The high price of cars, both new and second-hand, and fuel, has triggered a significant phenomenon in urban mobility in Spain. The new micromobility options, increasingly present on the market, have led thousands of citizens to choose to replace their cars with bicycles or electric scooters for their daily trips.
The electric bike is currently experiencing a period of great boom in Spain. According to data from a study carried out by Norauto, it is estimated that around 900,000 e-bikes circulate on the streets of our country, an unprecedented number that is increasing year after year.
Furthermore, this number is likely to continue growing in the future thanks to the kits available on the market to convert a conventional bicycle into an electric one. These kits represent an accessible solution for most budgets, allowing a quick and economical transformation without having to get rid of the traditional bicycle.
The American startup E-Switchy Bikes, which offers three types of kits to convert conventional bicycles into electric ones, claims on its website that the basic package, which includes a wireless motor, can be assembled in just 3 minutes. The installation of the other two types of kits on the market is also done in record time: 5 and 8 minutes, depending on the package. The price of these kits does not exceed 600 euros in any case.
The simplicity of the transformation process is the secret behind the instant conversion of a traditional bicycle into an electric one. You only need to replace the front wheel with the one provided by the American startup and follow the instructions in the instruction manual.
E-Switchy offers three different configurations to suit users’ needs. All three packages include a wheel equipped with a 250 W motor, designed for a useful life of 15 years, allowing a maximum speed of 45 km/h. However, it is important to mention that in Spain electric assistance is not allowed above 25 km/h.
One of the distinguishing factors between the three models is the autonomy they offer. It varies from 60 kilometers for the intermediate model to 120 kilometers for the most advanced, thanks to its batteries with an estimated useful life of 5 years.
This is the most basic model and simply requires replacement of the front wheel. It offers a range of 88 kilometers and reaches a maximum speed of 45 km/h thanks to its 250 W motor. Its price is $619.95 (about 580 euros).
Installation is a little more complex, as it involves replacing the front wheel and connecting it to an external battery located above the down tube. Since the battery is removable, it is possible to charge it conveniently at home. Equipped with a 250 W motor, the kit provides a range of 60 kilometers at a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
The assembly of this kit is a little more complex, since the external battery is located under the saddle. Despite this, the company claims that the bike conversion takes no more than 8 minutes. Like the other two models, this kit has a 250 W motor in the front wheel, which offers a maximum speed of 45 km/h and a range of 120 kilometers. Its price is 639.95 dollars (about 598 euros).
