The Skarper E-Bike Conversion Kit makes electrifying your bike simple
If you're a Hackaday reader, chances are you could figure out how to convert your bike to use an electric motor. But you might have more important things to do, so a start-up, Skarper, wants to help you out with a conversion kit and the folks at [autoevolution] took a closer look at how it works. The cool part is that it transfers engine power to your wheels via a disc that replaces the bike's disc brake. You can see a promotional video about the company's product below.
Unlike some conversions, it seems that with this kit you can easily snap the whole thing on the bike when you want it powered and take it off when you want it running normally or take the electronics away inside with you.
The company claims the 250-watt motor can propel a bike to almost 20 miles per hour. But we're willing to bet you can't go that fast and get the claimed 37-mile range. On the plus side, a 30 minute charge will get you an extra 12 miles and a full charge only takes 2.5 hours. The battery and motor weigh just over 7 pounds. Obviously you will need a bike with disc brakes.
Cost? Around $1,200, so not quite an impulse buy. Especially if you have the time and the means to deploy your own solution. For example, try a skateboard motor. It's also easier if you have a 3D printer.
If you're a Hackaday reader, chances are you could figure out how to convert your bike to use an electric motor. But you might have more important things to do, so a start-up, Skarper, wants to help you out with a conversion kit and the folks at [autoevolution] took a closer look at how it works. The cool part is that it transfers engine power to your wheels via a disc that replaces the bike's disc brake. You can see a promotional video about the company's product below.
Unlike some conversions, it seems that with this kit you can easily snap the whole thing on the bike when you want it powered and take it off when you want it running normally or take the electronics away inside with you.
The company claims the 250-watt motor can propel a bike to almost 20 miles per hour. But we're willing to bet you can't go that fast and get the claimed 37-mile range. On the plus side, a 30 minute charge will get you an extra 12 miles and a full charge only takes 2.5 hours. The battery and motor weigh just over 7 pounds. Obviously you will need a bike with disc brakes.
Cost? Around $1,200, so not quite an impulse buy. Especially if you have the time and the means to deploy your own solution. For example, try a skateboard motor. It's also easier if you have a 3D printer.
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