Swytch eBike Conversion Kit Review (2023)

FAQs

Is the Swytch kit worth it? ›

The Swytch kit is also a great buy if you pre-order for a big discount. The instructions are easy to follow and there's plenty of help to be had. The only problem is that Swytch isn't always great about helping make sure you have the exact kit you need. One of the best eBike systems on the market.

Once paid and orders are locked, we will start manufacturing your order with estimated delivery times in 12 weeks (standard) from the order lock date. As per our Swytch promise, if you change your mind after placing a pre-order you can cancel and refund your order at any time before delivery.

Swytch claims the small battery can provide power for up to nine miles (15km). The large battery can power you for up to 17 miles (30km).

The two biggest advantages to converting the bike you already own are familiarity and cost: converting a conventional bike to electric allows you to continue using the bike you already know and love, and buying a conversion kit is generally going to be a cheaper option than buying a complete electric bike.

From a pricing perspective, the Swytch is sure to attract a lot of e-bike curious folk at just $449. Indeed, it's even cheaper than some high-end bike parts such as drivetrains and fancy suspension components. It's also incredibly straightforward to install, and if done right seems pretty robust.

The changes are in the new bar mount and battery - of which there are two new options: the 700g Air (claimed range 15km) and the 1,100g Max (claimed range 30km). Both batteries are the same width and length but the Air is slimmer than the Max.

On average, ebikes last around 10 years. That number can be higher or lower depending on the type of bike and how you use it. If you are conscientious about caring for your ebike, it can last well over a decade. However, various parts like motors and chains will need to be periodically replaced even with proper care.

Swytch Kit makes it easy to convert any bike into an eBike." "The bottom line is that once converted, it's just a really good eBike. I've ridden a lot of eBikes at this point and the Swytch kit is my favourite."

You should expect your electric bike to last (with regular maintenance and care) as long as a regular bike would. Unless you are neglecting it in the rain, it's should last you upwards of 10 years.

It is good practice to recharge as soon as is reasonably possible after the battery goes flat. We recommend charging after every ride, that way your electric bike is always ready for your next outing. Switch off the battery before charging.

Should I leave my eBike battery plugged in all the time? ›

Don't leave your battery plugged in to the charger for long periods. It's not necessary, and can create a short discharge/recharge cycle that will eventually reduce capacity. If you go long periods without riding the bike, check the battery charge monthly and partly recharge when it drops below 30 percent.

But here's a short answer that's sure to cause some buzz: Yes, we've found that 250 W of power is sufficient for many e-bikes. There are some caveats to this statement, but by and large, a 250 W motor is sufficient to help the rider pedal.

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The best bikes for electric conversion are steel bikes with steel dropouts. Aluminum bikes are ok, but will usually require an additional torque arm to strengthen the dropouts.

Made in Hackney: Swytch, the cycling gadget that turns a push bike into an electric bike (and back again) Each week, the Gazette takes to the streets to unearth something being manufactured right here in Hackney. This week we visit Swytch's Hackney Wick HQ.

Oliver graduated from Oxford Engineering Science in 2012, before going on to study accountancy. He is now Co-Founder and CEO of Swytch Technology, which produces kits to turn any standard bicycle into an electric bike.

The kit is a pedal-assist system, meaning you just pedal as normal and the kit sends power to the motor. Your pedalling is detected by the pedal sensor which sends a signal to the controller. The sensor is designed with a 12-magnet cadence to make your ride smooth and steady.

The base Eco model costs a whopping £999/$1,199 (roughly AU$1800) to give you about 21 miles of range while the Pro model bumps up to £1249/$1499 (AU$2050) for 31 miles of range. Swytch regularly offers a huge 50% discount for folks who sign up for the waitlist, though (as the product is regularly sold out).

Two battery sizes are available – the 700g version with nine-mile range, and a slightly larger 1,100g version providing 17 miles of power. Swytch said the new model will also be around four-times lower than the price of an e-bike with equivalent specifications, as part of its drive to make e-bikes more affordable.

Is it OK to leave battery in ebike? ›

Always remove the battery from the bike and store in a dry place in Temperatures between 60 – 70 degrees F. Leaving the battery on the bike over time could cause build up on the connectors or corrosion so always remove and store separately.

Because e-bikes are heavier, and people tend to ride them faster and over longer distances, e-bikes will typically require more frequent maintenance; it's a good idea, for example, to monitor the wear on your tires, brake pads, chain and drivetrain regularly.

According to Bicycling.com, the general rule of thumb is that the chain on an e-bike should be replaced every 2000 miles, so approximately every 3000km, but it is impossible to pinpoint an exact distance after which the chain is worn out – too many variables influence the time of replacement.

The Universal Swytch Kit is compatible with cable, hydraulic, and disc brakes. If you have hub, roller or coaster brakes, you will need to change to disc brakes or rim brakes to use the Swytch kit.

The 250-watt motor with a top speed of 20 mph is also unchanged. The solid axle will work for either quick-release bikes or bikes designed for a bolt-on solid axle.

Our kit is built for all conditions! It is waterproof, meaning the kit can be used in even torrential rain without a problem. If the exterior of the power pack becomes cracked or broken in any way, or if the kit is submerged in water for an extended period of time, then this can affect the waterproofing.

Meet the Everest. A Colorado e-bike company now offers an e-bike that may have the longest-lasting battery on the market. Optibike's latest e-bike, the R22 Everest, offers a 300-mile range for assisted pedaling, according to company specs. That's possible because of the bike's enormous 3,260Wh dual battery.

Mid-drive motors are known for higher performance and torque when compared to a similarly powered traditional hub motor. One key reason why is that the mid-drive motor drives the crank, instead of the wheel itself, multiplying its power and allowing it to better take advantage of the bike's existing gears.

Even if you have no car payment, replacing your car (or your second car) with an e-bike would save you around $5,094 per year. As you can see, replacing your car with an e-bike could save you around $5,094 per year in ownership costs (more if you own anything bigger than a medium sedan).

It is waterproof, meaning the kit can be used in even torrential rain without a problem.

Do you have to pedal a Swytch bike? ›

The kit is a pedal-assist system, meaning you just pedal as normal and the kit sends power to the motor. Your pedalling is detected by the pedal sensor which sends a signal to the controller. The sensor is designed with a 12-magnet cadence to make your ride smooth and steady.

A throttle is something that is placed on your handlebars and appears as a lever. At Swytch we have two types of throttle, a twist throttle and a thumb throttle. With these you can adjust the intensity of the motor by pushing or twisting it.

E-bike theft is rampant. Simply put, electric bicycles are prime targets for thieves. They're readily available, they're easy to flip, and they're often quite expensive.

Prices for e-bikes range from less than $500 to thousands of dollars. For most consumers, the higher end of the scale will be about $6,000 to $7,000. According to the NCSL, the average price for an electric commuter bike is $2,000 to $3,000, compared with $1,000 for a conventional midrange commuter bicycle.

Made in Hackney: Swytch, the cycling gadget that turns a push bike into an electric bike (and back again) Each week, the Gazette takes to the streets to unearth something being manufactured right here in Hackney. This week we visit Swytch's Hackney Wick HQ.

"Weighing in at just 1.5 pounds...Swytch Kit makes it easy to convert any bike into an eBike." "The bottom line is that once converted, it's just a really good eBike.

As you would expect, Arnie's ride is an absolute unit. It's a custom Matchless Urban E-Bike — a powerful offroad electric bike with fat tires and oversized brakes — and rumored to cost around $5,500.

The speed of your eBike is dependent on the battery voltage so swapping to a battery with higher voltage is one way to go faster. For example, increasing from a 36v to a 48v battery. Before making a change, make sure your bike can actually handle a higher voltage - otherwise, you risk damaging your controller.

The best bikes for electric conversion are steel bikes with steel dropouts. Aluminum bikes are ok, but will usually require an additional torque arm to strengthen the dropouts.