A 1000 w rear hub motor with features such as a 48 v power system, 20-inch wheel size, full LCD display, pedal assist, and IP54 waterproofing is something you would expect to see on higher-priced models. At a budget price point however, the INPAITOO 48V 1000W 20-inch rear wheel conversion kit offers everything most people could ask for, especially when compared to other similarly priced options. Unlike many cheaper kits, this model comes equipped with a display unit and an assist sensor, both of which are normally purchased separately.
Specs and Build Quality
The core component of the kit is a 48 v DC brushless geared hub motor with a 1000 w output. Since this is a gearless design, this allows for a direct drive type of motor configuration, meaning there is no planetary gear train inside the motor. Therefore, you will have no issue with the gear train wearing out or stripping after long periods of riding. You will lose some bottom end torque, but you will gain much quieter operation, a smoother ride, and a motor that can withstand long climbs without burning itself out. That seems to be a fair trade-off for a day-to-day commuter. The manufacturer states that the top speed possible using this kit will depend upon the battery you choose, how heavy you weigh, and the gear ratio used on your rear sprocket. In general, the maximum speed should fall within a range of 23.6 to 27.96 mph.
The majority of the materials used in the kit appear to be aluminum and iron. They are coated using a baking process designed to provide added protection from corrosion. Although the motor case appears to be made of sturdy material given its price point, it does feel very solid. The lacing job on the rim of the pre-built wheel has been completed by someone else, thus eliminating any hassle associated with assembling a wheel from individual components. The motor also features overload protection circuitry and is rated IP54. An IP54 rating signifies protection against dust and splashes of water coming from any angle. So, while this kit is not suitable for underwater applications, it should perform admirably during normal road usage. If you are new to how direct drive hubs compare to geared options, ebikes.ca has a solid primer on the difference.
Installation and Compatibility
To install the kit, pull your original wheel off, then slide this new wheel onto the rear axle, connect the various electrical connections such as the throttle and display, and you have got an electric bicycle. Prior to purchasing this product, please take measurements of your rear dropout width. Most 20-inch folding bicycles utilize the standard dropout widths such as 135mm. However, since every bike is unique, verify your bike's specifications prior to making a purchase.
Also note that this kit does not come with tires or tubes, so you will have to purchase those items separately. As mentioned previously, the vast majority of kits sold in this category do not include tires or tubes either. While that is good news for customers familiar with buying parts individually, it would be better to know ahead of time so you are not left stranded. Once you obtain the correct tires and tubes, attach them to your newly installed wheel and you are ready to hit the road. When you wire the phase and Hall wires, match the colors carefully, because a crossed wire shows up as a motor that stutters or refuses to spin.
Display and Controller
The INPAITOO conversion kit includes an LCD display that provides valuable information for riders, including current speed, distance traveled, assist level, cruise mode indicator, battery voltage, and brake system indicator. That is a genuinely useful dash for the money, not the bare-bones LED bar you often get at this price. Additionally, the kit includes a twist-style throttle mounted on the right handlebar. The throttle can be adjusted to control assist levels, and riders can select from five different assist modes that range from pedal-assisted only up to maximum assist using both throttle and pedaling.
The pedal assist sensor lets you ride without touching the throttle at all, which is the difference between a bike that feels electric and a bike that feels like a moped with pedals bolted on. Being able to climb into an assist level and just pedal gets you the range and the exercise at the same time. The cruise function is a nice bonus for long flat stretches where holding the throttle gets old fast. If you are comparing kits, the inclusion of a real display and PAS is exactly the kind of thing that separates a complete conversion from a parts pile. You can browse our roundup of ebike conversion kits to see how it stacks up against other options.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
The INPAITOO ebike conversion kit has received positive reviews from customers. One reviewer noted that the kit was very complete and that he loved having an LCD screen as well as an assist sensor that came with his purchase. Another reviewer said that he was impressed with how quiet the motor ran and how easily he climbed hills. Many reviewers stated that installing their conversion kits was easier than they expected. The kit currently sits at 4.6 stars across 13 reviews, which is a reasonable sample for a relatively new listing.
Some reviewers complained that the manual was too short or unclear. Some reviewers even admitted that they relied on online videos to help them properly assemble their conversion kits. No reviewers reported experiencing any problems with performance or longevity issues, which is the failure mode you actually worry about at this price. That is a decent sign for durability, though with only 13 reviews the long-term reliability picture is still being written.
Who Is This Kit For?
If you own a 20-inch bicycle and want to convert it into an electric bicycle quickly and affordably without needing to shop for each component separately, then the INPAITOO ebike conversion kit is perfect for you. If you ride a folding bike, a kids bike being repurposed into a commuter, or a compact cruiser, and you want a full-featured electric setup with a real display and pedal assist, the INPAITOO covers you out of the box. The budget price makes it an easy entry point for a first build, and the IP54 rating plus the gearless motor give you a package that should hold up to daily use.
It is not for you if your bike runs a larger wheel. This is a 20 inch kit, full stop. If your frame takes a 26 inch or 700c wheel, look elsewhere. It is also not for anyone who wants maximum off-the-line torque from a geared hub or who plans to push past the rated speed on a daily basis. For the 20 inch owner who just wants a clean, affordable, complete conversion, this is one of the more sensible choices in the segment. You can also check the blog for walkthroughs and build guides if this is your first time converting a bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the kit include tires?
No. You get the motor, the pre-laced wheel, controller, LCD display, throttle, brake levers, and the pedal assist sensor. You need to buy a 20 inch tire and tube separately before your first ride, so plan for that in your budget.
What kind of battery do I need?
This is a 48V system, so you need a 48V battery rated to supply enough continuous current for the 1000W motor. Match the connector on the battery to the kit and make sure the battery can sustain the draw without sagging hard under load.
Will it fit my bike frame?
It fits 20 inch rear wheels with standard dropouts. Measure your rear fork spacing before ordering to be sure. Folding bikes and compact cruisers are the usual candidates, and if your dropouts are off, you may need adapters or a different kit.
Is the pedal assist really included?
Yes. The kit ships with a pedal assist sensor, so you can ride without the throttle by pedaling through your chosen assist level. The LCD display shows your current PAS gear so you can adjust on the fly.
How fast will it go?
INPAITOO rates the top speed between 23.6 and 27.96 mph. Your actual number depends on battery voltage and current, rider weight, terrain, and your rear gearing, so treat the range as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Is it weatherproof?
The motor and electronics carry an IP54 rating, which handles dust and splashing water from any direction. Rain spray and puddles are fine, but this is not a motor you should be submerging, so keep the connectors sealed and avoid deep water.
You can check the current price of the INPAITOO 48V 1000W conversion kit on Amazon before you commit to the build.