Kit Installation

Do you love Grin's hardware and philosophy and want to ride a Grin powered ebike, but don't quite feel comfortable installing the kit yourself? We now do offer installation services at Grin for local customers who want to retrofit their bike with a hub motor conversion kit. 

Who It's For

If you are mechanically inclined and know your way around bikes we still highly encourage you to install the kit yourself. You learn as you go by doing this and are better equipped to do first order troubleshooting. Have a look at our youtube installation playlist to get an idea of what it entails. That said, we understand many people would prefer to pay for a professional installation. For instance:

• People who aren't confident in their mechanical skills to do a top notch job
• People who simply lack the space and tools to work on a bike, even if they know how
• People who could do the installation, but just don't have the time and would prefer to pay someone to do it
• People who have a somewhat unique build (like a handcycle) and want a more experienced team to deal with the nuances. 

What Kind of Bikes?

We can work on just about any type of bike platform that is in good working order, from cargo bikes to recumbents, folders to tadpoles. More challenging installations (e.g. handcycles and trikes) will cost more than a standard bike build. We won't do installations on bikes that are in poor shape or with inadequate brakes.

As a general rule we also do not install normal bicycle hardware as part of the retrofit as we don't stock bicycle parts and accessories. Take your bike to your favorite local bike store first if it also needs new tires, chain, hand grips, brake pads, rear rack, shifters etc.

What kind of kits?

The installation is available for our all-axle direct drive kits and our geared hub motors (eZee, Bafang, Shengyi) when purchased from Grin. We do not install any 3rd party retrofit systems. By default all kits will be programmed with a 32 kph max speed limit in the motor controller to be compliant with BC's ebike regulations. If you don't want a speed limit preconfigured, we will require a signed disclaimer that you understand this is not a street legal ebike and is for off-road use only.

Pricing & Turnaround

• Baseline price (motor, battery, controller, display, throttle): $250 
• Bottom bracket pedal sensor: +$100 
• Extra work (custom wiring, custom mechanical part fabrication etc.) $100/hr
• (all prices in $CAD, plus GST)

We strive to have the installation completed within 1 week of the bike being dropped off after the kit has been fully paid for, and will get in touch if cirumstances come up that will extend this.  

What's Included?

• Mounting your wheel (moving tire/tube over from original wheel, installing disc rotor / cassette, etc.)
• Mounting and wiring the motor controller, battery, and accessories like bike lights
• Setting up the handlebar controls for throttle, ebrakes, assist level control, etc.
• Programming your controller (and Cycle Analyst, if applicable) to your preferences
• A test ride and walk-through of the system before hand-off

What to Expect

1. Get in Touch – Ideally send us an email with pictures of your bike and what you want from the system in terms of speed, power, range etc.  Some people already know just what they want from our website, others are looking for guidance.  We'll have back and forth over email, phone, or in person to determine the right kit and options that both fit your bike and your expectations.   
2. Drop off your bike – The bike must be dropped off in working and riding condition at our headquarters during store open hours. At this point, the installation tech will discuss final installation and kit details with you.
3. Purchase the Kit – Once we've determined what's necessary, we'll put an order through for your kit including the wheelbuild and fixed labour cost , and then the process can start. Any additional charges will be paid before pickup.
4. Stay in Touch – It's possible we will need to touch base with you if there are further questions/decisions to make that were unforeseen. Otherwise we'll let you know once the bike is ready.
5. Pick up and learn – We will get in touch when the conversion is complete or if there are questions/decisions to make. We'll walk you through your new system and answer any questions.

Warranty and Ownership

All components carry their standard Grin product warranties. That is generally 3 years for most Grin manufactured hardware, and 1 year for 3rd party hardware. 

Maintenance Responsibilities

Please note that what you get is a retrofitted ebike. Grin will take full responsibility for the installation of the electrical system and the service/repair of issues related to that. But issues with other aspects of the bike (brakes, bearings, drive train, etc.) are not things that we are involved with or service.

If you normally take your bike to a bike store for annual tuneups etc. you'll still have to take it to a normal bike store. Grin is not here to tune up your brakes or change your tires. Be prepared that some bicycle stores will refuse to touch it because now it's electric and they will have a store policy not to service ebikes, but most should recognize that this is a legitimate bicycle platform and will still work on the non-electric components.

Book an Installation