interesting brake rotor driven conversion kit

[mschwett]

Skarper’s Clip-On Motor Turns a Regular Bike Into an Ebike — WIRED

We hit the saddle with a new “clip-and-go” motor that electrically drives the rear wheel of nearly any bike with disc brakes.

apple.news

this actually seems like a pretty ingenious solution - and at only 6.6lb the average person could easily toss it into their bag before and after use.

motor driven replacement rotor:

 

[6zfshdb]

Definitely an interesting product but quite pricey. I can see where it would serve a niche market though.

The internal battery can't be very large judging by the size and 6.6# weight of the unit itself. It therefore can't offer much assist in order to achieve the advertised 37 mile range. Another question is, can the battery be swapped with a spare to increase range? Is it easily replaceable or do you have to buy another unit when the battery fails?

Another issue is, it appears you have to stop and push a button on the unit to change between eco and max modes.

This might indeed be an attractive conversion choice for commuters who already own a decent bike.

 

[harryS]

Very nice.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

"The Hell Is Paved With Bicycle Inventions".

 

[kevinmccune]

Interesting, just think how relevant this could be if battery capacity is doubled.

 

[PedalUma]

I do not see what market segment would want this. Does anyone have ideas of who would want this over other options. It is $1200. A new wheel with a 250W hub is $400 and can work with a battery that's weight is toward the middle of the bike. A battery off at one end is a bad idea. A larger capacity battery is $200. It might take a hour longer to install for a better system. Is the gee wiz worth double the money to anyone?

 

[mschwett]

some interesting advantages of this - like a mid drive, you’re not spinning the motor around. less rotational mass, less wasted energy. like a rear hub drive, the motor torque isn’t being reduced by the drivetrain ratio, presumably allowing less extreme internal gearing. fully removable, so no weight penalty other than the slightly heavier rotor and a few sensors here and there. it’s upgradable without upgrading the whole bike, which given how quickly e bike technology is changing relative to bike technology, pretty nice.

disadvantages… kind of ugly. structural load on a part of the chain stay that may not have been designed for it. (i wonder if it works with carbon bikes?) cadence sensor only, which isn’t great. it would be cool if someone made bikes with all the sensors fully integrated, and this just attached and communicated wirelessly with the pre-wired sensors.

 

[kevinmccune]

I wonder if a 'shaded pole" type motor could be integrated into a steel bike wheel? If so would it have any appreciable torque?

 

[Jimmy666]

It is not a bad idea but that cost and the fact that you can't swap out batteries is a no go.

 

[PedalUma]

It is a Rubbee on the disc. I am not sure; is it better to be the rubbee or the rubbor? Or to take turns? The photos show it on a carbon bike. No way, Jose. A carbon road bike is not made for that. What if you crack your chain stay at speed while cornering? Carbon is fragile and brittle. It cannot take compressive forces such as from securing the motor mount.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Mark: I am all for manufactured e-bikes. You have clearly stated you rode your e-bike less and less in favour of the lighweightestest traditional bike. And now you consider a new contraption that -- in my opinion -- will never commercially succeed?

The new invention reminds me of those TV channels only broadcasting advertisements. "Buy the latest brush, and your business suit will be fluff-free!" It is more of entertainment to watch TREK that is currently fighting with six different motor systems in the hope they overtake the market one day...

 

[mschwett]

Mark: I am all for manufactured e-bikes. You have clearly stated you rode your e-bike less and less in favour of the lighweightestest traditional bike. And now you consider a new contraption that -- in my opinion -- will never commercially succeed?

The new invention reminds me of those TV channels only broadcasting advertisements. "Buy the latest brush, and your business suit will be fluff-free!" It is more of entertainment to watch TREK that is currently fighting with six different motor systems in the hope they overtake the market one day...

i like the idea of a modular bike - don’t bring the weight with you when you don’t need it!
it does seem a bit gimmicky, but the proof is in the pudding. a manufactured ebike with all sensors / controller logic integrated and the battery and motor easily detachable would be pretty cool if it worked well.

of course, most modular things fail.

 

[PedalUma]

It is an afterthought. Off to one side and out at one end. There is no appreciable market for it. Roadies? Commuters? Students? Mom's? DYI? Nope. It is a rubbee-redo with huge limitations. Would RVers go for this at $1200? That is the cost of a 20" internet fat folder & when $600 electric bikes are sold at Wallmart to get beer at a flat campsite. Where is the market?