That might be the easiest ebike retrofit/conversion I've ever seen. I have concerns about the grip in wet conditions but this looks like a great way to get that ebike I've wanted and not put my perfectly good frame to waste.

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fwipsy 6 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Similar friction drives have existed for a while. The battery is very small compared to a regular ebike (typically they start at about 300wh.) Also, IIRC the friction drive is not very efficient.

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itomato 6 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Like when wet. Or icy or both.

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davidw 6 hours ago | parent [-]

I think the number of people who want to use something like this when it's icy out is pretty small. You'd want studded tires, for instance... and it's generally those who are really committed who ride in those conditions. This looks more like 'dipping a toe in the eBike water'.

	▲	SoftTalker 6 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Looks more like a "hill assist device" to me.

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cowsandmilk 6 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

This one is 158 Wh

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fwipsy 5 hours ago | parent [-]

I saw. Most entry-level ebikes have at least 10ah * 36v batteries; a few lightweight models have 7ah. So this has about half the battery capacity of the cheapest ebikes.

	▲	kelnos 5 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Given the size of it and the significantly less weight it adds to the bicycle, I'd say half capacity is pretty fantastic. (Of course, "capacity" is misleading, as this will be less efficient than a real e-bike.)

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loeg 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Get a Bafang kit or a hub motor replacement rear wheel instead. At least those systems work well.

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Pxtl 5 hours ago | parent [-]

I mean I agree but those aren't zero-skill install like this.

	▲	loeg 4 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Bafang isn't, sure, but a hub motor is relatively easy. I guess hub front motor is even easier than hub rear.

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mongol 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Have a look at Bafang or Tongsheng kits

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6 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

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