LR3

As a fun project i wanted to put together an DIY ebike. I was originally going to use an ICE but have concerns about the noise level.

Unfortunately my knowledge of bikes is a bit limited. I am considering a beach cruiser or some sort of hybrid since i prefer a more upright riding position, but looking to avoid trusting my life to a Walmart bike. Is there an ideal bike that is sturdy enough for this sort of thing?

Currently looking at a Fuji Saratoga or Giant Cypress that are available to me locally.

(imgur.com/a/w8xoGB6 for photos. Wont let me post URLs for some reason.)

Doc_Wui

I bought a $79 Walmart fatbike once. Replaced everything but the steel frame, but the frame is very strong. Forks. Handlebars. Shifters. Derailleur. Crank. Pedals, Pedal arms. Brakes. Tires. Tubes. All got changed after I electrified it. Should have bought a $499 model initally from bikesdirect.com.

On the other hand, spending $500 to start on a bike I didn't need just wouldn't have happened, but getting in cheap at $79 and doing a slow upgrade with a little money every few months ...that kind of sneaked it in,

I think you want to pick a bike where you like how it looks and if it will support your choice of motor/battery. It should have good brakes front and rear. For speeds consistently above 20 mph, having disks is good because you can upgrade to hydraulic if you like to tinker, but slower speeds allow rim brakes.

2old

Electra, owned by Trek, makes dynamite cruisers IMO; should be a great platform for a conversion. If you want to spend less, search craigslist (or comparable) for a
late 80's - mid 90's steel MTB.

skookum

I would look for an older steel framed mountain bike with front suspension that fits.
A cruiser would be fine too, its just that there are lots of older mtn bikes for sale
Put a hub motor on it and you are good to go.

I recently converted an old 80s era Stumpjumper. It worked great.

Good luck with your project.

Fatikngage

what does it cost

Robert C

I think this is the bikes direct bike I went with on my current build. Very simply, I went for the cheapest thing that looked like it would fit a battery and had hydraulic brakes.

Here it is now:

Frankenbike27

I trusted my life to a wal-mart $100 CDN for 2 years, the last year with a motor. i will put it against any other 450 watt bike. a baby wishes it's ass was as smooth as this thing runs. i MAINTAIN it