Advice on eBike conversion of a Mountain Bike? * which ebike conversion kit is best?
- would it be better value to source components separately?

* is regenerative braking worth the effort (i.e.. considering cost, efficiency, effectiveness, size %26amp; weight)?
- will it require a separate motor to the drive motor to be worthwhile?

* which battery type is best? (i.e. considering $$ / watt-hour, kg / watt-hour, etc)

* are there cheap ebikes already on the Australian market?
- Kmart had one for about $350, although I was told they stopped stocking them

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Asker's Rating:

From what I can lifepo4 is pretty expensive per watt-hour, however the low size and weight is quite appealing.

Other Answers (4)

• None of the ones I%26#039;ve seen looked like minimal maintenance mainly because motors need heavier parts than having a person as the motor. The drive trains all looked like you%26#039;d be buying parts after not too long if you commute a lot and for me that was the show stopper so I didn%26#039;t take a hard look at batteries.
  
  So, without a dealer for parts nearby and or you%26#039;re not into working on it regularly to maintain it, consider what buying a lighter set of tires and lightweight wheels can do. Lighter wheels accelerate a lot easier, most stock wheels and tires are tanks, rotating weight is about 8:1 more important than the rest of the bike.
  
  If you have to have power I%26#039;ve owned a scooter and loved it, fun to ride and easy on gas. I%26#039;ve read about electric scooters so pretty sure there are some.
  
  hth
• I converted a bike with a Curry chain drive. Chain drives are not reliable and I had a lot of problems so I sold it. I bought a Giant Lite which is direct drive through the pedal crankshaft and it has been very reliable for several years. But now I don%26#039;t think they are sold in the US. Regenerative braking is a lot of cost for the marginal increase in range that you get. When I converted my bike, I had to put a 4 X 4 piece of wood between the rear forks and beat them with a sledge hammer to get the conversion to fit. Just letting you know that conversions are not so easy and dependable sometimes.
• Golden Motors Wheel Moter Kit, Made in China was my choice. I went 35 miles from my home to my land, where I have started an organic farm. I recharged the batteries on the land, and then again when I returned home. What is needed to go further distances is to set up charging stations along the major roads. If we make a uniform Designed Battery racks. The batteries could be changed in two minutes, and
  you could be on your way. Solar Panels for charging Stations.
• Great question for Bike player