Without getting into a rear-hub versus mid-drive debate for the moment, I’m just going to focus on rear-drive kits. My experience so far is with a rear-hub system sold under the name ‘Voilamart’. I learned about Voilamart through some YouTube videos and thought it would be a good place to start. Here’s the kit I used for my first build (and should have bought for my second build):
Voilamart Electric Bicycle Kit 26″ Rear Wheel 48V 1000W E-Bike Conversion Kit with Controller and LCD Display ($290 on Amazon)
The other expensive component you’ll need to get your e-bike on the road is a compatible battery. The one I chose, and am very happy with so far, is the Joyisi 48v 14ah battery
48V 14.5AH A Grade Cell (200W-1000W) ($310 on Amazon)
There are many other rear-hub systems you might want to consider. Bafang makes a nice 48 volt 500 watt kit for several different wheel sizes (here). Again, my experience (so far) is with the Voilamart rear-hub units, but you’ll find many of the commercial e-bike builders use Bafang parts, so I expect Bafang’s reliability is quite high considering that these builders need to stand behind their product.
PS – Later on, I’ll talk about mid-drive options, but until I install my Bafang mid-drive kit, I just don’t have enough experience yet to share. Stay tuned…