No longer seen as a fad, electric bikes have proven themselves to be a viable alternative to driving for many short trips. Electric bikes can be charged at home and allow you to go farther and carry more weight than traditional bicycles. Their ability to effortlessly conquer hills or headwinds while being easier to park makes electric bikes a convenient option for commuting or running errands.
Why are Electric Bikes so popular now?
There are several benefits to using an electric bike, including:
- Cost savings: Electric bikes can help you save money on fuel and maintenance costs compared to using a car or a traditional gasoline-powered motorcycle.
- Environmentally friendly: Electric bikes produce zero emissions, making them a more sustainable mode of transportation than gas-powered vehicles.
- Exercise: Electric bikes still provide a good workout and can be pedaled like a traditional bike.
- Easier to ride: Electric assist can make it easier to ride up hills or against headwinds.
- No license or registration: In most countries, e-bike do not require a driver’s license or registration.
But cost is often an issue
The cost of electric bikes can vary widely depending on the brand, model, and features. Entry-level electric bikes can start at around $1,000, while high-end models can cost upwards of $10,000 or more.
The cost of the bike also depends on the type of electric bike and the quality of the components, but on average most e-bikes cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
Sure, you may be able to find used e-bikes for a lower price, but it’s important to check the bike’s condition, battery life and warranty, if it’s still available, before buying.
Some people know that you can convert the bike you have to electric
Yes, it is possible to convert a traditional bicycle into an electric bike by adding an electric motor, motor controller and battery. Assuming your bike is in good condition, this option can save you hundreds of dollars over a new electric bike since you don’t need to purchase the “bike” part again, just the electrics. To do this you’ll need to purchase the necessary components or a packaged ebike conversion kit. Kits typically include an electric motor, a battery, a motor controller, sensors, wires, the necessary hardware and instructions for installing the kit on your bike. These kits can be found online or in some bike shops.
But DIY conversions can be painful
Converting a traditional bike into an electric one can be pretty involved. First you need to decide on a kit – hub motor or mid drive, front wheel or rear hub, motor wattage, battery voltage, pedal assist or throttle – plus you need to make sure the kit you choose fits your bike. All of this before you even get to the install – the trickiest part.
Most people just aren’t up for the challenge of converting their bike to electric. So what can they do – hire a bike shop to do the conversion, or spend the big bucks on a new bike?
The little known Hack
You might be thinking that converting your bike to electric is not for you – but not so fast. Most people aren’t aware that there is a way…
A few companies have recognized the need for a super easy conversion kit, but just one of them, SmartBikeWheel, stands above the rest in ease of installation. SmartBikeWheel claims their kit can be installed in as little as 3 minutes – and they even provide all the tools. That’s right – if you know your “righty-tighty” from your “lefty loosey”- you’re qualified to install this kit. It really is designed from the ground up for the majority of us who don’t have the time or inclination to tackle a complicated bike conversion while still providing all the bells and whistles of the big brands.
How can they do this? Well it comes down to 3 very smart technology decisions
1. The Packaging
One of the problems with kits is that each of the components needs to be installed and wired together. If there was only one component, things would be much easier. And that’s what SmartBikeWheel did – they combined the motor controller and battery pack in a single unit in the hub of the front wheel. Why not the rear wheel? Because there are no gears or chain to deal with on the front. The front wheel is just much easier to replace than the rear.
2. 100% Wireless
While most kits require running wires or cables from the motor, battery, motor controller, sensors and other components, SmartBikeWheel uses the latest Bluetooth technology – it’s 100% wireless. By utilizing Bluetooth, SmartBikeWheel connects to an app on your phone for settings and real-time displays. This approach saves you time and money – no additional display unit to install or buy. Plus there are no wires needed. And even using your phone is optional. Once you have configured your SmartBikeWheel through the app and selected an assistance level, you can leave your phone at home. SmartBikeWheel remembers your settings.
3. Proprietary SmartAssist technology
E-bikes generally use pedal assist or a throttle to control the power they provide. And you probably guessed that both of these require installation and wiring. SmartBikeWheel takes a different approach. SmartBikeWheel uses a proprietary technology called SmartAssist to dynamically adjust the assistance it provides based on your settings, terrain and speed.
- On a flat road? SmartBikeWheel gives you the assistance you need.
- Going up a hill? SmartBikeWheel increases the assistance to cut your hills down to size.
- Coasting down a hill? SmartBikeWheel knows not to assist.
- And don’t worry, power is stopped automatically when you brake.
It does all this by using a built in gyro to determine terrain; a tachometer to calculate speed (and braking); and the level of assistance you set in the app.
Some people want to have more control, so both pedal assist and a throttle are available as options – and both are Bluetooth enabled to make the installation a snap.
SmartBikeWheel truly is the SMART way to make your bike electric
I think you’ll agree that SmartBikeWheel is designed to be the easiest.
- Simplified installation – With no wires or cables to run, SmartBikeWheel can be installed in as little as 3 minutes
- Free smartphone app – allows you to tailor SmartBikeWheel to your needs and doubles as a bike computer – showing you speed, distance, battery level temperature, and more
- SmartAssist – dynamically adjust the provided assistance based on your settings, terrain, and speed
- Optional Bluetooth Pedal Assist or Throttle
- Full one-year warranty
- Even a money-back guarantee
Visit smartbikewheel.com for more information.
