Home / Discover / Media / Blog / Ebike Conversion Kit

Ebike Conversion Kit



There are a few critical components (battery, motor,controller, display) that make up an electric bicycle. This article is intended to explain the role of each component to those just learning about ebikes.



The Battery Pack


Electric bicycle batteries are the powerhouse behind the growing popularity of e-bikes, offering riders a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation. These batteries have evolved significantly from the early days of heavy and less efficient options like lead acid, Nickel Cadmium, or NiMH. Today, the market is dominated by lithium-ion batteries, which have become synonymous with modern e-bike systems due to their lightweight, high power, and reliability.



The Evolution of E-Bike Batteries


The journey from the bulky and heavy batteries of the past to the sleek and efficient lithium-ion units of today is a testament to the advancements in battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the e-bike industry by providing a more powerful and longer-lasting energy source that is up to 10 times lighter than their lead-acid counterparts. This leap in technology has not only made e-bikes more user-friendly but also extended their range and lifespan, with top-tier lithium batteries offering over 5-6 years of regular use when properly maintained.



Choosing the Right Battery for Your Electric Bicycle


When selecting a battery for your e-bike, it's crucial to consider factors such as voltage, power requirements, and range. Higher voltage batteries can deliver more power and speed, enhancing the riding experience. However, it's important to ensure that your e-bike's controller can handle the voltage for efficient operation. The range is another critical aspect, typically measured in watt-hours (Wh). To calculate the range, multiply the battery's amps by its voltage. For example, a 48V 15AH battery pack would have 720Wh of energy, equating to approximately 36 miles under ideal conditions.


The configuration of cells within an electric bicycle's battery, arranged in series and parallel circuits, dictates the overall voltage and capacity, measured in amp-hours (Ah), of the battery pack. Commonly, e-bike batteries are set up to deliver either 36 or 48 volts, though it's possible to encounter batteries with voltages as low as 24V or as high as 72V. Systems with lower voltages tend to require a higher current, which necessitates the use of thicker wires and more robust connectors to handle the increased load. Conversely, systems with higher voltages can pose a risk of electric shock if not properly managed. The voltage range of 36-52V is often considered ideal, balancing safety from electric shocks with the benefit of using lighter gauge wiring and connectors, which is why it's a prevalent choice for e-bikes.


The capacity of a battery, indicating how much charge it can hold, is measured in either amp-hours (Ah) or watt-hours (Wh). Watt-hours are calculated by multiplying the amp-hours by the voltage, providing a clear picture of the battery's total energy content and thus its potential range. E-bike batteries typically offer between 300 to 800 watt-hours of energy.




The Motor


Electric bicycles utilize a motor to convert the electrical energy stored in the battery into mechanical power, propelling the bike forward. This motor can be positioned in various locations on the bicycle, with the hub motor being a common type. Located within the front or rear wheel hub, the hub motor allows for an easy conversion from a traditional bike by simply swapping the wheel for one with a motorized hub. Most e-bike motors today are Brushless DC (BLDC) motors with permanent magnets, featuring three phase wires for power supply and often five hall sensor wires to help the control system gauge the motor's position for smooth operation at low speeds.


Hub motors come in two main types: geared and direct drive. They can be small with modest output or large and powerful, depending on the intended use. For example, heavy-duty tasks like cargo hauling or steep hill climbing necessitate larger motors, while light assistance on mostly flat terrain can be managed with smaller, more compact motors.


When an e-bike is ridden faster than the motor's maximum RPM, as determined by the motor and battery voltage combination, the motor's response will differ based on its type. A geared motor with a freewheel will stop providing power, while a direct drive motor may engage regenerative braking, resisting further acceleration and potentially recharging the battery.



The difference between hub motors and mid-mounted motors in electric power-assisted bicycles


The difference between hub motors and mid-drive motors in electric bicycles lies in their placement and performance characteristics. Hub motors are integrated into the wheel's hub, which means they directly power the wheel. They are simple, relatively inexpensive, and quiet, with a direct drive that has fewer moving parts, making them durable and requiring less maintenance. Hub motors are suitable for flat terrains and regular commuting.


Mid-drive motors, on the other hand, are mounted at the bike's crank and pedal area. They drive the bicycle's chain and take advantage of the bike's existing gears, which means they can be more efficient over a wider range of terrains, including steep hills. Mid-drive systems offer better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity, which improves the bike's handling. They are generally more expensive than hub motors and can require more maintenance due to the additional strain on the bike's chain and gears.


Both motor types offer distinct benefits, and the choice between them depends on the rider's specific needs and the kind of terrain they will be navigating.




Controller


The motor controller is a crucial yet often overlooked component in an electric bicycle's hardware setup. It's impossible to directly connect a brushless motor to a battery pack without this device. The motor controller fulfills two essential roles:


1) It transforms the battery pack's DC voltage into a three-phase alternating current, which is necessary for the motor windings to enable the motor to rotate.

2) It dynamically regulates the voltage delivered to the motor, which can range from 0V to the full voltage of the battery pack. This regulation is in response to inputs from the user's throttle, pedal sensors, and preset current limits.


The latter function is particularly important to grasp. The motor controller can modulate the voltage reaching the motor to any level between zero and the maximum provided by the battery. For instance, with a 48V battery pack, the motor might only receive 10-12V at low speeds, around 25V at medium speeds, and the full 48V as you near the bike's top cruising speed. Riding at 50% throttle with a 48V battery means the motor sees 24V, performing as it would with a 24V battery at full throttle.


This voltage variation, controlled by the motor controller, allows for the fine-tuning of the motor's power output during a ride, which is crucial for managing an electric vehicle. The controller essentially operates as a DC-DC buck converter, stepping down the voltage to the motor while proportionally stepping up the current. For example, 48V and 10 amps might flow from the battery to the controller, which then converts and supplies 24V and 20 amps to the motor.


Motor controllers are designed with specific voltage ranges and current limits. The current limit is the maximum amperage the controller will draw from the battery pack. A smaller, low-current motor controller may be rated at 14 amps, meaning it will draw no more than 14 amps from the battery. If the motor tries to pull more current, the controller automatically reduces the voltage to the motor to maintain the current draw at the set limit. Using a low-amperage controller with a large hub motor will result in less power output from the motor than it's capable of. Conversely, pairing a high-amperage controller with a small motor could lead to overheating, damage, or wear on the motor's internal components.


Display


Modern electric bike kits and complete e-bikes typically come equipped with a sophisticated display computer, offering riders a dashboard view of the bike's status. This is a significant upgrade from the early models of e-bikes, which only featured a basic LED battery indicator. However, unlike the standardized displays for computers or TVs, these e-bike displays lack uniformity across different aspects such as functionality, communication buses (like I2C, Canbus, LIN, UART, etc.), and protocols. These displays are usually paired with a specific motor controller and developed for a specific set of kit features, rarely can you switch to a different brand of motor controller and have it work with your display, or vice versa, you can find an alternate display for your specific controller.



Sign Up For The Latest And Greatest

Subscribe to stay up-to-date with our promotions, exclusive deals, and latest news.
Subscribe
Internationally recognized

Products

Discover

Capabilities

Service

Copyright © 2024 APT  |  Sitemap  |  Privacy Policy