The Leed 30k E-Bike Kit offers an affordable, low impact way to convert a regular bicycle into a simple electric bike. It’s relatively easy to setup, won’t add a lot of weight to your bike and manages to keep the weight it does add under control and well placed (unless you’ve got a step-through bike in which case you might need a rear rack to mount the battery). At less than 15 pounds total, this kit won’t impact ride quality or make pedaling much harder even when the system is off or empty. It features high quality Lithium-ion battery cells by Samsung and a geared hub motor from 8FUN that’s quiet and durable. Depending on the options you choose, the entire kit may cost under $800 which is pretty good if you’re going to convert a bike you already own. You won’t be getting a variable speed throttle, pedal assist, or much power with this kit but it’s still fun to use and the customer support and warranty from Leed is good.
The motor driving this kit is a 250 watt geared design by 8FUN which is a trusted name in the ebike space. In Europe, electric bicycle motors are limited to 250 watts or less but in the US, where 500 watt is common, this motor could be considered small and weak. However, since it’s geared you get extra torque for starting off and climbing minor hills. It worked great for me on flats and could even begin to climb as long as I had some speed going in. If you plan to ride into the wind or encounter a lot of hills then you should expect to pedal along with this kit. Overall, the motor is quiet and the optional quick release levers worked very well with my bike. Just make sure to check how close the hub motor is to your forks arms and use the included washers to create appropriate space so it won’t rub (I talk about this in the video above briefly).
One of the coolest parts about this kit is that it’s available in a wide range of wheel sizes. You can get the motor spoked into rims designed for 24″, 36″ and 700c or 29″ tires. If your bike has very small wheels that require 20″ tires or the new 27.5″ 650b diameter then you’ll have to pay an additional $120 but at least it’s available. This could be very handy if you’re building an electric push trailer because the 20″ wheel is common with Burley trailers and others. It could be a creative way to take the edge off pulling your kid or groceries around for example.
The battery pack driving this system is medium sized and comes packed in a black sack with multiple straps to keep it all secured. It’s not very sleek or attractive but the technology inside is good. It offers 24 volts of power and 10.4 amp hours of capacity which is medium/small (249.6 watt hours total). If you rode this system non-stop you’d probably go for about 50 minutes and reach ~17 miles depending on the wind, terrain etc. The upside here is that the battery pack is relatively small and light weight and the optional cases work really well. The charger is also light weight which makes it easy to carry along for charging at work or a friend’s house.
Connecting the motor to the battery a long black wire with a velcro encased button at one end. You plug one end of the wire into the motor and the other into the battery. Then strap the switch onto your handle bar somewhere that it will be easy to reach. The throttle button can be placed on the left or right handle, bar ends or drop bars. You can really get creative with this thing and I like that it’s so flexible but I was a little bummed that you have to hold the button down constantly to keep the motor running. Of course, this is a safety feature (in case you fall off, the bike will stop) and it’s not really that strenuous. The biggest drawback to the drive system is its lack of a battery capacity indicator. You really just have to guess how much juice is left before running out and having to pedal.
One quick battery tip: there is a toggle switch on the battery that goes from black to red when clicked. Black means off and red means on. Turn the battery off before plugging it into the charger and once it’s full you’ll see a green LED on the charger light up which means it’s okay to unplug (and it’s actually recommended to unplug once full in order to avoid damaging the battery by overheating).
All in all this was an enjoyable kit to ride. As shown in the video, assembling a new electric bike kit can take time and money that you didn’t expect to spend (the purchase of a new tube and tire or rack and bag) but it’s still much less expensive than a purpose built ebike. You’re not getting a lot of power, sophistication or drive options with the 30k E-Bike Kit (or any of the Leed systems I’ve tested) but you’re also not going to be weighed down. If reducing weight is your ultimate goal and you don’t mind sacrificing range then check out the PBJ by Leed as it’s a super-light weight option that costs under $500. Many of the parts used on this kit felt familiar and resembled the the Hill Topper ebike kit, which isn’t a bad thing. This is just one of the many kits offered by Leed that makes it easy to find your sweet spot between price and range.
One of the lightest weight, most affordable electric bike kits available anywhere (project did not reach funding goal on Kickstarter and was canceled, Leed offers other kits). Modest 24 volt battery and 250 watt motor use quality parts but aren't very powerful...
Jason
11 years agoHello
I just read and watched your review for the 5 minute 30k electric bike kite from Leeds.
– I wanted to know did the accessories like the bags come with the kit or do I need to but it separately.
– Also is the kit water proof can I ride it in the rain and such.
– Also do I need to buy all the accessories that you purchased like the computer and such.
– Do I have to buy a tire and tube or can I just use the tire and tube that came with my bike when purchased.
– Can this kit handel hills with less or no effort at all cause I have one really steep hill on my commute to and from work.
– Will this bike help me to enjoy my commute instead of being frustrated.
– Can I be able to dress for the occasion not the ride.
I just want to know that this kit can handel my everyday commutte and get me to and from my destination (work) with less or no effort not be sweating and tired and look like a disgusting mess when I arrive at my destination (work).
I just want to be able to enjoy my ride and commutte and not have to worry or be frustrated I just want the kit to do everything that it’s supposed to get me to and from my commute with no problems climb hills with ease and everything else.
Just make my commute less hard then it already is. I just want a kit that lives up to what it promised and meant for.
Thanks.
Keep up the great work I enjoy your videos and reviews.
Have a great day. :)
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoGreat questions Jason. I’ll try my best to respond and help you out based on my experiences with the kit: The bags, quick release levers, tube, tire and computer all cost extra. The bag seemed pretty water resistant but I haven’t tested it. The zipper area is coated with plastic so I’m sure it’s designed to be tight but cables have to come out (to go to the throttle button and motor) so there will be a gap where water could get in.
Funny you should ask about hills because I just did a hill test with the kit and made a video! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpwhpp-YjT8 depending on your weight and whether you pedal this kit can help with hills substantially but it won’t carry you up without some help. For me, it definitely makes hills and longer rides less frustrating and it does reduce how much you sweat and have to work though it’s not as powerful as some purpose built ebikes that operate more like scooters (but cost more).
There are lots of kits out there and you can find some stronger ones with more options at http://www.e-bikekit.com/ the Leed and Clean Republic kits are nice because they are simple, light weight and affordable. Thanks for the question and I hope this helps you! Feel free to ask more in the forums where more people will respond: https://electricbikereview.website/community/forums/leed/
ReplyTodd Pearson
10 years agoBE AWARE!! Leed ebike kit does not provide any warranties for their batteries. Although they claim that they have 2 year warranty but if you read their text loaded warranty page, that warranty does NOT cover their batteries. They also wanted to charge me 15% restocking fee when I tried to return the kit after 10 days I got it. Dishonest company. Be Aware!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoThanks for sharing this information Todd! I’m sorry to hear you had a lackluster experience with this kit. How long had you had the battery? What was the issue you encountered?
ReplySteve.
10 years agoI recently purchased this exact kit. I will start by saying that the product is exactly what I expected, and I am very happy with my purchase. But the 5 minute e-bike kit actually took 26 days. Here is the e-conversation it took to get it. At the point where I told her I had shipped my return package, I tracked the package and found out it had been delivered on 8/6/14! I then called and begged them to send me a replacement. I received it yesterday (8/20/14) and lo and behold they didn’t send a charger, after they had me send mine back to make sure it worked! So the charger was 2-dayed to me and should arrive tomorrow. Hard to believe a company with such a great product can have such lackluster customer service. More to come as I get some use on the thing.
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7/26/2014: Hello. I received my Samsung 30k kit yesterday(7/25/14) and have to say that I’m very disappointed. First the rim isn’t black like I ordered and the tire is not a cross tire as described in the FAQ. The tire is a high pressure smooth road tire. I can get past the fact that it won’t fit on my fork with my disc brake rotor attached, but once I got it installed and connected the battery, I got nothing. I’m assuming a bad controller is the problem. When I connected the charger, the light on the charger stayed green, so I assumed the battery came charged. There is no light on the battery or its switch. One of the leads to the switch was disconnected so I tried connecting it but still nothing. There should really be better instructions with pictures, the battery switch is red with a dot on one side, is it on or off with the dot side down? And which switch terminals do the leads belong on? One lead is attached to the center terminal. I didn’t have time to get a multimeter out to check for power, and the kit is at my workplace for the weekend. I will call you on Monday afternoon to see how this can be resolved. This was very disappointing after waiting so long for this kit. I’m hoping there is a simple fix, I was looking forward to trying your product out.
7/28/2014: Hi Steven, I am just replying to confirm that I will send you a return ship label as per our conversation this afternoon. If you have any other questions/concerns, please let me know. I am sorry you have had so much trouble with your kit. I will do everything I can to make things right!
8/12/2014: Any news you could give me? This is taking much longer than it should.
8/13/2014: Did you not receive the return shipping label that I sent you?
8/13/2014: I shipped that package on 7/29/14, the day after I got the label.
8/18/2014: Still waiting to hear that my replacements have been shipped.
8/18/2014: I apologize for forgetting to email you the tracking number.
8/18/2014: Thank you for your prompt response. Apology accepted. I look forward to trying out the kit.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Steve, bummer that it has taken so long to get the kit and actually try it out. Thanks for sharing your experience. the delays may be due in part to the upcoming bicycle shows in Europe and the US. I know that LEED is a smaller company that is just starting out, it’s still frustrating when this type of thing happens. I hope it’s smooth sailing for you from here on out :)
ReplySteve.
10 years agoThanks for your sympathy, Court. Alas though, smooth sailing was not to be had. Here’s my update:
When I received my replacement battery and called to tell them I needed the charger shipped QUICKLY, I was told that they upgraded my battery to the Ultra for my troubles. I have since weighed it at 4.25 lbs and measured it at 6.5″ X 3.5″ X 3″, definitely the 30K model and not the Ultra. That isn’t the kicker. I called later in the day to make sure that the charger was being shipped and was told that it was shipped 2 day express and would arrive on Friday. When it didn’t arrive on Friday, I called and asked for the tracking number. Here is the email I received:
>>>
Your tracking number isXXXXXXXXXX. That is with FedEx. They sent your package FedEx instead of US Mail because they included the tube & tire in the box which made it too heavy for our US mail labels. FedEx is unfortunately a little slower.
Let me know if I can help with anything else!
Sincerely,
Mandy Wallace
Leed Bicycle Solutions
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When I called yet again to ask What the hell happened she apologized and said that she creates a 2 -day shipping label but the shipping department thought they would do me a favor by shipping the tube and tire along with the charger and it would only add a day or two. I told it that tracking estimated delivery on Wednesday 8/27. She then asked where I was located!! I told her what she already should have known and she replied, “oh, that IS quite a ways.” I was speechless She apologized and said there was nothing she could do now. I didn’t want to be rude but I did muster this up: “I am astounded at the ineptitude of your company.. Have a great weekend.”
Hopefully I can get a discount on a new battery from them next Spring, as I’m sure I’ll need one now that this will be sitting dead till Wednesday. Worst customer care experience ever. I’m still shaking my head.
ReplyMandy Wallace
10 years agoTodd,
While you are correct that Leed does not provide a 2-year warranty on our batteries (just the wheel/motor set), we have never turned away a customer who has had a problem with their battery. There are so many external sources that can affect a battery’s performance that we have no control over (heat, moisture, excessive handling, etc.). For this reason it is impossible to provide a written guarantee on every battery that we sell. That being said, I challenge you to find one of our customers who had any warranty concerns who wasn’t offered a repair, replacement, or troubleshooting advice over the phone. We take pride in our customer service and we want to make sure all our owners are happy with their Leed e-bike kits for years to come.
As for your return request, I am sorry that you feel like it is dishonest for us to charge a 15% restock fee. That information was available to you before making your purchase and if you consider it from our position you will realize that we still fall short of breaking even when you return a kit, even with the restock fee. Please consider the fact that you were given free shipping (a cost that we now have to eat), and we had to pay our employees to custom build your kit to your specifications. Each of our kits are built on-site specific to each order request, so returning them means all that time/work will also go down the drain. Of course, we want you to be happy with your kit, and in the rare case that someone just isn’t, we do offer returns, minus the re-stock fee. I think if you check around you’ll find that is very common with e-bike kits. They are large, heavy, and expensive to ship, so when they get returned it is a costly venture for everyone involved. I’m not sure if you decided to keep your kit or if you ended up returning it, but either way I wish you the best and I hope you are satisfied with your decision. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further over on our customer support site at [email protected]
ReplyChuck
10 years agoI pulled the plug and ordered one of these exact kits today to go on my grocery-getter, around-town bike. I hope I have better luck than Steve did with his. I will let you guys know how my experience is.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoAwesome! I hope it works out for you Check, excited to hear what you think once the kit arrives and is installed :)
ReplySteve.
10 years agoI’m back! And after finally getting a charger and some road testing, this thing ROCKS! I weigh 235 lbs and it pulls me up some serious hills even on dirt roads! Yes, you have to pedal when it gets steep, but in low gear and not half as hard as you would be without the kit. I went 12 miles last night on a full charge and there was still enough juice to get me to work this morning. So at my 235 lbs I can probably get 15 miles out of it.
I never had a problem with the product, just the customer service. You were right, Court, the company is fairly young and maybe having growing pains. Plus if anything bad can happen regarding shipping, it usually happens to me. I contacted the company’s president Mike through kickstarter and he was very sympathetic and made things right by me. I have no problem with Leed anymore.
I’ll try and come back a video of the ultimate challenge, my boss’s driveway which I did tonight with no problem. It’s so steep the front wheel was spinning in the dirt with every pedal, but I never had to pedal real hard. I got down to 4 mph and the motor didn’t overheat and shut down. It’s amazing. Chuck, you are in for some fun!!!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoAwesome Steve! I’m so glad they were able to get things resolved for you and it’s great to hear that the product is working well. I really like these little kits… they’re simple, affordable but still way better than pedaling without power. Would love to see the video you shoot!
ReplyChuck
10 years agoSo, I ordered the kit on 9/4. It was delivered by Fed Ex today, 9/16. I didn’t get lucky with the 5 minute install because I had fork trouble. My bike has an aftermarket CroMoly touring fork and sure enough the hub motor scraped both sides of the fork. Of course, this took me a while to figure out, and some more time to look for washers in my garage, and two trips to the hardware store. After all of that, it went smooth, and I got it washered out and rolling free. Maybe a couple of hours farting around with the install. Did I mention that I had a 4 year old and 6 year old helping me?
OK, now the ride. I live in a small mountain town in western NC and write a blog about it. There are numerous steep hills and I got this kit to help me on my grocery runs and to run errands without being short of breath and covered in sweat. And, I’ve got a killer 1/2 mile climb up a hill back to my house from town which discouraged me from taking more frequent trips.
I jumped on the bike this evening and did a quick ten mile ride through town. This motor seems exactly what I wanted. It gives me the help that I need when I have to climb. I did try it on several of my steep and long “trouble” hills and the boost seemed to really make all the difference in the world. I arrived home with no profuse sweating, no gasping for breath, and no pounding heart! I weigh 180 lbs and it seems to move me along at 18 to 19 mph on the flats when I held the button down. It will take me a few more days of riding to figure how long the battery charge will last in my riding situation. So far, my initial impression is favorable!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoGreat to hear the Leed 30K kit is working well for you Chuck! It seems like every ebike kit I try requires some screwing around and I’m glad the washers worked for you, if you scraped your fork at all it might be worth touching up with some spray paint to avoid rust. Also, I checked out your blog and really enjoyed the pictures of animals and beautiful countryside :)
ReplySean
10 years agoYou say your company has this for 27.5 wheels but you won’t sale it to a customer in Oregon because of what issues? Please explain the issues you have had using 27.5 wheels or bigger.
ReplyCD
9 years agoThanks Court for your review! After having the 10k kit for over a year and half, I have some pros and cons which may give some additional insight.
PROS
– Lightweight, quiet and discreet.
– Not as expensive as other kits or buying a purpose-built bike.
– Definitely helps with hills and getting to work less sweaty.
– Company is in the USA and will readily help if you have problems.
CONS
– Reliability issues: (1) Initial battery I received was a lemon which wasn’t easy to figure out since it kinda worked at first. (2) Replacement battery would sometimes, then constantly, turn off while riding, which would be okay if it could be switched back on, but in order to get it to work again, you have to plug it into a wall outlet. So I couldn’t trust using this for long rides. Also, it’s not an overheating/handling issue when this happens after traveling a block in cold weather. (3) The wiring within the connector to the battery slowly deterioriated which is an issue with the following:
– Battery does not have a battery level indicator; instead you can only tell when it’s fully charged when the light on the charger turns green. This is a problem since if you have a broken adapter or battery, or you plugged it in incorrectly, etc., the light will appear green even when the battery is NOT full which may cause you to go on trips with a dead or low battery and not even realize it.
– Getting an electric bike/kit from an online store vs. a local bike store, means repairs are not easy and not fast.
– If you’re a daily commuter or face steep hills, you’ll probably realize that you’ll want a more powerful option than 250w.
– Some of the items pictured on their site aren’t representative of what you’ll receive. For instance, the 10K kit pictured (http://www.e-bikerig.com/products/10k-e-bike-kit-samsung-li-ion.html) makes it seem as if the “battery” is slim when in fact there’s a controller that’s attached on the other side (hidden from view) that doubles it’s thickness. You can also purchase an extra charger on their site (http://www.e-bikerig.com/products/charger-250-series.html) which looks more reliable with the chrome end, but you that’s not the charger they’re selling.
All in all, it’s amazing to convert a bike to electric and this kit has helped me immensely with commuting but my next e-bike will definitely be more powerful and I will make sure to get one that’s more reliable for longer rides.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Celeste! Thanks for sharing your deep feedback, I really appreciate the constructive way you shared the cons and I agree with each of them. My plan is to visit their site sometime soon and do some more reviews. It’s true that these are cheaper designs and don’t offer as much power or the same quality as other bikes… it’s part of their business model, but I’m glad to hear that they were responsive in terms of support. That’s one of the main reasons I’ve chosen them to advertise here. Not everyone can afford a super durable, powerful expensive ebike and I feel like Leed at least honors their customers, even if some of their kits are lower end. Good points however about the misleading ad materials and pictures, I’ll make sure to display all angles when I do my reviews so people know the reality ;)
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