Mid drive conversions

Besides the choice about whether to go for a hub or mid drive conversion, it's also worth being aware of the differences in manufacturer. It's not unlike choosing to buy a car, where you might consider the merits and design ethos of any given brand. Taking this analogy further, Bafang can be likened to BMW or Mercedes - a player in the industry for a long time, with proven products, a wide support network and a strong reputation for quality. LVBU are more like Tesla - a relatively new kid on the block, but with an innovative way of doing things and some cutting edge technology.

We've chosen to fit these two particular brands because we believe they're the best available, but if you're comparing between them - then Bafang are probably superior in aftermarket parts availability, degree of customisation (swapping out or upgrading components such as batteries, sensors, throttles or displays) and have been proven to run to huge mileages without any reliability concerns.

LVBU have been running for over 10 years (which is a long time in the ebike world), and have proved exceptional reliability and customer service over that time, as well as product development and support. The system is by its nature more integrated and less modular, although batteries and motors are still interchangeable.

Both manufacturers offer a 12 month warranty and have extremely responsive customer service so we have no hesitation at all in recommending either brand.

The question of reliability is raised here, because if you know anyone who's bought an ebike for under £1000, or a conversion kit for under £500 - does their bike still work? The chances are it doesn't - and with these cheap setups there's usually no customer service, parts supply or ability to repair the bikes in question. Even expensive factory ebikes from well known brands can have problems, and that can often lead to bikes being laid up for weeks or months waiting for parts. Not the case with our suppliers, in the extremely rare scenario that a warranty claim comes up!

If you decide that you'd like a Bafang system, but need a hub motor - this is also something that we can supply. Bafang make fantastic hub motors, at a similar price to their mid mount offerings.

One final note - stock availability. Bafang have huge stocks in the UK at any one time which means kits will usually arrive 2 days after ordering and conversions can be completed same week. LVBU have less stock in the UK, which means while some orders can arrive equally quickly, others may take 6-8 weeks to ship from China. Just drop us a line to find out what's currently in stock if you're interested!

An EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycle) must have pedals that can be used to propel it.

It must show either:

• the power output
• the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

• the battery’s voltage
• the maximum speed of the bike

Its electric motor:

• must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph

Converted electric bikes may be fitted with a throttle, however if the throttle can propel the bike at speeds in excess of 6km/h, then it is subject to type approval requirements.

For clarity, the following conversions meet all requirements and are classed as a normal pedal bike for use on public roads in the UK:

• The Swytch-Buster (front hub conversion)
• The Rangemaster (front hub conversion)
• The Commuter (mid drive conversion)

The following conversions do not meet these requirements and are intended for off-road use and designed to travel on unpaved surfaces (i.e. only on private land, subject to land-owner's permission):

• The Beast (mid drive conversion)
• The Legend (mid drive conversion)