How To Build An Electric Bike For Less Than $100
For some, electric bikes are still quite expensive, so the idea of building one for less than $100 is appealing. However, building an electric bike at this incredibly low price is impossible, even with the cheapest conversion kits available. In this article, we will investigate why this is the case and check out some budget-friendly electric bikes that, although costing more than $100, are great value for money.
Why Building an Electric Bike for Less Than $100 is Impossible
Let's assume you already have an old bike doing nothing in your garage. It would be great to give it a new lease of life by bringing it up to date and converting it into an electric bike. However, there are many extra components you need to fit to your old bike to electrify it; here's what you need:
Electric Motor
An electric motor for an ebike is quite complex; even basic low-power motors cost more than $100. And if you want more performance, the extra power comes at a cost, increasing your spending further.
Battery
Your electric motor needs to be paired with a suitable battery. The cost of a battery varies between electric bike manufacturers and its capacity. But you can expect a battery to cost anywhere between $300 and $700.
Controller
The controller on an ebike manages the power flow from the battery to the motor and needs to be compatible. Depending on the manufacturer and model, controllers can cost between $150 and $180.
Throttle And Sensors
When you convert an ordinary bike to an electric bike, you will probably fit it with a speed sensor. The speed sensor measures how fast you're pedaling and then tells the motor how much it needs to assist you based on your selected assistance level. Compared to the motor battery and controller, a sensor is relatively expensive, between $25 and $45. You may also want to fit your bike with a throttle. This will set you back around $15-$25.
Wiring and Connectors
To make sure the electrical system works, it needs to be connected with a wiring loom and appropriate connectors. The price for these parts depends on specific elements of your build, but you need quality wiring and connectors for safety and efficiency purposes. Expect to pay around $50 as a minimum.
Hidden Costs
The price of the components is just one element of building an electric bike. There are other costs that you may not initially realize exist. Here's what you need to know:
Tools: You may need some specialized tools to install the electrical components. If you don't already own them, you will need to buy them, which will considerably increase the cost of your electric bike build.
Shipping: Unless you can buy all the components and tools locally, you will need to have them delivered. When you get things delivered, you incur shipping fees that can quickly add up.
Maintenance: When you build an electric bike on a budget, you will use cheaper components. The problem with this is that they will wear out quicker than more expensive ones. Therefore, you will have to repair or replace them sooner than expected, increasing your cost over time.
Aftermarket Ebike Conversion Kits
A more realistic way of building an electric bike is to buy an aftermarket conversion kit. These kits are more affordable than buying a new electric bike but are considerably more expensive than $100.
You can buy a front hub motor kit. This kit places the motor in the front wheel hub and is easy to install. It's just a case of replacing the wheel and finding somewhere to fit the controller and the battery. This is the cheapest way of electrifying an old bike.
You can also fit a rear hub motor kit. This setup provides better traction and stability but is more involved in installation. Some technically-minded people opt for mid-drive motor kits. This puts the motor near the bike's bottom bracket and is directly connected to the drivetrain. Mid-drive kits give you better weight distribution and performance but are more challenging and costly to fit.
Exploring Budget-Friendly Electric Bikes from Fiido
With all this in mind, it's clear that you could never build an electric bike for under $100. So it's time to look at some ready-made alternatives that will be better quality, more reliable, and a lot less hassle from Fiido.
Fiido D3 Pro
The Fiido D3 Pro is a cool, user-friendly Electric bike that costs under $400. It has a 250 W motor powered by a 7.8Ah / 280.8Wh battery. It charges up in five hours and gives you about 79 km of range. It is incredibly compact, so it's easy to store, and at only 17.5 kg, it's easy to carry and transport.
Fiido L3
The Fiido L3 is another mini bike similar to the D3. However, this one has a folding frame to save space and a 200 km range thanks to its 1113.6 Wh battery. The telescopic seatpost and adjustable handlebars ensure the L3 is suitable for almost anyone to ride in a comfortable position.
Advantages of Choosing A Fiido Electric Bike
Affordability
When you realize that building an electric bike for less than $100 is unrealistic, choosing one of Fiido's budget-friendly models is an excellent alternative. Models such as the D3 and L3 offer excellent value without breaking the bank and include essential features for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Reliability and Quality
Fiido electric bikes have a reputation for being reliable and of good quality. When you have a quality electric bike, you have peace of mind that it will require less maintenance and last longer, saving you money.
Convenience
Although you might like the idea of building your own electric bike, you can't beat the convenience of having one ready-made. Fiido Electric bikes require minimal setup, saving you time and getting you on the road much quicker without hassle.
Customer Support and Warranty
When you buy a Fiido Electric bike, you benefit from excellent customer support and a warranty. If you experience a problem, the brand will help you out as best they can with advice and replacement parts, giving you peace of mind.
Conclusion
Building an electric bike may seem like a fun project, but building one for under $100 is practically impossible. The components and tools required will exceed this budget dramatically, and you will have to contend with quality and safety concerns and hidden expenses. You could opt for a conversion kit, but this will still exceed your $100 budget and may encounter compatibility issues.
With this in mind, it's best to weigh up your options and consider buying a ready-made budget electric bike instead. If you were to buy even the cheapest electric bike from Fiido, you would have a quality product that's safe and fun to ride without going through all the trouble of sourcing and fitting parts to an old bike.
