Featured Conversion Builds

Our build gallery showcases real e-bike conversions from the community, demonstrating how different kits perform in various applications. Each build includes specifications, performance notes, and lessons learned.

Commuter Builds

Urban Professional: Trek 7.2 + Bafang BBS02B

The Build:

• Base bike: 2018 Trek 7.2 FX hybrid
• Motor: Bafang BBS02B 750W mid-drive
• Battery: 48V 14Ah frame-mounted
• Class: Class 1 (pedal assist only)
• Total cost: $1,200 including installation

Performance:

• Daily range: 32 miles with moderate hills
• Top assisted speed: 20 mph
• Charging time: 4 hours with 3A charger
• Hill climbing: Handles 12% grades comfortably

Owner feedback: "Perfect for my 16-mile commute. The mid-drive feels natural and the battery lasts 2-3 days of riding. Installation took a weekend but was straightforward."

Key modifications:

• Upgraded to hydraulic disc brakes for better stopping power
• Added integrated lights powered by main battery
• Fenders and rack for weather protection

Budget Commuter: Giant Escape 3 + 500W Hub Kit

The Build:

• Base bike: 2019 Giant Escape 3 hybrid
• Motor: Generic 500W geared rear hub
• Battery: 48V 10.4Ah bottle-style
• Class: Class 2 (throttle + pedal assist)
• Total cost: $650 self-installed

Performance:

• Daily range: 25 miles on flat terrain
• Top speed: 22 mph with throttle
• Charging time: 3.5 hours
• Hill climbing: Adequate for moderate slopes

Owner feedback: "Great value for the money. Throttle is helpful at traffic lights. Range drops significantly on hills but works well for flat city commuting."

Lessons learned:

• Hub motor makes wheel removal for flats more complex
• Battery placement in triangle works but limits water bottle
• Simple installation took only 3 hours

Mountain/Trail Builds

Weekend Warrior: Specialized Rockhopper + BBSHD

The Build:

• Base bike: 2017 Specialized Rockhopper 29er
• Motor: Bafang BBSHD 1000W (limited to 750W)
• Battery: 52V 17.5Ah with frame bag
• Class: Class 1 for trail access
• Total cost: $1,800 including professional setup

Performance:

• Trail range: 45 miles of mixed terrain
• Climbing ability: Handles 20%+ grades with ease
• Top speed: Limited to 20 mph for trail compliance
• Durability: 18 months with no motor issues

Owner feedback: "Amazing climbing power. Can now keep up with stronger riders on technical climbs. Battery life is excellent for all-day rides."

Trail-specific modifications:

• Bash guard to protect motor from rocks
• Reinforced derailleur hanger due to increased chain forces
• Temperature sensor for motor protection on long climbs

Adventure Touring: Surly Long Haul Trucker + Grin Kit

The Build:

• Base bike: Surly Long Haul Trucker touring bike
• Motor: Grin All-Axle 750W rear hub
• Battery: Dual 48V 14Ah setup (28Ah total)
• Controller: Grin Phaserunner with regen
• Class: Class 1 for maximum trail access
• Total cost: $2,400 professional build

Performance:

• Loaded touring range: 80+ miles with camping gear
• Regen braking: Extends range by 15-20% on hilly routes
• Reliability: 3,000+ miles with minimal maintenance
• Versatility: Works as regular bike when battery depleted

Owner feedback: "Perfect for long-distance touring. Dual batteries provide confidence for remote areas. Regen braking saves brake pads on descents."

Touring-specific features:

• Waterproof battery enclosures
• Redundant charging options (solar + wall)
• GPS tracking and emergency communication integration

Cargo Builds

Family Hauler: Yuba Mundo + BBS02B

The Build:

• Base bike: Yuba Mundo longtail cargo bike
• Motor: Bafang BBS02B 750W mid-drive
• Battery: 48V 20Ah large capacity
• Features: Throttle for loaded starts
• Class: Class 2 (throttle assist helpful when loaded)
• Total cost: $1,500 + $2,000 base bike

Performance:

• Cargo capacity: 200 lbs + 2 kids
• Range loaded: 35 miles with moderate assist
• Hill climbing: Handles residential hills with full load
• Practical use: Replaced car for 70% of local trips

Owner feedback: "Game-changer for family transportation. Kids love the ride and we save money on gas. Throttle is essential when starting from stops with load."

Cargo-specific upgrades:

• Heavy-duty disc brakes for loaded stopping
• Dual kickstand for stability when loading
• Integrated cargo lighting system

Delivery Professional: RadWagon + Custom Hub

The Build:

• Base bike: RadWagon electric cargo bike (upgraded)
• Motor: Custom 750W direct-drive hub
• Battery: Dual 48V 15Ah removable batteries
• Usage: Food delivery, 40+ miles daily
• Class: Class 2 for throttle convenience
• Modifications: $800 in upgrades

Performance:

• Daily capacity: 8-10 hour delivery shifts
• Range: 60+ miles with battery swapping
• Durability: 15,000+ miles in 18 months
• Earnings impact: 30% more deliveries per day

Owner feedback: "Pays for itself in gas savings and increased delivery capacity. Battery swapping means no downtime charging. Built to handle daily commercial use."

Professional modifications:

• Quick-release battery system for fast swapping
• Heavy-duty lighting for night visibility
• GPS tracking and anti-theft features

Senior/Accessibility Builds

Comfortable Commuter: Electra Townie + Step-Through Kit

The Build:

• Base bike: Electra Townie step-through comfort bike
• Motor: 500W geared front hub motor
• Battery: 36V 12Ah easily removable
• Features: Low-step frame, upright position
• Class: Class 2 with throttle option
• Total cost: $900 including installation

Performance:

• Comfortable range: 20-30 miles at relaxed pace
• Easy mounting: Step-through design aids mobility
• Simple operation: One-button throttle when needed
• Stability: Front motor doesn't affect rear wheel removal

Owner feedback: "At 68, this gives me independence to ride again. The step-through frame and throttle help with joint issues. Simple and reliable."

Comfort-focused features:

• Suspension seatpost for smooth ride
• Ergonomic grips and saddle
• Large, easy-to-read display

High-Performance Builds

Speed Commuter: Road Bike + Lightweight Kit

The Build:

• Base bike: Aluminum road bike (drop bars)
• Motor: Tongsheng TSDZ2 500W mid-drive
• Battery: 48V 10.4Ah compact bottle
• Weight: Total system adds only 12 lbs
• Class: Class 3 for 28 mph assist
• Total cost: $1,100 self-installed

Performance:

• Fast commuting: Maintains 25-28 mph average
• Range: 40 miles at high speeds
• Weight impact: Minimal effect on bike handling
• Integration: Clean, minimal installation

Owner feedback: "Exactly what I wanted - fast commuting without the weight penalty. Torque sensor feels very natural. Can still race on weekends."

Performance optimizations:

• Aerodynamic battery placement
• Lightweight components throughout
• Fine-tuned assist levels for efficiency

Budget Builds Under $500

Student Special: Used Mountain Bike + Basic Kit

The Build:

• Base bike: Used Trek 3700 mountain bike ($150)
• Motor: 500W rear hub kit from online retailer
• Battery: 36V 10Ah generic lithium
• Installation: DIY with basic tools
• Class: Class 1 (no throttle for simplicity)
• Total cost: $480 all-in

Performance:

• Campus range: 15-25 miles depending on terrain
• Speed: 18-20 mph on flats
• Reliability: 8 months of daily use with no issues
• Value: Better than $2,000+ manufactured e-bike

Owner feedback: "Perfect for getting around campus and town. Installation was easier than expected. Battery life is adequate for my needs."

Money-saving strategies:

• Used quality bike frame as starting point
• Generic kit from established online seller
• DIY installation with YouTube tutorials

Common Themes and Lessons

What Makes Builds Successful

Proper bike selection:

• Quality frame and components as foundation
• Appropriate geometry for intended use
• Compatible brake and shifting systems

Realistic expectations:

• Match motor power to actual needs
• Size battery for real-world usage patterns
• Plan for gradual component wear

Professional installation value:

• Complex builds benefit from expert setup
• Warranty protection for professional installs
• Proper torque specs and safety checks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underpowered systems:

• 250W motors inadequate for hills or cargo
• Small batteries lead to range anxiety
• Cheap components fail prematurely

Over-complicated builds:

• Too many features can reduce reliability
• Complex systems harder to troubleshoot
• Advanced features often go unused

Ignoring legal compliance:

• Power and speed limits vary by location
• Class requirements affect where you can ride
• Safety certifications important for insurance

Build Planning Tools

Before You Start

• Use our Smart Intent Wizard to match components to your needs
• Calculate requirements with Range Estimator
• Understand costs with ROI Calculator

Component Guides

• Motor Selection Guide for power and type decisions
• Battery Basics for capacity and chemistry choices
• Best Kits 2025 for complete system recommendations

Submit Your Build

Have a successful e-bike conversion to share? We'd love to feature your build in our gallery.

What to include:

• Photos of completed bike and key components
• Detailed parts list with costs
• Performance data (range, speed, reliability)
• Installation experience and lessons learned
• Real-world usage feedback

How to submit:

• Email photos and details to our editorial team
• Include permission to use photos and story
• We'll contact you for any additional details

Help other builders learn from your experience and join our growing community of e-bike conversion enthusiasts.

Last updated: January 17, 2025

Try this: Find a build similar to your planned conversion and note the owner's lessons learned. This can save time and prevent common mistakes in your own build.