I want to convert bike to electric, has anyone done their own?

[irisorchid]

I want to convert my bike to go up hills and save my knees. I looked online and there are lots of kits but I don't know what brands are good vs bad, how to determine the battery size I will need, ease of installation, quality kits vs poor quality, problems, reliability, and can I easily switch from lead acid to lithium down the line when I have more money, plus other questions that I don't even know to ask yet.

[CSummer]

I have experience doing a bike conversion, though more as an engineer where I designed my own drive system. I'm also currently in close contact with a few local people in the electric vehicle and motor businesses, so could help point you to resources (both material and know-how). I would suggest starting at eCycles and Thunder Struck Motors in Sebastopol. Both are in the former Ford dealership building.

Switching from lead-acid to lithium is not a big deal. Mainly just requires $$$.

Good luck! (and feel free to email me with questions)

I want to convert my bike to go up hills and save my knees. I looked online and there are lots of kits but I don't know what brands are good vs bad, how to determine the battery size I will need, ease of installation, quality kits vs poor quality, problems, reliability, and can I easily switch from lead acid to lithium down the line when I have more money, plus other questions that I don't even know to ask yet.