ModWheel Mid-Drive Electric Bike Kit Review

The ModWheel Direct Mid Drive Electric Bike Kit is worth investigating if you want a current BikeBerry-sold mid-drive conversion in either a 36V 350W or 48V 500W configuration. We cannot recommend it universally. BikeBerry’s listing contains conflicting terminology, the battery is optional, and the page does not provide the complete bicycle, battery, charger, and electrical-system certification evidence we would want before purchase.

Our verdict

This is a research-based review, not a ride or installation test. The kit has a sensible mid-drive layout and a useful set of controls, but suitability depends on the exact bicycle, bottom bracket, crank clearance, battery, charger, brakes, drivetrain, and local e-bike classification.

Consider it only if BikeBerry confirms the exact selected variant in writing and a qualified installer approves the host bicycle. A factory-built e-bike with a documented, certified electrical system is the lower-uncertainty choice.

Affiliate disclosure: BikeRideReview may earn a commission if you buy through the BikeBerry link below. That does not affect our assessment or the price you pay.

Check the current ModWheel mid-drive kit

The listing was available with an Add to Cart control when checked on July 26, 2026. Recheck availability and the selected configuration before ordering.

What the current listing includes

BikeBerry lists 36V 350W and 48V 500W motor choices. The package description names a motor, electronic controller, thumb throttle, pedelec sensor, quick-connect cables, digital display, alloy brake levers, and 42-tooth chainring. A lithium-ion battery is described as an optional item, so do not assume the displayed base kit includes one.

The page calls the product a mid-drive kit, yet one specification line calls its motor a direct-drive hub. Those are materially different architectures. Confirm the exact motor, controller, battery connector, bottom-bracket fit, and package contents with BikeBerry rather than resolving the contradiction yourself.

What we like

• A mid-drive places motor mass near the bicycle’s center instead of in a wheel.
• The two listed voltage and power configurations offer a clearer choice than a single vaguely specified kit.
• The stated package covers the core controls and display rather than only the motor.
• The product page was active and offered direct merchant support when checked.

These are listing-level advantages, not proof of fit, range, durability, or safety on your bicycle.

What gives us pause

• The product page mixes mid-drive and hub-drive terminology.
• Battery inclusion depends on the selected option.
• No customer reviews were displayed when we checked.
• The listing does not establish that the complete converted system is certified to UL 2849.
• Advertised speed, range, easy installation, and broad bicycle fit are seller claims, not independent test results.
• Replacing the crank changes the bicycle’s drive system and may affect chainline, gearing, ground clearance, and serviceability.

UL Solutions explains that UL 2849 evaluates the electrical drive train, battery, and charger as a system. A certified battery or component by itself is not the same as certification of the complete e-bike system (UL 2849 overview).

Compatibility questions to answer first

Obtain written answers for the exact variant:

1. Which bottom-bracket shell types, widths, and diameters are supported?
2. What crank, chainring, chainline, and rear-drivetrain combinations are approved?
3. Which battery model and charger are supplied or approved?
4. What connector, voltage, current limit, and battery-management system does the controller require?
5. Are the supplied brake levers compatible with the bicycle’s brake system?
6. Does installation interfere with cables, kickstands, suspension movement, or frame access?
7. What torque values, fastener retention, water-resistance limits, and inspection intervals apply?
8. Which organization certified the complete electrical system, and where can the certification be verified?

Do not install a motor on a carbon frame, damaged frame, or frame whose manufacturer prohibits motor conversion. Do not cut, drill, crush, or spread the frame to make the kit fit.

Legal classification is configuration-dependent

E-bike rules differ by state and riding location. Motor wattage, throttle operation, assisted speed, labeling, and equipment can change the vehicle’s class and where it may be used. PeopleForBikes maintains a useful state e-bike law index, but the responsible state agency and land manager are the final authorities.

The battery, controller, and settings selected for installation must preserve the legal configuration. A seller’s general statement about bike lanes, parks, licensing, or registration cannot establish legality in every jurisdiction.

Who should consider it

The ModWheel kit may suit an experienced home builder who has:

• a compatible metal-frame bicycle in sound condition;
• documented bottom-bracket and drivetrain measurements;
• a qualified mechanic willing to inspect the completed conversion;
• a verified battery and charger combination;
• a legal route and configuration;
• realistic expectations about troubleshooting a component-level build.

It is not a good choice for someone seeking guaranteed compatibility, a turnkey commuting vehicle, or a documented complete-system certification without further verification.

Bottom line

The current ModWheel listing makes this a plausible research candidate, not a confident universal recommendation. Resolve the page’s motor-type contradiction, confirm the battery and complete-system certification, and get a bicycle-specific fit assessment before buying. Start with our electric bike conversion kit guide to compare mid-drive and hub-motor architectures, and use the bike tool kit guide to understand when a job should go to a professional.