Bringing an Old Mountain Bike Back to Life

My sister’s mountain bike was originally purchased back in 1994 and has been well-maintained over the years. Although it wasn’t being used much lately, the bike was still in great condition. However, after seeing my orange cruiser eBike conversion, she was eager to have the same done to her bike. As an avid eBike enthusiast, I was more than happy to take on the project.

The process of converting a traditional bike into an electric one involves several steps, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a straightforward and exciting project for anyone.

I used a 750W/36V rear hub motor for the conversion which can be sourced from Ebay or Amazon, as it was a good fit for the bike frame and provided a good balance between cost-effectiveness and power. The motor provides ample power for recreational riding, making the bike quick and responsive.

In addition to the motor, I also used a 10AH bottle type battery, which was sourced from Ebay or Amazon. The battery is easy to install, and its compact size makes it a great choice for a bike conversion project. With a total cost of around $450, which included both the motor and battery, this project was a budget-friendly way to upgrade my sister’s mountain bike into an electric one.

The 750W motor makes the bike very quick, and the 10AH battery provides enough power for a good ride. I took the bike for a 10-mile test ride, which included uphill and dirt roads, and was impressed by its performance. The bike was responsive and had great weight distribution, making it a joy to ride.

My sister loves her new eBike, and it brings back memories of the carefree days of leisurely riding around the neighborhood, just for fun. The smile on her face whenever she rides it is simply priceless. With the conversion, she can now go on more adventurous and active outdoor rides, which was the primary objective of the project.