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?

  • @sacredbirdman
    3•3 years ago

    Some people like sleeker look which comes with integrated custom parts or they don’t want to tinker. Also, it’s easier to get smooth ramp-up in power with ready-made bikes (they use moment sensor). That said, I would buy a nice bike with good standard parts (somewhere around 800€-1000€) and a conversion kit. This way I can always remove / transfer the kit and fix my bike with standard parts.