BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Panda Ebikes of Hackney, London, will soon be launching its Swytch e-bike conversion kit. This can convert any bike to an e-bike. Developed by the firm’s owner, Oliver Montague, Swytch uses front hub motor that can be built in to any size of wheel. The battery and control unit are in a detachable 3kg handlebar-mounted bag.
Panda Ebikes already markets e-bike conversion kits, but Montague wanted to develop a system that was quick and easy to install or un-install.
The system raised almost $351,000 on Indiegogo in December last year, which was $250,000 over its target. Backers are due to start getting product in May.
The company will then be distributing wholesale to shops internationally. Ten UK shops have bought between 5 and 10 kits each, said Montague. He adds that his has letters of intent from major wholesalers in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
“We are also talking to several major UK bike manufacturers and several UK city transport authorities who run bike hire schemes,” said Montague.
Swytch will be at the London Bike Show later this week (stand LB1695).
