Design and Retrofitting of a Low-cost Electric Bicycle

An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is essentially a traditional bicycle equipped with an electric motor and battery. The motor assists the rider while pedalling, providing an additional power source to make cycling easier and more accessible. The aim of this research is to design and retrofit a low-cost electric bicycle (e-bike) with a focus on affordability and wider market adoption. A functional e-bike was constructed, achieving a cruising speed of 25 km/hr with a 48v battery (6 Ah capacity) and a 48v, 250-watt electric motor. This combination prioritizes a balance between range, power assistance, and cost. The total cost was estimated at around N324,000. Recommendations for future iterations include incorporating regenerative braking to improve efficiency, exploring lightweight frame materials to extend range, and utilizing readily available battery formats to reduce replacement costs. Additionally, integrating a gear-shifting system and considering alternative motor placements like hub motors are suggested for potential performance enhancements. This research demonstrates the feasibility of constructing a functional e-bike with a focus on affordability, paving the way for increased eco-friendly transportation options.

Keywords:

APA Referencing Format

Wofuru-Nyenke, O. K. (2025). Design and Retrofitting of a Low-cost Electric Bicycle. International Journal of Engineering Analysis and Computations (IJEAC), 1(1), 1-11.

1. AlSabah, N., AlDuaij, D., AlHamad, N., Ebrahim Esmaeili, S., & Guindi, M. (2024). Design and Mechanical Assembly of a Solar Powered Bicycle. International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems, 16(1), 1-10.
2. Ayetor, G. K., Mbonigaba, I., & Mashele, J. (2023). Feasibility of electric two and three-wheelers in Africa. Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation, 2(4), 100106.
3. Beer, F., Johnston, E., Mazurek, D., Cornwell, P., & Self, B. (2025). VECTOR MECHANICS FOR ENGINEERS: STATICS AND DYNAMICS, SI. McGraw Hill.
4. Beer, F. P., Johnston Jr, E. R., DeWolf, J. T., & Mazurek, D. F. (2006). Mechanics of materials. In: McGraw Hill.
5. Eto, M. (2016). Innovation created from differences in regulations: A case study of the electric-assist bicycle. 2016 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET)
6. Giki, P., Andrieu, V.-M., Martin, E., Senyagwa, J., Mugusi, D., & Rweleza, D. (2024). Pre-Feasibility Study on the Use of Electric Bicycles for Urban Deliveries.
7. Greyson, K. A., Gerutu, G. B., Mohamed, C. H., & Chombo, P. V. (2021). Exploring the adoption of e-bicycle for student mobility in rural and urban areas of Tanzania. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 45, 101206.
8. Hiep, D. V., Tran, N. H., Tuan, N. A., Hung, T. M., Duc, N. V., & Tung, H. (2023). Assessment of electric two-wheelers development in establishing a national e-mobility roadmap to promote sustainable transport in Vietnam. Sustainability, 15(9), 7411.
9. Hung, N. B., & Lim, O. (2020). A review of history, development, design and research of electric bicycles. Applied Energy, 260, 114323.
10. Langford, B. C., Cherry, C. R., Bassett Jr, D. R., Fitzhugh, E. C., & Dhakal, N. (2017). Comparing physical activity of pedal-assist electric bikes with walking and conventional bicycles. Journal of Transport & Health, 6, 463-473
11. MacArthur, J., & Kobel, N. (2014). Regulations of E-bikes in North America.
12. Rajper, S. Z., & Albrecht, J. (2020). Prospects of electric vehicles in the developing countries: A literature review. Sustainability, 12(5), 1906.
13. Ruan, Y., Hang, C.-C., Wang, Y., & Ma, R. (2013). The role of government in an emerging disruptive innovation: The case of E-bikes in China. In Disruptive Innovation in Chinese and Indian Businesses (pp. 50-67). Routledge.
14. Ruan, Y., Hang, C. C., & Wang, Y. M. (2014). Government׳ s role in disruptive innovation and industry emergence: The case of the electric bike in China. Technovation, 34(12), 785-796.
15. Salmeron-Manzano, E., & Manzano-Agugliaro, F. (2018). The electric bicycle: Worldwide research trends. Energies, 11(7), 1894.
16. Stelling, A., Vlakveld, W., & Twisk, D. (2021). Influencing factors of observed speed and rule compliance of speed-pedelec riders in high volume cycling areas: Implications for safety and legislation. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 159, 106239.
17. Theraja, B. (2014). A textbook of electrical technology. S. Chand Publishing.
18. Yadav, N., Patil, D., Jadhav, S. P., Kanase, D., & Prasad, S. (2024). Electric Bicycle using Pedal Assist System (PAS). 2024 IEEE International Students' Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Computer Science (SCEECS)