Pushing a 1000W brushless hub motor with a thumb throttle and dual mode controller for around a hundred bucks is a bold move from CUBELLIN. The CUBELLIN 1000W 26 rear wheel conversion kit lands at a price point that undercuts most of the competition, and the specs sheet reads like a solid entry level kit. You get a brushless and toothless motor rated at 1000W, a 440rpm no load speed with 45 N·M of torque, and a claimed top speed of 53km/h (about 33mph). The wheel ships pre-laced with 36 spokes in a staggered pattern and the package includes a thumb throttle and dual mode controller.
Most budget conversion kits under a hundred and fifty bucks cut corners somewhere. The CUBELLIN tries to split the difference between affordability and decent construction. Its aluminum alloy wheel rim, copper windings in the motor, and magnetic steel internals are standard for this class. The rubber butyl tire is basic but functional. Whether this kit holds up over a full season of daily riding depends on a few things we will get into.
Motor Performance and Power
The heart of this kit is a 1000W brushless and toothless hub motor running on a 48V system. Brushless motors are the standard for ebike conversions because they produce less friction and last longer than brushed alternatives. The toothless (slotless) design is a nice touch at this price, and it reduces cogging and makes the motor run smoother at low speeds.
Efficiency and torque
CUBELLIN claims efficiency above 80% for this motor. That is normal for a direct drive hub motor of this size. You won't see the efficiency numbers of a geared hub motor, but direct drive designs are simpler, have fewer moving parts to fail, and require less maintenance over time. The 440rpm no load speed translates to usable power at typical riding speeds and the 45 N·M of torque is adequate for flat terrain and moderate hills.
Real world speed
The 53km/h top speed estimate is realistic for a 1000W motor on 48V with a lightweight rider on flat ground. Real world speed depends on rider weight, wind, tire pressure, and terrain. Most riders should expect somewhere in the high 20s to low 30s mph range depending on conditions. The thumb throttle gives you gradual speed control from a standstill up to the motor's maximum RPM.
One thing to keep in mind is that a 1000W motor draws significant current from the battery. You will want a battery with a BMS rated for at least 30A continuous discharge. Most 48V ebike batteries in the 13Ah to 20Ah range work fine with a 1000W hub motor. Check out our ebike battery comparison table to find a compatible power source for this kit.
Wheel Build and Construction
The wheel ships pre-laced with 36 spokes in a staggered weaving pattern. CUBELLIN says this makes the stress points uniform and firm across the wheel. 36 spokes are standard for a rear hub motor wheel and provide good strength for the weight load. The kit is rated to carry up to 120kg or about 265 pounds which covers most riders.
The rim is aluminum alloy and the spoke nipples are standard gauge. The tire is rubber butyl a basic material choice but one that keeps the overall cost down. Budget conversion kits often use the cheapest possible rim and spoke combination, so it is worth checking spoke tension and true before you install the wheel. Amazon reviewers on similar kits recommend giving the spokes a quarter turn each after the first 50 miles to account for initial settling.
One limitation here is that CUBELLIN sells this kit in a 26 inch wheel size only. If you have a bike with 27.5 inch or 700c wheels, this kit will not match. The 26 inch size is common on mountain bikes, fat tire cruisers, and older hybrid bikes. If your frame takes 26 inch wheels you are in good shape. If not, you will need to consider other options.
Controller and Throttle Setup
The kit includes a dual mode controller that supports both pedal assist (PAS) and thumb throttle operation. Having both modes is standard on modern conversion kits and the CUBELLIN follows that pattern. The PAS sensor mounts to your bottom bracket and detects when you are pedaling, then the controller applies power proportionally. The thumb throttle lets you override PAS and run on pure electric power whenever you want.
The thumb throttle itself is a standard half twist style that mounts on the right side of the handlebar. It gives you smooth speed control from zero to full power. Some riders prefer a full twist throttle, but half twist throttles are common on conversion kits because they let you keep your grip on the handlebar while riding.
The wiring harness connects the motor phase wires, throttle, PAS sensor, brake levers, and display to the controller. CUBELLIN includes e-brake levers with built-in motor cutoffs. When you squeeze either brake lever the controller cuts power to the motor, which is a standard safety feature. The kit also supports regenerative braking depending on your controller configuration.
If you are new to ebike conversions, the wiring setup can look intimidating at first. But the connectors are color coded and the controller labels each wire. Most first time builders can complete the install in an afternoon. There are plenty of build guides on our blog that walk through the process step by step.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
The CUBELLIN 1000W conversion kit has collected a mix of feedback from buyers. Most users agree the kit delivers good power for the price point, especially on flat ground where the 1000W motor moves the bike along nicely.
Several reviewers highlight the smooth acceleration from the brushless motor. The lack of cogging at low speeds makes it easy to pull away from a stop without lurching. Users also appreciate that the kit includes everything needed for the conversion except the battery. The PAS sensor, throttle, controller, display, and brake levers are all in the box.
One common theme in the feedback is about the instructions. Multiple reviewers mention the manual is sparse and the wiring diagram could be clearer. This is a recurring issue with budget conversion kits from smaller brands. If you have done an ebike conversion before you will probably figure it out. If it is your first build, set aside some extra time for the wiring step and search for online guides.
Another point users raise is the quality of the spoke tension from the factory. A few reviewers say they needed to true the wheel before installation or after the first ride. This is not unusual for pre-built wheels at this price point. A quick spoke adjustment with a spoke wrench is a minor task that can save you from bigger problems down the road.
Some reviewers mention the controller is basic and does not offer advanced features like sine wave operation, programmable parameters, or a detailed LCD display. The included display shows basic info like speed, battery level, and assist level. That is typical for the price range. If you want a color display or a programmable controller you will need to upgrade those parts separately.
Who Should Buy the CUBELLIN 1000W Kit
This kit is a solid option for budget conscious builders who want 1000W of power without spending twice as much on a name brand kit. If you have a 26 inch wheel mountain bike or cruiser frame sitting around, this gets you on the road with real electric power for not a lot of money.
It works best for riders who plan to use their bike on flat to moderately hilly terrain. The 45 N·M torque is enough for hills but you will not be dragging yourself up steep inclines at 30 mph. For flat commuting, neighborhood cruising, and light off road trails, the power output is more than adequate.
The 120kg weight capacity covers the vast majority of riders. If you carry cargo, plan for battery weight too as that adds to the total load on the wheel. A typical 48V 13Ah battery weighs about 7 to 8 pounds.
Skip this kit if you need a 27.5 inch or 700c wheel size, if you want a programmable controller with sine wave output, or if you prefer a geared hub motor for hill climbing on steep grades. Also skip it if you want a plug and play experience with detailed instructions. This is a build it yourself kit that rewards patience and basic mechanical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wheel does the CUBELLIN 1000W kit fit?
This kit comes with a 26 inch rear wheel only. It does not currently ship in other sizes. Make sure your bike frame accepts 26 inch wheels before ordering. Measure your existing wheel diameter to confirm compatibility.
Does the kit include a battery?
No, the CUBELLIN 1000W conversion kit does not include a battery. You will need to purchase a 48V ebike battery separately. Look for a battery with a 30A or higher BMS to match the power draw of the 1000W motor. Browse our battery selection for compatible options.
What tools do I need to install this kit?
Basic bike tools will get the job done. You need a wrench set for the axle nuts, a screwdriver for the controller mounting, a spoke wrench for truing the wheel, and cable ties for securing the wiring. Allen keys and a pedal wrench help with removing the old wheel and installing the PAS sensor.
How fast does the CUBELLIN 1000W kit go?
CUBELLIN claims a top speed of 53km/h, which works out to about 33mph. Real world speed depends on rider weight, terrain, wind conditions, and battery voltage. Most riders report speeds in the high 20s to low 30s mph range under normal conditions.
Can I use this kit with a 52V battery?
The controller is designed for a 48V system. Using a 52V battery could damage the controller since the fully charged voltage of a 52V battery reaches 58.8V. Stick with a 48V battery for this kit unless you confirm the controller's voltage range with the manufacturer.
Is the CUBELLIN 1000W kit street legal?
Laws vary by location. In many areas, 1000W motors exceed the legal limit for ebikes, which is typically 750W in the US. If you ride on public roads, check your local regulations regarding motor power, speed limits, and throttle operation before building your bike.
Check current pricing on Amazon to see what the CUBELLIN 1000W kit goes for right now. Browse our ebike conversion kit comparison to weigh it against other options for your next build.