So do you think you could fit the Swytch kit yourself? Pricing for the Air and Max starts from around £599, but for the latest price head on over to their website!
£599 is enough to e-bikes in Amazon/ local bike store. Even traditional ebike conversion kits cost £400 with battery ( 250-350W , 12-13ah ) Swytch kit has front hub motor which in thoery will have less torque then rear hub motor, way smaller battery as well. If you really love your normal bike, then swytch is an option
Those ebikes on Amazon are trash comparatively though - I've seen plenty and they're budget in a lot of areas. Also, consider the applied force of both front hub motor along side pedal power, as the assistance from that isn't the same as a rear hub driven ebike :)@@shahan1465
I’ve had a Swytch system for two years - not this model, but same power. It’s a great product, like riding with the wind behind you. It gives me just the right amount of assist. The company, order process and delivery were a total nightmare. It was five months late, they shipped the wrong wheel size, their support is the worst I’ve ever experienced. No phone number, no address, no people, just a helpdesk email. It wasn’t until I threatened them with legal action that 24hrs the kit arrived by courier.
Thanks for the heads-up. Likely some made grifty dorks making money off of some poor kid overseas. None of these companies ever last... why waste your money when there are proven options with actual support out there.
He said it was the mission was to make e-bikes affordable not provide the best customer service lol I hear 100g is rrally good with customer support but yeah the geeko starts at 500 n goes up, with my discount i got the Swytch for 350… ill wait lol
A few critical things missing from this video, at least for bicycles with hydraulic disk brakes. 1. You have to be really careful when the wheel and disk are not mounted on the bike that you don't press the brake lever. This could happen accidentally when the bike is flipped over. It is best to insert something the same thickness or a bit thicker than the disk into the brake caliper gap when messing with the bike when the wheel is not mounted with the disk so if the brake lever is depressed the caliper will have something to stop the brakes from getting messed up. 2. After disks are mounted on a new hub and wheel, there is likelihood that the disk position will be slightly altered. This will require re-alighting the brake caliper. None of these are "deal breakers" (sorry no pun intended), but they are important steps that can make this process a bit more involved than the simplicity shown in the video. Cheers from the new world! (USA, where we have legally owned and operated on public road electronic scooters!).
Imagine them selling over their production capacity then having to disappoint people with waiting times, or for margin of error within production, AFTER taking full payment. By doing it this way, they can manage expectations and it's all fair game. If you want one, just get in the queue and when invited to pay, do it :) I bought mine back in 2020 (I've got the model before the air came out) and it only took a few months. Was absolutely worth the weight!
I cancelled my order as it was 4 mo nths late. I then bought an Eovolt afternoon which I love but admittedly it was 1k more expensive. Still think I made a decent decision though
Gets a bit annoying to receive constant emails from Swytch saying they've upgraded (twice now since I got my original kit which proved problematic over it's first year) and it's 'only' £xxx to get the new version of the battery with a bigger range. Also the long waiting list is because they seem to wait until they have sufficient orders to fill a container coming from China, where the kits are made. It's not UK made at all, unless things have changed since I got my kit.
Spot on. I waited months for the Brompton conversion kit and yes, it ships from China in a container that they sort out (and messed up, in my case) at the docks in Australia. I now have two Brompton kits uninstalled and sitting in a cupboard. We didn't like the the weight gain and clunky performance.
Buyer BEWARE - This company does NOT STAND BEHIND the crappy batteries that they sell. I bought a Gen 1 kit 20 months ago, put LESS THAN 50 total miles on the battery, kept it properly charged and in a suitable environment and it flat out failed. The company's "support" told me I need to BUY and brand new battery - no other option, no special discount. I will NEVER buy from them and neither should you.
We very much stand behind our products! But we also have a standard 1 year warranty period. We also do offer discounts for existing customers to upgrade.
@@Swytchbike Not good enough. Your battery "upgrade" is more than 1/2 the total price originally paid (for less capacity /range) and does NOT address the fact that your batteries are sub-standard. What other "long term" battery fails after 5 uses? Poor design and poor support. Buyer BEWARE...😡
@@Swytchbike No you don't it took almost a month to get actual help and I was told the same thing. You all didn't accept responsibility for the poor battery.
Tbf 1 year is a pretty week warranty for a battery. My EV battery comes with an 8 year warranty and it it's more complicated. Seems like they are missing some controller functions that will protect the battery long-term, over repeated recharging.
I've seen a few comments trashing this kit, but it works fine for me. I use it on Level 1 assist, because I like to put effort into my ride, and can still feel the assist, absolutely. I will say that I have the Air Max and 15-18 miles isn't enough, so I'm getting an adapter and larger capacity non-swytch battery for up to 80 miles. (I can report back later on the adapter/battery combo if anybody is interested.)
That cable that needs unplugging to remove the battery had better not be the same as the original cables/plugs. In my experience they do not plug/unplug at all well. Tried it twice when needed to change my kit and each time I had to use pliers and one of those times it destroyed the plug before it would unplug.
i had a similar problem with the plug from the display after plugging it in again the display stopped working because two of the wires had snapped DOH.
one of those pumps that mount to bottle cage holder works pretty well but you know you could also just get puncture resistant tires. i ride probably like 5000km per year and i don't even remember when i last had puncture and i ride over glass shards and pins and it's fine. i am actually kinda supriced how well puncture resistant tires work.
I absolutely love the whole concept of the switch kit, conversions are definitely the way forward, throwing something out bike or car and buying a new one is totally missing the point of trying to be greener. Converting an existing bike or car to electric is cheaper and greener, i dont know why this isn't what the majority are doing. I suppose its all down to marketing. If im honest ive never been keen on the look of the battery on the hsndlebars but the new one is great, and somehow can do 40 miles is amazing. Wonder if i could connect 2 batteries to double the range to 80 miles. That would be awsome. A bottlle battery or range extender would also be pretty neat.
Because both of those options are £600 plus with a battery. This new version is £350. I don't need a Ferrari just a bike that can assist me on hills to make commuting on bike more feasible for me. I can spend more money and get something better but I simply don't need it. I just need summin that works.
Greener? What about the original front wheel from your own bike that you have to take it off and replace it with this conversion kit? Your original wheel will sit there gathering dust or slime (maybe that's the "greener" you meant or you have to sell it to someone else. I don't know which one is "greener"; buying this kit and having a spare wheel lying around or buying a new ready made e-bike and selling your analogue bike. That's another debate, isn't it?
Yes it totally sucks that you get enthused in summer and can’t get it until autumn and for this they are actually thinking about a 6. -12 months wait insane !
They do the 6-12 month wait thing so that (a) they have that money in their pockets way longer and (b) they can order the cheapest kind of manufacturing in fixed numbers.
@@richdt6312 OP is talking about the fact that they open orders in the summer months when people are eager to go out and ride, but kits don't deliver until 6 months later when people are less likely to want to ride.
I have a Swytch bike and the kit is brilliant but the customer service is awful. Had support requests in for nearly a year and no communication despite emailing many times. Personally, I would avoid it as they are more focussed on new sales than existing customers.
If they sold the kit with out battery it could sell for $300, and it would sell like hot cakes. Just make the front mount thing a controller. The problem with this kit is that once the battery dies you are doomed
😮A choice of the swytch and Geeko...i chose the Geeko rear hub...£500.... ordered it one day, 25 days later, shipping from China, it was on my bike., one cable from motor to battery...very neat....tools were included to do the job.
100% MATE. I too did a LOT of research and decided Geeko was a better option - why? Simply because you can customize (for additional cost) the width of the Motor in the rear for 130mm or 135mm dropout spacing and if you go for the front hub option, 100mm 80mm and 74mm dropouts. I've no doubt Swytch offer this but with Geeko it just seemed more straightforward. Also if you have narrower front slot width it can be customized for 10mm, 9mm or 8mm. I ordered a Prime35078F kit about 1 years ago with wheel customization for a front 100mm dropout. It arrived within 3 weeks. I had it installed (inc the tyre and app) within 30 mins. I've used it in winter in SCOTLAND, when it rains and it's been great. The thing it's done for me has allowed me to use my little used single speed bike with it's 32mm tyres and lightweight to do my 6 mile commute. When i am on my way downhill or down slope i turn the throttle off and the 46x18 gearing allows me to top out at 20mph on the flat at i can switch the throttle on and off to maintain that (usually on level 1 power) The main thing i get from this is - i can use my e-bike for commutes from April to October when i USED to be using my car...
My favorite part of the Swytch team is how they insist that, "you're going to do this yourself." I'm averse to doing mechanical work but, if I had a bike, learning how to convert it to electric teaches me about how the things work and familiarizes me with the process. The fact they have everything to help you and will guide you is amazing. Kudos to Swytch!!!
Clip on power packs for a rear rack would make a nice next gen power option. Even longer range, charge one while using another, variable sized and cost. I like the fact you can go with a small pack to start with as some people only need a little... What's the terms - scalability...
I've had my swytch kit for a few months now and I have yet to add it to my bike. I thought the disk break would be hard to do. But that look so simple. Thank you for this video.
Those features are the exact reason the other two kits are more expensive. This one would be no different from the others if it had those. They removed those features to achieve as low a price as possible.
To me this would be an improvement. I've had regular trouble with their multi-terminal connection between battery and handlebar mount thingy. Motor stops running, then runs on its own WHILE ON THE BIKE REPAIR STAND, growls like a bear with a sore head etc. Had to moan to CS for months to get them to do something - so they sent me new handlebar thingy. No better. I think they designed the system for smooth city roads with fresh tarmac, not the country pock-marked roads round me. Fed up cleaning the contacts every week with toothbrush and Cif, then Holts contact cleaner. I'd put up with the inconvenience of straps and/or parking the bike indoors near the charger, rather than having to do "percussive maintenance" on the battery as the motor starts dropping out when I'm trying to get home ahead of the rain.
I'm 62 years old. This sounds too good to be true. Meanwhile, I'll continue huffing and puffing across the roads maneuvering all my bicycles. I own 13 used bikes, so far. Schwinn bikes are the best to ride, as they propel you forward, especially up slopes and hills. 👁️👁️
Looks great,my husband just put my on my Brompton and display level is Not working at all ,I can’t check the wheel because no any light on display 😢I have emailed to them ,we see how long I’m gonna wait for fixing problem.
What is the benefit to existing Swytch users like myself, other than range? / with the Air the benefit was range plus a lighter, more portable battery. With this version I’m effectively paying for a bigger more ranged battery - being able to “velcro the pack to anywhere on the frame” seems less of a benefit compared to the solid fixing g I have with my original Swytch v1. So this seems more of a version geared to attract new users rather than existing ones. Or tell me I’m wrong ?
Hi Nigel! Many thanks for your message, hope you are enjoying your AIR kit! The Swytch GO is based on customer research over the lifetime of the AIR and MAX kits, but we understand that the changes aren't for everyone, and so we will not be discontinueing the AIR or the MAX, an upgrade kit will also be available for existing customers.
Not got a Swytch but I have a Ebike for courier work, well 2 and too many batteries, work 6 hours/£110+ a day, 6 days a week, couldn't do it with a normal bike so much
I see issues with it not being a quick to release, eg. Going to the shop, clip the battery off and into the shop, i dont want to faff about with straps...
Good thing they made you do this yourself. We all need to know how to remove the wheels of our bikes, so we can repair flat tires. We need to know how to change a tire too. These are the basics of bike ownership, so we don't have to ask for help with every flat tire.
i was just having that same conversation with a friend of mine yesterday. she has a lease e-bike that includes roadside assistance in case of a breakdown, so she doesn't even bother to try fixing a flat herself. I highly advised she 'd at least carry a repair kit and learn to use it, but nope. I will add that she only rides on regular roads, whereas my commute ride crosses through fields, a nature reservation and some woods (it's a massive shortcut compared to going by car for me) so even if I were to get roadside assistance, I'd still have to push that 26kilo lump of aluminium for a few kilometers even to be reachable by the roadside assistance. In that time I'd have that flat replaced and would have been on my way
I have two folders (Dahon Ios) with the previous Swytch Pro kit, the one with 50+ km range, and they are absolutely awesome machines. If you control carefully the power assist they can do way more than 60 kms, few years ago we managed to do the full round trip around Las Bardenas Reales in Navarra, about 50kms mainly flat with half the battery left at the end. I only use them as a motorhome auxiliary vehicles, not daily used, and are fault-free until today. I wish a little more quality on components (they seem a bit 'chinese' for the high price tag) and a little less crazy shipping costs.
Hi, I have a Dahon folding bike, the Mariner. It does not have disk brakes, but uses brake pads. Do you think this kit would work on a non disk brake bike, or would I have to convert the brakes? Love my Dahon, but hubby now has an e-bike.
All good and i've really enjoyed my series one version. If i had any improvement on mine it would be to fit a loop or mini key lock so if im popping into, say a beer shop (hipster alert) i can leave it on. I was once offered, in the beer shop, a spare battery by someone passing, who'd obviously nicked it from a bike that had left it on. I did not buy it!
Hey Swytch team, love what you’re doing - particularly moving the battery into the frame. Hope you can also offer different colours of wheel rims and spokes to match to different bikes, that’s the thing that stands out to me the most!
Adding options dramatically increases the price and wait times. The long wait to get a 26 inch wheel for example is because to get a good price Swytch has to place a very large order for identical wheels. Imagine Swytch having to wait for a high demand for a certain color 26 inch rim and spokes before they order from the factory. Not practical. It's elementary school economics.
I hope its a more reliable battery. I received my kit on 1/2/2022. After about 15 months I started having problems. On 14/7/23 I got the reply "We're sorry to report that your ECO kit has now reached the end of its life." After only 17 months of moderate use the battery was defunct!☹
I have a swytch kit with a max battery, I’m 143 lbs and the kit gave me the kind of speed an pedal assist I was looking for, but I would agree with other comments about how fast the battery drains, so much so that I decided to purchase a second max range battery to me the distance it takes me to commute and run errands. Keep in mind that I live suburban United States where everything is so far away compared to the UK or Europe.
Thanks for the review! I seriously considered one at one point. But the massive premium you pay for being from the 'Rest of the World' for shipping put me off it. In the end, I decided to set my sights on a purpose built ebike instead. But it was an attractive option I did consider. And way easier than building one from scratch.
I think the Swytch makes loads of sense and an entry to ebikes and the reality is that you can likely charge it at work, range anxiety us a hoax from car drivers.EBike Life ⚡⚡
Range anxiety on e bikes is no hoax, particularly on these tiny batteries, that 40 mile range claim is nonsense, might achieve that if ridden by a dwarf with a 40 mph tailwind
The older model is an example of how not to design a battery, aesthetic-wise, and the new one is a perfect example of how to design batteries. As a pro designer, I'm very pleased with the looks of the new model.
The older model mimics a power bank that's trendy. Even trendier would be to offer a USB port to charge your phone with that battery. How's that for an idea as a non-pro, not even amateur designer?
The issue is you don't have any idea how long it is going take to receive it. Once ordered you are waitlisted until they have enough orders to satisfy their manufacturers requirements. Thing is this product has been produced for a number of years now and should have a constant supply of product now. Hell, should have enough supply to have bike shops that deal their product. I think it's an awesome product, but when I order something like this I expect to receive in a matter days, not months.
10 mile tiny battery will suit lots of people for local trips. Price of fuel and buses now is crazy. And still getting some exercise which is way better than none according to the studies.
But then again you have to use electricity to charge electricity (the battery) and you have to fuel your legs in order to ride your bike. Which one is more cost effective? I don't know.
@@khchoi2012 this kit have cadense sensor,you can just ghost pedal to activate engine.they had to do it to avoid stupid laws made against Ebicycles in many EU countries
@@khchoi2012 let's do the math, shall we? I commute on electric bike to work, that pays me 27 eurocents per kilometer. I ride 20 kilometers to and from work per day: €5,40. If i ride my bike at the highest assist setting (turbo) which assists up to 45 km/h I need to recharge 3 times that week. a full recharge would cost about 30 cents or so (except it doesn't as i have solar panels) IF I were to commute on eco mode, I'd be fine with a single 30 cent charge for the whole week. no road tax, no added insurance, and I get paid around 115 euro per month tax free. yeah... I'd definitely say the bike is more cost effective, especially given the fact that I'm at least 2 to 3 minutes quicker by bike than by car.
I wish the go would also support the clip mechanism. It's kind of annoying having just got the swytch kit this year and now if I want the best battery option, I basically have to take on a whole new form factor. Would it really have been SO hard for you guys to just make it clip compatible?!
THIS IS EILIS! (and Electroheads and Swytch!) Thanks for doing a deep dive and showing the new product! I recently received an email offer about their new product (even in NA, not Europe), so great timing!
When buying any ebike or kit , the price and distance is most important of all. Im not sure if Swyth thought of this . If you want ebike then go go for last years model or shop display from evens cycles or other online stores , where you can pick up something with decent motor and range for under £1500. Keep it in good condition for 3 years and you might get half your money back when selling. Keep a kit for 3 years and no one will be interested in buying it
Great video. No power or top speed info, only range ? great looking product, But....its really motivated me to look elsewhere for something that I can buy now with more info. Mr sales director / promotor (and im guessing there is not one) - Can you see what's just happed here ? - You made me want to buy a solution that ends with vague availability (1st trigger of frustration) and made me eager for more specs (second trigger)and now im looking for other solutions on offer. Just an organic reaction, I don't normally waste my time on YT comments, but I have a thing for green.
I urge anyone considering a Swytch Kit to avoid buying one, and get a real ebike. Where I am, we have rebates that will pay more than 60% the cost of a new base-level ebike that will take you further, faster, and more reliably than Swytch kits will. First off, my kit took six months to arrive. After months of sitting in a warehouse on the tracker, I complained to them and, lo and behold, it magically got delivered THE NEXT DAY. I suspect they were waiting for cheap local distribution options to pop up to save a few bucks here and there instead of just getting a product to the customers who paid for it. Upon arrival, right out of the box, it was faulty. The wheel still shakes - after a full year of wrestling with their awful warranty department, and the rim is made of such a low-quality alloy that it has developed a sandpaper-like texture that shreds through my brake pads. The ranges they advertise are hilariously inaccurate. The kit I got was supposed to handle up to 60km. Up to. I get that. However, it sometimes dies after 15km. Other days I can go 70km. Taking the kit apart (against their warranty, though I'm no longer covered) reveals cheap, off-the-shelf parts from China. They are effectively a drop-shipper that puts a fancy logo on their product. Heck, the charger they sent doesn't even have the Swytch logo (or name) on it. After taxes and shipping, it was over $800 with their scam "discount." With my rebate in British Columbia, I got a great e-bike that I won't advertise since that seems insincere for a total of $700 - an ebike that has done several 120km days, has a proper charger, I don't have to build myself, and has not only a year of manufacturer warranty but a free year of services and tune ups from the shop where I bought it. I mentioned that I previously had a Swytch to the salesperson I bought it from and his response can be summarized as a raise of the eyebrows while looking at the floor. Save your money and spend more on something better.
I do wish you would mention the name of the e-bike that you got! ....I am looking and am torn between several but what appeals to me in Swytch is the light weight with so many e-bikes weighing around 60 lbs.
My Swytch kit was missing some parts. One of the parts was the battery charger so it was pretty negligent that they forgot to include it. Step One is to charge your battery! The pedal sensors were also missing, which is another crucial part. I thought it was very strange that it arrived in several boxes but parts were still missing. I emailed them when we started putting it together and discovered that we didn't have all the parts and they immediately mailed the parts to me that I specified. I don't think it took more than a week to get them, which I thought was strange since it took around 6 months to get the wheel and the other parts.
@onthewater4020 I am so sorry to hear of your experience with Swytch - but glad to hear you are still ebiking! We have taken the feedback on board that you have described here - we now make our wheels in the UK, and you are incorrect about cheap shipping options, but we did have issues with our Canadian supplier which we have since fixed.
Ebikes are getting ridiculously cheap now. It almost makes no sense to buy a Swytch kit unless you love your bike. If they could scale and get the price to $300, I'd be a buyer. For $1000 you can already buy a very good ebike that exceeds everything this kit has to offer.
Cracking video, Eilis, you really know how to engage everyone for the video, and I smiled all the way through. You do look incredible on that bike though..
I really like it, but too much complaining and bad reviews online from late delivery, to bad customer service, to defected parts, it is a great start up, but def needs investors or funding. I’m hesitating from the bad reviews actually!!
Using earphone+mic as natural language interface to bike computer seems great, e.g. switch gears, speed inquiry or alerts, map navigation, battery alerts, miscellaneous stats, text messaging to voice bridge, telephone calls, etc.
The AIR and MAX kits clip out and can go into your bag for safety, and with the GO kit its just a couple of straps! But we also have a locking mechanism to the downtube as an optional extra.
Hello folks I'm so shock that you didn't added in tech tips like form Park Tools how to do the right way. To protect your name. • make sure tire rotation is right. By having the brake facing up on both rims. • un-torque brake rotor in a star pattern then how to re torque. • how to seat the tire bead onto the rim. Remember it's all about the customer safety. Ride Easy
Im very interested in getting the GO battery for my current Swytch-converted bike. I havent had an issue with the customer service, im a north american customer and have had the expected quickness with the e-mails. Ive never called obviously. I had the 50km battery but it doesnt charge or work anymore. It took me about a month to finish putting it together because 1) i didnt have a lot of bike-related tools like the wheel-putter-onner 2) theres not actually a lot of clear instructional videos on the swytch website so i had to find youtuber reviewer videos to learn from and most time-consumingly 3) where the motor wheel slides onto my bike's fork, its a non-standard size, so i did what a few indignant but patient consumers have done which is file down the motor wheel's sticky-out-bits so that the motor wheel could fit on the bike's fork (the alternative being, filing down the bike's fork). Would i do it again/do i recommend? Yes, with conditions. Think of it as a cool kit like the circuit toys that kids get but a lot more practical. Its a fun kit to put together, and you get a cool ride at the end! Dont expect it to be put together and done in a day. Get help! Dont be like me, get learned on bike wheel sizes, and get the right wheel size. CHARGE THE BATTERY AND KEEP IT CHARGED OTHERWISE IT WILL DIE AND NOT WORK. All of my complaints have been user error on my part with a pinch of laziness and assumption that ill figure it out. 😂
How would this feel on a fixie I wonder? As if you want to slow down you either brake, or back pedal, but the crank and pedals keep moving, therefore would the sensor keep providing power to the wheel ? Anyone try this? I'm thinking it would so you'd have to change to a freewheel hub but I'm definitely curious now 🤔😆 Looks great through! Keep up the good work, as it's tempting me more these days.
Have used on a SS, sensor only works when peddling forwards so back peddling would not activate the motor. Now have a throttle instead, helps to extend the battery as only used when I want/need it.
Ah right, so would have to be a freewheeling hub in order to backpedal to stop power delivery. The throttle option is probably the best like you have. Cheers for the reply! @@shammc36
Wish they'd make a rear wheel or center drive version. I get that they would be harder to install but they give a much more natural ride feel compared to front wheel drive.
Nice. Ive looked at swytch a few times. Waiting lists and no 27.5 inch wheels? I have entered the waiting list for the new kit. I do hope to hit the purchase button but its not a smooth transaction. Really great kit and if you want to keep your bike worth getting a quality conversion kit. Just make it easier Swytch please.
They do offer a 27.5" wheel, its on the list as I just looked. My first kit tool a while to come but they are improving, mine was certainly worth the wait.
From experience bought 2nd gen kit - controller went , then battery would not charge … would be another circa €360 to replace .. with likely same components subject to same quality/ failure window. Left with a wheel that I cannot plug into anything due to kit being their bespoke connectors/ config. They need longer back-to back guarantees and/or replacements at cost. Unless the battery is at great price , better to go with trusted/scaled supplier with better warranty of non- kit eg Decathlon… My opinion … Swytch bike company around a long time now. … either start being/building for long term as reputable supplier with longevity or quit
@@ALookBackInTime I agree with him, massively overpriced, nowhere near as good as alternatives like tongsheng tsdz2 kit which is better in every way and significantly cheaper
From what I heard at the pre-launch, yes you can. However, you have to unplug the power cable from the new battery and plug in the cable to the Air or Max dock. It isn't smart enough to have two batteries connected at the same time.
SWYTCH SCAM ALERT. I ordered the Swytch kit. It came in months later but at the estimated time. It DID NOT fit my bike. The tire fit but the axel did not fit my fork. Customer service barely replies. I asked multiple times if I could buy a wheel motor with a wider axel. No response. I was allowed to send it back for a refund. I sent it back. A week later they tell me they are only giving a partial refund. No refund for $50 shipping and no refund for the $78 tax. That's $128 out of my pocket. No response from Swytch. I am now trying to make a dispute with my bank. AVOID THIS PRODUCT. This seller does not try to help you with fitting the product. They do not reply. If it does not fit your bike you are out $128.
It clearly helps them as orders are pre-paid - and with that prepayment they place orders and we wait whilst our order/s are being made. No risk to Swytch. And 2-3 months wait for us.
No kidding. And the also clearly wait until the cheapest shipping options pop up - my kit sat in a warehouse in Seattle for MONTHS. I emailed them to complain and the NEXT DAY it was delivered. I get that a company has to turn a profit, but not by ripping off customers by milking every penny out of every order at the cost of quality.
I really need this but the long wait list is a real pain! I guess this is indicative of our much diminished capacity to manufacture anything technical. If Swytch were in China or the USA they would be turning these items out as if they were mass product. I'm glad all of their stuff is made in the UK though.
Now I have a question. Now if one orders two batteries. As the first one runs low then when the second battery runs low. Can one plug them together of whatever is left in them to get a few more miles out of both. Bridge them together in parallel? If not why not? You offer this feature. I do like the strap on bag over the handlebar mount for derability of less of an chance of breaking for years of riding. It's easier to replace the velcro closure vs bar mount. Ride Easy
Where do you need to go on your bike to do more than 40 miles? That's the first question I'd ask myself before exhibiting range anxiety. Even 20 miles on a bike is a decent day out.
To the dirt bike trails and back pulling a trailer for overnight camp out. Battery assisted for the boring ride. Off it goes for rider and bike time. Plus to run the lights for night rides and around camping spot lighting boombox. Also if one gets hurt at night having light is needed to get to the main road wait for EMS. Just for the basic needs to enjoy all the good times gone and the ones still ahead. The more real life experiences time learned has taught me to look ahead to where I want to go and not at where I don't want to go. This is a basic how to ride a bike, rule. That can be applied in so many other interests each of us have. Or as Bruce Lee quote ( protect yourself at all times) Ride when your body is out of energy, is a sure way to ride into a tree that doesn't bend or fold. That hurts. It's all about safety. Ride Easy
4:07 If you cut off the electricity when riding a hub electric bicycle, the wheels have strong rolling resistance from the motor, so it takes a little effort. I know that all hub electric bicycles have this problem, but I don't know if that degree of rolling in the video really means there is no additional rolling resistance.
On occasion I forgot to turn on the battery after shopping and I literally didn't realize it until I was out of the parking lot as there wasn't any drag from the front wheel.
There is a throttle option. You can't use it on the open road in EU or UK, and some other territories, but you can use it off-road. You have to tick a box that you agree not to use it on the public road.
I've got the 15km range Air kit and it's great for most of my local rides but sometimes wish for a slightly longer range. Swytch seem to be pushing the GO as an option for range extending (just plug it in for an extra 40 miles or whatever) but it's way too expensive for what's just a glorified battery pack. What I'd really like them to produce is a USB C Power Delivery charger that attaches to the Air and allows charging from either any USB charger (which are significantly smaller than the fugly brick they supply) or ideally from a USB C PD powerpack from the likes of Anker. The idea of being able to quickly top up the Air battery during a coffee stop or while you're on the train is a very appealing prospect and I will pay good money for that.
I have been watching these swytch kits since they came out .Yes I agree that they are easy to fit ,I have no doute that they do whats advertised . But if I want to buy one i want it now , not in 3 or 6 months and I know of one person waiting over a year for delivery .The price compared to any other e bike kit with a simular range battery is seriously atrocious .
Unfortunately the original kit is not airplane friendly. We found that out only after purchasing it. The conversion has worked really well for my wife at home, but we bought the kit for bike tours in other countries. We're now trying to shop for a battery to fit into the original kit, instead of spending money on the Swytch-solution. Did I hear the guy say "I lied"? Yeah, they did.
My sister ordered this 6 months later she still didn’t have it cancelled. Round two several months pass no kit. Her credit card billed no product. When I can walk into a brick and mortar motors to buy one I’ll consider it.
When it was developed nobody worked out that it didn’t work on the Brompton, they had to backtrack and had to change how it works on the Brompton, somewhat surprising eye off the ball comes to mind , feed back on their website is not very good , maybe that’s why the new kid on the block realised this bad website experience and came up with a better deal and actually made here in the uk with a telephone number here in the UK , turn around is a few days , the kit you’re advertising here is months for waiting, so I know you’re waiting for the name with wanting anticipation = whoosh, would be nice for you guys to not only do a video on this company but also to promote a company made in the UK.
The max battery by itself before shipping is $308 for one battery and the air is not available as a purchase outside of conversion kit or as a refresh to a previously converted GEN three that’s the only other way to get an air battery
I would like to know is there a weight limit and how fast will the charge deplete when someone two or three times her size is using any of the E bike kits?
No weight limit, you'll just get decreasing range depending on how hard you make it work. With those size batteries, it won't get you very far unless you're fit.
@ahaveland I was looking into the three wheel bikes. Since my youngest child has physical disabilities and is not able to get around anymore, if it could work for this type of bike, it could be worth the cost. However, every person I have seen in the videos has been physically fit. But what if you can't walk for but you still want to get outside? Electric wheelchairs are two to three times more than the E bike kits, but they are designed to carry extra weight. The three wheel bike could carry the weight, but you need the strength to peddle. Do you see the dilemma of this situation? I'm in my 50s, but due to a back injury, I would not try a two wheel bike, but a three wheel would have the stability that I or my child would need and still be able to enjoy the outdoors. I wonder if there are others who would enjoy the access that this product could provide but on a three wheel bike?
@@feliciabarrett9316 I'm 60 and fortunately still relatively fit. My ebike is powerful, but not legal in the UK. However, I also got a scooter with a seat which is much more comfortable and useful for shopping as I can also use it like a shopping cart and push it around Tescos here in Hungary. Round trip to the store is about 20km, and quite comfortable. There are plenty of illegal ebikes in the UK, but as long as you are discreet, show consideration for others and don't draw attention to yourself, then you should be ok indefinitely. Just get a trike and add a motor to it - there are many options available. Follow Andy Kirby for some inspiration and leads down the rabbit hole...
@feliciabarrett9316 You're going to need a lot more power than this kit would provide. In the US, Lectric makes an e-trike, I'm sure there are companies in UK and Europe that do the same
I just tried to buy 2 kits. 12/1/2023 put down my deposit a month ago. Every time I went to order the specific parts the price jumped up? Contacted customer service, they are just horrible with total apology BS. After about 7 emails and new links to the quoted price that still kept raising the price, I gave up and have requested a refund. Sad. Seems like a great idea and a great product.
Beware of paying for anything several months before you get it. If they go bust in between times, you've lost your money... I got a Swytch kit nearly 2 years ago and have had no end of problems with it, don't touch it, rubbish.
I know the UK law says that the motor will stop assisting you at 15.5mph but with a road bike you can go faster using leg power. Is this still possible with the swytch or is there resistance?
i really like the idea of this cheap conversion kit. I'd be interested to know if it could be added to an existing E-bike which traditionally has a reat motor. So adding this would result in a motor on both wheels, although I don't know if two pedal sensors could be used.
in contrast to the description, small actually does mean its lacking in power and range... 90watt hours sounds great until you remember thats only 2.6amp hours which is around half, maybe less than an average ebike battery for 250watt bikes. cant see the motors wattage anywhere on their website but im guessing its very low to get to their range estimates... they're pretty expensive battery packs to boot, especially when looking at price per watt hour.
Because of not knowing the exact price nor delivery time I decided against it. I bought a 100g Geeko kit instead. Better price, technically innovative (rear motor with integrated cadence sensor), exact price, delivery approx. 5 weeks. They gave a huge choice of batteries, and a rear or front motor kit. For my rear motor there's only one cable going from the motor to the battery bracket. This because the controller is in the bracket and the sensor in the motor. It is as clean as that. With a 5.2 Ah battery only 440 pounds.
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So do you think you could fit the Swytch kit yourself? Pricing for the Air and Max starts from around £599, but for the latest price head on over to their website!
I'm in France. If I order one will there be custom fees?
I fit a Swytch kit to my bike already and it's brilliant :D
😂😂keep it il peddle
£599 is enough to e-bikes in Amazon/ local bike store. Even traditional ebike conversion kits cost £400 with battery ( 250-350W , 12-13ah )
Swytch kit has front hub motor which in thoery will have less torque then rear hub motor, way smaller battery as well. If you really love your normal bike, then swytch is an option
Those ebikes on Amazon are trash comparatively though - I've seen plenty and they're budget in a lot of areas.
Also, consider the applied force of both front hub motor along side pedal power, as the assistance from that isn't the same as a rear hub driven ebike :)@@shahan1465
I’ve had a Swytch system for two years - not this model, but same power. It’s a great product, like riding with the wind behind you. It gives me just the right amount of assist. The company, order process and delivery were a total nightmare. It was five months late, they shipped the wrong wheel size, their support is the worst I’ve ever experienced. No phone number, no address, no people, just a helpdesk email. It wasn’t until I threatened them with legal action that 24hrs the kit arrived by courier.
Yeah that what put me off buying the kit that why I didn't
Thanks for the heads-up.
Likely some made grifty dorks making money off of some poor kid overseas.
None of these companies ever last... why waste your money when there are proven options with actual support out there.
Can you recomend any option in Los Angeles please?@@JoeGator23
It’s a great product, like riding with the wind behind you? For no nightmares and ease, just buy a tin of baked beans.
He said it was the mission was to make e-bikes affordable not provide the best customer service lol I hear 100g is rrally good with customer support but yeah the geeko starts at 500 n goes up, with my discount i got the Swytch for 350… ill wait lol
A few critical things missing from this video, at least for bicycles with hydraulic disk brakes. 1. You have to be really careful when the wheel and disk are not mounted on the bike that you don't press the brake lever. This could happen accidentally when the bike is flipped over. It is best to insert something the same thickness or a bit thicker than the disk into the brake caliper gap when messing with the bike when the wheel is not mounted with the disk so if the brake lever is depressed the caliper will have something to stop the brakes from getting messed up. 2. After disks are mounted on a new hub and wheel, there is likelihood that the disk position will be slightly altered. This will require re-alighting the brake caliper. None of these are "deal breakers" (sorry no pun intended), but they are important steps that can make this process a bit more involved than the simplicity shown in the video. Cheers from the new world! (USA, where we have legally owned and operated on public road electronic scooters!).
Wish they'd ditch the whole waiting list approach to their sales. Not sure how a system like that is helping them reach their company's goal...
They can focus on production quality I guess
@@lavatr8322no
I really like the kit, however it's the reported long waiting/delivery time that is putting me off.
Imagine them selling over their production capacity then having to disappoint people with waiting times, or for margin of error within production, AFTER taking full payment.
By doing it this way, they can manage expectations and it's all fair game. If you want one, just get in the queue and when invited to pay, do it :)
I bought mine back in 2020 (I've got the model before the air came out) and it only took a few months. Was absolutely worth the weight!
I cancelled my order as it was 4 mo nths late. I then bought an Eovolt afternoon which I love but admittedly it was 1k more expensive. Still think I made a decent decision though
Gets a bit annoying to receive constant emails from Swytch saying they've upgraded (twice now since I got my original kit which proved problematic over it's first year) and it's 'only' £xxx to get the new version of the battery with a bigger range. Also the long waiting list is because they seem to wait until they have sufficient orders to fill a container coming from China, where the kits are made. It's not UK made at all, unless things have changed since I got my kit.
Couldn't agree more.
yup, takes FOREVER to get your kit, especially if you are in the USA!
@@melistasy Comedy
I thought the kit is made in Netherlands
Spot on. I waited months for the Brompton conversion kit and yes, it ships from China in a container that they sort out (and messed up, in my case) at the docks in Australia. I now have two Brompton kits uninstalled and sitting in a cupboard. We didn't like the the weight gain and clunky performance.
Buyer BEWARE - This company does NOT STAND BEHIND the crappy batteries that they sell. I bought a Gen 1 kit 20 months ago, put LESS THAN 50 total miles on the battery, kept it properly charged and in a suitable environment and it flat out failed. The company's "support" told me I need to BUY and brand new battery - no other option, no special discount. I will NEVER buy from them and neither should you.
We very much stand behind our products! But we also have a standard 1 year warranty period. We also do offer discounts for existing customers to upgrade.
@@Swytchbike Not good enough. Your battery "upgrade" is more than 1/2 the total price originally paid (for less capacity /range) and does NOT address the fact that your batteries are sub-standard. What other "long term" battery fails after 5 uses? Poor design and poor support. Buyer BEWARE...😡
@@Swytchbike BTW - Just today purchased a Lectric XP Lite. Never going back to Swytch. Bad support is gonna DOOM you folks.
@@Swytchbike No you don't it took almost a month to get actual help and I was told the same thing. You all didn't accept responsibility for the poor battery.
Tbf 1 year is a pretty week warranty for a battery. My EV battery comes with an 8 year warranty and it it's more complicated. Seems like they are missing some controller functions that will protect the battery long-term, over repeated recharging.
I've seen a few comments trashing this kit, but it works fine for me. I use it on Level 1 assist, because I like to put effort into my ride, and can still feel the assist, absolutely. I will say that I have the Air Max and 15-18 miles isn't enough, so I'm getting an adapter and larger capacity non-swytch battery for up to 80 miles. (I can report back later on the adapter/battery combo if anybody is interested.)
That cable that needs unplugging to remove the battery had better not be the same as the original cables/plugs. In my experience they do not plug/unplug at all well. Tried it twice when needed to change my kit and each time I had to use pliers and one of those times it destroyed the plug before it would unplug.
i had a similar problem with the plug from the display after plugging it in again the display stopped working because two of the wires had snapped DOH.
Tip: Learn how to change an inner tube, and keep a spare tube, tools and mini pump with you!! Then you can change your tire in the event of a puncture
5mm + 6mm Alan Keys a spoke key, 15mm ratchet wrench, if needed. Try not to use an adjustable wrench.
Great tips!
one of those pumps that mount to bottle cage holder works pretty well but you know you could also just get puncture resistant tires. i ride probably like 5000km per year and i don't even remember when i last had puncture and i ride over glass shards and pins and it's fine. i am actually kinda supriced how well puncture resistant tires work.
@@oplkfdhgkdefinitely worth whatever extra it is for those tires.
Or just full your tyres with slime like I did and say goodbye to all that hassle.
I absolutely love the whole concept of the switch kit, conversions are definitely the way forward, throwing something out bike or car and buying a new one is totally missing the point of trying to be greener. Converting an existing bike or car to electric is cheaper and greener, i dont know why this isn't what the majority are doing. I suppose its all down to marketing. If im honest ive never been keen on the look of the battery on the hsndlebars but the new one is great, and somehow can do 40 miles is amazing. Wonder if i could connect 2 batteries to double the range to 80 miles. That would be awsome. A bottlle battery or range extender would also be pretty neat.
Get yourself a tongsheng or bafang mid drive kit, better than these in every way
Because both of those options are £600 plus with a battery. This new version is £350. I don't need a Ferrari just a bike that can assist me on hills to make commuting on bike more feasible for me. I can spend more money and get something better but I simply don't need it. I just need summin that works.
Where do you need to go to do 80 miles on a bike in a day? Tour de France stage? I think a car or a bus or a train is what you need for that distance!
Greener? What about the original front wheel from your own bike that you have to take it off and replace it with this conversion kit? Your original wheel will sit there gathering dust or slime (maybe that's the "greener" you meant or you have to sell it to someone else. I don't know which one is "greener"; buying this kit and having a spare wheel lying around or buying a new ready made e-bike and selling your analogue bike. That's another debate, isn't it?
Yes it totally sucks that you get enthused in summer and can’t get it until autumn and for this they are actually thinking about a 6. -12 months wait insane !
You can still use it during the autumn/winter months. It will work in wet and cold weather.
They do the 6-12 month wait thing so that (a) they have that money in their pockets way longer and (b) they can order the cheapest kind of manufacturing in fixed numbers.
@@richdt6312 OP is talking about the fact that they open orders in the summer months when people are eager to go out and ride, but kits don't deliver until 6 months later when people are less likely to want to ride.
happened to me. the cold breeze now almost puts me off using for my commute to the train station.
I have a Swytch bike and the kit is brilliant but the customer service is awful. Had support requests in for nearly a year and no communication despite emailing many times. Personally, I would avoid it as they are more focussed on new sales than existing customers.
If they sold the kit with out battery it could sell for $300, and it would sell like hot cakes. Just make the front mount thing a controller. The problem with this kit is that once the battery dies you are doomed
I just watched a 15 minute infomercial for Swytch®.
😮A choice of the swytch and Geeko...i chose the Geeko rear hub...£500.... ordered it one day, 25 days later, shipping from China, it was on my bike., one cable from motor to battery...very neat....tools were included to do the job.
100% MATE. I too did a LOT of research and decided Geeko was a better option - why? Simply because you can customize (for additional cost) the width of the Motor in the rear for 130mm or 135mm dropout spacing and if you go for the front hub option, 100mm 80mm and 74mm dropouts. I've no doubt Swytch offer this but with Geeko it just seemed more straightforward. Also if you have narrower front slot width it can be customized for 10mm, 9mm or 8mm.
I ordered a Prime35078F kit about 1 years ago with wheel customization for a front 100mm dropout. It arrived within 3 weeks. I had it installed (inc the tyre and app) within 30 mins. I've used it in winter in SCOTLAND, when it rains and it's been great. The thing it's done for me has allowed me to use my little used single speed bike with it's 32mm tyres and lightweight to do my 6 mile commute. When i am on my way downhill or down slope i turn the throttle off and the 46x18 gearing allows me to top out at 20mph on the flat at i can switch the throttle on and off to maintain that (usually on level 1 power) The main thing i get from this is - i can use my e-bike for commutes from April to October when i USED to be using my car...
Solid advice. I always an inner tube, tire lever, and a hand pump. Put 18 000km on my peddle assist so far.
"I think it's, ehhh, a battery for a bike." He said, as he was approached by an entire crew on electric bikes behind the camera 😂😂
My favorite part of the Swytch team is how they insist that, "you're going to do this yourself." I'm averse to doing mechanical work but, if I had a bike, learning how to convert it to electric teaches me about how the things work and familiarizes me with the process. The fact they have everything to help you and will guide you is amazing. Kudos to Swytch!!!
Clip on power packs for a rear rack would make a nice next gen power option. Even longer range, charge one while using another, variable sized and cost. I like the fact you can go with a small pack to start with as some people only need a little... What's the terms - scalability...
How about add a port where you can provide your own non OEM battery. As long as it's the same voltage, it should work.
I've had my swytch kit for a few months now and I have yet to add it to my bike. I thought the disk break would be hard to do. But that look so simple. Thank you for this video.
Needs to be a quick release like the Air/Max. It’s definitely a step backwards to have to fiddle with straps and a cable plug.
Those features are the exact reason the other two kits are more expensive. This one would be no different from the others if it had those. They removed those features to achieve as low a price as possible.
I don't mind taking a couple of seconds to take off the battery when I need to charge it
@@Lamefoureyes you need to remove it at your destination so that it doesn't get stolen.
@@mgjk Don't you need the same kit on your bike before you steal someone else's battery? Or does this battery plug into any electric system?
To me this would be an improvement. I've had regular trouble with their multi-terminal connection between battery and handlebar mount thingy. Motor stops running, then runs on its own WHILE ON THE BIKE REPAIR STAND, growls like a bear with a sore head etc. Had to moan to CS for months to get them to do something - so they sent me new handlebar thingy. No better. I think they designed the system for smooth city roads with fresh tarmac, not the country pock-marked roads round me. Fed up cleaning the contacts every week with toothbrush and Cif, then Holts contact cleaner. I'd put up with the inconvenience of straps and/or parking the bike indoors near the charger, rather than having to do "percussive maintenance" on the battery as the motor starts dropping out when I'm trying to get home ahead of the rain.
I'm 62 years old. This sounds too good to be true. Meanwhile, I'll continue huffing and puffing across the roads maneuvering all my bicycles. I own 13 used bikes, so far. Schwinn bikes are the best to ride, as they propel you forward, especially up slopes and hills. 👁️👁️
Looks great,my husband just put my on my Brompton and display level is Not working at all ,I can’t check the wheel because no any light on display 😢I have emailed to them ,we see how long I’m gonna wait for fixing problem.
What is the benefit to existing Swytch users like myself, other than range? / with the Air the benefit was range plus a lighter, more portable battery. With this version I’m effectively paying for a bigger more ranged battery - being able to “velcro the pack to anywhere on the frame” seems less of a benefit compared to the solid fixing g I have with my original Swytch v1. So this seems more of a version geared to attract new users rather than existing ones. Or tell me I’m wrong ?
Hi Nigel! Many thanks for your message, hope you are enjoying your AIR kit! The Swytch GO is based on customer research over the lifetime of the AIR and MAX kits, but we understand that the changes aren't for everyone, and so we will not be discontinueing the AIR or the MAX, an upgrade kit will also be available for existing customers.
Great review.
Put one on my brompton 3 weeks ago and have loved it - when my legs are knackered after exercise it is amazing!!!!!
Not got a Swytch but I have a Ebike for courier work, well 2 and too many batteries, work 6 hours/£110+ a day, 6 days a week, couldn't do it with a normal bike so much
I see issues with it not being a quick to release, eg. Going to the shop, clip the battery off and into the shop, i dont want to faff about with straps...
@SwytchBike said "Then pay the cost."
Good thing they made you do this yourself. We all need to know how to remove the wheels of our bikes, so we can repair flat tires. We need to know how to change a tire too. These are the basics of bike ownership, so we don't have to ask for help with every flat tire.
i was just having that same conversation with a friend of mine yesterday. she has a lease e-bike that includes roadside assistance in case of a breakdown, so she doesn't even bother to try fixing a flat herself. I highly advised she 'd at least carry a repair kit and learn to use it, but nope. I will add that she only rides on regular roads, whereas my commute ride crosses through fields, a nature reservation and some woods (it's a massive shortcut compared to going by car for me) so even if I were to get roadside assistance, I'd still have to push that 26kilo lump of aluminium for a few kilometers even to be reachable by the roadside assistance. In that time I'd have that flat replaced and would have been on my way
I have two folders (Dahon Ios) with the previous Swytch Pro kit, the one with 50+ km range, and they are absolutely awesome machines. If you control carefully the power assist they can do way more than 60 kms, few years ago we managed to do the full round trip around Las Bardenas Reales in Navarra, about 50kms mainly flat with half the battery left at the end. I only use them as a motorhome auxiliary vehicles, not daily used, and are fault-free until today.
I wish a little more quality on components (they seem a bit 'chinese' for the high price tag) and a little less crazy shipping costs.
Hi, I have a Dahon folding bike, the Mariner. It does not have disk brakes, but uses brake pads. Do you think this kit would work on a non disk brake bike, or would I have to convert the brakes? Love my Dahon, but hubby now has an e-bike.
Worst ordering/customer experience ever. Sets a bar. 👍🏼
All good and i've really enjoyed my series one version. If i had any improvement on mine it would be to fit a loop or mini key lock so if im popping into, say a beer shop (hipster alert) i can leave it on. I was once offered, in the beer shop, a spare battery by someone passing, who'd obviously nicked it from a bike that had left it on. I did not buy it!
Hey Swytch team, love what you’re doing - particularly moving the battery into the frame. Hope you can also offer different colours of wheel rims and spokes to match to different bikes, that’s the thing that stands out to me the most!
Adding options dramatically increases the price and wait times. The long wait to get a 26 inch wheel for example is because to get a good price Swytch has to place a very large order for identical wheels. Imagine Swytch having to wait for a high demand for a certain color 26 inch rim and spokes before they order from the factory. Not practical. It's elementary school economics.
I hope its a more reliable battery. I received my kit on 1/2/2022. After about 15 months I started having problems. On 14/7/23 I got the reply "We're sorry to report that your ECO kit has now reached the end of its life." After only 17 months of moderate use the battery was defunct!☹
I have a swytch kit with a max battery, I’m 143 lbs and the kit gave me the kind of speed an pedal assist I was looking for, but I would agree with other comments about how fast the battery drains, so much so that I decided to purchase a second max range battery to me the distance it takes me to commute and run errands. Keep in mind that I live suburban United States where everything is so far away compared to the UK or Europe.
Thanks for the review!
I seriously considered one at one point. But the massive premium you pay for being from the 'Rest of the World' for shipping put me off it.
In the end, I decided to set my sights on a purpose built ebike instead.
But it was an attractive option I did consider. And way easier than building one from scratch.
I've got two Swytch kits and they're simply amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing what the new price point is.
$1000 usd .. it's a shitty product 😂
I think the Swytch makes loads of sense and an entry to ebikes and the reality is that you can likely charge it at work, range anxiety us a hoax from car drivers.EBike Life ⚡⚡
Range anxiety on e bikes is no hoax, particularly on these tiny batteries, that 40 mile range claim is nonsense, might achieve that if ridden by a dwarf with a 40 mph tailwind
The older model is an example of how not to design a battery, aesthetic-wise, and the new one is a perfect example of how to design batteries.
As a pro designer, I'm very pleased with the looks of the new model.
The older model mimics a power bank that's trendy. Even trendier would be to offer a USB port to charge your phone with that battery. How's that for an idea as a non-pro, not even amateur designer?
@@khchoi2012 sounds like a recipe for disaster when it rains
Can you elaborate on that? What's wrong with the original design? Also, how is the new battery a "simpler, more stripped-back design" 12:13 ?
Adjustable spanner? What's wrong with using the correct tool for the job 😁
What I saw her using was even worse than an adjustable spanner, she was using gland nut pliers
A crescent wrench is always the correct tool. -electricians. Hammer?? Leaver? Also a wrench
The issue is you don't have any idea how long it is going take to receive it. Once ordered you are waitlisted until they have enough orders to satisfy their manufacturers requirements. Thing is this product has been produced for a number of years now and should have a constant supply of product now. Hell, should have enough supply to have bike shops that deal their product. I think it's an awesome product, but when I order something like this I expect to receive in a matter days, not months.
10 mile tiny battery will suit lots of people for local trips. Price of fuel and buses now is crazy. And still getting some exercise which is way better than none according to the studies.
But then again you have to use electricity to charge electricity (the battery) and you have to fuel your legs in order to ride your bike. Which one is more cost effective? I don't know.
@@khchoi2012 this kit have cadense sensor,you can just ghost pedal to activate engine.they had to do it to avoid stupid laws made against Ebicycles in many EU countries
@@khchoi2012 let's do the math, shall we? I commute on electric bike to work, that pays me 27 eurocents per kilometer. I ride 20 kilometers to and from work per day: €5,40. If i ride my bike at the highest assist setting (turbo) which assists up to 45 km/h I need to recharge 3 times that week. a full recharge would cost about 30 cents or so (except it doesn't as i have solar panels) IF I were to commute on eco mode, I'd be fine with a single 30 cent charge for the whole week. no road tax, no added insurance, and I get paid around 115 euro per month tax free. yeah... I'd definitely say the bike is more cost effective, especially given the fact that I'm at least 2 to 3 minutes quicker by bike than by car.
Bought a Swytch max for the wife's bike last year, she bloody loves it. Just bought a Go Max for the daughter. Cant wait.
I wish the go would also support the clip mechanism. It's kind of annoying having just got the swytch kit this year and now if I want the best battery option, I basically have to take on a whole new form factor. Would it really have been SO hard for you guys to just make it clip compatible?!
Now ask the people of the original or ECO kit how they feel about the whole proprietary attachment system... it's a load of rubbish.
Get yourself a proper kit like tsdz2 or a bafang mid drive, in a different league to this and cheaper
Yes is a real about face
@@kevinwilliams8502 which bafang do you recommend?
THIS IS EILIS! (and Electroheads and Swytch!)
Thanks for doing a deep dive and showing the new product! I recently received an email offer about their new product (even in NA, not Europe), so great timing!
When buying any ebike or kit , the price and distance is most important of all.
Im not sure if Swyth thought of this .
If you want ebike then go go for last years model or shop display from evens cycles or other online stores , where you can pick up something with decent motor and range for under £1500.
Keep it in good condition for 3 years and you might get half your money back when selling.
Keep a kit for 3 years and no one will be interested in buying it
or find a local bike shop that specialise in ebikes that may be able to do a decent conversion on your favourite old
bike
Great video. No power or top speed info, only range ? great looking product, But....its really motivated me to look elsewhere for something that I can buy now with more info. Mr sales director / promotor (and im guessing there is not one) - Can you see what's just happed here ? - You made me want to buy a solution that ends with vague availability (1st trigger of frustration) and made me eager for more specs (second trigger)and now im looking for other solutions on offer. Just an organic reaction, I don't normally waste my time on YT comments, but I have a thing for green.
yeah, they're having a hard time producing these units. it doesn't keep them from wanting to sell you one though.
I urge anyone considering a Swytch Kit to avoid buying one, and get a real ebike. Where I am, we have rebates that will pay more than 60% the cost of a new base-level ebike that will take you further, faster, and more reliably than Swytch kits will.
First off, my kit took six months to arrive. After months of sitting in a warehouse on the tracker, I complained to them and, lo and behold, it magically got delivered THE NEXT DAY. I suspect they were waiting for cheap local distribution options to pop up to save a few bucks here and there instead of just getting a product to the customers who paid for it. Upon arrival, right out of the box, it was faulty. The wheel still shakes - after a full year of wrestling with their awful warranty department, and the rim is made of such a low-quality alloy that it has developed a sandpaper-like texture that shreds through my brake pads. The ranges they advertise are hilariously inaccurate. The kit I got was supposed to handle up to 60km. Up to. I get that. However, it sometimes dies after 15km. Other days I can go 70km. Taking the kit apart (against their warranty, though I'm no longer covered) reveals cheap, off-the-shelf parts from China. They are effectively a drop-shipper that puts a fancy logo on their product. Heck, the charger they sent doesn't even have the Swytch logo (or name) on it.
After taxes and shipping, it was over $800 with their scam "discount." With my rebate in British Columbia, I got a great e-bike that I won't advertise since that seems insincere for a total of $700 - an ebike that has done several 120km days, has a proper charger, I don't have to build myself, and has not only a year of manufacturer warranty but a free year of services and tune ups from the shop where I bought it. I mentioned that I previously had a Swytch to the salesperson I bought it from and his response can be summarized as a raise of the eyebrows while looking at the floor.
Save your money and spend more on something better.
I do wish you would mention the name of the e-bike that you got! ....I am looking and am torn between several but what appeals to me in Swytch is the light weight with so many e-bikes weighing around 60 lbs.
My Swytch kit was missing some parts. One of the parts was the battery charger so it was pretty negligent that they forgot to include it. Step One is to charge your battery! The pedal sensors were also missing, which is another crucial part. I thought it was very strange that it arrived in several boxes but parts were still missing. I emailed them when we started putting it together and discovered that we didn't have all the parts and they immediately mailed the parts to me that I specified. I don't think it took more than a week to get them, which I thought was strange since it took around 6 months to get the wheel and the other parts.
@onthewater4020 I am so sorry to hear of your experience with Swytch - but glad to hear you are still ebiking! We have taken the feedback on board that you have described here - we now make our wheels in the UK, and you are incorrect about cheap shipping options, but we did have issues with our Canadian supplier which we have since fixed.
Ebikes are getting ridiculously cheap now. It almost makes no sense to buy a Swytch kit unless you love your bike. If they could scale and get the price to $300, I'd be a buyer. For $1000 you can already buy a very good ebike that exceeds everything this kit has to offer.
Have mine a few months. It's amazing on a light racer bike.
I hate it when the rims don't match.
Cracking video, Eilis, you really know how to engage everyone for the video, and I smiled all the way through. You do look incredible on that bike though..
I really like it, but too much complaining and bad reviews online from late delivery, to bad customer service, to defected parts, it is a great start up, but def needs investors or funding. I’m hesitating from the bad reviews actually!!
Using earphone+mic as natural language interface to bike computer seems great, e.g. switch gears, speed inquiry or alerts, map navigation, battery alerts, miscellaneous stats, text messaging to voice bridge, telephone calls, etc.
I woud have a worry about battery security for both models. Thoughts?
The AIR and MAX kits clip out and can go into your bag for safety, and with the GO kit its just a couple of straps! But we also have a locking mechanism to the downtube as an optional extra.
@@Swytchbike Where is this "Locking Mechanism" for the GO Kit? I cant find it anywhere.
When the velcro looses its stick (like velcro does), can it be renewed, or would I need to purchase an entirely new kit?
It's something called "sewing" that most people learn when they're like twelve or thirteen.
@@onthewater4020 oh its even easier than that! Those velcro inserts come right out, so can be replaced right away!
🥰 thank you for sharing it.
OK-OK:OK!
The on the spot survey... perfect.
Hello folks
I'm so shock that you didn't added in tech tips like form Park Tools how to do the right way.
To protect your name.
• make sure tire rotation is right. By having the brake facing up on both rims.
• un-torque brake rotor in a star pattern then how to re torque.
• how to seat the tire bead onto the rim.
Remember it's all about the customer safety.
Ride Easy
Im very interested in getting the GO battery for my current Swytch-converted bike. I havent had an issue with the customer service, im a north american customer and have had the expected quickness with the e-mails. Ive never called obviously. I had the 50km battery but it doesnt charge or work anymore. It took me about a month to finish putting it together because 1) i didnt have a lot of bike-related tools like the wheel-putter-onner 2) theres not actually a lot of clear instructional videos on the swytch website so i had to find youtuber reviewer videos to learn from and most time-consumingly 3) where the motor wheel slides onto my bike's fork, its a non-standard size, so i did what a few indignant but patient consumers have done which is file down the motor wheel's sticky-out-bits so that the motor wheel could fit on the bike's fork (the alternative being, filing down the bike's fork). Would i do it again/do i recommend? Yes, with conditions. Think of it as a cool kit like the circuit toys that kids get but a lot more practical. Its a fun kit to put together, and you get a cool ride at the end! Dont expect it to be put together and done in a day. Get help! Dont be like me, get learned on bike wheel sizes, and get the right wheel size. CHARGE THE BATTERY AND KEEP IT CHARGED OTHERWISE IT WILL DIE AND NOT WORK. All of my complaints have been user error on my part with a pinch of laziness and assumption that ill figure it out. 😂
How would this feel on a fixie I wonder? As if you want to slow down you either brake, or back pedal, but the crank and pedals keep moving, therefore would the sensor keep providing power to the wheel ? Anyone try this? I'm thinking it would so you'd have to change to a freewheel hub but I'm definitely curious now 🤔😆 Looks great through! Keep up the good work, as it's tempting me more these days.
Have used on a SS, sensor only works when peddling forwards so back peddling would not activate the motor. Now have a throttle instead, helps to extend the battery as only used when I want/need it.
Ah right, so would have to be a freewheeling hub in order to backpedal to stop power delivery. The throttle option is probably the best like you have. Cheers for the reply!
@@shammc36
Oh, man. I love that new model. Would have loved to have freed up my handlebar space to use a front-mounted basket. Thanks for sharing!!
Looks great! The kit, too
Are there any other companys where the production doesnt take long?
Wish they'd make a rear wheel or center drive version. I get that they would be harder to install but they give a much more natural ride feel compared to front wheel drive.
try riding on a bumpy road with front wheel drive, it's horrible
Nice. Ive looked at swytch a few times. Waiting lists and no 27.5 inch wheels? I have entered the waiting list for the new kit. I do hope to hit the purchase button but its not a smooth transaction. Really great kit and if you want to keep your bike worth getting a quality conversion kit. Just make it easier Swytch please.
Please don't buy this thing unless you have money to throw away.
@@TobyFloof explain if you're going to troll. I'm curious why you think so.
They do offer a 27.5" wheel, its on the list as I just looked. My first kit tool a while to come but they are improving, mine was certainly worth the wait.
From experience bought 2nd gen kit - controller went , then battery would not charge … would be another circa €360 to replace .. with likely same components subject to same quality/ failure window.
Left with a wheel that I cannot plug into anything due to kit being their bespoke connectors/ config.
They need longer back-to back guarantees and/or replacements at cost.
Unless the battery is at great price , better to go with trusted/scaled supplier with better warranty of non- kit eg Decathlon…
My opinion … Swytch bike company around a long time now. … either start being/building for long term as reputable supplier with longevity or quit
@@ALookBackInTime I agree with him, massively overpriced, nowhere near as good as alternatives like tongsheng tsdz2 kit which is better in every way and significantly cheaper
With the kit being so light and low drag you could save the battery for the hills and return journeys into the wind!
Can you use the new battery just as an additional powerpack for your existing swytchkit with the Air or the Max battery?
Excellent question! Who wants 1 year product obsolescence schedules?
From what I heard at the pre-launch, yes you can. However, you have to unplug the power cable from the new battery and plug in the cable to the Air or Max dock. It isn't smart enough to have two batteries connected at the same time.
@@chrisstoddart2308 Chris is right (although we think its pretty smart!). You will be able to use the GO kit as a range extender.
@@Swytchbike Thank you for your answer! Can I use my existing display as well?
SWYTCH SCAM ALERT. I ordered the Swytch kit. It came in months later but at the estimated time. It DID NOT fit my bike. The tire fit but the axel did not fit my fork. Customer service barely replies. I asked multiple times if I could buy a wheel motor with a wider axel. No response. I was allowed to send it back for a refund. I sent it back. A week later they tell me they are only giving a partial refund. No refund for $50 shipping and no refund for the $78 tax. That's $128 out of my pocket. No response from Swytch. I am now trying to make a dispute with my bank. AVOID THIS PRODUCT. This seller does not try to help you with fitting the product. They do not reply. If it does not fit your bike you are out $128.
This was great, a full walk through is always appreciated!
It clearly helps them as orders are pre-paid - and with that prepayment they place orders and we wait whilst our order/s are being made. No risk to Swytch. And 2-3 months wait for us.
No kidding. And the also clearly wait until the cheapest shipping options pop up - my kit sat in a warehouse in Seattle for MONTHS. I emailed them to complain and the NEXT DAY it was delivered. I get that a company has to turn a profit, but not by ripping off customers by milking every penny out of every order at the cost of quality.
@@onthewater4020 I emailed to complain and it still took forever.
I really need this but the long wait list is a real pain! I guess this is indicative of our much diminished capacity to manufacture anything technical. If Swytch were in China or the USA they would be turning these items out as if they were mass product. I'm glad all of their stuff is made in the UK though.
Now I have a question.
Now if one orders two batteries. As the first one runs low then when the second battery runs low.
Can one plug them together of whatever is left in them to get a few more miles out of both. Bridge them together in parallel?
If not why not? You offer this feature.
I do like the strap on bag over the handlebar mount for derability of less of an chance of breaking for years of riding. It's easier to replace the velcro closure vs bar mount.
Ride Easy
Where do you need to go on your bike to do more than 40 miles? That's the first question I'd ask myself before exhibiting range anxiety. Even 20 miles on a bike is a decent day out.
To the dirt bike trails and back pulling a trailer for overnight camp out.
Battery assisted for the boring ride. Off it goes for rider and bike time. Plus to run the lights for night rides and around camping spot lighting boombox. Also if one gets hurt at night having light is needed to get to the main road wait for EMS.
Just for the basic needs to enjoy all the good times gone and the ones still ahead.
The more real life experiences time learned has taught me to look ahead to where I want to go and not at where I don't want to go. This is a basic how to ride a bike, rule. That can be applied in so many other interests each of us have. Or as Bruce Lee quote ( protect yourself at all times)
Ride when your body is out of energy, is a sure way to ride into a tree that doesn't bend or fold. That hurts. It's all about safety.
Ride Easy
Hey, am I missing something? They’re like $800 . I could get an entire E- bike for that. You think it be cheaper, a lot cheaper.
Why not fit the display on the battery or have Bluetooth control?
Instead of claiming the battery fits in the pocket, I suggest some type of a ‘battery holster’ with a belt as an optional accessory.
Use it with an ebike? on the front? workout a ratio that works for the task at hand.
That looks like an actual good conversion kit.
4:07 If you cut off the electricity when riding a hub electric bicycle, the wheels have strong rolling resistance from the motor, so it takes a little effort. I know that all hub electric bicycles have this problem, but I don't know if that degree of rolling in the video really means there is no additional rolling resistance.
On occasion I forgot to turn on the battery after shopping and I literally didn't realize it until I was out of the parking lot as there wasn't any drag from the front wheel.
My old hips would like a throttle! Awesome product
then buy a bike pre 2012 and get it a new battery..... because they can still have them, but anything made or converted after is to be pedal assist
There is a throttle option. You can't use it on the open road in EU or UK, and some other territories, but you can use it off-road. You have to tick a box that you agree not to use it on the public road.
I've got the 15km range Air kit and it's great for most of my local rides but sometimes wish for a slightly longer range. Swytch seem to be pushing the GO as an option for range extending (just plug it in for an extra 40 miles or whatever) but it's way too expensive for what's just a glorified battery pack.
What I'd really like them to produce is a USB C Power Delivery charger that attaches to the Air and allows charging from either any USB charger (which are significantly smaller than the fugly brick they supply) or ideally from a USB C PD powerpack from the likes of Anker.
The idea of being able to quickly top up the Air battery during a coffee stop or while you're on the train is a very appealing prospect and I will pay good money for that.
I have been watching these swytch kits since they came out .Yes I agree that they are easy to fit ,I have no doute that they do whats advertised . But if I want to buy one i want it now , not in 3 or 6 months and I know of one person waiting over a year for delivery .The price compared to any other e bike kit with a simular range battery is seriously atrocious .
My how far we have come from the Copenhagen wheel! Cannot wait to see these in Australia!
This is very cool
I'm gonna save my money to buy one of this
I hope they released this e-bike converter to Indonesia
Unfortunately the original kit is not airplane friendly. We found that out only after purchasing it. The conversion has worked really well for my wife at home, but we bought the kit for bike tours in other countries. We're now trying to shop for a battery to fit into the original kit, instead of spending money on the Swytch-solution. Did I hear the guy say "I lied"? Yeah, they did.
They guys literally says, "I did actually look at it the the other day." Perfect opportunity to do a giveaway to a working man with a dirty pocket.
My sister ordered this 6 months later she still didn’t have it cancelled. Round two several months pass no kit. Her credit card billed no product.
When I can walk into a brick and mortar motors to buy one I’ll consider it.
When it was developed nobody worked out that it didn’t work on the Brompton, they had to backtrack and had to change how it works on the Brompton, somewhat surprising eye off the ball comes to mind , feed back on their website is not very good , maybe that’s why the new kid on the block realised this bad website experience and came up with a better deal and actually made here in the uk with a telephone number here in the UK , turn around is a few days , the kit you’re advertising here is months for waiting, so I know you’re waiting for the name with wanting anticipation = whoosh, would be nice for you guys to not only do a video on this company but also to promote a company made in the UK.
I just want another battery for my Swytch. It works great but the range is limited.
Eilis keeps getting fitter and fitter with each passing video 🥵. The E-bike Conversion kit is super user friendly.
Bruh is this the hub or TH-cam? take your thirst elsewhere.
@@06howea1 I said she is fitter and fitter which is true. What's so thirsty about that? Stop thinking everyone a wanker like you 🤡
@@06howea1 bro is down bad
Fitted mine onto my Brompton. Works a treat! Makes Bristol hills easy!
Did I miss it or was the price never mentioned, if not I would presume it’s expensive.
Pricing for the Air and Max starts from around £599, but can fluctuate, so for the latest price head on over to their website!
@@Electroheads much appreciated thank you.
The max battery by itself before shipping is $308 for one battery and the air is not available as a purchase outside of conversion kit or as a refresh to a previously converted GEN three that’s the only other way to get an air battery
I would like to know is there a weight limit and how fast will the charge deplete when someone two or three times her size is using any of the E bike kits?
No weight limit, you'll just get decreasing range depending on how hard you make it work.
With those size batteries, it won't get you very far unless you're fit.
@ahaveland I was looking into the three wheel bikes. Since my youngest child has physical disabilities and is not able to get around anymore, if it could work for this type of bike, it could be worth the cost. However, every person I have seen in the videos has been physically fit. But what if you can't walk for but you still want to get outside? Electric wheelchairs are two to three times more than the E bike kits, but they are designed to carry extra weight. The three wheel bike could carry the weight, but you need the strength to peddle. Do you see the dilemma of this situation? I'm in my 50s, but due to a back injury, I would not try a two wheel bike, but a three wheel would have the stability that I or my child would need and still be able to enjoy the outdoors. I wonder if there are others who would enjoy the access that this product could provide but on a three wheel bike?
@@feliciabarrett9316 I'm 60 and fortunately still relatively fit. My ebike is powerful, but not legal in the UK. However, I also got a scooter with a seat which is much more comfortable and useful for shopping as I can also use it like a shopping cart and push it around Tescos here in Hungary. Round trip to the store is about 20km, and quite comfortable.
There are plenty of illegal ebikes in the UK, but as long as you are discreet, show consideration for others and don't draw attention to yourself, then you should be ok indefinitely.
Just get a trike and add a motor to it - there are many options available. Follow Andy Kirby for some inspiration and leads down the rabbit hole...
The bike doesn’t come with the kit. I don’t see why you can’t buy a trike and have it converted.
@feliciabarrett9316 You're going to need a lot more power than this kit would provide. In the US, Lectric makes an e-trike, I'm sure there are companies in UK and Europe that do the same
I just tried to buy 2 kits. 12/1/2023 put down my deposit a month ago. Every time I went to order the specific parts the price jumped up? Contacted customer service, they are just horrible with total apology BS. After about 7 emails and new links to the quoted price that still kept raising the price, I gave up and have requested a refund. Sad. Seems like a great idea and a great product.
I’ve been on their waiting list for years and never heard from them. Several contact attempts and never hear back so I gave up.
Beware of paying for anything several months before you get it. If they go bust in between times, you've lost your money...
I got a Swytch kit nearly 2 years ago and have had no end of problems with it, don't touch it, rubbish.
I know the UK law says that the motor will stop assisting you at 15.5mph but with a road bike you can go faster using leg power. Is this still possible with the swytch or is there resistance?
Hello dear what kind of power witches work 😊😅
i really like the idea of this cheap conversion kit. I'd be interested to know if it could be added to an existing E-bike which traditionally has a reat motor. So adding this would result in a motor on both wheels, although I don't know if two pedal sensors could be used.
in contrast to the description, small actually does mean its lacking in power and range... 90watt hours sounds great until you remember thats only 2.6amp hours which is around half, maybe less than an average ebike battery for 250watt bikes. cant see the motors wattage anywhere on their website but im guessing its very low to get to their range estimates... they're pretty expensive battery packs to boot, especially when looking at price per watt hour.
hmmm. It took 10 months for me to finally receive my Swytch kit...I wonder how long this one would take??
10 years
I guess I can pop one of these on the front of my rear-motor bike, _more power,_ yay!
Because of not knowing the exact price nor delivery time I decided against it. I bought a 100g Geeko kit instead. Better price, technically innovative (rear motor with integrated cadence sensor), exact price, delivery approx. 5 weeks. They gave a huge choice of batteries, and a rear or front motor kit.
For my rear motor there's only one cable going from the motor to the battery bracket. This because the controller is in the bracket and the sensor in the motor. It is as clean as that. With a 5.2 Ah battery only 440 pounds.