Friction drive in 2021 opinions/thoughts? (first e-bike)

[SurfTech]

Hello all,


I’m new to the forums.

I’ve been looking into ebikes.

Mostly researching the DIY route or conversion kits.


I recently saw some easy conversion kits all based on friction instead of a hub motor.

Some have made several versions, the older versions look a lot less refined.



It is however hard to find honest reviews about these. Did anyone recently test these?

The newer ones look improved. I found a review but it was with a dated version model.


Below are some examples / brands.
The Qiroll seems the most interesting of the bunch at that price point.



https://qirollshop.com/products/

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Also if there is any other brand/model/tech I should look into, let me know (important note, I'm based in Europe)
The usage would be to commute.
Any thoughts on these? Better go for a switch conversion kit or more DIY?
What I really like about some of the models is the low weight, and the look. They are not very noticeable.

 

[SurfTech]

Anyone any experience?

 

[daytriker]

The problem with some of these friction drives is they can end up costing as much as a standard E Bike kit. I too have been curious for a simple add on system that I could fly with - the batteries still being the biggest obstacle with airlines limiting you to a 100 watt battery or less. The Qiroll H70 kit might be an option but looks like their most powerful motor is still only 320 watts with a supposed top speed of 30 mph. In my mind this is probably very optimistic of them & you still need to find a solution for the battery if you wish to fly somewhere with your bike. I'm interested if you ever got any feedback or found any good reviews as well.

 

[daytriker]

A couple of other brands you might want to look into are -

Review: Alizeti 300c friction drive e-bike actually works

If you’ve never heard of a friction drive electric bike system, there’s a good reason. Past systems have been described...

electrek.co

 

[PedalUma]

Is it better to be the rubbee, or the rubbor?

 

[daytriker]

It depends who brings the baby oil.

 

[harryS]

I've seen this video before and always enjoyed the part in the above video where they couldn't get the sprocket off. I couldn't either, when I installed my middrive. I had to cut mine off with a sawzall, They never read the manual. You can't make a friction drive work with mountain bike knobbies.

At the time of the review, I had done my third conversion. Batteries were harder to get in 2016. Walmart had these 12V car starter batteries on closeout for $29, They contained a 12V Lipo battery. I bought three, and for $100, I had a relatively safe battery that could run my bike for 15 miles. I think one or two of them could have run the above friction kit. The picture has the three batteies, and the controller in a rear rack bag.

I was so afraid of those Lipo batteries would blow up. I kept them outside. and left them out in the rain. Water killed the controllers, and now they would have blown up. I recycled them.