Bikes are a great way to get around — in fact, they’re the future of urban transport. However, they can be time-consuming and frustrating when you’re in a hurry.
Wouldn’t it be a relief if we could jump onto our bikes and zoom across town?
Well, we can do that without having to buy an expensive car or scooter! An electric motor kit installation is the perfect solution for those who want to go fast with minimal fuss.
With this how to put a motor on a bike step by step guide here, you will learn how to install the kit on your own, how much time it takes, and how easy it is.
Let’s get started!
What You Need to Do
Having the correct information before installing the motor on your bike can save lots of time and money.
Below is a stepwise guide showing the whole installation process.
Gathering the Tools and Equipment: What Do You Need?
- Electric bike kit
- Screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Wrench
- Pliers
Step One: Unpack the Electric Bike Kit
If you bought a pre-assembled one, then skip to the next step.
Take out all of the components from your packing box or bag, ensuring that you have everything listed on how to put a motor on a bike step by step.
Step Two: Mounting the Pedal Assist Sensor
If you bought an assembled kit, then skip to step four.
This is one of the critical steps. You cannot mount it later as this will lead to your bike not working correctly.
To do this, take off any pedals that are currently on your bike’s crank.
Now, you will need to remove the crank arm from your bike’s frame by removing its bolt with a wrench or pliers.
Once it is off, attach the pedal assist sensor to the free end of the crank arm and re-secure that same bolt into place through it (this may take some muscle).
Then tighten the bolt firmly.
Step Three: Mounting the Speed Sensor
If you bought an assembled kit, then skip to step five.
This part is pretty simple and comes with an “L” shaped bracket attached to it which can mount onto almost any bike frame near your front wheel axle. You may have to remove some bolts for this part of the process.
Now, you press it onto your bike’s frame so that one side is pressed firmly against its axle and tighten the screw on top to secure it.
Step Four: Mounting Torque Sensors (if needed)
If you bought a kit with torque sensors for this part, then attach them onto your bike’s handlebars (one on the right, one on the left).
It will require you to remove bolts with an Allen key and screw them back in afterward.
Now tighten each bolt until they are firmly attached but not so tight as to damage anything.
Step Five: Mounting the Controller (if needed)
If you bought a kit without a controller, skip this step and go to Step Six.
If you did get one with your kit, it would come in two pieces, which you’ll need to connect by an Allen key before attaching it on top of the motor’s throttle.
You will need to attach it with extra care, as the controller can easily break if you tighten too much with an Allen key.
Use a Phillips screwdriver instead and ensure that they are secure but not tightened at all costs because, again, the torque sensors may fail if this is done.
Step Six: Mounting the Throttle
If you got a throttle with your kit, skip this step and go to Step Seven.
You might need to use an Allen key for mounting it if the manufacturer didn’t include the screws. Ensure that you attach it securely using your hands before tightening anything else up with either a Phillips or Allen key.
Step Seven: Mounting the Brake and Gear Levers
Your kit may come with a gear shifter, but if it doesn’t, then you can buy one. Ensure that you attach this securely to your handlebars using an Allen key/Phillips screwdriver. Don’t tighten too much as they are known to break.
Next, attach the brake levers. These are usually bare metal and may need some paint touch-up if you want them to look good (this is optional, though).
Ensure that you securely attach them using either a Phillips or Allen key before moving on.
Step Eight: Mounting the Drive Pulley Wheel(s)
Your kit may come with a second smaller belt wheel for your rear tire. This gives the bike more of an electric scooter feel and helps get you going from a standstill after pushing off on both feet (just like regular bikers).
Again, attach them using either Phillips or Allen key before moving on.
Step Nine: Mounting the Controller
Your kit may come with a bracket to mount your controller. If so, this is where you attach it.
Otherwise, if there isn’t one included, use zip-ties or Velcro straps to secure it into place. Be sure not to cover any ventilation holes.
Step Ten: Wiring
Now that you’ve mounted your motor securely, you can attach the wires.
First, connect the controller to the motor (this is the large connector).
Take care not to misalign these two pieces. It’s easy for them to match up incorrectly and result in a faulty connection if you connect them backward.
Once you have the right connection, use a flat-head screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold them together.
Then attach your battery connector (the smaller one).
Like with the controller connection, don’t misalign these components, and securely fasten them in place before moving on.
Then you can zip-tie or Velcro strap the wires to the frame of your bike.
Finally, you can attach a throttle and brake cable to your handlebar grip shifter.
Final Thoughts
There’s much more involved in getting your bike to run smoothly, but these steps should help you get the motor in place and working.
In case you get stuck, you can also seek help from a local mechanic. Otherwise, this is a process you can easily master.
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