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?
Thanks that’s very interesting. I slightly know what in doing now, that it’s okay to just buy an ebike and how to choose one that will last. How did you figure out what are the standard connectors and know if a bike will be maintainable - is there an online guide or so you just have to look closely at lots of models for sale and figure it out?
I’m not aware of any guides regarding repairability or use of standard bicycle parts. In general the stuff not related to the electric portion is usually standard bike parts. The main thing to look out for is the ebikes with mid-drive motors which might be specifically designed to match that particular motor and frame. Also I would be careful with any that have really wild or custom frame design. The keys are if the rear dropouts and the fork are a standard width then you’re probably in good shape as far as repair/upgrade flexibility.
thanks. i hadn’t thought about that either - that the other components might be non standard - stem, seat post, drop outs, bottom bracket…
my current bike has larger-than-normal handlebar diameter, and it’s a real nightmare equipping it with bells and whistles that will fit.