In 2024, tens of thousands Electric bike kits were sold in France. This figure reflects a growing enthusiasm for converting classic bicycles into electric bikes. More economical than a new electric bike, the electric bike kit allows for a combination of performance, durability and personalization.
But with a constantly evolving range of options, which electric bike kit should you choose for your bicycle in 2025? Should you opt for a hub motor or a mid-drive motor? Which battery is best? In this article, we'll help you see things more clearly so you can convert your bike into an electric bike efficiently, sustainably, and safely.
Below is a great electric bike with our Virvolt 900 Kit 🇫🇷 ⬇️

Summary
-
Why convert your bicycle into an electric bicycle?
-
What types of electric bike kits are available?
-
How to choose the best electric bike kit in 2025?
-
Maintenance and longevity of electrical kits
-
Environmental impact and financial aid
-
Conclusion
1. Why convert your bicycle into an electric bicycle?
What are the advantages of an electrification kit?
Install a electrical kit This allows you to transform almost any bicycle into an electric bike, at a price much lower than that of a new e-bike. This option is increasingly appealing to urban users, recreational cyclists, and even environmentally conscious citizens who decide to keep their old bikes.
THE conversion kit This offers an ecological, economical, and modular alternative. By reusing your bicycle, you reduce electronic waste associated with the production of new bicycles, while benefiting from pedal assistance tailored to your needs.
Adding a electric motor kit It facilitates travel, encourages soft mobility and expands the cyclist's range, making it easier to tackle hills or headwinds.
Why not just buy an electric bike directly?
The average price of a new e-bike is between 2,000 and 2,500 euros. In comparison, a good electric motor kit Prices start around €500 for entry-level models, and can go up to €1,500 for high-performance kits.
The kit also allows you to upgrade an already popular bike, often better equipped, lighter, and more comfortable than some standard e-bikes sold in supermarkets. Furthermore, the modularity of a kit allows you to adapt the battery, power output, or interface to your needs.
And if you love your bike and want to keep it, the electric kit is the best option!
Do you need to be a handyman to electrify a bicycle?
Yes, the majority of electric bike kits They are designed for installation with bicycle tools and can take 30 minutes to 2 hours. Many brands offer video tutorials or detailed guides.
At the house of Virvolt, Our partners install the electrification kits on your bikes because this guarantees installation by a cycling professional and a check of your bike's safety features. You're going to add a motor to your bike, so you need to be sure that the brakes and frame are in good working order!
2.What types of electric bike kits are available?
Which engine technology should I choose?
There are two main types of motors in Virvolt conversion kits, and in electric bikes in general. Each is suited to different uses and bikes:
-
Front or rear wheel motor
These kits are easy to install because they replace the original wheel with a motorized one. They are ideal for urban commuting or riding on flat terrain. The motor is integrated into the hub and directly drives the wheel.

-
bottom bracket motor
More complex to install, this type of motor is positioned at the bottom bracket. It offers higher torque and more natural and responsive assistance thanks to the torque sensor, making it ideal for hilly terrain, mountain biking, or cargo bikes.

Virvolt offers these three types in its 2025 range: front wheel motor (Virvolt 500), rear wheel motor (Virvolt 750) and bottom bracket motor (Virvolt 900).
Which kit should I choose for an electric mountain bike?
For off-road use, a electric mountain bike kit A mid-drive motor is generally recommended. It ensures better weight distribution, optimized traction on climbs, and precise effort management.
Kits like the Virvolt 900 They are designed to withstand demanding conditions: shocks, dust, humidity. They are perfectly suited to technical trails, while offering smooth and powerful assistance.
What are the available battery capacities?
The range of an electric kit depends on several factors: the battery capacity, the level of assistance chosen, the type of terrain (flat or hilly).
Here are some key points:
-
Urban use : between 40 and 70 km with a 250 to 400 Wh battery
-
Mixed use or mountain biking : between 70 and 110 km with a 500 to 750 Wh battery
The batteries in Virvolt kits are removable, recharge in 3 to 6 hours, and guarantee a long lifespan.
Here is a brief overview of the batteries we offer in our catalog. ⬇️

3.How to choose the best electric bike kit in 2025?
What criteria should be taken into account?
To choose a electric bike kit To adapt it, several elements must be considered:
-
Compatibility with your frame : Check the brakes (discs or V-brakes), the wheel axle width, and the bottom bracket type (BSA standard).
-
Engine type : Front wheel, rear wheel or crankset depending on your use and your bike
-
Engine power : limited to 250W to comply with road regulations, but you can check the motor torque (generally from 30 to 80 Nm)
-
Sensors : A pedal sensor is basic, but a torque sensor offers more responsive and natural assistance.
-
Ease of installation : some kits are almost “plug and play & "play," others require a bit more mechanical skill
-
Aesthetics and integration : The kit must integrate discreetly and securely into your bike.
Comparison: Front wheel/rear wheel motor vs. bottom bracket motor
| Criteria | Front wheel/rear wheel motor | bottom bracket motor |
|---|---|---|
| Position | In the front or rear wheel | At the bottom bracket |
| Facility | Very simple, quick | More technical |
| Engine torque | 30–50 Nm (average) | 60–100 Nm (high) |
| Driving sensation | Linear assistance | More natural, responsive |
| Weight | Lightweight (2 to 3 kg) | Heavier (3 to 5 kg) |
| Bicycle compatibility | Fast axis | Standard BSA bottom bracket |
| Price | Less expensive (from €400) | More expensive (€800 and up) |
| Recommended uses | City, flat routes | Mountain biking, long distances, hilly terrain, cargo bikes |
| Maintenance | Weak | More regular |
Is it possible to have a universal kit?
There are so-called universal kits, but be aware that compatibility remains key. The brakes, the wheel diameter (26", 27,5", (700c), the fork and bottom bracket widths must be compatible. At Virvolt, each kit comes with a detailed guide and an online tool to check compatibility with your bike.
If you are unsure, it is best to seek advice from a specialist or choose a kit adapted to your bike to avoid disappointment.
4. Maintenance and longevity of electrical kits
How to maintain your electrical kit?
An electric kit, whether in the wheel or the crankset, requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. It is essential to keep the connectors clean and dry, check that the components (motor, battery, controller) are securely fastened, and inspect the condition of the cables.
For wheel motors, it is recommended to regularly check the condition of the motorized tires and hubs. For bottom bracket motors, maintenance of the bottom bracket must be carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
What lifespan can be expected?
A well-maintained kit can operate efficiently for 5 to 7 years. The battery, however, typically has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, depending on its use and maintenance (avoid frequent deep discharges, do not store at full charge for extended periods).
Virvolt also offers spare parts and maintenance services to extend the life of your kit and repair it for as long as possible.
5. Environmental impact and financial aid
Why choose an eco-friendly electric kit?
Choosing an electric kit is also a gesture for the planet. Converting an existing bike limits the carbon impact associated with manufacturing a new, complete electric bike, which is often complex to recycle.
Furthermore, using an electric bike reduces dependence on cars, decreases urban pollution and encourages softer mobility.
What financial aid is available for bicycle electrification in 2025?
Many local authorities offer subsidies for the purchase of a electric assistance kit. These subsidies can cover between 20% and 50% of the kit price, depending on the region.
It is important to check with your town hall, departmental or regional council to find out about the regulations in force.
6. Conclusion
By 2025, the diversity and quality of electric bike kits making electrification accessible to everyone. Whether you're an urban cyclist, an athlete, or a budget-conscious user, there's a Virvolt kit to suit your needs.
Take the time to compare options, check compatibility with your bike, and choose a reliable brand for optimal results. Finally, don't forget to check local grants available to finance your project.bicycle electrification.
👉 And you? Have you already taken the plunge? Feel free to leave a comment or share this article with other cyclists seeking autonomy and freedom.




Share:
Used bike electrification: essential checks
5 preconceived ideas about the electrification of a bicycle