Best Electric Bike Kits
When choosing the best e-bike conversion kits, we considered elements including ease of installation, power output, ease of control, design, extra features, cost, customer reviews and more. Based on these factors, these are the top e-bike kits on the market.
| Best E-Bike Conversion Kits | Our Award | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
|
Ebikeling
Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit |
Best Overall | Check Price |
|
Bafang
48V 500W Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion Kit |
Best Front-Wheel Conversion Kit | Check Price |
|
Voilamart
26" Rear Wheel Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit |
Best Rear-Wheel Conversion Kit | Check Price |
|
Bafang
8FUN BBS01B 36V 250W Mid Drive Motor Conversion Kit |
Best Mid-Drive System | Check Price |
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. Learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
Best Overall: Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit
ebikeling.com
The Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit offers a solid, feature-packed motorized wheel hub unit to easily convert any pedal bike into a hybrid e-bike powerhouse. A weatherproof design and powerful 1,200W motor mean you can take electric propulsion anywhere your adventures take you, from street to trail.
The Ebikeling is packed with plug-and-play features like cruise control, pedal-assist mode and all of the parts needed to hook up to your bike and a battery. We especially like the multiple throttle options this unit offers, including front thumb, rear thumb and front twist. An LCD display gives you essential information on battery levels, speed, error codes and more right on your handlebar. The only downsides to this awesome package are you'll need to purchase a separate tire and battery (48V or 52V is recommended), and it's expensive.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 160 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit is powerful enough to tackle the toughest trails and subtle enough to cruise city streets. Simple installation and intuitive operation make this a hands-down best performer for e-bike conversion kits. If you have the budget to buy a battery (not included), the Ebikeling conversion kit is as deserving on your favorite bike as it is at the top of our list.
Best Front-Wheel Conversion Kit: Bafang 48V 500W Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion Kit
bafang-e.com
Surprisingly simple to install and use, the Bafang 48V 500W Front Hub Conversion Kit is easy on the wallet and your mechanic skills. We love the multiple battery options this product offers, and a wide offering of rim sizes means you'll never find a bike that can't be e-converted. The waterproof motor and connectors make this a great front-end, go anywhere conversion kit.
The Bafang kit replaces your standard brake levers with units that communicate with the motor, but if you want to keep your hydraulic brakes, just let Bafang know in your order, and the company will ship you a brake sensor instead. Also, while this front-motor drive is designed for disk brake rims, if your bike has a V brake, Bafang's got you covered — just let the company know via email, and it'll make sure you get the right rim.
Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars with about 60 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The sticker price may shock you at first glance, but don't be fooled: Other cheaper options don't include the battery, nor come close to matching Bafang's quality and performance. The Bafang 48V 500W conversion kit is the best front hub conversion assembly that's truly ready to go out of the box.
Best Rear-Wheel Conversion Kit: Voilamart 26" Rear Wheel Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit
voilamart.com
Voilamart makes top-shelf e-bike performance attainable for your old velocipede with a capable 1,500W electric motor and envelope-pushing quality, and the waterproof motor kit and connectors mean you can take that 1,500W of power anywhere.
Unlike other models listed here, the Voilamart comes with a pre-installed nylon tire, sparing you the hassle of self-installation or a trip to the shop. The LCD display clearly indicates battery level, pedal assistance settings, speed and modes. Cyclists get excellent control over battery life with adjustable amp modes, but keep in mind there is no battery included — you'll need to purchase one separately.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with nearly 100 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: Voilamart's rear-wheel e-bike conversion kit offers a range of premium features at an attractive price point. The powerful motor offers enough juice to climb, splash and cruise through any terrain or street, and a wide range of modes allows great flexibility of battery life, speed and more. There are a few reported issues with design and the manual definitely needs a facelift, but most problems reported are fixed with a bit of patience and elbow grease. Overall, the Voilamart offers a compelling package at an even more compelling price point.
Best Mid-Drive System: Bafang 8FUN BBS01B 36V 250W Mid Drive Motor Conversion Kit
bafang-e.com
Balance, power and multifunctionality combine with the Bafang Mid Drive Motor conversion kit. With a few simple tools and a couple of hours, the Bafang mid-drive conversion kit replaces your existing crankset and shaft with a 250W motor ideal for cruising at moderate speeds and with light loads.
It can be installed on any road bike, mountain bike or cruising bike with a standard JIS 68-73mm bottom bracket, but isn't the best fit for rugged biking or high-speeds and shouldn't be used on fat-tire bikes or carbon frames. As far as riding modes go, the Bafang mid-drive kit is as simple as it gets with electric or pedal-only operation. Installation hardware and display are included, but the battery is sold separately.
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with about 120 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The Bafang 8FUN BBS01B Mid Drive conversion kit honors your bike's center of gravity and aesthetics while providing the functionality and power of a hybrid motor conversion system. Bafang's mid-drive kit is a dream come true for urban commutes and light trail riding, but you might need something with a bit more pizzazz if you're hitting the mountains.How to Choose the Best E-Bike Conversion Kit
As you can see, there are plenty of quality electric bicycle kits on the market. But which is the best for you? Here are a few things to consider when choosing your new e-bike kit.
1. How Will You Use Your E-Bike?
The most important factor to consider when purchasing an e-bike conversion kit is how you plan to use it. More powerful units are better suited for high-speed and trail riding, while lighter motors are a great option for urban commutes or cruising.
2. What Kind of Battery Pack Do You Need?
Batteries are something you don't want to skimp on. You may be able to cut a few corners with a motor and get away with it, but you'll regret buying a budget battery. Look for well-known battery brands like Panasonic, LG and Samsung. Certain batteries perform better in terms of the distance you can travel (specific energy), how they handle high-load situations like accelerating or traveling uphill (specific power) and safety. Picking the right battery is a balancing act of the activities you plan on doing with your e-bike. Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry offer the best overall value for the average e-biker, providing a happy medium of capacity, power, safety and price.
Voltage and amps are important considerations when choosing a battery. Choosing the wrong volt/amps rating may damage your e-bike or even start a fire. E-bike motors require specific battery volts, and you should choose a battery that falls in the range of your motor's voltage requirements. Choosing a battery within the higher voltage limits of your motor's range usually translates to greater speeds.
Amps are the measure of current flow at a specific voltage. In simplistic terms, amps can be thought of as a measurement of your e-bike's torque. The higher the amps, the higher the current, and the more torque you'll have.
Watts (W) is a combination of volts and amps. Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) and can tell you the theoretical capacity of your battery. Some manufacturers will claim 50-mile travel distances, but don't be fooled: Real-world biking scenarios are very, very different from sterile lab conditions, so most 6- to 8-pound lithium-ion batteries will actually have about a 20-mile range.
3. How Easy Is it to Install?
If you're buying an e-bike conversion kit because a dedicated e-bike isn't in the budget, you may also opt to install the kit yourself, so ease of installation is a must. All of the conversion kits listed above have glowing reviews for no-sweat installation, but there are a few reported hiccups: Some filing may need to be done here or there, a spacer or washer may need to be added and the manual's language may be difficult to follow.
Watch as many tutorial videos as you can (hint: search "your bike model" + "your e-bike conversion kit"). And as always, be patient and consult a bike repair professional if necessary.
4. How Much Speed Do You Need?
In more than 30 states, e-bikes are organized into three classes as defined by speed, wattage and operation. Typically, Class I and II bikes are allowed wherever regular pedal bikes roam. Here's a breakdown of each class:
- Class I: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, having no throttle and attaining a max speed of 20 mph
- Class II: Throttle-equipped e-bikes with a max speed of 20 mph
- Class III: Pedal-assist only with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph
No class can exceed a max motor power of 750W (one horsepower). In some states, e-bikes over 750W are considered motor vehicles, making them subject to certain laws and regulations. Check your state's motor vehicle department to see if these rules apply to you.
5. What Intuitive Features Do You Want?
Each manufacturer designs its e-bikes differently. Some control features are simple, such as pedal-activated assist modes. Others require you to toggle the settings from a control monitor. Consider other control designs like throttle and braking configurations. The last thing you want are controls that make you think twice while on the road, creating an unsafe and cumbersome riding experience.
6. What Design Are You Looking For?
There's no sugar-coating it: Your classy old Schwinn road bike is going to look different with a motor and battery strapped to it. If you prefer to not wear your tech on your sleeve, there are plenty of options for as sleek and low-tech a look as possible, such as hidden batteries, low-profile or no-profile speed displays and more. If performance is your salient consideration, a slew of techy add-ons are at your disposal.
7. What's Your Budget?
Finally, cost. Balance the considerations above and choose an e-bike conversion kit that fits your budget. If you need to skimp a bit on price, don't do it with the battery.
FAQ: Electric Bike Kits
How much does an e-bike conversion kit cost?
The best e-bike conversion kits cost between $320-$700.
What is the best electric bike conversion kit?
We recommend the Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit to turn your regular bike into an electric bicycle.
Are e-bike conversion kits worth it?
If you have a pedal bike you love, conversion kits are an excellent investment, offering solid performance at a price point significantly lower than a brand new dedicated e-bike. E-bikes allow you to go farther, faster and longer than pedaling alone but still provide great exercise.
E-bikes are also an inclusive means of getting around, as they open the world of cycling to those who may otherwise be unable to ride a bike due to age or physical abilities. They're a safe, affordable and efficient way to supercharge any old bike into a trail-crushing, commute-slaying, road-riding machine.
How fast does a 1000-watt electric bike go?
A 1,000-watt e-bike can reach a top speed of 35 mph.
But are there enough rooftop surfaces for this technology to generate affordable, low-carbon energy for everyone who needs it? After all, it's not just people who own their own houses and want to cut their bills who are in need of solutions like this. Around 800 million people globally go without proper access to electricity.
Our new paper in Nature Communications presents a global assessment of how many rooftop solar panels we'd need to generate enough renewable energy for the whole world – and where we'd need to put them. Our study is the first to provide such a detailed map of global rooftop solar potential, assessing rooftop area and sunlight cover at scales all the way from cities to continents.
We found that we would only need 50% of the world's rooftops to be covered with solar panels in order to deliver enough electricity to meet the world's yearly needs.
Method
We designed a programme that incorporated data from over 300 million buildings and analyzed 130 million km² of land – almost the entire land surface area of the planet. This estimated how much energy could be produced from the 0.2 million km² of rooftops present on that land, an area roughly the same size as the UK.
We then calculated electricity generation potentials from these rooftops by looking at their location. Generally, rooftops located in higher latitudes such as in northern Europe or Canada can vary by as much as 40% in their generation potential across the year, due to big differences in sunshine between winter and summer. Rooftops near the equator, however, usually only vary in generation potential by around 1% across the seasons, as sunshine is much more consistent.
Roof location is important for assessing its potential to generate electricity if covered with solar panels. Ecosolarceo / Pixabay
This is important because these large variations in monthly potential can have a significant impact on the reliability of solar-powered electricity in that region. That means places where sunlight is more irregular require energy storage solutions – increasing electricity costs.
Hotspots
Our results highlighted three potential hotspots for rooftop solar energy generation: Asia, Europe and North America.
Of these, Asia looks like the cheapest location to install panels, where – in countries like India and China – one kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity, or approximately 48 hours of using your laptop, can be produced for just 0.05p. This is thanks to cheap panel manufacturing costs, as well as sunnier climates.
Meanwhile, the costliest countries for implementing rooftop solar are the USA, Japan and the UK. Europe holds the middle ground, with average costs across the continent of around 0.096p per kWh.
Rooftop solar panels look like they'd be equally useful in areas with low population as they would be in urban centers. For those living in remote areas, panels help top up or even replace supply from potentially unreliable local grids. And for those in cities, panels can significantly reduce air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels for energy.
Rooftop solar panels could be key for extending electricity access to more remote regions. MariaGodfrida / Pixabay
It's vital to point out that global electricity supply cannot rely on a single source of generation to meet the requirements of billions of people. And, thanks to changeable weather and our planet's day and night cycle, a mismatch between solar energy demand and supply is unavoidable.
The equipment required to store solar power for when it's needed is still extremely expensive. Additionally, solar panels won't be able to deliver enough power for some industries. Heavy manufacturing and metal processing, for example, require very large currents and specialized electricity delivery, which solar power won't yet be able to provide.
Despite this, rooftop solar has huge potential to alleviate energy poverty and put clean, pollution-free power back in the hands of consumers worldwide. If the costs of solar power continue to decrease, rooftop panels could be one of the best tools yet to decarbonize our electricity supply.
Siddharth Joshi is a Ph.D. Student in global energy engineering at University College Cork.
James Glynn is a senior research scholar in energy systems modeling at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy.
Shivika Mittal is a research associate in energy system modeling at Imperial College London.
Disclosure statement: Siddharth Joshi receives funding from Science Foundation Ireland. James Glynn works for the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP), which is committed to independent and nonpartisan research that meets the high standards of academic integrity and quality at Columbia University. CGEP was founded on the principle that no outside organization or individual will influence the work of its scholars in a way that determines policy recommendations or outcomes. Shivika Mittal receives funding from European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.
Reposted with permission from The Conversation.
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Best Electric Bike Kits
When choosing the best e-bike conversion kits, we considered elements including ease of installation, power output, ease of control, design, extra features, cost, customer reviews and more. Based on these factors, these are the top e-bike kits on the market.
| Best E-Bike Conversion Kits | Our Award | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
|
Ebikeling
Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit |
Best Overall | Check Price |
|
Bafang
48V 500W Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion Kit |
Best Front-Wheel Conversion Kit | Check Price |
|
Voilamart
26" Rear Wheel Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit |
Best Rear-Wheel Conversion Kit | Check Price |
|
Bafang
8FUN BBS01B 36V 250W Mid Drive Motor Conversion Kit |
Best Mid-Drive System | Check Price |
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. Learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
Best Overall: Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit
ebikeling.com
The Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit offers a solid, feature-packed motorized wheel hub unit to easily convert any pedal bike into a hybrid e-bike powerhouse. A weatherproof design and powerful 1,200W motor mean you can take electric propulsion anywhere your adventures take you, from street to trail.
The Ebikeling is packed with plug-and-play features like cruise control, pedal-assist mode and all of the parts needed to hook up to your bike and a battery. We especially like the multiple throttle options this unit offers, including front thumb, rear thumb and front twist. An LCD display gives you essential information on battery levels, speed, error codes and more right on your handlebar. The only downsides to this awesome package are you'll need to purchase a separate tire and battery (48V or 52V is recommended), and it's expensive.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 160 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit is powerful enough to tackle the toughest trails and subtle enough to cruise city streets. Simple installation and intuitive operation make this a hands-down best performer for e-bike conversion kits. If you have the budget to buy a battery (not included), the Ebikeling conversion kit is as deserving on your favorite bike as it is at the top of our list.
Best Front-Wheel Conversion Kit: Bafang 48V 500W Front Hub Motor Electric Bike Conversion Kit
bafang-e.com
Surprisingly simple to install and use, the Bafang 48V 500W Front Hub Conversion Kit is easy on the wallet and your mechanic skills. We love the multiple battery options this product offers, and a wide offering of rim sizes means you'll never find a bike that can't be e-converted. The waterproof motor and connectors make this a great front-end, go anywhere conversion kit.
The Bafang kit replaces your standard brake levers with units that communicate with the motor, but if you want to keep your hydraulic brakes, just let Bafang know in your order, and the company will ship you a brake sensor instead. Also, while this front-motor drive is designed for disk brake rims, if your bike has a V brake, Bafang's got you covered — just let the company know via email, and it'll make sure you get the right rim.
Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars with about 60 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The sticker price may shock you at first glance, but don't be fooled: Other cheaper options don't include the battery, nor come close to matching Bafang's quality and performance. The Bafang 48V 500W conversion kit is the best front hub conversion assembly that's truly ready to go out of the box.
Best Rear-Wheel Conversion Kit: Voilamart 26" Rear Wheel Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit
voilamart.com
Voilamart makes top-shelf e-bike performance attainable for your old velocipede with a capable 1,500W electric motor and envelope-pushing quality, and the waterproof motor kit and connectors mean you can take that 1,500W of power anywhere.
Unlike other models listed here, the Voilamart comes with a pre-installed nylon tire, sparing you the hassle of self-installation or a trip to the shop. The LCD display clearly indicates battery level, pedal assistance settings, speed and modes. Cyclists get excellent control over battery life with adjustable amp modes, but keep in mind there is no battery included — you'll need to purchase one separately.
Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars with nearly 100 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: Voilamart's rear-wheel e-bike conversion kit offers a range of premium features at an attractive price point. The powerful motor offers enough juice to climb, splash and cruise through any terrain or street, and a wide range of modes allows great flexibility of battery life, speed and more. There are a few reported issues with design and the manual definitely needs a facelift, but most problems reported are fixed with a bit of patience and elbow grease. Overall, the Voilamart offers a compelling package at an even more compelling price point.
Best Mid-Drive System: Bafang 8FUN BBS01B 36V 250W Mid Drive Motor Conversion Kit
bafang-e.com
Balance, power and multifunctionality combine with the Bafang Mid Drive Motor conversion kit. With a few simple tools and a couple of hours, the Bafang mid-drive conversion kit replaces your existing crankset and shaft with a 250W motor ideal for cruising at moderate speeds and with light loads.
It can be installed on any road bike, mountain bike or cruising bike with a standard JIS 68-73mm bottom bracket, but isn't the best fit for rugged biking or high-speeds and shouldn't be used on fat-tire bikes or carbon frames. As far as riding modes go, the Bafang mid-drive kit is as simple as it gets with electric or pedal-only operation. Installation hardware and display are included, but the battery is sold separately.
Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars with about 120 Amazon ratings
Why Buy: The Bafang 8FUN BBS01B Mid Drive conversion kit honors your bike's center of gravity and aesthetics while providing the functionality and power of a hybrid motor conversion system. Bafang's mid-drive kit is a dream come true for urban commutes and light trail riding, but you might need something with a bit more pizzazz if you're hitting the mountains.How to Choose the Best E-Bike Conversion Kit
As you can see, there are plenty of quality electric bicycle kits on the market. But which is the best for you? Here are a few things to consider when choosing your new e-bike kit.
1. How Will You Use Your E-Bike?
The most important factor to consider when purchasing an e-bike conversion kit is how you plan to use it. More powerful units are better suited for high-speed and trail riding, while lighter motors are a great option for urban commutes or cruising.
2. What Kind of Battery Pack Do You Need?
Batteries are something you don't want to skimp on. You may be able to cut a few corners with a motor and get away with it, but you'll regret buying a budget battery. Look for well-known battery brands like Panasonic, LG and Samsung. Certain batteries perform better in terms of the distance you can travel (specific energy), how they handle high-load situations like accelerating or traveling uphill (specific power) and safety. Picking the right battery is a balancing act of the activities you plan on doing with your e-bike. Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry offer the best overall value for the average e-biker, providing a happy medium of capacity, power, safety and price.
Voltage and amps are important considerations when choosing a battery. Choosing the wrong volt/amps rating may damage your e-bike or even start a fire. E-bike motors require specific battery volts, and you should choose a battery that falls in the range of your motor's voltage requirements. Choosing a battery within the higher voltage limits of your motor's range usually translates to greater speeds.
Amps are the measure of current flow at a specific voltage. In simplistic terms, amps can be thought of as a measurement of your e-bike's torque. The higher the amps, the higher the current, and the more torque you'll have.
Watts (W) is a combination of volts and amps. Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) and can tell you the theoretical capacity of your battery. Some manufacturers will claim 50-mile travel distances, but don't be fooled: Real-world biking scenarios are very, very different from sterile lab conditions, so most 6- to 8-pound lithium-ion batteries will actually have about a 20-mile range.
3. How Easy Is it to Install?
If you're buying an e-bike conversion kit because a dedicated e-bike isn't in the budget, you may also opt to install the kit yourself, so ease of installation is a must. All of the conversion kits listed above have glowing reviews for no-sweat installation, but there are a few reported hiccups: Some filing may need to be done here or there, a spacer or washer may need to be added and the manual's language may be difficult to follow.
Watch as many tutorial videos as you can (hint: search "your bike model" + "your e-bike conversion kit"). And as always, be patient and consult a bike repair professional if necessary.
4. How Much Speed Do You Need?
In more than 30 states, e-bikes are organized into three classes as defined by speed, wattage and operation. Typically, Class I and II bikes are allowed wherever regular pedal bikes roam. Here's a breakdown of each class:
- Class I: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, having no throttle and attaining a max speed of 20 mph
- Class II: Throttle-equipped e-bikes with a max speed of 20 mph
- Class III: Pedal-assist only with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph
No class can exceed a max motor power of 750W (one horsepower). In some states, e-bikes over 750W are considered motor vehicles, making them subject to certain laws and regulations. Check your state's motor vehicle department to see if these rules apply to you.
5. What Intuitive Features Do You Want?
Each manufacturer designs its e-bikes differently. Some control features are simple, such as pedal-activated assist modes. Others require you to toggle the settings from a control monitor. Consider other control designs like throttle and braking configurations. The last thing you want are controls that make you think twice while on the road, creating an unsafe and cumbersome riding experience.
6. What Design Are You Looking For?
There's no sugar-coating it: Your classy old Schwinn road bike is going to look different with a motor and battery strapped to it. If you prefer to not wear your tech on your sleeve, there are plenty of options for as sleek and low-tech a look as possible, such as hidden batteries, low-profile or no-profile speed displays and more. If performance is your salient consideration, a slew of techy add-ons are at your disposal.
7. What's Your Budget?
Finally, cost. Balance the considerations above and choose an e-bike conversion kit that fits your budget. If you need to skimp a bit on price, don't do it with the battery.
FAQ: Electric Bike Kits
How much does an e-bike conversion kit cost?
The best e-bike conversion kits cost between $320-$700.
What is the best electric bike conversion kit?
We recommend the Ebikeling Waterproof Ebike Conversion Kit to turn your regular bike into an electric bicycle.
Are e-bike conversion kits worth it?
If you have a pedal bike you love, conversion kits are an excellent investment, offering solid performance at a price point significantly lower than a brand new dedicated e-bike. E-bikes allow you to go farther, faster and longer than pedaling alone but still provide great exercise.
E-bikes are also an inclusive means of getting around, as they open the world of cycling to those who may otherwise be unable to ride a bike due to age or physical abilities. They're a safe, affordable and efficient way to supercharge any old bike into a trail-crushing, commute-slaying, road-riding machine.
How fast does a 1000-watt electric bike go?
A 1,000-watt e-bike can reach a top speed of 35 mph.
The mission, called Project Alacranes, focused on Scorpion Reef (Arrecife Alacranes in Spanish) and the Bajos del Norte National Park. These two areas contain some of the greatest biodiversity in the Gulf. Ten scientists with various specialties monitored corals, mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, invertebrates and fish. In Bajos del Norte, the team found the reef "mostly healthy" but noted "previously undocumented threats" including invasive lionfish and deadly coral disease.
Oceana's team explored seven sites in the area, covering over 7,500 square feet. They captured 29,352 photographs, which will help create 3D maps of the reef bottom so the team can continue their analyses out of the water. This is the first time such technology and methods have been used in Mexico.
Oceana scientists take measurements and observations on a pristine reef in the Gulf of Mexico as part of Project Alacranes. Oceana
Because very little scientific research had been conducted in Bajos del Norte, the findings of this expedition are crucial and will help determine the area's biological wealth. For future management policies and protective measures, the data will provide a strong baseline.
"We identified extraordinary seascapes, full of life, confirming the great value of this area," said Mariana Reyna, Oceana's expedition leader. "The presence of juvenile fish indicates that this reef is a vital place for the development of the species, that is, they need the conditions of this site to grow and migrate, or grow and fulfill their life cycle feeding other species."
The scientists' "first stage" results showed brain and flower corals dead or with "very advanced lesions," aligning with potential Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Other coral diseases were also present, including yellow bands and black spots, as well as various levels of coral bleaching.
Lesions (white) eat into the tissue of maze corals on Flat Cay reef, near St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The lesions are caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Marilyn Brandt
None of these unfortunate phenomena were observed on a previous visit to Bajos del Norte in 2019 by a different group. The extent and speed of the corals' deterioration in the interim time is alarming, the scientists said.
The expedition team also recorded the presence of lionfish at almost every reef site visited.
"Lionfish are voracious predators and opportunistic," said Allie Candelmo, a lionfish expert with REEF Environmental Education Foundation who did not participate in the study, reported the Keys Weekly. "They consume a lot of prey throughout the day and evening, which has led to dramatic declines in biodiversity and abundance of native populations when left unchecked."
On a remote reef in the Gulf of Mexico, Oceana scientists found invasive lionfish. Ray Harrington / Unsplash
Lionfish are an invasive species that feeds on small benthic fish and invertebrates. They have an insatiable, indiscriminate appetite. In short amounts of time, the predators can clear out all the local life from reef heads, throwing those mini-ecosystems out of balance, Candelmo said. The expert also noted that, as an invasive species, lionfish have spread so quickly because they have few natural predators, enjoy a high thermal and depth tolerance and breed very quickly.
"You can find them anywhere from 1 meter to 300 meters in-depth," said Candelmo. Everywhere in that range, they're busy eating and reproducing.
Despite their two alarming findings, the Oceana scientists noted that the reef community was "largely in good condition" and that there was no evidence of overfishing. The scientists also warned, however, that as scarcity increases in already exploited fishing areas, fishers will be forced to venture further from shore where existing monitoring efforts are limited.
Globally, overfishing occurs often as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. IUU fishing remains one of the primary threats to the health of the seas. An unrelated study recently found that such fishing efforts nearby to marine protected areas even reduced their efficacy.
Nevertheless, Oceana's scientists maintained that there is still the chance to protect this area, they said, advocating for legal protections for the area.
"We managed to do science that has never been done in this area. Bajos del Norte was little explored until we arrived," said Miguel Rivas, director of habitat campaigns at Oceana. "Science allows us to identify where to focus our efforts to preserve this wealth. We should not wait until the damage is done and the area is too devastated to act. Our oceans need us to make the changes that are required to protect them today."
- Oceana Completes First Scientific Expedition to Protect Gulf of ... ›
- Coral Disease Spreading in Caribbean Linked to Wastewater From ... ›
- Marine Protected Areas Are Less Effective Than We Thought ... ›
But that's not an issue for most people. More often than not, the vitamin D levels are too low. Black and Hispanic populations are at greatest risk. If you aren't getting enough vitamin D, you might feel fatigue, muscle pain, and weakened bones. Vitamin D deficiency can also cause stunted growth in children.
Yes, we can get vitamin D from sunlight, but with more and more of us living and working inside, getting our daily dose of sun is getting harder. Getting it through your diet can be tricky — especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan because most foods containing the vitamin are animal-based. But don't despair! There are vegetarian and vegan-friendly foods that can help you increase your Vitamin D levels.
1. Mushrooms
Marko Geber / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Mushrooms are the only plant-based sources of vitamin D found in nature. They have a compound which when exposed to sunlight converts into vitamin D2. The FDA has even approved UV-treated mushrooms as an additive to other foods to increase vitamin D intake.
Of course, mushrooms typically grow in darkness, but that doesn't mean you can't boost their vitamin D levels on your own. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and put them in the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. These D levels don't decrease when cooked, either. And the vitamin D levels have a long shelf life, too, so you can prepare them and then cook or eat them anytime.
Be careful when consuming mushrooms — especially wild ones. Not all wild mushrooms are edible and consuming poisonous mushrooms can make you sick or even kill you, so make sure you buy yours at the grocery store or trusted farmers market.
2. Fortified Cereals
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Just because it's not found in nature, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, including almost every mainstream cereal you can buy. This includes dry cereals and most oatmeal.
3. Fortified Nondairy Milks
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And what do you wash that cereal down with? Plant-based milks like almond, soy, rice and even cashew milk, are fortified with vitamin D, too. One cup can get you 10-25 percent of your daily value. Keep in mind that if the milk doesn't specifically say that it is fortified, it will have very low levels of vitamin D because the vitamin doesn't occur naturally in the substance.
4. Fortified Orange Juice
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Not a milk fan? When it comes to orange juice, there are a lot of options. Not all are fortified with vitamin D but you can almost always find one that has both calcium and vitamin D3. It's been shown that drinking fortified orange juice can raise your D levels the same amount as if you were taking supplements. While they can provide you with 10-25 percent of your D intake, you don't want to rely on juice alone for vitamin D. It has a lot of sugar and no fiber to buffer that sucrose spike. To counteract this, consider using OJ as part of a vitamin and protein-rich smoothie.
5. Tofu
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The best thing about tofu is how versatile it is. You can include it in a variety of meals, for any time of day. Not all tofu is fortified but some can contain up to 20 percent of your daily vitamin D requirements. It also has vitamin B12 and omega 3 fats, which are also necessary for vegetarian diets. You can scramble it in the morning for breakfast, throw it in a soup or stew or curry, or spice it and toss it with rice or other plant-based dinner options.
6. Sunshine
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You can be your own source of vitamin D! In fact, this is how most people get quite a bit of it. The National Institutes of Health says that exposure of your face, arms, legs or back for 5-30 minutes twice a week is usually enough to get proper vitamin D levels. The exposure has to be without sunscreen though, so make sure not to stay out in those rays too long.
Depending on the time of year and where you live, the UV rays from the sun vary, so keep that in mind. Another factor is the amount of melanin you have. The more you have the longer you have to expose yourself to the sun's rays to get the desired result. Because of the cancer risks, it's recommended you get some of your vitamin D from other sources.
Takeaway
Vitamin D is fat-soluble so eating it alongside fatty foods will help with its absorption. Vitamin D helps bone growth, regulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, improves mood and helps metabolize glucose in the body. It also helps your body absorb calcium and helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, so not having enough of it can severely impact your health.
Make sure you are getting the amount you need to have energy and good health throughout the day.
Darlena Cunha is a freelance writer and a professor at the University of Florida, with degrees in communications and ecology.