Identification of non-standard frame feature and suitability of frame for mid-drive e-bike conversion My question comes in two related parts:  firstly, what is the piece of folded, drilled metal projecting rearwards from the lower bracket in the photo above?

Secondly, does this piece of metal have any significant implications for the suitability of this bicycle to have a mid-drive e-bike conversion kit installed?

EDIT



This is a wider view of the bike.  In order to address matters brought up in current answers, I should point out that I am this machine's first and only owner and rider, and it has spent most of its existence gathering dust in storage.  It is around ten years old, and I doubt that I have ridden it more than around ten kilometers.  It was very cheap, less than $200 Australian brand new from Big W.

I was considering installing a Bafang BBS or similar mid-drive kit.
The piece you refer to is a kickstand mounting. As to whether it can be utilized in, or get in the way of, a conversion depends on the 'kit' use. Can it be cut off? Yes.

The frame looks like a high mount single pivot style rear suspension - with the shock mounting almost horizontally between the top front point of the swing arm frame and the downtube. This might have chain length issues you would have to be mindful of - the chain 'length' changes depending on the rear axle's position along the arc of suspension travel. A trickier conversion. The bike doesn't look like it has been used a lot chainrings, wheels etc show few signs of wear - though it maybe an older style, older build. a picture of the whole bike would help further.