The LTIGOAW 20-inch 48V 2000W conversion kit on Amazon is a 2000W rear-hub-motor on a 20" fat-tire wheel. That's a great deal of power in such a compact form. The LTIGOAW 20" fat tire 48V 2000W conversion kit is a high-powered hub-motor in the market of complete rear-wheel packages specifically for fat tire bikes.
Check the current price on Amazon.
Specs and Build Quality
The LTIGOAW kit comes equipped with a brushless gearless direct drive hub motor. 2000 watts continuous power is serious power for a hub-motor. That places it in the same class as high-powered kits from Voilamart and ebikeling, however on a 20" fat-tire wheel rather than a standard 26".
The conversion kit features an LCD display, a rated torque of 65 nm, and a claimed top speed of 34 mph. We'll go through what this kit really offers.
Fat-tire bikes (with their large wheels) are extremely popular for snow, sand, and off-road adventures. Since the motor does not have to put out as much energy to accelerate the smaller-diameter 20" wheel as it would for a larger-diameter wheel (such as 26"), the large diameter wheel provides the mechanical advantage needed to provide massive torque at the rim.
The rated torque for the motor is 65 nm. Direct-drive hubs are generally capable of producing more torque at lower rpms. However, 65nm from a direct-drive is respectable. The motor should pull hard from a dead stop and maintain speed well on moderate hills.
The manufacturer claims the unit can reach up to 55 km/h (about 34 mph). Of course actual speed depends on battery voltage, rider weight and terrain. A fully charged 48V battery will give you much better speed than one at only 30% charge. Expect mid-to-high 20's in practical riding conditions with an average rider.
Noise is rated at under 55db. Quiet. Since they lack the planetary gears that whine, direct-drive motors are generally quieter than geared hubs. You should be able to barely hear the LTIGOAW motor over tire noise and wind at speed.
Rated efficiency is listed at above 83%. Typical for direct-drive hub motors. Geared hubs may achieve higher efficiency numbers. However, direct-drive units make up for their lower efficiency due to simplicity and durability. No gears means there's less chance of stripping or wear-out.
The motor housing is aluminum alloy painted with baking finish. Paint looks durable based on product images. Axle has machined flats for mounting torque arms. With 2000 watts of power, torque arms are mandatory. Under heavy throttle application, the axle will attempt to spin inside your dropouts. Do not skip this.
Installation and Compatibility
Installation of rear-wheel hub motors typically involves dealing with the drivetrain, derailleur and freewheel. The LTIGOAW kit was designed specifically for 20-inch fat tire bikes which significantly narrows the compatibility window.
compatibility checklist:
Wheel is 20 inches wide x 4 inch wide fat tire. Only fits frames designed for 20x4 fat tires. Think electric folding fat tire bikes like Lectric xp, RadExpand and similar models. Also fits custom fat tire builds, trikes and some cargo bikes. Does not fit standard 26", 27.5", or 700C frames. Measure your dropout spacing before ordering. LTIGOAW motor axle must fit your frame.
step-by-step installation:
- Remove existing rear wheel and tire
- Install torque arms on both sides of rear dropouts
- Mount LTIGOAW wheel and tighten axle nuts
- Mount controller to frame
- Run motor cable along chain stay
- Hook-up LCD display, Thumb throttle and brake levers
- Hook-up battery and test system
Kit includes power off brake handles compatible with either disc brakes or v-breaks. Nice touch. Many budget kits only support one type of brake system. LTIGOAW levers work with either, so you don't need to swap out your current brake system.
Thumb throttle included. Thumb throttles are more comfortable than twist throttles for off-road riding where you want to keep a firm grip on the handlebars. They also take up less space on the bar.
LCD display shows speed, battery level, trip distance, odometer and PAS level. Display backlit for nighttime riding. Should be easy to read in most lighting conditions based on product images.
Controller is separate unit which requires frame mounting. Plugs into color-coded connectors using plug-n-play wiring. No soldering required. Budget around two-to-three hours for first time installation.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
As of now, the LTIGOAW kit has nine reviews on Amazon with an average rating of four stars (4/5). That's a decent sample size for a relatively new kit. Overall rating is solid.
Positive feedback highlights the great amount of power and acceleration provided by the motor. Reviewers have reported good hill climbing ability and top end speed from the motor. In addition to positive feedback regarding power and performance, several reviewers mentioned the fat tire compatibility as another reason why they purchased the kit. Some builders who installed this kit on Lectric xp and other similar folding fat tire bikes have mentioned they had good fitment and performance.
Negative comments mentioned issues with controller mounting bracket and difficulty routing wiring. Several reviewers mentioned instructions could be clearer. That's common with budget conversion kits. Instructions usually include photocopies with basic diagrams.
Average star rating from 9 reviews of 4.1 stars is encouraging. No major red flags in feedback. Kit appears to deliver its promised power levels based upon what buyers are saying.
Who Is This Kit For?
If you're the owner of a fat tire bike looking for serious power, then this kit would be a perfect choice. If you have a fat tire folding bike and want to turn it into a 2000 watt monster, then the combination of 2000W power and the 20-inch wheel is extremely rare in a single package.
Also, if you're planning on building a fat tire tricycle, cargo bike, or off road machine from scratch, this kit provides complete solution to your rear wheel needs with motor pre-laced into rim (no wheel building required).
who should pass:
Standard mountain bikes and road bikes with 26-inch or 700C wheels cannot use this kit. 20-inch fat tire wheel does not fit standard frame sizes. If you have regular mtb or road bike, search for 26-inch or 700C hub-kits instead.
Additionally, builders looking for stealthy or light weight conversions should consider other options. 2000W direct drive hubs are heavily weighted, adding significant mass to rear of vehicle. Vehicle will feel rear heavy.
Lastly, builders requiring only moderate power should consider smaller kits (i.e., 1000W or 1500W). Larger kilowattage draws greater battery consumption. Thus, choose a higher capacity 48 volt battery to achieve acceptable range.
To compare different power levels and types of motors check our e-bike conversion kits guide to find right match for your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a battery included with the LTIGOAW kit?
No, you need to purchase a separate 48V e-bike battery. A 2000W motor consumes huge amounts of energy. Therefore, select a battery with a high discharge rating, at least a 30 amp BMS (battery management system). Plan on spending a few hundred dollars for a quality battery that can properly feed this motor.
What bikes will a 20x4 fat tire wheel fit?
A 20x4 fat tire wheel will only fit folding fat tire bikes such as Lectric xp, RadExpand, etc. Will also fit custom fat tire builds, trikes and cargo bikes designed for 20x4 tires. Does not fit standard 26", 27.5", or 700C frames. Measure your dropout spacing prior to purchase since the LTIGOAW motor axle must fit your frame.
How fast is the real world top speed?
Manufacturer states max speed of approximately 34 mph. Actual speed varies depending upon rider weight, battery voltage and terrain. Expect mid-high twenties with average rider and standard 48V battery. Higher voltage battery (i.e., 52V) will increase max speed.
How much torque does the motor produce?
65 nm (newtons meters), which is very strong for a direct drive hub motor. Due to the mechanical advantage of the smaller-diameter wheel, the motor produces tremendous torque at the rim when accelerating. The motor should easily climb moderate-sized hills without breaking a sweat.
Do I really need to install torque arms with a 2000W motor?
Yes. A 2000 watt hub motor produces an enormous amount of torque. As soon as you apply heavy throttle, the axle will attempt to spin inside your dropouts. Install heavy-duty torque arms on each side of your rear dropouts. Do not ignore this warning, costly frame damage awaits you.
Is the motor weather resistant?
The motor housing utilizes seals/gaskets and sealed bearings. Therefore, it should withstand rain and wet roads. Avoid using a high-pressure washer and excessive water in puddles. The controller is the most susceptible area, so mount the controller away from direct water spray.
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