This kit transforms your compact fold bike into a powerful machine, provided you already own a suitable high-quality 48 Volt battery. The LARIDEN 20-inch, 1500 Watt conversion kit pairs a rear hub motor with a 3.94 inch wide snow tire and a full LCD display. You swap your existing rear wheel, connect your battery to the controller, and you have a folder with far more speed and torque than any stock fold bike.
Specs and value
The motor is the heart of this configuration. As stated earlier, the higher watts per hour rating (in comparison to standard 250-W motors) allows for climbing steeper grades that could easily bog down smaller motors. Additionally, according to the manufacturer's specifications, the listed motor is estimated to operate at approximately 82% efficient. More efficient operation conserves battery power by reducing energy lost as heat generated during operations. However, as previously mentioned, you will need to provide your own 48V battery. Make certain that the battery you purchase is sufficient to meet the demands of a larger motor. Larger motors create more current flow during operation.
Current flow is directly related to torque produced. Therefore, if the battery is too low rated (i.e., lower C-Rating), the motor may lose performance and possibly shut off due to excessive demand placed upon the battery.
In addition to providing adequate torque, the included 3.94-inch-wide tire is another attractive feature of this product. The additional width creates increased surface contact resulting in improved traction on loose terrain such as snow and loose dirt. In fact, without this increased width, the bicycle would probably become mired in many types of terrain. The kit includes a maximum rider weight capacity of 330 pounds. Rider weights exceeding 330 pounds will increase the stress on both the spokes and the motor shaft over time and could lead to premature failure of these components. These are physical limitations imposed by the materials used in their construction.
As stated earlier, the gearless nature of the hub motor eliminates the possibility of having internal planetary gears that could become stripped or damaged under excessive torque.
Custom fit and installation
Due to the custom-fit nature of this product it is designed specifically for bicycles equipped with 20-inch wheels. It should accommodate most compact folding bicycles that possess sufficient rear drop-out clearance. The rear hub motor arrives pre-assembled with the tire attached. To install this kit simply swap your original rear wheel with this assembly and follow a simple cable routing procedure. Note: When closing the folding mechanisms on your bicycle make sure that none of the cables are pinched or otherwise damaged.
The LCD display provides information about your speed, remaining battery charge, and displays error messages in case something goes wrong. The LCD screen provides instant visual indication of potential problems allowing for quicker troubleshooting. The LCD display includes features such as five adjustable speed levels and a cruise mode function. Cruise mode permits you to set a desired speed without requiring continued input from either the pedals or throttle. Cruise mode is particularly helpful on long stretches of relatively flat terrain. Finally, both brake levers are equipped with power cutoff functions to prevent the motor from propelling you when you wish to slow or stop. Unfortunately, a number of lower-priced kits do not include this instantaneous cutoff capability.
To achieve optimal results installation sequence is important. First complete the wheel swap. Then tighten the axle nuts securely using a wrench. Mount the controller in an area where air circulation exists. Due to heat generated during normal usage, the controller associated with systems utilizing 1500-Watt motors typically warms-up during extended periods of operation. Enclosing the controller within a plastic bag reduces its lifespan. Routing the PAS sensor cable along the chainstays, avoiding areas near folding hinges is crucial. Provide slack loops at each end of cables located near folding joints. A cable stretched tightly across a folding joint will break within weeks, usually during a ride.
Finally, plan carefully how you will lay out your cabling prior to zipping ties being applied to them.
Real-world performance characteristics
Your folded bike will reach top speeds of approximately 55 km/h (about 34 miles per hour). At speeds above 35 km/h (about 22 miles per hour), excellent braking capabilities are required to safely control your vehicle. Motor noise levels are said to be less than 55 dB (decibels). This indicates that it will not produce loud noises similar to those generated by a vacuum cleaner during operation. Additionally, sufficient torque will be available to tow a heavy load against resistance. The motor appears to act as a pair of non-existent legs pulling you upward on slopes.
PAS sensors detect your pedaling efforts and cause the motor to assist you in pedaling. If you continually use only the throttle and never utilize your pedaling assistance capabilities, your battery will quickly run out of juice. Conversely, if you consistently use only your pedaling assistance capabilities, your overall range will greatly exceed those achieved with continual throttle-only operation. Because you must furnish your own battery for this product, your range will depend completely on what type and size battery you purchase. Our battery comparison table lists 48V packs sorted by price per watt-hour. Small batteries (e.g., 10Ah) will result in extremely limited trip ranges whereas large batteries (e.g., 20Ah) will enable you to travel for hours on end.
Please note that because this kit requires a separate battery (which is not furnished with the kit), you must select a battery whose voltage matches that of your motor controller precisely.
What other buyers are saying about this product on Amazon
With only three buyer reviews averaging 4.5-star ratings at present, determining long-term reliability is difficult based solely on buyer comments thus far. Although LARIDEN produces several different conversion kits, this particular model is new to Amazon.com. The initial reactions from the few buyers who have purchased this product seem generally favorable toward its performance (torque for hill-climbing purposes). Without more data (i.e., more reviews), we can only speculate about build quality over a prolonged period (a year). Our conversion kit comparison table sorts kits by price per watt if you want alternatives with longer track records.
Be cautious when relying on only three reviewers' opinions regarding a highly-complex electronic component.
Who should buy this
Buy this kit if you want to convert a 20-inch folding bike into a fast, hill-capable ride and you already own a 48V battery with a strong discharge rating. The 330 pound load limit and the wide tire make it a good match for heavier riders and loose terrain. If your rides mix pavement, gravel, and the occasional snow path, the traction advantage is real.
Skip it if you want a light bike or a plug-and-play install. The motor wheel weighs more than a standard folder's entire rear end, and the cable routing around a folding hinge takes patience. Riders with 26-inch or larger bikes need a different kit entirely. And if you cannot verify your battery's continuous discharge current, sort that out before you order, because an undersized pack will cut out under load and leave you pedaling a very heavy wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the LARIDEN kit come with a battery?
No. The kit includes the rear wheel with the 1500W hub motor, the tire mounted, an LCD display, a PAS sensor, brake levers with power cutoff, and the controller. You supply a 48V battery. Buy one with enough discharge current to feed a 1500W motor, roughly 30A continuous or better.
Will this fit my bike?
It fits 20-inch wheels only. Measure your rear dropout spacing before ordering, and check that a folding frame has clearance for the wider hub body. Fat tire folders from brands like Lectric, Fiido, and Rad Power use 20-inch wheels, but dropout widths vary between models.
How fast does it go?
The listing claims up to 55 km/h, which is about 34 miles per hour. Real speed depends on your battery voltage, rider weight, and local law. Many places limit ebikes to 20 or 28 mph, so check your local rules before wiring in the full power.
Do I need the PAS sensor or can I use a throttle?
The kit ships with a PAS sensor that reads your pedaling and feeds power accordingly. Check the listing photos and contents list for throttle inclusion. Some LARIDEN variants include a thumb throttle, some do not, and sellers change the bundle without notice.
Is a gearless hub motor reliable?
Gearless hubs have fewer moving parts than geared hubs, so there is nothing inside to strip. They are heavier and drag slightly when you pedal without power. For a 1500W build that lives at high torque, the gearless design is the more durable choice.