A great way to go about purchasing this [HELRGELRN 1500W Kit] is by using it to outrun traffic. However, it may require additional effort (such as a louder motor) and the installation process is more difficult than simply plugging it into your bike. This kit gives you pure unadulterated power for your 26-inch frame. Do not purchase this kit unless you are willing to put forth some sweat and listen to the constant hum of the motor.
Specs and Value
The listing touts a 1500-watt motor, which represents a substantial increase over other kits you’ll find elsewhere. The increased wattage affords the motor the sufficient torque to pull you up inclines that would bring the motor to its knees if they had less power. However, high power usage significantly burdens the battery and the internal wiring. If you are utilizing a poor quality battery pack, you will probably see the voltage sag rapidly when you press down on the throttle.
The motor utilizes a square wave controller, which is an important detail regarding your riding experience. Square wave controllers switch current in abrupt steps instead of smoothly. This produces a distinct humming or whining sound similar to a lawnmower compared to a high-end vacuum cleaner.
The 26 inch front hub style allows compatibility with nearly all mountain and hybrid bicycles. You are swapping out your entire front wheel with a wheel featuring the motor integrated into the rim. This creates several issues including placing the weight at the very front of the bike and therefore changing how the bike handles in curves.
Additionally, the placement of the stress on the front fork due to braking forces is greatly increased. Therefore, you must ensure that your fork is strong enough to withstand the centrifugal force created by a spinning motor at high rates of speed. The value in this kit comes from transforming your existing frame into a high speed bike without needing to purchase an entirely new electric. You are exchanging some of the stability and quietness of your bike for the raw ability to travel at higher speeds than most standard bikes.
Front Hub Installation
Installing a front hub kit is a different animal compared to installing a rear hub kit. You have to completely disassemble the front of your bike, remove and then reinstall the tire and tube, and possibly move the disc brake rotor. All four reviewers of this product listed in this section referred to the installation of the kit. They indicate that it’s going to take more than just a few minutes to complete the job. You’re working with large diameter wires that need to run up through your handlebars without rubbing against each other or your spokes. If you don’t route these cables properly, they can cause damage to them either by fraying or by being pinched together.
Additionally, you must secure these cables properly. As indicated previously, if these bolts aren’t tightened securely, you risk causing the motor to spin inside the fork dropouts during hard acceleration.
As you can see from the image below, this 1500W motor is quite large and heavy. Due to this, it makes the steering of your bike feel heavy or slow during sharp turns. This is what you gain from having that much power at the front of your bike. Typically, riders want a bike that is agile and quick handling. However, this kit prioritizes speed over agility. In addition, since you’re working with a standard 26 inch wheel size, you won’t have difficulty locating replacement tires. However, since this kit utilizes a thicker rim as opposed to a standard rim, you’ll need to locate tires that match this larger rim size.
Real-World Speeds and Range
According to the manufacturer, you can reach speeds ranging from 31 to 37mph depending upon your weight and terrain. These speeds are extremely high for any conversion kit. Traveling at 37mph takes an enormous amount of energy because friction increases exponentially as speed increases. Since the 1500W motor is able to produce enough energy to propel you to such high speeds, however, the limitations of this kit lie within your battery capacity. If you are a heavier rider or traveling in opposition to wind, you will more likely be closer to the lower end of this spectrum. Conversely, if you are riding on flat ground with a tailwind, this kit will feel like you’re riding on a rocket.
Range is where the physics bite. When running at maximum throttle speed (about 35mph), this 1500W motor burns through energy at an alarming rate. Therefore, if you’re consistently riding at 35mph, your battery will deplete at a much quicker pace than if you were riding at a consistent 15mph. Although there are no specific mileage estimates included in this listing, the physics tell us exactly what we should expect. Shorter trips will be required if you intend on keeping your throttle open continuously.
The power is certainly available, but the price of high speed is more frequent recharging.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
There are currently four reviews for this product. The current rating of this product averages out at 5 stars among these reviewers. While we have a relatively small sample size, this rating suggests that each reviewer experienced positive experiences in regards to both performance and overall satisfaction with this kit. Each reviewer mentioned their installation experience. This indicates that although the product appears to function as intended, completing successful installations is contingent upon mechanical aptitude and patience. The reviewers suggest that once installed and operational, this motor has met or exceeded advertised specifications for speed.
Four reviews is a small sample, so longevity remains an open question. Early buyers are happy, but a season of hard riding is the real test.
Who Should Buy This
If you’re searching for speed above all else and enjoy tinkering with your equipment via hand tools, this kit will undoubtedly benefit you. If you possess an older bike that you wish to convert into a fast commuting vehicle or if you prefer hands-on assembly of your own equipment, this kit is ideal for those preferences. This kit offers power that many users will want, provided you accept controller noise and front-end weight.
Do not purchase this kit if you desire a quiet “stealth” ride as this square-wave controller emits a significant humming/whine noise. If you do not feel confident with mechanical disassembly and reassembly processes, the installation will be frustrating for you as well. Lastly, if you seek a long range bike for extended tours and/or rides, this kit’s high energy consumption will burn through your batteries too quickly.
This is truly a specialized tool for speed and NOT applicable to all cyclists.
Compare it against the rest in our ebike conversion kit guide, or dig through the GoMotorbikes blog.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does This Kit Fit My Bike?
Yes! If your bike possesses 26-inch wheels with 4-inch fat-tires. This is an exact match! If your bike has larger/larger tires. Ensure to measure prior to purchasing as this kit mounts via lace-together method designed for that specific tire size.
Must I Utilize a Torque Arm with This Kit?
Yes! Several owners have called attention to this requirement in their individual reviews. A 1500-watt front-hub motor creates substantial rotational stress on your forks' drop-outs. Installing a v7 torque arm addresses this issue. Although additional torque arms can be installed as well. Slight adjustments/modifications will be required for proper installation.
How Fast Will It Go?
The motor spins at 520 rpm creating an estimated riding speed of 31 to 37 mph depending on your body mass, tire inflation pressures, terrain conditions etc.. Real-world results vary. However, this kit is fast and not merely for assistance!
Can I Still Ride the Bike If a Hall Sensor Malfunctions?
Yes! The motor will operate in both Hall effect and non-Hall effect modes! Therefore, if One of your Hall sensors within your motor fail. Your controller will recognize the failure and automatically switch to non-Hall mode. Continuing uninterrupted operation! Of course you'll loose some efficiency. However you'll continue to ride instead of walking your bike home! That is true durability you don't always see at this price point!
What Comes in the Box?
In addition to the wheel hub-motor. Sine wave controller located under-hood. Controller bag. And VA color LCD display. There are no other items included.
Is the Color Lcd Worth It?
While opinions will vary. I believe yes! The VA color LCD displays gear selection, speed, mileage, and battery levels -- giving you continuous visual awareness of your bikes condition and performance -- whereas typically you're limited to flashing led lights.
For a budget price. The Helrgelrn 1500W 26-inch front hub conversion kit represents an incredible number of components for its price. Not only do you receive 1500 watts of power. But also quiet smooth operation via sine-wave controller. Five-speeds w/cruise control. Full color LCD display. Safety brake w/auto-shut off. And much more. Owners who've actually used the kit agree completely with regards to power output. Quietness of motor. Durability through rain/snow/rough roads etc..
Of-course there is One caveat similar to all front-hub kits this powerful. You must have a torque arm installed properly prior-to-assembly. You must also be willing to perform installation procedures according to manufacturer's guidelines. If you meet both requirements and you possess a fat tire bike with a wheel size of 26-inches, then you should consider this kit as a great value for turning your old heavy mtn bike into a fast reliable ebike.
If you're still undecided, browse our ebike conversion kit guides for comparison of motor types & power outputs prior-to-purchase decisions. Also take a look at our conversion kit reviews for more hands-on breakdowns comparing other budget kits. Once you feel confident in your selection, order the kit here and get started building!