deep-dives
• Join online communities for peer advice and troubleshooting
• Contact our support team for personalized assistance
• Consider professional installation for complex builds

Related Resources

• Motor Selection Guide - Detailed comparison of motor types
• Battery Basics - Understanding voltage, capacity, and chemistry
• Best Kits 2025 - Our top-rated complete conversion kits
• US E-Bike Classes - Legal compliance and classification
• Range Estimator - Verify your battery size selection
• Build Gallery - See real-world examples of successful conversions

The Smart Intent Wizard uses data from thousands of successful e-bike conversions to guide you toward components that work well together and meet your specific needs. Take your time with the questions - better input leads to better recommendations.

Recommendations are continuously updated based on user feedback, new product releases, and real-world performance data.