Rear Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kit Instructional

Many folks who are looking to convert their bikes into e-bikes are under the impression that rear wheel electric bike conversion kits are the best method for converting their bicycles to electric. This is a common false perception. They are surprised to hear that front wheel conversions are the most convenient method to go electric for bicycles. This is because we offer a 250 Watt motor that keeps your bike within its designed limits without exceeding frame stress and safety standards.

This perception of rear wheel necessities often comes from 500 Watt Electric Bike Conversion Kits designed to convert your bicycle into a fast machine. We do offer high power conversions with our 500 Watt E-Bike Kits available, but they are not our bread and butter focus and may not be a suitable conversion for most of our customers. Our 500 Watt kits are available in both front and rear conversions, but because they are less than 750 Watts, we still recommend front-wheel conversions for ease of install and the best performance.

Rear Wheel Electric Bike Kits

Our 250 Series Kits are primarily offered as a front wheel conversion kit, but over the past year, we have had many people interested in converting recumbent trikes, folding bicycles, or other special projects that require a rear wheel conversion. For example, a tadpole trike (shown below) can only be converted using a rear wheel electric bike conversion kit. This trike was easily converted to electric using a 250 Series bike conversion kit.

tadpole trike with a Leeds rear wheel kit

Recumbent trikes are becoming more and more popular. They are exciting to ride (particularly with the extra power offered by the 250 Series Kit) and offer incredible torque because of the smaller rear wheel. Additionally, many special projects may require a rear wheel electric bike kit, so we have provided the below information to assist you with understanding what is needed for a rear wheel conversion.

Additionally, rear wheel electric bike conversion kits involve a few more moving parts such as a derailleur, chain, freewheel, and cogs. The requirements for a smooth transition are listed below. If you are handy with bikes and have the tools, this will be easy for you. If not, we recommend that you take the kit to your local bike shop when it arrives and have a mechanic install the kit for you.

1. The measurement requirement for the rear bracket is 135mm or 5.3in. This allows most bicycles and trikes to accept our rear wheel 8FUN motor hub.

135 mm or 5.3 in

The 8FUN rear planetary motor also allows for you to use a 6 or 7-speed freewheel on your rear wheel. Unlike many options available out there, the Leed rear wheel electric bike kit does not require an extensive installation and may allow for most bikes or trikes to accept this conversion.

2. You will need either a 6 or 7-speed freewheel.

7 Cog Freewheel

The 8FUN rear planetary motor also allows for you to use a 6 or 7 speed freewheel on your rear wheel. Unlike many options available out there, the LEED rear wheel kit does not require an extensive installation and may allow for most bikes or trikes to accept this conversion.

3. If your bike or trike uses an 8 or 9-speed freewheel, you will need to replace it with a six or seven-speed cog when you install the rear wheel motor. This may require a new derailleur or an adjustment to your derailer. Your local bike shop will be able to assist with this.

4. If your bicycle already has a 6 or 7-speed freewheel, then you will just transfer this over to the 8FUN motor, but if you have a Shimano freewheel, you will most likely need an FR5 or other chain wheel remover for other brands. See Park Tools blog post regarding matching chain wheel removers to the appropriate brand here.

FR5 chain wheel remover

If you do not have a chain wheel remover, you can purchase one online or at your local bike shop. They cost around $10. Our recommendation is to have your local bike shop install the rear wheel electric bike kit for you. But if you choose to do it, simply remove the freewheel cassette from your old wheel and put it on the Leeds rear motor hub just as you would a regular bicycle hub. The fitting is not any different. Here is an instructional video from RJ the Bike Guy on how to remove your freewheel.

You may need to make an additional adjustment if you have a non-standard shifting system, but the adjustment is often quick and easy for bicycle mechanics to perform if you are unfamiliar with tuning your shifters. Note that a rear wheel conversion is permanent once the freewheel is on the motor. For a detailed removal guide, visit Park Tool’s freewheel removal blog post here.

If you have any questions about your rear wheel electric bike conversion kit, please feel free to contact us anytime.Thank you, and ride safe!