It seems obvious. If i spend 600€ on a new bike and 600€ on a conversion kit, i will get a very high spec e-bike. But i would have to spend double that, about 3000€ to get an okay quality off-the-shelf e-bike.
The off-the-shelf e-bike won’t be the exact size/style i like. They are nearly all city-bike style. Not many sizes are available, usually just small, medium, large (whatever that men’s).
It will be much heavier.
It will be more difficult to customise, for example with baby seat, lights, horns, mirrors.
It will probably be impossible to de-restrict, to be usable at normal cycling speeds.
Most importantly, it will not use standard parts. For example if the battery or motor dies after a few years, i have to buy a replacement from the same manufacturer, if that is even available. For a converted bike, i can change the components independently and choose any brand for the new parts (i think).
What is the argument for buying an off-the-shelf e-bike? Why would anyone do that?
I think you look at it from two quite extreme angles. A ‘very good’ normal bike (no e) for 600€ would be seriously cheap. It might depend on where you by exactly, online vs bike shop and so on but for very good I would have guessed more around 1000€. It probably depends also what type of bike you prefer . Seems you are not keen on a city bike.
On he other side an ebike for 3000€ is definitely in the higher price range. You get something decent for ~2000€ as well. This would reduce the price difference.
The classic example for an ebike is that the breaks have to be set up for the higher demand, so you should ensure that you have that on your normal conversion bike.
There is also a difference in handling if you have a front/read engine or a middle engine.
Other than that I would think you can convert a bike as well. Not everyone can do it or wants to spend the time.
Hehe.
Thanks for the answer. I guess there’s not so much difference in price, but still significant.
I did not think about the brakes. On my road bike i go through brake pads quite fast. But i also frequently have to replace the chain, cassette, and even the crankset, due to wear. I don’t think the components will wear any faster than today, especially if I’m limited to 25kmph.
I think only mid engined bikes make sense. Though you could in theory put on three motors - engine in the front wheel, middle, and rear wheel!
Thinking about it more, it might be a personality thing:
conversion kit - people who want to be able to keep and maintain the bike forever, like a road bike
ebike - people who want to keep it a few years till it breaks, or the warranty runs out, then trade it in, like a car
I don’t think that is quite true. You may not be able to dirctly replace certain parts of an ebike’s electric drive system, but that will be true of a conversion too if your components come as a packaged system. The important thing if you want repairability for either of them is to get one that you understand and has standard specs so whatever parts are available in the future can be swapped in.
Hmmm i guess you’re right. It’s becoming a very complicated choice.