Should You Convert Your Regular Bicycle to an Electric Power Bike?

If you're tired of commuting in congested traffic, and spending far too much on gas, maintenance, and insurance, you're not alone.  Sales of electric power bikes have increased severalfold in recent years.  An electric power bike offers a great solution for commuters. 

If you wish you could commute by bike but have been deterred because you are out of shape, must ride long distances, or need help to get up steep hills, you should consider using an electric power bike.  The good news is that you can use an electric bike conversion kit that attaches to your own bicycle to avoiding having to buy a stand-alone electric bike, which can cost thousands of dollars.

With an electric bike, you can beat city traffic, and save money on fuel, maintenance, and insurance.  Plus, you'll go green, since an electric bike doesn't emit carbon monoxide or other potentially atmosphere-harming gases.  You'll also be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and increase your fitness level.  Realize that an electric power bike does not pedal for you - you still have to power the bike, but the motor will give you a bit of extra help when you need it.

Before rushing off to buy a conversion kit, determine whether you really need an electric power bike.  If you are in excellent shape, commute 5 miles or less to work, and have a level route to work, you may not need an electric bike.  An electric power bike is particularly suitable if you have a longer commute, if you must ride up hills, for the elderly, for the out of shape, and for those who tow children or heavy items.  An electric bike can also help the elderly continue to stay physically fit and enjoy the outdoors, and can help parents tow children for routine errands in a bicycle sidecar.

Shop around online for an electric power bike conversion kit.  Prices can range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars, but it's not necessary to break the bank to get a good quality kit.  AmpedBikes and Wilderness Energy both offer kits in the $350 to $450 range and have gotten excellent reviews at Amazon.com.  AmpedBikes in particular is a family-owned company that provides personal, one-on-one customer service.

When your kit arrives, you must install it according to manufacturer instructions.  It's a good idea to choose a company that offers customer assistance by phone, just in case you run into problems during installation.  Once the kit is properly installed, you simply charge the battery and go!  You've now turned your regular bike into an efficient electric power bike.