The GOSHET 48V 1500W kit is a spec that used to require a leap of faith for around 210 dollars. It's an 11 review (4.2 star rated), LCD-equipped, wheel configurable from 20 inch to 26 inch gearless hub motor with a 1500 watt peak on 48 volt. This is not a Bafang mid drive and doesn't claim to be. It is a direct drive rear hub for fat bikes and snow bike enthusiasts who want power at a price point.
Specifications and Build Quality
The gearless brushless hub motor is the core of the system, with a 1500W peak rating on 48 volt. "Gearless" implies there are no internal nylon gears to strip. Direct drive all the way. Low end torque and a bit of drag are traded off for nearly bullet proof simple design. Buyers looking for a silent ride get what they are looking for here, as direct drive produces a humming noise rather than whining.
The kit comes as a built wheel, including the motor hub, LCD display, controller, throttle, and brake levers with cutoff. The wheel selection includes 20-inch and 26-inch sizes, both front and rear versions, with 1000W or 1500W power ratings available in certain configurations. Be sure to examine the variant selection closely as the listing contains multiple builds, and the price adjusts based upon the wheel size.
Standard aluminum alloy is the common wheel construction type in this category and suitable for the amount of power. The motor is very heavy, and the assembled rear wheel with a direct drive 1500W hub is quite cumbersome to handle, so plan the installation on a workbench rather than directly on the floor.
Performance and Real-World Speed
At 48 volt, a 1500W hub gets you up to speed fast. The listing states that the kit reaches speeds of up to 55km/h, but reviewer experiences have reported actual cruising speeds of low-to-mid 30s mph on flat terrain using a 48V pack designed to support the amp-hour draw required for the high powered motor. Hills do change things dramatically due to the characteristics of direct drive motors where speed is lost on prolonged climbing and heat is generated.
Flat land riders will love it, however, San Francisco will not.
The LCD display provides data regarding speed, battery state, distance traveled, and errors. Additionally, there are 5 pre-programmed speed settings along with a cruise mode. Installation involves removing the original wheel, mounting the controller, connecting the color-matched connectors together and going. Most owners have stated that a full weekend afternoon should suffice for completion of the entire project, providing that you take advantage of the rear axle torque arms when installing anything over a 1000W setup. It pays to remember that a 1500W hub motor can walk its axle out of aluminum dropouts under extreme acceleration.
What Amazon Reviewers Have to Say About the GOSHET Kit
Amazon reviewers have provided a 4.2 star review overall across 11 reviews. Owners who were happy with their purchase described strong acceleration, quiet operation, and kits that mounted without having to professionally true them. Multiple reviewers praised the LCD display and cruise function for being offered at such a low cost point.
Owners who had issues identified two types of failures associated with this product line that may be helpful to potential buyers. The first failure mode was shipping damage, with dented wheels arriving after transit. As most heavy hub kits experience this risk with shipping, this is somewhat of a gamble. The second failure mode was the typical problem experienced by many budget kit manufacturers, poor documentation. Many owners who ran into problems with their kit were able to find solutions via the manufacturer's customer service or through community forums detailing how to wire ebikes.
Who Should Purchase This Conversion Kit?
The GOSHET kit fits well for owners of existing fat-bikes that have a sturdy bike that they enjoy riding in sand and snow trails and desire a lot of power at a reasonable price point. Tinkerers who are seeking maximum power per dollar and are willing to source their own 48V pack with a BMS capable of supplying greater than 30A will also find value in purchasing this kit. The listing shows all wheel and power variants, which is worth a look before deciding on size.
Buyers who are seeking efficiency and range will not prefer this option as direct drive creates drag when unpowered. Additionally, if your frame has aluminum dropouts without provisions for torque-arm designs, then this kit will not suit your needs. Finally, while PAS functionality is available in this kit, it is not refined, therefore those who are interested in fine tuning their assist functionality should look elsewhere.
Compare similar offerings on our conversion kit table. For additional information on building ebikes with these components refer to our blog. Hub motor theory basics can be found at Wikipedia. With respect to cost vs performance for flatland enthusiasts on a tight budget, few kits compete with this product line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this kit come with a battery?
No. You will need a 48 volt pack with BMS rated for at least 30A continuous to provide adequate energy flow to the 1500 watt motor.
Can it climb hills?
Yes, short and moderate inclines can be climbed successfully albeit at reduced speed. Steep inclines result in significant speed loss and prolonged climbing results in excessive heat generation by direct drive hubs. Controllers typically thermostatically limit when operating conditions exceed safe temperature ranges. Mid-drives offer superior hill-climbing capabilities compared to direct drives.
Will it fit my bike?
Check the drop-out width of your frame and select the correct wheel size configuration. The intended target market for this kit consists of fat tire frames, and the largest tire diameter supported by this kit is 26 x 4 inches.
Is it water resistant?
The hub motor will operate unaffected in rain or wet road conditions. However, ensure that the controller is installed away from direct spray and seal any electrical connections to maintain moisture resistance.
How does it compare to a geared hub motor?
Geared hubs are lighter, smaller, and freewheel without drag, which riders notice when pedaling with the assist off. The direct drive here wins on durability, silence at speed, and the ability to run regenerative braking if the controller supports it. For a heavy fat bike ridden mostly on throttle, the direct drive trade makes sense.
What speed can I actually reach?
Cruising speeds of approximately mid-30s mph on flat surfaces utilizing a fully charged 48 volt battery pack is realistic, although top speed reduces significantly when climbing uphill or opposing head winds.