Why convert instead of buying new?
A conversion kit turns a bike you already trust into an e-bike for a fraction of the price of a factory model. You keep the frame, the fit and the feel you like, and you choose exactly the motor and battery that suit your riding.
Hub motor vs mid-drive
Hub motors bolt into the wheel and are the cheapest, simplest path — ideal for flat commutes. Mid-drives mount at the bottom bracket and drive the chain, so they use your gears and climb far better, at a higher price and install difficulty.
Sizing the battery
Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). As a rough planning figure a mixed-terrain rider uses about 10 Wh per km, so a 500 Wh pack gives roughly 45 km of usable range after reserve. Use the range estimator on the home page to model your own setup.
The law
Most of Europe caps pedal-assist e-bikes at 250 W continuous and 25 km/h; the US allows up to 750 W and 20 mph on a throttle (Class 2). Check your local class before you buy a kit.
What it costs
Budget hub kits start around US$300; quality mid-drive kits with a decent battery run US$700–1,200. Add tools, a torque wrench and a spare inner tube.