The bicycle electric motor kit comes in sizes from 200 to nearly 3,000 Watts. Since there are thousands of different kit combinations, we will feature some of the most common ones out there today.
Lists, power and prices of motors made by these manufacturers are listed on the next page. Motor power (watts) is shown as continuous/peak in the descriptions that follow. All motors listed here are DC motors.
Power Ratings - Important Note
The continuous and peak power values are usually published by the dealer in a brochure. In reality, the power output of the motor is determined by both the voltage output of the battery and the amount of current supplied by the motor controller.
The product of battery and controller outputs is the motor power, or Watts used by the motor. So, a 36 volt battery using a 22 amp controller wide open can actually produce 792 Watts.
Since a 36 volt battery is 40 volts or better at full charge, then you could be getting 900 volts out of a motor rated at 350 volts continuous power. The motor descriptions that follow use continuous/peak power where listed.
Shipping
One important detail for any electric bike motor kit: shipping. These kits can weigh in at 15-30 pounds/7-14kg no problem and the boxes are as big as the wheels. Batteries can be heavy as well. So, check your local shipping rates!
Bicycle Electric Motor Kit Manufacturers
Amped Bikes Amped bikes sells rear wheeled geared 350/450 Watt and front/rear wheeled 500/750 Watt direct drive motor kits. These kits can be purchased with or without battery packs. Prices are competitive. Amped advertises "power on demand" which translates to no pedaling needed. Check out electric assist bikes for the true limits of this statement.
BionX BionX produces a line of kits that are very quality and close to state of the art. The kits provide regenerative braking capability for instance. This is rare for any ebike kit these days. Another feature of BionX kits is their light weight. These kits are designed with performance in mind. Though the kits may be complete, the BionX kit may not provide simple installation. BionX kits are are on the higher end of ebike kit pricing.
Cycle 9 This outfit retails 2 kits. One is a 500/1200 Watt front hub direct drive motor. The 17.6 lbs (8kg) motor gets power through a 25 amp 36 or 48 volt controller, and retails for $397. The other kit is an 8 pound (3.6kg) geared motor. This 400/1000 Watt motor kit goes for $375 and has good reviews.
Currie Kits Currie is the only frame mount motor covered here. These motors are 24 volt and rated at 400 and 600 Watts. The kits are complete with 2 SLA batteries and are reasonably priced. Our experience with 24 volt systems has been that they are under powered on steeper longer hills.
E Bike Kits This dealer offers the same basic motor kits as Amped bikes. The main difference is in the price - more expensive.
Ezee The Ezee people market a 350/700 Watt peak power geared motor that is very similar to the Apmed and E Bike Kit offerings above. The Ezee motor is front mounted though, and sells for less.
E+ E+ manufactures and sells hub motor and hub battery kits in 750 and 1,000 Watt power ranges. The power outputs are listed as "true" power, continuous and peak power is not listed. These motor kits are of high torque and quality with extras added in. The E+ kits are about twice the cost of other similar kits.
Electric Rider Crystalyte This midwest US dealer has been around for some time. These motors are the classis direct drive ebike motor and range fro 400 Watts up to the most powerful ebike motor at 2880 Watts. Electric Rider has produced motor performance curves on the complete Crystalyte lineup. These curves and other data should help you choose the right motor for you.
Hybrid Energy Hybrid has a great explanation of ebike motor operation. Their kits are surprisingly lower powered at 250 Watts direct and 350 Watts geared drive motors. Also surprising, details such as controller current and motor torque are not present either. The prices for the motors are reasonable.
TheLashop.com This shop offers 36 and 48 direct drive hub motors. No specs on the controllers. These kit prices can't be beat.
Falcon EV Falcon has a diverse and somewhat custom array of ebike motor kits. They offer several powerful motors. Their 1100 Watt motor has some 70 Nm torque using a 40 amp controller. Falcon claims that their 72V Red Hornet will beat 50cc scooters! We would check out ebike forums before purchase from Falcon.
Golden Motor - Magic Pie Kits Golden motor provides a complete line of ebike motors and all accessories. The kits can be ordered directly from the manufacturer in China, or through a few dealers in the west...if that fits your needs. Golden kits come with the motor controller installed in the hub motors themselves. Prices are pretty good, but you must add in the shipping, which can be a lot.
Go Hub Go Hub kits handles several (408 and 409) of the Crystalyte motors. Go Hub kits are expressly designed to be easily installed. If you feel challenged in setting up your kit, this might be the one for you!
Pegasus Power This dealer offers 600 and 800 Watt Wilderness Energy turnkey kits at very reasonable prices...the lowest surveyed. For $425 and $689, you get a ready to go 36 volt kit with SLA/Li-Ion batteries respectively. The batteries are 12 and 10 AH respectively. An 800 Watt SLA kit is just $489!
The next page has lists of dealers/manufacturers, kits, and prices.
