You can purchase the Ktaxon 48V 1000W electric bike conversion kit, a bare-bones approach to DIY ebike construction. The brushless gearless hub motor is integrated into a 26-inch wheel. There are versions available for installation at the front or rear of the bicycle. For builders that want a powered wheel, but do not want to deal with the issues of mid-drive mounting, or adjusting the chain line, this kit provides a simpler alternative. The lower price-point is beneficial, as you will need to purchase a 48-volt battery and charger separately from the kit.
This point is worth noting as many of the cheaper kits hide the fact that the battery is by far the most expensive component of your entire build. In this case the seller lists it explicitly. "battery not included" - please account for this cost prior to hitting checkout, as a suitable 48v battery package will likely be more expensive than the kit itself.
features and quality of construction
At the center of this kit is a 1000-watt, brushless gearless hub motor. As mentioned earlier, gearless hubs contain no internal gearing, therefore providing smooth operation and quiet running. However, in order to achieve high torque outputs at low rpms, gearing is required. Therefore while gearless hubs provide long operational life spans and low maintenance costs, they are limited to producing moderate amounts of torque output at higher rpm values.
The kit includes all of the components needed to begin your initial build. A pedal assist sensor (PAS) allows for assisted riding as you pedal. The LCD display indicates battery voltage, speed, distance traveled, riding mode, and any error codes produced by the controller. A brake lever-mounted power cutoff switch shuts down the motor instantly upon activation, which is another critical feature that you should require from your kit.
There are Four preset riding modes provided. Throttle mode (motor-only), preset modes (pre-set modes based off of user defined parameters), pedal assist mode (pedals only), and manual pedal mode (no assistance). This allows users to operate the bike as a pure throttle bike, utilize pedal assist for increased efficiency, or simply pedal manually until the battery is depleted.
Build quality appears satisfactory relative to price for the wheel portion. Aluminum alloy is used for the rim and high-carbon steel is used for the spokes. The wheel assembly will accommodate up to 220 lbs. This should be sufficient for most commuters and occasional weekend riders. Riders who weigh significantly above 220 lbs or those carrying large payloads may need to verify their total weight versus gear along with the maximum capacity rating specified for this product.
installation & compatibility
The kit utilizes a 26 inch diameter wheel and as such will accommodate nearly all standard commuter and mountain bike wheels. The rear dropout measurement is noted in the listing as 5 and 5/16 inches for the rear wheel configuration. Be certain to measure your frame before making an order as improper dropouts could lead to an inoperable wheel.
The front fork has been standardized across most frames thus simplifying the installation process when using a front hub. Installing a front hub reduces the amount of complicated parts associated with converting a bike to an e-bike. When installing a front hub there is no need to worry about pulling cassettes, lining up derailleurs, nor setting proper chain line. Simply bolt in the wheel into the fork head, secure the axle nut, wire the electrical components to the controller/display unit and attach the PAS and brake levers. With the motor installed at the front of the bike your original drivetrain remains unchanged.
Battery compatibility is probably the largest unknown variable in regards to compatibility. Since a 48-volts pack will be required you must ensure that a battery physically suitable for your frame exists. Many commonly purchased downtube and rack mounted batteries will suffice however each frame varies. Research your intended location for battery placement along with charging methods prior to selecting this kit or any other kit that requires a separate battery purchase.
Another important consideration applicable to front hub installations is the potential twisting stress applied to the fork when utilizing a 1000w motor. While most inexpensive forks can withstand moderate amounts of torsional stress, there is always some risk involved. Torque arms and torque washers help distribute the twisting forces away from the fork and onto stronger areas of the frame thereby greatly reducing the risk of a costly fork failure due to a loose or damaged axle. Treating this item as a minor additional expense protects against much larger ones.
amazon customer reviews
As of today, there are currently eleven customer reviews on amazon and the overall rating averages to 4.4 stars. Although this represents a very small sample size we believe that this sample size is representative enough to consider it an early indication of future success. All reviewers have indicated satisfaction with their builds and have described them as relatively easy. The typical caveats associated with low-cost kits appear in comments related to calibration of PAS magnets, controllers and correct display readings of speed and assist levels. These types of calibration problems are common among novice builders regardless of price-point.
While the smaller review base creates uncertainty regarding long-term reliability, it also implies that current customers were satisfied enough with their purchases to provide positive reviews. Future owner feedback will become apparent over time through additional amazon reviews.
who is this kit suitable for?
If you're looking to gain experience on a basic build without breaking the bank, then this kit is perfect for you. The gearless hub motor, built-in PAS sensor and display, combined with the availability of both front and rear hub options make it an ideal starting point for newbies. Additionally, if you've got a spare bike that uses 26" tires and a 48v battery budget then this kit represents an excellent starting point. Based on price and features alone, this kit seems best suited for casual cruisers who primarily ride flat terrain where consistent speeds are desired over climbing hills with lots of torque.
It's not the best choice for everyone
The gearless design will sacrifice bottom-end torque for faster acceleration at higher speeds. Therefore it will be difficult to climb steep inclines. For riders who frequently haul heavy loads or reside near hilly regions. A geared hub or mid-drive motor will prove to be a better choice. Similarly, if you prefer plug-and-play simplicity vs tweaking settings during your first ride. An entry-level kit is always going to demand some patience.
Ultimately, the true cost of this kit is determined by what type of battery you use with it. Therefore determine your battery requirements before committing to this or any other kit that comes without One.
For the right rider with the appropriate frame specifications this represents a great introduction into ebikes. Check out our ebike conversion kits page for a wider selection of kits to choose from, and continue reading our blog for more detailed information on building your first ebike.
frequently asked questions
is a battery included with the Ktaxon 1000w conversion kit?
No. The listing clearly states that the battery is not included. You'll need to find/buy a separate 48 volt battery and charger. You'll need to make sure that your chosen battery physically fits within your frame prior to purchasing.
will the Ktaxon kit fit on my bike?
Just about all 26 inch bikes will fit. Just be sure to check your frames dropout width. The rear version specifically calls for a 5 x 5/16 inch dropout width, so be sure to measure your frame against that dimension prior to placing an order.
which version of the Ktaxon kit is easier to install?
First-time builders typically prefer the front wheel version since it eliminates many of the tasks associated with rear conversions. Namely removing cassettes, derailleurs and aligning chain lines. Also front fork spacings are much more standardized than rear dropout spacings, allowing for easier installation.
what type of motor is a gearless hub motor?
Gearless hubs have no internal gears:
Gearless hubs spin freely - quiet running - long life spans:
Gearing provides low-rpm high-torque output - gearless hubs provide moderate amounts of torque at higher rpm values