Home > Other Fun Stuff > Advocacy & Industry News > News

Swytch Electric Bicycle Conversion Kit Uses “First Pocket-Sized” eBike Battery

Swytchphoto c. Swytch
13 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Do you want to ease your long bike commute but are unwilling to shell out for an ebike? Consider the Swytch electric bike conversion kit. It could be a great way to breathe new life into the busted-up old commuter collecting dust in your garage.

The Swytch Kit runs $449 (read, less than a ton of high-end bike components we could name), is rim and disc-brake compatible, and fits on almost any bike thanks to 13 available wheel sizes and a hub-only model. The company even has a kit compatible with foldable bikes.

Swytch estimates the conversion kit will allow users to travel at the cost of 0.4 cents per mile.

“Our new improved Swytch Kit is a game-changer. It is going to totally disrupt the eBike industry because it is so much lighter, smaller and more affordable than anything else out there,” said Swytch CTO and co-founder Dmitro Khroma.

A battery optimized for commuting

The kit’s primary selling point is the “pocket-sized” 36-volt, 98-watt-hour lithium-ion AIR battery. The AIR has a range of 9 miles and charges in about an hour. Even better, it weighs about 1.5 pounds. Swytch also sells a larger version (about the size of a tablet) with a range of 19 miles.

Recent American census data indicates that bicycle commuters only spend about 20 minutes (one way) on their commutes, so Swytch’s range should be long enough to meet that need.

The kit also includes a 250-watt geared hub motor wheel, a mount and bracket, a charger, and a pedal sensor. Swytch claims the system can tackle a 30-percent grade with ease.

Easy install, easy pedaling

The Swytch Kit is seemingly designed with bike neophytes in mind. The motor and wheel are a single unit, and step one of the installation is to remove the old front wheel and install the new one that comes with the kit.

The pedal sensor clips in easily near the pedals, while the motor bracket attaches to the handlebars with a hex key. Once all the pieces are installed, all it takes is plugging it all in and snapping the battery in place.

The Swytch Kit is sold out due to high demand, but interested parties can pre-order it here, with expected deliveries beginning early in 2023.

swytchbike.com

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

13 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dockboy
Dockboy
2 years ago

Hmm, previous comments disappeared.

Is this hub motor the same one used by Hilltopper? Looks just the same, has the same voltage, and even uses the same too-big 10mm axle (WHYYYYYY??).

John Chamberlain
John Chamberlain
2 years ago
Reply to  Dockboy

You need a 10mm dia axle with an electric hubmotor to retain enough strength where the motor wires pass through the tunnel in the centre of the axle, and also be strong enough to accept a torque arm to prevent the axle rotating in the frame dropouts, destroying the motor wires in the process..

brad
brad
2 years ago

I was curious enough to go to their website, but how can a ‘universal kit’ fit every front hub configuration? 9mm qr, 12,15, 20mm through axles in 100, 110 and 150mm widths?

Hobie Cooper
Hobie Cooper
2 years ago
Reply to  brad

There are multiple wheel sizes available. Choose the one that fits your bike.

Tina Sieber
Tina Sieber
2 years ago
Reply to  brad

You will receive a motor wheel that fits your bike. They have various options for different wheel and fork sizes and will double-check your bike model if needed.

Source: I’m currently reviewing the latest Swytch kit.

Ronnie Simon
Ronnie Simon
2 years ago
Reply to  Tina Sieber

Please note Birdy folder bikes are not supported

Scott
Scott
2 years ago
Reply to  Ronnie Simon

Good to know…. You can remove me from the mailing list then.

Miguel
Miguel
2 years ago
Reply to  Tina Sieber

Will you be making a post with your reviews along with pictures? Lately all of the reviews only use the stock pictures. I have yet to see someone do an honest review with the Swytch kit 2022 with on their bike and have photos to prove it.

Eris
Eris
2 years ago

I installed a Swytch Kit on my wife’s cruiser bike about a year or so ago. REALLY easy to install…and she is riding her bike SO much more! The range is no issue since she just uses it for errands within a few miles. I highly recommend it.

Philip Montgomery
Philip Montgomery
2 years ago

I’ve been working with 2 stroke motors for my cruiser bikes and have some ideas for the next project that will produce a bike that would blow these rentals away. For a modest amount of cash to produce something comparable to those high dollar rides.

Rudy Kameereddy
Rudy Kameereddy
2 years ago

What’s the point if using a 2-steoke motor for a bike? Instead you should buy an autocycle.

BRUNO LOPEZ
BRUNO LOPEZ
1 year ago

I have this swytch kit and in many ways it’s amazing. But the install is not glitches. Have it in two Bromptons made in different years and the sensor setup is a real pain. Works well some times and not that well other times.

Brett
Brett
1 year ago

They are not advertising accurately. They say it fits 99% of bikes and it absolutely does not. I waited months to get mine and finally received it and it does not fit the quick release fork. I have reached out to them and it has been radio silence for assistance or talks of a return. I would encourage people to NOT BUY this product.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.