After using the Bafang BBS02 B for 3.5 years (over 8,000 miles covered!), I have developed a definitive opinion on this electric bike conversion kit. How does it perform in real-world conditions? Is the assembly challenging? Which battery did I choose? Have there been any breakdowns? How about maintenance? What has been the total cost? Does the Bafang BBS02 deserve its top ranking among electric bike conversion kits?
My Thoughts on the Bafang BBS02 B 750W Kit
Tested and approved for 3 years. It's the best value for money. 1-year warranty. Very light weight (around 9 lbs). Can be assembled in under 2 hours.
Price: $$ | Speed: 31 mps | Battery: Optional
IN SHORT, WHAT’S THE BAFANG BBS02 B WORTH?
✅ The pros
- Best-value kit
- Compatible with all bicycle types
- Lightweight (8.8 lbs)
- High performance (31 mph)
- 9 levels of assistance
- Advanced assistance features
- Very quiet motor
- Water-resistant (IP65)
- 1-year warranty
- Fast and simple installation (under 3 hours)
❌ The cons
- For road use, compliance with current regulations such as moped insurance and helmet use is required in some states of the USA.
Why Choose the Bafang BBS02?
Simply put, it offers THE best value for money among electric bike conversion kits. Exceptionally durable, it’s compatible with both mountain and city bicycles.
Bafang: Leading the Electric Bike Market in Europe
The brand is globally recognized for producing high-quality pedal-assist motors. Currently, Bafang supplies the majority of electric bikes in Europe, commanding up to 40% of the market. After conducting extensive research, I opted for the Bafang BBS02 B kit with a 44T sprocket. Having used it daily since installation, I now understand why this kit is favored by numerous manufacturers.
Why Did I Choose the Bafang BBS02 B?
As you may know, selecting and installing an electric bike kit embodies a genuine Do It Yourself (DIY) ethos, driven by the desire to save money. Here is my experience.
Impressive Performance
The Bafang BBS02 B (750W) is widely regarded as one of the top electric bike conversion kits, and for good reason. Introduced in 2014, it has undergone continuous refinement over the years. It is lightweight (8.8 lbs), powerful (31 mph), and offers excellent torque (120 Nm). Furthermore, the key advantage of a crankset motor like this is the unparalleled riding comfort it provides due to the weight being centered at the bike’s crankset, optimizing the bike’s overall balance.
The Bafang BBS02B features 9 assistance levels and progressive assistance technology. As you pedal, the motor senses your needs and adjusts power smoothly, eliminating jerky movements commonly experienced with low-quality motors!
Another notable feature is the motor’s quiet noise. While it might seem like a minor detail, the silence during rides—whether through a field or city streets at dawn—is incredibly enjoyable. I chose an electric bike precisely because I didn’t want my ride to sound like a moped!
Bafang BBS02 (750W) Technical Specifications
Usage
As mentioned earlier, I use my bike equipped with the Bafang BBS02 kit daily. Primarily, it serves my commute (in the city with occasional uphill climbs), and I also use it for countryside excursions. Living in Lyon, where the weather is generally mild but occasionally rainy, I appreciate that the BBS02 B from Bafang is IP65-rated and water-resistant.
Many users choose this kit for their mountain bikes and are highly satisfied with its performance, particularly the Bafang BBSHD version (1000W), known for its exceptional power.
The Bafang BBS02 motor, rated at 750W, is classified as a moped motor. To use it on public roads, you must comply with local regulations. In some states, this means obtaining moped insurance and wearing a helmet. Alternatively, the Bafang BBS01 (250W) is a lower-powered version that does not require insurance or a helmet, as its output is limited to 250W and its speed to 15 mph.
Warranty
The manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty for the kit and offers responsive technical support, typically responding within a day. For your information, I’ve never had to contact them over the course of 3 years and more than 8,000 miles of riding.
Where to Purchase the Bafang BBS02 B 750W Kit
The Bafang BBS02 B (750W) offers incredible value, cutting costs by at least half compared to purchasing a fully assembled electric bike with similar capabilities. Yes, it’s well worth the 3 hours of assembly! Despite being one of the most advanced kits on the market, the Bafang BBS02 remains remarkably affordable. Compare it to a Bosch motor with comparable performance, and you’ll see Bafang’s price is only a fraction—about one-fourth! I recommend purchasing from this Amazon seller.
The Bafang BBS02 B motor can be installed on any bike equipped with a standard crankset, including mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes, and tandems. I personally installed it on two of my bikes: my Trek hybrid bike and my wife’s Decathlon hybrid bike. Let me assure you, I’m not particularly skilled at DIY. I’m simply a regular person who appreciates good value for money.
Yes, installing the Bafang BBS02 B requires some effort, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it is. I must say, assembling this kit myself was very satisfying. The installation involves minimal modifications to your bike, primarily removing the original crankset (which is the most challenging part). After removing the old crankset, you simply install the BBS02 kit in its place, connect the cables, and… you’re done!
Tools Needed for Installing the BBS02 B Kit
You’ll need basic mechanical tools including Allen keys (hex wrenches), a screwdriver set, pipe wrenches, a crank extractor for removing the crankset, and a Bafang-specific wrench. For added convenience during assembly, I recommend using a bike stand for enhanced stability, although it’s not strictly necessary.
Keep in mind that the Bafang wrench is useful for tightening the motor retaining ring as needed. I’ve found that during rides on rough country roads, occasional tightening may be required.
Installation Guide: How to Install the Bafang BBS02 B
Pro Tip: If you plan to use the Bafang BBS02 for intense sports activities such as mountain biking stunts or aggressive hill climbing and descents, I recommend replacing your standard chain with a stronger one. The motor’s high power output can put significant strain on a basic chain, increasing the risk of breakage.
What Is Included In the BBS02 Electric Bike Kit?
Here’s what you’ll find in your kit:
- Bafang 48V 750W BBS02 motor
- Hydraulic or mechanical brake levers with sensors
- LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone integration
- Speed sensor and magnets
- Waterproof EB-BUS cable (1 to 4 cables)
- Chainring (44T / 46T / 48T / 52T depending on your preference) with protective cover
- Pair of crank handles
- Assortment of nuts and cables for assembly
- Installation manual (Video tutorial recommended)
I use a Junstar 48V battery (equipped with Samsung cells) rated at 17.5 Ah, mounted on the frame of my Trek hybrid bike and another on the luggage rack of my wife’s Decathlon hybrid bike. Currently, lithium batteries offer the best longevity, and this battery allows me to ride up to 25 miles without any issues. I highly recommend using a 48V battery with your Bafang BBS02 for optimal motor performance.
As for the trip computer, I opted for the 860C model due to its user-friendly setup process. It provides essential information such as distance, travel time, battery charge level, and speed. Although it can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, I personally do not utilize this feature. An additional benefit is the ability to customize the 9 assistance levels according to your preferences, including setting a maximum speed limit for assistance level #1 (e.g., 1.9 mph).
Bafang BBS02 Motor Maintenance
After covering several thousand kilometers (typically over 6,200 miles), it is highly recommended to service your BBS02 motor. The process is straightforward and involves greasing two specific areas, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
Neglecting maintenance poses risks such as abnormal motor noise (a well-greased BBS02 motor should operate quietly, similar to an electric drill) and premature wear, potentially leading to breakage!
The first area to grease is the secondary gearbox of the Bafang BBS02, which is easily accessible under the motor’s plastic cover. Simply remove the 5 screws to access it. Apply a generous amount of thick black grease (wearing heavy gloves is recommended) to ensure adequate lubrication, focusing on the gear teeth around the large and small rings.
The second area requiring grease is the main gearbox. Remove the motor and use the Bafang tool to open it and access the gearbox. The internal grease is typically white in color. Inspect the grease for signs of hardening, particularly after extended use. If necessary, thoroughly clean the compartment and reapply grease, focusing on both sides of the large gear wheel.
Interested in purchasing the Bafang BBS02 B? Find it here!
Technical Specifications
| Starting Price | $800 |
| Motor Position | Mid-drive (Pedal-assist) |
| Motor | Bafang 750W |
| Torque | 120 Nm |
| Maximum Speed | 25 mph |
| Assistance Levels | 9 |
| Battery | Optional |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Weight | 9.26 lbs |
Tested and approved for 3 years. It's the best value for money. 1-year warranty. Very light weight (around 9 lbs). Can be assembled in under 2 hours.
Price: $$ | Speed: 31 mps | Battery: Optional
Our Review of the Bafang BBS02
The driving experience with this motor is consistently enjoyable, thanks to its impressive performance and excellent kit quality. To ensure longevity, it’s important to use it responsibly (avoid constant operation at maximum speed, for instance) and perform regular greasing maintenance. Following these guidelines will allow you to achieve high mileage without issues. (I’ve already covered 6,835 miles without encountering any problems).
IN SHORT, WHAT’S THE BAFANG BBS02 B WORTH?
✅ The pros
- Best-value kit
- Compatible with all bicycle types
- Lightweight (8.8 lbs)
- High performance (31 mph)
- 9 levels of assistance
- Advanced assistance features
- Very quiet motor
- Water-resistant (IP65)
- 1-year warranty
- Fast and simple installation (under 3 hours)
❌ The cons
- For road use, compliance with current regulations such as moped insurance and helmet use is required in some states of the USA.
I am interested in buying bafang bbso2b 48v 750w motor and 48v 17.5ah battery plus fitting spanner
I have this motor on my mountain bike but I read France had brought in strict law for motors over 250w. Is this enforced? I use to live in Chamonix and my dog is from Lyon so wanted to do a tour with him on the bike with the 750w motor.
Hello
I am interested to buy a Bafang ekit that fits on my Trek Dual Sport 2 with specs
It will fit? what do you recommend me please.
I am not hunting the most powerfull just strong enough to ride fast on hilly roads will be great
Congrats for the article ! Insightful
Kind Regards
Silviu Ch
Nice build! I purchased from JNO the Bafang BBSO2 750 W with the 48v-10ah battery which is leak. On throttle level assist 4 maybe 8 miles flat I’m close to dead 44 v Can’t make it back home. I wanna upgrade the battery. How do you do it in tandem with another 48v ?
But my build was fantastic love it simple no real issues. Because the battery range kind of weak I don’t ride it much. I only got 125 miles.
I used a aluminum Trek 4500 hard tail 26” I upgraded the cog to 40T the Bafang chainring is T44.
Your detailed explanation was very helpful. I was going to sell it to get the bigger motor, but I change my mind after reading your great article.! Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Bafang BBS02 750W! It sounds like you’ve put together a fantastic build with the Trek 4500. I’m sorry to hear about the battery range issues you’ve encountered.
If you’re looking to upgrade and possibly run two 48v batteries in tandem, you’ll need a parallel connector that allows you to connect two batteries together. This will effectively double your capacity (Ah) while keeping the voltage the same. However, always ensure that the batteries are of the same voltage and capacity when connecting them in parallel to avoid potential issues.
Given that you’ve already invested in a quality build and you love the setup, upgrading the battery might be the best way to enhance your riding experience and range. And remember, always consult with a professional or the battery manufacturer before making any modifications to ensure safety and compatibility.
I’m glad the article was helpful to you! Enjoy many more miles on your e-bike, and ride safely!
Hi there can you disengage the motor completely and use as a standard pedal bike?
Absolutely! With the Bafang BBS02B, you can disengage the motor and pedal it just like a standard bike. Enjoy your ride, whether it’s powered or purely pedal-driven!
Hello, Will a Lithium Ebike Battery Triangle Case 72V 52V 48V 20Ah 29Ah for 200W~3000W Motor work on Bafang BBS02 B (750W) motor. I have small frame bike. Thank
Hey Chris,
From our research, the compatibility of a battery with the Bafang BBS02 750W motor largely hinges on several factors, most notably the battery’s voltage and capacity. There’s a consensus among users seeking a 52V battery that aligns with the Bafang motor’s specifications. However, it’s paramount to ensure that the battery is of high caliber and sourced from a trustworthy vendor. There have been concerns raised about procuring inexpensive or counterfeit batteries, especially those originating from China.
To directly address your question: A Lithium Ebike Battery Triangle Case of 72V, 52V, or 48V with capacities between 20Ah to 29Ah intended for motors ranging from 200W to 3000W could potentially be compatible with the Bafang BBS02 B (750W) motor. However, it’s imperative to ascertain the exact compatibility and ensure the battery is procured from a reputable source.
I have been using the Bafang BBS01 B with a Nihola cargo bike for almost 4 years now and I covered 9800 miles! I re-greased the motor with mobigrease twice as recommenden and the motor is stil doing alright. However For more torque I am planning to make an upgrade to the BBs02B 36V 500W Have some of you any experience with the 36V BBS02B motor