“Very good kit. Simple to install. Easy to revert to unpowered bike/trike or even go between. The “weakest” part of the system I think is the magnet that attaches to the crank. The part of the crank that it attaches to on my trike tapers and too thin a diameter to attach securely close enough to the sensor. So far it has worked but I have to check it before each ride. On one bumpy bit of road it actually fell off but fortunately I retrieved it. I think I will have to glue it on but am reluctant to do so.
The battery pack is simple to put on and take off. I use the trike for a short round trip of just over two miles for shopping. Because the trike is heavy I don’t notice the weight of the kit. I use the power settings between 4 and 6 and travel along around 10-11 mph. The shopping goes in the basket at the back and usually weighs several kilograms and with the motor I don’t feel any difference than when the basket is empty. The only real issue I have is that I have to remember to remove the battery from the charger when it is fully charged.
I bought the kit when it was on crowdfunding so the price was excellent.”
“I first heard about the Swytch start-up in 2017 and finally decided to take the risk on Indigogo in January 2018, then just over a year later my “50 mile” kit arrived. I have to confess that several missed promised delivery dates gave me some doubts. But the wait was worthwhile, this is brilliant. I fitted the kit to my steel-framed touring bike (Edward Warner, Reynolds 531 frame for those who love details). I had bought this bike second hand in the early 80s, when I was a student in London, but had not been using it much recently. Fitting the Swytch kit did need a little bit of work, but not much. The Swytch 700C wheel is a tiny bit smaller than the ‘vintage’ 27 ¼ it replaced, fortunately the brakes had enough adjustment to allow for this, and a new tyre and tube was needed. The quick release forks had to be filed to get the wheel to fit, I had to swap the torque washer on the lead side, and put a spacer in for the pedal sensor, all very easy once I had decided it was possible. It all fits and works. I was very pleased with my first test ride, despite the cold wind. No need to get off and push up hills. I was a bit disappointed at how slow 15mph is when the assistance cuts out (but I have since found that this is easy to override). I had drop handlebars and the extra weight of the battery pack made it feel a bit top-heavy and unstable. I put flat bars on and this cured things (or I got used to it). First longer ride was 14 miles each way, a 407 ft rise and 719 ft drop (and of course the other way round on the way back) there was still juice left but the meter suggested not much. I have not tried a longer run, I’m sure I’d get further on flatter land. The bike has been great, I use it to get into the nearby town and out into the local countryside for the sheer pleasure. The kit only let me down once, at the bottom of a long hill when it switched off and wouldn’t go back on. I did have the Hall by-pass lead with me, but had forgotten that this was what could happen. After I fitted the lead it works perfectly again, although I wonder if it is as smooth and if the range might be cut. I now have a superb ebike that has transformed my well-loved old bike, and it has cost a great deal less than buying new (and I probably would never have done that). I live about 2 miles from a town, and I use the bike now instead of being lazy and driving. The long hill on the way back is now easily conquered. I am very pleased with it and highly recommend the Swytch kit, especially if you want to keep a bike you have. Well done Swytch!”
“I have a USA 50 Mile kit front wheel kit (250 W motor with 360WH battery). The kit is installed on a Raleigh Cadent 2. I have put 120 miles (200 km) on it so far and it has performed beyond my expectations. It has enabled me to again keep up with my bike riding group on hills and long rides in spite of my having taken most of the past two years off due to health issues. The extra boost the Swytch wheel gives has gotten me back to my favorite form of exercise. I have found the kit to be well designed and engineered. Because the 9 levels of power assist are largely speed related, I can adjust the assist to kick in when I need it and otherwise use my own pedaling power. On my first ride with my group, I had no idea what to expect and used the power assist conseratively while still keeping up with everyone. It was a 32 mile (52 km) ride with 2,050 feet (610 meters) of elevation gain and the Swytch battery had 3-1/2 bars left on its gauge. At home, I put a watt meter on the charger and it took 180WH to charge the battery. I have seen this kind of performance repeatedly for my style of riding and power use.
For me, the Swytch eBike kit has let me get back to bike riding like I used to for fun and exercise. Thanks Swytch for making this product.”
“I am a great fan of the Swytch kit.
I have both the Brompton and full size kits.
It took more effort to fit than I expected but, once fitted, it works great.
I would like greater range from the battery and I would like more mounting options for the battery.
The Swytch kit is a true saviour for my knees.”
“My Swytch kit has transformed my 9 mile commute to work - I am often knackered after completing a 24 hour shift but having the assistance has made cycling pleasurable again with a 50 year old body which is fighting a losing cause. I have ridden it in torrential rain, strong winds and over some of the roughest roads that the Ayrshire coast can offer - the kit hasn't missed a beat. I find the pedal assistance intuitive to use and friends who have had a go have loved it. I fitted the kit to a steel Surly frame with a hub gear on the back and it makes an excellent commuter. The ability to adjust settings for different markets is extremely handy, I look forward to the day when the laws change in favour of faster electric bikes as the current push in the UK only seems to be for cars. In real world usage, over predominantly flat terrain, I have between 2 and 3 bars of battery left out of 5 after using the higher power settings. I have bought a spare charger to use whilst at work so I don't get caught out ( '25' mile battery) and it takes under 2 hours to top up again.”
“Swytch kit was very easy to fit to our Dawes tandem. Works very well and helps massively on the hills especially when my stoker is taking a breather. My second 50mile kit is fitted to an old mountain bike and is now serving as my commuter bike for a daily 20 miles round trip on bridleways and backroads. Knocked 25% off my commute time and no need for a shower when I get to work. Great product and great after sales support based on my own experience.”
