UKH

Hi All, 

Does anyone have any experience on the retro fit electric motors  it will be fitted to a Giant mountain bike, not sure of the model. I'd be interested in the ease of fitting, ease of use and what kind of power output I would be looking for. It would be for about a 5 mile commute.

All info will be much appreciated  

Cheers, Gwain  

I can't comment on the products available, or ease of fitting, but you should be aware that to be classed as a pedelec/EAPC the motor cannot deliver more than 250W, it should cut out above 25kmph, and should provide assistance only in response to pedalling effort (ie there should not be a separate throttle).

You may find that a fair few retro-fit kits out there do not comply with the above regulations.  A bike fitted with a such a non-compliant retro-fit kit would be classed as a moped rather than a pedelec/EAPC, meaning that it would have to be registered and insured, and the user would have to have an appropriate licence, and wear a helmet while riding the vehicle.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedelec

https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules

Take a look at dillingers’ website. Costs a bit more that kits available on ebay however, wouldn’t you rather the expertise of a UK office rather than ebay stuff from china? 

They do a road legal kit, I have the 1000 watt kit. Great fun at first, 25mph off the accelerator thumb control however I’m far more responsible now, assist level 3 (middle) and just pedal assist. I do a 4 mile each way commute and can get 3 days from the battery this way. The accelerator kills the battery in no time. 

Disc brakes are a must and extra tools needed to swap out a punctured tube on the motor wheel, just something to be aware of.

I have had one of these cytronex bikes for a few years and its great! 

https://www.cytronex.com/