Electric Bikes - Is this eBike Kit okay for me?

Hi guys,

Can I get some help on finding a suitable eBike Kit for my needs? I was looking at this particular one:

http://www.green-cruiser.com/lithium-battery-ebike-conversion-kit-16-24-26-wheel.html

This is what I am looking for:


Winter dependable. This bike will be outside 24/7 in Canadian weather.
Range is 12 KM. 6 KM each way with 10 hours gap in between.
Little or no peddling.
Be able to support 200 lbs rider.
Can climb hills.
Budget is $500 and under.

It doesn't show the AH of the battery..

Its $459 so its 8AH. I also have access to $550 which is 10AH.

AH only determine the range right?

Correct..
If it's $459 AND INCLUDES a 36v LiFePo4 8ah battery, that's a REALLY good deal...
Most kits cost in the neighborhood of $300 and most batts in 8 Ah cost about $200..
So together, that's just great!

How can I tell if the battery is LiFePo4? The merchant told me its a no-name brand kit made in China.

There's no mention of a BMS on the lithium battery pack. Without a BMS you run a very likely risk of frying the batteries the first time you run them down to near zero or leave them on the charger too long, or over draw the current from the pack while riding.

There is also no mention of whether that kit is a brushless or brushed motor. Brushed motors with wear out faster and are less efficient than brushless.

No mention of whether the motor is geared or direct drive. The size of the hub in that picture looks to be geared motor. Either way is fine but a 250W geared motor MAY have more torque for hill climbing.

250W is very small motor. You'll be working it pretty hard if you don't pedal it as an e-bike.

Any bike left out in the weather is not going to last very long. Add electronics and the chance of failure goes even higher. Keep that in mind.

If you do not want to pedal, an electric bike really isn't the way you want to go. What you are asking for is a scooter. Electric bikes are specifically designed to pedal along with and none of the electric bike kits are DESIGNED to pull you up a hill without pedaling. Electric bikes are classified as bicycles or electric-assist bicycles and not scooters for that reason.

Other than that, that's a VERY surprising price and a little suspicious. You need to find who the original manufacturer of the kit is to make a better judgement. Heck of a deal if it IS true.

-DS

Thank you for all the replies. I ended up not pursuing the retailer above since he does not have the item in stock for my wheel size.

I will look carefully at other options and taking into account of the tips suggested.