hub motor kit recommendation
 

i'm going to build this ebike around a vintage 26" atb frame. this is a recreational build and does not have to withstand daily heavy use/abuse. total system weight (bike, self, and motor/battery) will shake out to about 250lbs, and i don't need to go faster than 20-25mph. i want to spend less than $500usd on a complete kit - hub motor laced into rear wheel, battery, controllers, connectors, etc all included. what's your recommendation?

amazon or ebay at that price range. pick one with some kind of display most of those allow at least for some programing. the cheapest ones with just a throttle with lights that show battery level are pretty much throttle only(they may come with a PAS sensor but no way to adjust).

what ever you get in that price range will be direct drive, heavy, and probably 36volt.

You can find direct drive hub kits that are reliable (mine is six years old) for $200, and (probably) a 48V battery for $300, but don't store or charge the battery where you wouldn't want a fire. Alternatively, procure a good battery for $500 or so from a reputable vendor (Luna Cycle, em3ev to name two) and you'll be safer.

Here is one of the few reputable Chinese battery manufacturers. They stock many batteries right here in the USA and you often get the battery in a few days. Stick with 3,500 mah 18650 cells manufactured under Panasonic, LG, and Samsung. you will pay more for the battery but its worth it. They often run sales.
https://unitpackpowerebikebattery.al...26837301p32wOS

Try Swytch bike (UK) - just Google it.

I do like the ebikeling geared motor kits on amazon. They used to be under $200, but got more expensive. Read the reviews. He is a US based seller. The stuff is chinese, but he appears to be responsive.