Mid-Drive Kits
Mid-Drive Kits

Mid-Drive Kits

Mid Drive Electric Bike Kit

At REV Bikes, we are dedicated to delivering top-tier electric bike conversion solutions, and our mid-drive electric bike kits are no exception. If you want to enhance your cycling performance, especially for off-road adventures or long-distance commutes, the Mid Drive Motor by REV Bikes is the ultimate choice for power, balance, and efficiency.

What is a Mid Drive Electric Bike Kit?

A mid-drive electric bike kit is designed to convert your standard bicycle into a powerful electric bike, with the motor placed at the bike's bottom bracket, where the pedals and crankset are located. Unlike hub motors that are located in the centre of the wheel, the mid-drive motor provides power to the bike's chain, allowing for better weight distribution, improved torque in lower gears, and more control when navigating different terrains.

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With the motor at your bike's centre, you benefit from balanced handling, making it ideal for riders who need extra power without sacrificing stability.

Why Choose a Mid Drive Motor?

There are several advantages to choosing a Mid Drive Motor over other e-bike conversion systems:

  • Better Weight Distribution: With the motor located at the bike's centre, the weight is evenly balanced, providing improved stability and handling, especially on uneven terrain.
  • Increased Torque: Mid Drive Motors are known for delivering high torque when using the bike’s low gears, which is perfect for climbing steep hills and riding through rugged trails. This control over the power and speed makes a significant difference for off-road enthusiasts and long-distance commuters.
  • Efficient Power Usage: By powering the bike through the chain, the motors take advantage of the bike's gears, making the motor more efficient and extending the range of your ride.
  • Improved Functionality: Since the motor is not in the wheel, you maintain the ability to easily change tyres or fix a flat without dealing with the complexity of hub motor systems.

Explore Our Range of Mid Drive Conversion Kits

At REV Bikes, we offer a variety of Mid Drive Conversion Kits that are perfect for cyclists looking to upgrade their ride. These kits have everything you need to convert your regular bike into a high-performing electric bike with a mid-drive motor.

Key Components of a Mid Drive Conversion Kit:

  • Mid Drive Motor: The heart of the kit provides the power to propel your bike with enhanced torque and efficiency.
  • Battery: A high-capacity battery keeps your bike running long distances without frequent recharges.
  • Controller: The device that regulates the motor's speed and power output, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. Built into mid-drive motors.
  • Dashboard Display: Provides control of your e-bike's power levels, and displays necessary ride data such as speed, distance, and battery life.
  • Throttle and controls: Optional throttle to get power separate to your pedalling. Gear and brake cutout sensors.

Why Choose a Crank Drive Motor for Your E-Bike Conversion?

Unlike hub motors, Crank Drive Motors are installed at your bike's front chainring, and provide power to the rear wheel via the chain. Since the rider can adjust the torque and speed by changing the mechanical gears, the feel of assistance is more natural, allowing for a smoother and more responsive ride.

With this technical control over torque, these motors are ideal for tackling steep hills and rugged terrain, providing the extra power needed for challenging rides. The motors are compatible with a wide range of bikes, from carbon mountain bikes to hybrid commuters and cargo bikes, making them a versatile option for riders who want to enjoy the benefits of electric power without buying a new bike.

We have a range of both torque-sensing mid-drive conversion kits (meaning the motor gives you more power when you push harder on the pedals, and backs off when you back off, regardless of the level of assist you choose), and Cadence-sensing mid-drive kits too (the motor does not vary if your pedal pressure changes, it just varies as you adjust the level of assist).

The cadence-sensing BAFANG Mid Drive Kit (with 250w to 1000w motor options) is equipped with a powerful motor that delivers up to 120Nm of torque, making it perfect for climbing steep inclines and tackling off-road trails. With its mid-drive design, the motor takes full advantage of your bike's gears, offering more efficient power usage and extending your ride range.

Frequently Asked Questions  

What's unique about a mid-drive electric bike kit compared to other types?

A mid-drive electric bike kit is unique because it places the motor at the bike's centre, near the pedals. This central position offers several advantages. It provides a more natural riding feel, as the motor's power is applied through the bike's gears, just like your pedalling. This makes mid-drive systems particularly effective on hills and varied terrain. They also keep the bike's weight centralised, which improves handling and balance. Mid-drive kits with torque-sensing power delivery, like the new CYC models, are popular for their efficiency - they only enhance what the rider is doing in terms of effort, resulting in longer range per charge.

How do I know if a BAFANG mid-drive kit will fit my bike?

First, check your bike's bottom bracket - the part where the pedal cranks attach. BAFANG kits typically fit standard 68-73mm bottom bracket shells, unless you order a longer axle model or an adapter. You'll also need to ensure your frame has enough clearance around the bottom bracket area to accommodate the motor. Chain line is another consideration, wide chainstays can be problematic for motor and chainring clearance. It's also worth checking the kit's wattage - remember, for road use in Australia, you're limited to 250W of continuous power. If you're unsure, send us a picture of your bike and we can try to advise, or visit your local Installer.

What maintenance does a crank drive motor (mid-drive) require?

Regular checks should include ensuring all mounting bolts are tight, as the motor's torque can cause loosening over time. The chainring and chain will wear faster than regular bikes, so they'll need more frequent replacement. Keeping the motor clean and dry is crucial, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions. Some models have a port for adding grease to internal gears - check your manual for specific instructions. We recommend a motor service and grease change every 4000kms or so. While the motor is usually sealed and low-maintenance, the sensors and connections should be kept clean and checked periodically.

How does the power delivery of a mid-drive conversion kit compare to a hub motor?

Mid-drive motors apply power through the bike's chain and gears, which is more technical to use, but allows for more nuanced and efficient power use. You'll notice this especially when climbing hills - a mid-drive motor can gear down to increase torque (while dropping speed), where a hub motor only has the one gear ratio to work with. The mid-drive's central position also provides a more balanced feel, particularly when cornering or on rough terrain. Hub motors, in contrast, provide power directly to the wheel, which can feel more like a "push" or "pull". But hub motors tend to maintain a more consistent speed across different terrains.