Get an electric bike without the cost – is converting your existing bike a money-saver?
Despite the technology being around for a while, electric bikes have exploded in popularity in the last year or so. Since the national lockdowns, more people than ever before have turned to battery-powered bikes to get around. Data from the Bicycle Association shows sales of electric bikes spiked by 67 percent last year in the wake of the first lockdown.
Contrary to popular belief, the fact that electric bikes include a motor does not mean it’s not a good workout. Researchers from University of Bristol discovered that, while pedal-assistant bikes don’t give cyclists quite the same workout as a traditional push bike, it’s more of a full-body workout than walking. Electric bike enthusiasts also report that the presence of the motor, which kicks-in when the pressure on the pedals indicates that you’re struggling, tempts them to cycle more and on longer or more challenging routes.
Unfortunately, the barrier for many remains the price. Buying an electric bike can set you back anywhere between £700 to £5,000.
While the UK Government is looking to address this with an electric bike purchase subsidy later this summer, another way to save a little cash – and space in the garage – is to convert an existing bike into an electric one.
One of the most well-known kits is Swytch.
Swytch sells two kits – one designed for popular folding bicycle brand Brompton, and a “Universal Conversion Kit” that’s designed to work with almost every other type of bike. Whether you’ve got a mountain bike, a road bike, or a tandem …Swytch says its kit will add a pedal-assist motor that will give you a helping hand when you’re struggling uphill.
