While many electric bicycle conversion kits have gained popularity in recent times, few deviate significantly from the norm like the innovative Skarper. This innovative e-bike conversion kit boasts a distinctive appearance, touting the ability to transform almost any bicycle into an electric vehicle – provided it’s equipped with a disc brake.
The Skarp e-bike package effectively propels the rear wheel via its reliable disc brakes.
The e-bike boasts a sleek, 4-kilogram (8.8-pound) clip-on mount that houses the motor, battery, and electronics in a streamlined unit, attaching seamlessly to the bike’s chainstay.
Rather than engaging the disc brake in a conventional manner, the motor interacts with it in an unexpected way. While it doesn’t quite reach the brake pad’s floor, it does make indirect contact with a nearby area on the disc closer to the hub. It’s recommended that cyclists opt for the Skarper disc rotor instead of their existing one due to its benefits in enhancing their overall riding experience. Despite the addition of a few extra grams and a distinct-appearing disc rotor, the bike will not undergo significant changes if the package remains unconnected.
Without the drive unit, the bike theoretically functions as intended since it operated effectively as a traditional pedal-powered bicycle. With the drive unit securely fastened, sudden pedaling unleashes the motor’s power, offering riders an effortless boost.
The company’s legacy in Europe seems to have imposed certain limitations on its vitality. In response to Europe’s stricter regulations, the UK-based workforce adjusted the Skarper e-bike package to comply with the region’s electrical bicycle legal guidelines, limiting power output to 250W and maximum assisted speed to 25 km/h (15.5 mph)?
Without a throttle, riders will need to pedal to engage the assistive motor.
With a mere 45 Nm of torque, the assistance is likely to be gentle and unobtrusive, unlikely to overwhelm. While it can aid in shaping a hill compared to having no assistance, it won’t transform a challenging hill climb into a leisurely ride.
Although its efficiency may not be exceptionally high, the company claims that the package still offers an impressive range of 30-50 km (18-31 miles), depending on the selected power level.
Recharging typically takes approximately 2.5 hours, but for emergency situations, they offer a rapid charging option that can provide an estimated 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) of range within just 30 minutes.
The Skarper electric bike conversion package seems sold out, but the company promises to open a new round of pre-orders shortly for delivery in early 2024 at £1,295 (approximately $1,650).
While it’s true that such value appears ambitious considering numerous equivalent e-bikes with similar power ranges and battery capacities are available for half the price, one must also consider the added functionality offered by this product – namely, its ability to convert seamlessly back into a pedal bicycle at the user’s discretion.
