FAQ

  • WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR MID-DRIVE ELECTRIC MOTOR CONVERSION KITS?
    • Throttle Only Operation with pedal assist (PAS) turned off (Set to “0”)
    • Default setting of PAS “0” when the system is turned on to prevent accidental unintended motor operation
    • 5 levels (we can program up to 9) of PAS
    • Improved brake levers
    • Higher quality half twist and new left hand specific thumb throttles
    • Secure 4 pin battery connector vs bullet connectors
    • Hardware for using the mid-drive conversion system on a 73mm wide bottom bracket shell (standard is 68mm)
  • WILL THE  MID DRIVE CONVERSION KITS FIT MY BIKE?
    • The Mid Drive Kits are designed to fit bikes with a 68mm or 73mm wide bottom bracket shell and 35mm inside diameter.  This encompasses the vast majority of bikes excluding some newer high end bikes with an Integrated Bottom Bracket, and Fat tire Bikes with a 100mm wide bottom bracket shell.
  • DO I HAVE TO USE THE SUPPLIED BRAKE LEVERS FOR THE MID DRIVE CONVERSION KITS?
    • The Brake Levers that are included with the Mid Drive Conversion Kits have an electronic sensor that prohibits the motor from working while the brakes are used.  This is a safety issue to prevent the motor from being used when the intent is to use the brakes.  In throttle-only operation, the motor will cut power immediately when the throttle is disengaged.  When using the system with pedal assist (PAS) active, there is up to a .25 second delay from when the rider stops pedaling and when the motor cuts off.  By using the brake levers that come with the system, you immediately cut power to the motor when braking making things like downshifting before coming to a stop much easier.
  • ARE THESE KITS “STREET LEGAL”?
    • In California, the 500w  and 750w mid-drive kits are legal to use when the motor operation is limited to 20mph.  All kits are installed with the speed limiter set at 20mph.  Above this speed, they are to be used for off-road use only.
  • CAN I USE THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IF IT’S RAINING?
    • The mid-drive conversion kits use waterproof plugs throughout and the rest of the components are generally water resistant.  You should not encounter any issues when used in a light rain or exposed to infrequent wet weather.  As with most electronics, common sense is suggested if you plan to consistently use the kit in inclement weather.  The motor assembly should never be submerged and the LCD should be protected from the elements if you plan on exposing it frequently to water or rain.
  • HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL A CONVERSION ADD TO MY BIKE?
    • The 500w mid-drive kit, excluding the battery, will add about 8 lbs and the 750w kit about 9 lbs to an average bicycle.  The down tube mounted batteries with the mount will add between 7-8 lbs depending on the model and capacity.  A complete kit with batteries will typically add a total of 15-17 lbs depending on the configuration you choose.
  • CAN I USE AN INTERNALLY GEARED HUB WITH THE MID DRIVE CONVERSIONS?
    • Most internally geared hubs (IGH) can be used with the 500w mid-drive conversion kit with the proper precautions.  We do not recommend that you use the pedal assist (PAS) function if you have an IGH.  To prolong the life of your IGH we recommend you use throttle operation only and let off the throttle when you shift.  For the 750w mid-drive conversion kit we don’t recommend using an IGH besides a Rohloff or with the proper care and gear ratio a Nuvinci.  In addition, it is recommended to not use PAS with these hubs and to also let off of the power when shifting.
  • CAN I USE MY OWN BATTERY WITH THE MID DRIVE CONVERSION KITS?
    • The 36v 500w mid-drive conversion kit can be used with a 36-38v nominal battery that is rated to discharge 18 amps of continuous and 20 amps of max current.  It cannot be used with a 24v or 48v battery.  The 750w mid-drive conversion kit can be used with a 44.4v-51.8v nominal battery that is rated to discharge 20 amps of continuous and 25 amps of max current.  You cannot use a 36v battery with the 750w system or anything above a 51.8v battery.