I am going to be moving to a place that has more hills than I am used to and I don't really want to get rid of my bike. (Downtube 9) I am looking to try and convert it to an electric bicycle. I have read through some of the threads and must say there is so much info on so many kinds of things I could get I am kind of confused. I am looking for something on the fairly cheap side like $500 or less(college student). Also something that has a good battery life would be awesome. What are some recommendations? Thank you for any help

Finally I am beating nwmtnbkr to the punch. The Currie EZip conversion kit comes with everything you need for around $300 and will do the hills fairly well for you. Max speed is around 16mph. You can upgrade the batteries when you have more cash and as needed. Go to EZip,com to take a look Actually you can buy a complete bike for around $300 or $350 at Wallie World check your local store for an EZip electric bike.

I am also a newbie, i got convesion kit from ebay for $205 shipping included, and 3 X 12v 11AH SLA batteries for $75 shipping included.
I couldn't afford good quality batteries, and members in this forum recommend higher A/H rating when purchasing the battery, so when everything arrive i'll put it together and see how it goes.
The conversion kit comes with everything including the 36v charger.

What ever you buy please be smart and use Pay Pal and your credet cards. There are a lot of people reporting being ripped off on Ebay these days. The kits and parts are arriving and not working and without using PP and your credit card your stuck with it. Just and FYI..

The seller is here in the US and have great positive feedback rating, and I paid with paypal. Thanks for the heads up, i'll wait and see what i got.

Thanks for all the fast responses. I would like to try and avoid Ebay. Are there any recommended websites to buy the Ezip kit?

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...&ci_sku=132141

https://www.ezipusa.com/

Remember you can also buy the complete bike with the same kit installed for arond $350 at WallMart or Amozon. I bought 2 bikes last year for $240 each at my local Toy R Us store.

Google Currie EZip Bike and you should find a lot of info. But you should also consider other kits as well.........

krovvy litso

Unfortunately, the Currie conversion kit isn't going to be an option for your folder. I believe you have 20-inch wheels. The motor wheel on the Currie kit is a 26-inch wheel. It's too bad. I retired west of Glacier National Park and my old runner's knees couldn't take the hills here. However, with the Currie kit installed, I can ride anywhere. I pedal most of the time, but the assist on the hills is wonderful. The Currie kit has lots of torque.

If I were you, I'd try to get a rear wheel kit, however, get torque arms no matter if you get a front or rear wheel kit. Ampedbikes has a 20-inch kit for front or rear wheel, with SLA batteries, it's just over $500. Hightech bikes offers a 20-inch Aotema front wheel motor for around $330, you'd need to buy batteries and a rack to mount them. There are a lot of other conversion kits, but many are well above your price range. Good luck.

https://www.hightechbikes.com/
https://www.ampedbikes.com/complete.html

P.S. One other suggestion I would make is that you consider buying an Ezip bike, given your budget constraints. If you've got the room for your folder and a regular bike in your apartment, you can pick up the Ezip Trailz men's bike for $398 at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/eZip-Trail...i_sku=11988713

OPPs, good catch. I didn't realize it was a folder.