Not all bicycles can be converted into e-Bikes, but most can. Models with standard specifications like 100mm front wheel spacing or a bottom bracket between 68 and 73mm can be fitted with hub- or mid-drive kits, respectively.
E-Bike vs. Conversion Kit: What's Better?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | August 21, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
The choice comes down to DIY tinkering with a conversion kit or buying a ready-to-roll e-Bike. Here’s my recommendation.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
There’s more than one way to electrify your ride— you can buy a complete e-Bike or amplify a regular bike with a conversion kit. But which option is better?
What is an electric bike conversion kit?
E-Bike conversion kits allow you to transform a regular bicycle into a motorized bike. An electric bike kit includes a motor, a battery, a controller to manage the drive system, sensors, hand controls, and the necessary mounting hardware. The motor type can vary, including front-wheel or rear-wheel hub motors or mid-drive motors positioned near the bottom bracket.
Installing the kit can involve a good amount of mechanical know-how, though some models, such as pre-installed motor wheels, are simple to configure.
Before electric bikes were as popular and reliable as they are today, conversion kits were a practical option— if not the only option— for riders and DIY tinkerers to give their bike a boost. But now, e-Bikes are more affordable and come in all styles, making it easy to buy one off the shelf instead of doing all the work yourself. Still, some people choose an electric bike kit in certain circumstances.
Installing the kit can involve a good amount of mechanical know-how, though some models, such as pre-installed motor wheels, are simple to configure.
Before electric bikes were as popular and reliable as they are today, conversion kits were a practical option— if not the only option— for riders and DIY tinkerers to give their bike a boost. But now, e-Bikes are more affordable and come in all styles, making it easy to buy one off the shelf instead of doing all the work yourself. Still, some people choose an electric bike kit in certain circumstances.
Are e-Bike conversion kits worth it?
Using an electric bike conversion kit can be a more affordable alternative to buying a complete e-Bike, and the do-it-yourself system is also more customizable. But there’s more to it— the potential savings may not be as big as you think, and conversion kits require a lot more work and maintenance.
Cost
A conversion kit can be better than a pre-built electric bike only if you start with a high-quality bike and choose a good kit. A quality electric bike kit costs at least $1,000 to $1,500, from trusted brands like Bafang or Tongsheng— there are also complete wheel kits from the likes of Swytch. The conversion kit saves you from needing to spend on the actual bike. The cost of a kit is cheaper than many mid-tier and high-end electric bikes, but can be similar to the price of pre-built entry-level electric bikes.
Customizability
A big benefit is the customizability of the system. You can choose the exact motor specifications and battery capacity that fit your needs. You can also make future modifications, including increasing the power of the controller or swapping out parts.
It’s a DIY project
Remember that installing a kit can be tricky, so be prepared for some tinkering and taking on a sizable DIY project. And as the saying goes, “If you build it, you service it”, meaning you’re on the hook for any technical issues since most bike shops won’t be able to properly service third-party systems. Make sure you have strong, reliable brakes on your newly converted bike. Standard rim brakes or entry-level mechanical disc brakes— especially older models— may not withstand the higher speeds and moving weight of an e-Bike.
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Reasons to buy an electric bike kit
- You have a regular bike that you really like, and you want to electrify it
- A standard electric bike won’t meet your needs
- You’re excited to take on a custom, DIY project
Complete e-Bikes have some big perks
It’s much simpler to purchase a pre-built electric bike, which can provide better overall performance and avoid future headaches. The main advantage of buying a complete e-Bike is that it’s purpose-built for assisted riding, with an integrated drive unit, sturdy frame, stronger brakes, and optimized design. The electric system is better constructed and not as bodge-y as a homemade electric bike kit with external wires and less secure mounting points.
New e-Bikes often have better-quality parts, such as torque sensors that are less common on conversion kits. The batteries on complete e-Bikes are typically UL-Certified to meet safety standards. Conversion kits perform well in throttle mode, while pre-built e-Bikes can feel much more responsive due to premium sensors and integrated tech. E-Bikes are also much sleeker and cleaner-looking, with frames designed to incorporate a battery, motor, and all those extra cables.
E-Bikes are more affordable than you think
A major draw for electric bike kits is the potential cost savings, but the price gap between a conversion kit and a new e-Bike may not be as large as you think. A kit that’s worth its salt will set you back at least $1,000, and you can purchase a good entry-level electric bike for that amount. This didn’t use to be the case, but modern e-Bikes are more affordable than ever. Upway offers even more accessible options on certified pre-owned models from your favorite brands, at prices up to 60% off retail. No matter which choice you take, though, it’s better than buying a low-end e-Bike from Amazon, Walmart, or the likes, which so many riders recommend against since they perform poorly and won’t last long either.
If you’re thinking about installing an electric bike conversion kit, I recommend that you first rule out the numerous pre-built e-Bike options before deciding to build a DIY electric bike. Upway has a huge selection of city, cargo, mountain e-Bikes, and more, tailored to your riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert any bike to an e-Bike?
How much does an e-Bike conversion kit cost?
There’s a wide range of prices for e-Bike conversion kits, but the products described in this article cost between $600-$1,800. A large portion of the overall price comes from the battery, so purchasing a higher-capacity battery option will significantly drive up the price of the kit.
Key Takeaways
- Conversion kits offer flexibility: Great if you love your current bike and don’t mind DIY work, but expect more tinkering and maintenance.
- Complete e-Bikes are plug-and-play: They’re built for performance, safety, and sleek integration, with fewer headaches down the road.
- Cost isn’t as different as you think: A quality kit starts around $1,000, the same ballpark as many entry-level or certified pre-owned e-Bikes.
