I purchased a Sonders Fold XS bike that I want to use for my fun and relaxing biking around the neighborhood and maybe at the beach. I have an older Cannondale hybrid bike that I am thinking of doing a simple front hub motor set-up. I have seen some advertisements for the Swytch motor system. It consists of a 250watt direct drive front hub motor, a 36 volt 4 or 7 amp hour battery with controller that is packed together and mounted on a quick release bracket that attaches to the handlebar, and a 12 magnet cadence sensor that bolts on the crank. Throttle is optional. It looks like a very straightforward setup that seems like a good quality system. Yes, the motor is only 250watts and the battery doesn’t provide a mega mile range, but it does meet my ride requirements. It has a list price of around $800, which to me is expensive. But they are offering discounts that would put it in the $400-$450 range. At $800 I wouldn’t be interested. At $400 I think it seems to be a valued purchase. I am a little confused whether this unit has been out already or just being introduced. If anyone knows of the system I would like your input. I would also value any other suggestions for a complete system that would be a front wheel hub drive.
Motorizing my old Cannondale
- Thread starter wings02
- Start date
Al P
Well-Known Member
I have previously recommended Leeds ebike kits. So I’ll give them another plug. I have been using their 500w kit for 4 years on my hybrid Mongoose and have had no trouble with it. They also have 250w kits.
leedsbikes.com
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Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
Our first DIY ebikes were front hub motor conversions. To make this work we changed out the front forks for cro moly steel forks and changed the headset bearings to downhill BMX sets, all for strength. Worked OK but found the OEM V-brakes to be marginal in our very hilly town with the added weight. These conversions cost ~$800 8 or 9 years ago.
Aside from those considerations I would offer that a 250 W motor with a 4 or 7Ahr battery is marginal at best. Our DIY ebikes had 750W hub motors and 20AHr batteries. They did get the job done. Our newest ebikes have 250W nominally rated mid-drive motors that produce well over 550W peak. The batteries are 17AHr rated. Just right!
Aside from those considerations I would offer that a 250 W motor with a 4 or 7Ahr battery is marginal at best. Our DIY ebikes had 750W hub motors and 20AHr batteries. They did get the job done. Our newest ebikes have 250W nominally rated mid-drive motors that produce well over 550W peak. The batteries are 17AHr rated. Just right!
Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
Most of us are going to end up using all the power our ebike motors can deliver in at least some riding conditions. Comparing hub motors to hub motors, the 250W model will give you better mileage off the same battery simply because you can't draw as much power as the 500W version.
harryS
Well-Known Member
This is the second generation Swytch kit, so they have experience in selling it. If you can really get it for $450, that's great, but it's assemblled in the UK and there's probably a $100 or more in shiping, plus what's the lead time?
You can buy a geared 500W front or rear motor kit for $260 on amazon. Add a battery for $300-400. It will go about 20 mph and climb better than the Swytch, which is a tiny motor.
You can buy a geared 500W front or rear motor kit for $260 on amazon. Add a battery for $300-400. It will go about 20 mph and climb better than the Swytch, which is a tiny motor.
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