I love a product that is easy to install and even easier to use. I think that's why I've been put off e-bike converter kits. They just seem too complicated. So, I've stuck to the binary of traditional push bikes or testing the best electric bikes. I have both in my garage and I love being able to choose either option every time I go for a drive.
It seems I no longer need two bikes to choose from. With startup Skarper's new clip-on electric motor and drive system, Skarper says it's easier than ever to turn your bike into a versatile, high-performance e-bike. Could this be the future of e-bikes and match even the best folding e-bikes for versatility?
Skarper sent me a bike with all the Skarper devices fully installed. So, I didn't have a chance to run the installation, but watching several videos of the process, it seems pretty simple.
Skarper Electric Bike Converter – At a Glance
- What is it? A device to convert your bicycle into a versatile, high-performance electric bicycle.
- Who is it for? Anyone who wants to be able to convert their regular bikes into electric bikes.
- How much does it cost? £1,495.00 (approximately $1,900 / AU$3,000)
Customers receive a Skarper drive unit, DiskDrive brake rotor, DynamicClimb pedal sensor, and chainstay attachment. Apart from a few tools, nothing else is required to install the complete Skarper system. It's worth noting that the Skarper will only work on bikes that have disc brakes. If you have a different type of brake system, such as [X/Y]then you will have to opt for a more standard converter kit.
Installation begins by replacing the stock brake rotor with the Skarper DiskDrive brake rotor. It is to this rotor that the drive unit is attached, while the small pod attachment helps hold the drive unit in place. The last thing to install is the DynamicClimb pedal sensor, which easily clips around the crank arm of the pedal. Experienced bike mechanics can do all of this in two or three minutes, but most riders will probably need 10 to 15 minutes of work to set up the disc brake and drive unit. However, once this initial effort is completed, the motor can be engaged and disengaged in seconds.
I'll go more into how it works in a minute, but let me tell you that Skarper gave me one of the best e-bike experiences I've ever had. It reminded me of Tenways CGO600 Pro which I reviewed a while ago. That feeling of high performance and incredible engine responsiveness… the Skarper offered the same.
As soon as I got on the Black Series Multistrada, I could see that this wasn't some hobbyist device waiting for a seat at the table. Instead, the Skarper is already a remarkably robust and feature-rich unit that provides users with power, speed and flexibility. I'm used to electric bikes that require one or two rotations of the pedal before the motor activates. Not so with the Skarper. It kicks in so quickly that you really have to adjust your driving style, especially in tight corners and when moving from a standstill.
Once I got used to the instant responsiveness, I was amazed at the power. The Skarper allows you to reach up to 25 km/h with very few problems. By opting for power assist, I had to put in very little effort. I missed the ability to be able to move through multiple pedal assist modes, but if you want something that will make your ride simple and effortless, then the Skarper is perfect. It's possible to choose between Eco and Turbo modes if you want a certain level of control, but it's not as much customization as I'm used to.
Power comes from the DiskDrive brake rotor, a gearbox integrated into the space behind the disc brake rotor. It is a completely sealed unit, which not only has the advantage of being maintenance-free but is also completely waterproof; As a result, I didn't have to worry about driving in wet conditions or going through deep puddles. I was so confident in the engineering that I didn't think twice about its ruggedness credentials.
The brake rotor locks beautifully into the brushless motor drive unit, which provides 45Nm of torque, and boy does it feel. It's a standard amount of torque, but acceleration from 0 to 25 km/h seems almost instantaneous. The only thing you have to worry about is being aware of the drivers around you, who aren't expecting you to get off the start line so quickly.
The only area where I found the Skarper a little lacking was on the steeper slopes. Instead of opting for multiple pedal assist modes, Skarper has designed a DynamicClimb pedal sensor, which is designed to provide more power to the motor when needed. This certainly helps manage battery life, but I prefer to have more control; maybe a hybrid between the dynamic sensor and a manual mode shifter, like the Tenways CGO600 Proit could work.
I took the Skarper on flat city streets and had no problems, but when I took it up more challenging hills through rural countryside, it definitely had more problems. Sometimes it couldn't even reach the maximum speed of 25 km/h. Maybe I'm asking too much, but I'm sure that within a few years the technology will have developed to the point where it can offer greater torque on steeper slopes. We'll see.
Upon arriving at a destination, removing the DiskDrive was quick and easy. There are no complicated latches or locks to get in the way. I generally wouldn't leave an e-bike battery unattended, but I asked Skarper representatives if they were planning to develop some type of locking system. They said no, because no lock can really stop e-bike thieves and therefore the best protection is to remove it and take it with you. I personally would like to have this option, since you may not want to always carry it with you.
Speaking of carrying it, the unit weighs approximately 4.5kg, so it's not lightweight. I certainly didn't want to carry it any more than necessary. The latch for removing and replacing the Skarper also serves as a handle. Unfortunately, it is offset to one side, making carrying the device more uncomfortable than necessary. If Skarper can find a way to move this handle so it is central to the unit or provide a secondary handle, then I think it would be more ergonomic. Admittedly, Skarper does sell a specially designed bag that has a pouch specifically designed to carry the battery, but I would say that this bag is a must-have for anyone who needs to walk a notable distance with the Skarper unit in hand. It would have been nice to include them instead of selling them separately.
Being able to remove the Skarper makes charging easier whether at home or in the office. This can be done using the supplied charger, and a full charge takes just 2.5 hours. This is much faster than many e-bikes I've tested, but it's largely doable due to the limited range. In ECO mode, users can travel up to 50 km, compared to just 30 km in turbo mode. This isn't a terrible range, but it's far from the best. Considering my daily commute is about 22 km, that doesn't leave me with many reserves for detours or problems along the route. I would expect this range to improve with future iterations, but for a first product it certainly isn't bad. I would compare it to my experience with the Brompton C Line Explore.
Throughout my experience using the Skarper, there was one notable piece missing. At first I couldn't identify it, but after a while I realized what it was. There was simply no screen or app that would allow me to interact with the device. Skarper has done a great job of providing extensive onboard controls, but they are not enough.
For example, it was not possible to adjust the mode or see the remaining battery life mid-trip. I loved the simplicity of the ride, but I couldn't help but feel like I was missing that extra level of control. All of this could probably be provided via a handlebar-mounted display, but I think it would be much better to provide an app. It was time to get back in touch with Uri at Skarper.
Uri told me that they plan to develop an app in 2025, but they've already done much of the hard work to make the Skarper device future-proof. All units have the functionality to connect and communicate with an app, a handlebar display and even cycle computers that have their own app markets. Therefore, early adopters will not be at a disadvantage.
The app will likely give users the ability to switch modes, view battery status, and interact with Skarper in other ways. This seems like the next logical step in developing a more complete driving experience.
Because this is the first of its kind, I really felt like I was experiencing something special; I wonder if this is how the early adopters of the Apple iPhone or the Brompton bicycle felt. It's that moment when you realize that an entire industry is being redefined before your eyes. The electric bike market is booming with many great options, but there are still many gaps in the market. Skarper wants to completely revolutionize the industry and, if my experience is anything to go by, they just did it.