Tandems need serious torque — you're moving 300+ pounds of bike and riders. Here are the conversion kits we recommend for two-up riding.
Tandem bike conversions are pure joy — once electrified, a tandem becomes a fast, comfortable touring machine that two riders of different fitness levels can enjoy together. But tandems also carry 300+ pounds of bike and riders, which means you need a motor with serious torque and a battery with serious capacity.
The fundamental rule of tandem conversions: buy more motor than you think you need. A 750W motor that's fine on a single bike will struggle on a tandem. We recommend 1000W minimum (BBSHD) for tandems that will see hills or touring use.
Our Picks
BAFANG BBS02B/BBS-HD Mid Drive Kit (750W/1000W)
★★★★½ 4.6- Power750W / 1000W
- Voltage48V / 52V
- Torque120-160 N·m
- Price$399 - $549
The industry benchmark for DIY mid-drive conversions. The BBS02 (750W) is the sweet spot for power and reliability; the BBSHD (1000W) is the bulletproof choice for hardcore builds.
Final Thoughts
A converted tandem is one of the most useful vehicles in cycling — couples of different fitness levels can finally ride together, and tandems are excellent touring machines once electrified. Get the BBSHD, get a 48V 20Ah battery, upgrade your brakes, and you'll be cruising together for years.