When it comes to e-bikes, the first thing people think of are expensive units made by established brands. However, that isn't the only option. Many consumers are now turning to affordable DIY options. At a base cost of less than 130 dollars, the LARIDEN 48V 1000W 24 inch conversion kit is a great example of such an option.
Many of these budget kits arrive at your door as just a motor wheel and require you to source a separate controller, display and brake cutoffs. The LARIDEN kit includes the entire setup. The motor wheel, controller, controller bag, LCD screen, throttle, brake levers, manuals, and mounting hardware are all in the box. While this may not be a turn-key solution like a mid-drive conversion, it is as close to one as you can get at this price point without using a mid-drive.
Specs and Quality
At the center of the kit is a brushless 1000W direct drive front hub motor rated for 48V systems. According to LARIDEN's specifications, the motor produces 40 N.m of torque and reaches a top speed of approximately 31.69 mph. These specs fall within the higher end of what you typically find in direct drive hubs in this price range. The torque spec is enough to handle both flat and moderately hilly terrain.
The speed rating assumes a 48V fully charged battery, a lightweight rider and flat ground. Based on those assumptions, your actual top speed will likely be slightly less. The torque spec is much more relevant to how the kit performs during acceleration. Since a 24 inch wheel will reach speed very quickly, 40 N.m is more than sufficient.
Materials used throughout the kit are consistent with what you'd expect from an entry-level product. In addition to aluminum for the motor housing and copper for the windings, the tire is made of rubber and the various mounting components are constructed out of stainless steel.
What sets this kit apart from many others in this category is the comprehensive control package. Five user-adjustable speed levels allow you to adjust the amount of assist based on your needs at any given moment. Additionally, there is a cruise function available. Cruise functions are rarely seen on products at this price point. The LCD display provides instant access to speed, battery level, gear selection, and mileage traveled.
Installation and Compatibility
There are really only two questions to determine compatibility with this kit. First, do you currently use 24 inch wheels on your bike? Second, do you own a bike with a standard front fork? If your answer to either or both of these questions is yes then you are eligible to purchase this kit. It's designed for bikes running 24 inch tires. Unfortunately, if you ride 26 inch, 27.5 inch, 700C or fat tires, this wheel won't fit your frame.
As mentioned earlier, front-wheel conversions tend to be the easiest form of conversion to learn. As a result, this kit leans heavily into that advantage. Simply replace the existing front wheel with the new motorized wheel, mount the controller in the provided bag, route the wire through your frame, and connect the throttle and brake levers. One major advantage here is that since this is a front-wheel conversion, your existing drivetrain remains intact. Therefore, no modifications need to take place to your bottom bracket or rear derailleur.
In terms of completeness, the kit contains virtually every component required to complete a functional installation. Specifically, you get one wheel hub motor, one controller, a controller bag, an LCD display, a thumb throttle, two brake levers, three manuals, and all mounting hardware. As stated by LARIDEN, no additional components are necessary beyond what comes in the box.
However, you will need to purchase a suitable battery for use with this kit. A 48 volt battery will be necessary as well as any associated connectors or charging cables. The kit will not provide a compatible battery due to the varying types of batteries available. Additionally, the brake levers contain motor cut-off switches. Again, this is a significant safety feature at this price point as it prevents you from battling against excessive braking power.
Quality Expectations
We must be completely transparent with you regarding expectations. Currently, there are zero customer reviews posted online for this specific model. Although this is not inherently problematic it could potentially be concerning for potential buyers.
While we understand that every brand-new product posting presents some degree of uncertainty, when purchasing a relatively powerful 1000 watt hub kit from a brand with essentially no reputation online, we cannot recommend buying it unless you truly feel confident about doing so.
Again, while there is certainly some safety net built into the process, such as LARIDEN's 90 day limited manufacturer warranty as well as Amazon's 30 day return policy, if you choose to buy early you are taking on all of the risks associated with being the first person to utilize their product for extended periods of time. Although we wouldn't say it is a deal-breaker by itself, we felt obligated to address the lack of reviews publicly.
As always, we encourage you to consult our conversion kit comparison page as well as our blog section for helpful tips related to converting your bike including battery choices and build guides prior to making your decision. If you want to weigh this kit against other front hub options, the ebike conversion kits table is a good place to compare by price per watt.
Overall, if you're looking for a quality-built 1000 watt conversion kit that runs on 24 inch wheels at an affordable price point, then this seems like a viable option. Just be sure to factor in an additional cost for a suitable battery to match your desired performance capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this kit include a battery?
Unfortunately not. You'll need to buy a separate 48 volt ebike battery.
What size bike does this fit?
Only 24 inch front wheels.
How fast will it actually go?
LARIDEN lists the maximum speed at around 31.69 mph, however that assumes a number of factors including full charge of the battery, minimal wind resistance and minimal elevation gain. In reality your speeds will likely be significantly lower depending upon these variables.
Do I need torque arms for my 1000W front hub?
Yes. We highly recommend using torque arms with any high powered front wheel motors. They help prevent damage from twisting forces applied directly to your frame dropouts.
Is installing difficult for a novice?
Not particularly difficult. Front wheel installations are generally considered to be among the easiest forms of conversions for beginners.
If you want to see how the LARIDEN 48V 1000W 24 inch conversion kit stacks up against other budget hub kits, check our conversion kit comparison page. And for more building guidance, browse the gomotorbikes blog.