March 16, 2020 - (Ottawa, Ont.) Launched in 2017 the Swytch Universal eBike Conversion Kit can quickly change any regular bike into an e-bike, and the compact unit can sit in the palm of your hand.
A novel invention, Swytch is one of the world’s smallest and lightest e-bike conversion kits, that can be installed on most bikes including road, hybrid, MTBs, fixies, step-through bikes etc.
Swytch uses a hub motor in the front wheel, that’s available in a range of wheel sizes and is rim and disc-brake compatible. The conversion kit comes complete with motor wheel, power pack, pedal sensor and can be installed in 10 minutes.
The 250-watt brushless motor has a maximum speed of 30 kph with 40Nm of hill-conquering torque. The small, quick-release handlebar mount power pack holds the lithium ion battery and 5-level controller.
Available in ECO (35km) and PRO (50km) models, the units power up with a charge time of 3-4 hours. Additional twist and thumb throttles for on-demand power are also available. At 3kg it’s one of the lightest on the market. A Swytch Brompton eBike conversion Kit is also available.
Invented by CEO and co-founder, Oliver Montague, the original Swytch eBike concept was backed by over 1,000 supporters on Indiegogo that helped raise over $500,000. “With this funding we were able to develop, manufacture and distribute over 3,000 eBikes kits to over 45 countries around the world in 2018,” reports their website.
Swych also claims that the environmental impact of their manufacturing process is 8x lower compared to most complete electric bicycles.
Swytch is now available in Canada through Venture Outfitters that recently launched it at various shows including the Toronto Bicycle Show & eBike Expo, Mar. 6-8, where eBikes-International got a first look at the new conversion kit.
“Venture Outfitters is the sole retailer/distributor for Swytch across Canada. We’re following the same business model and offering Swytch at a 50% off promotion every three months in conjunction with Swytch in the UK. Consumers pay in advance and receive their conversion kit 10-12 weeks later,” said Mark Schwartz at Venture Outfitters.
Swytch Universal eBike Conversion Kit Pricing
– ECO Kit (35 km) $1,000 US / $1,400 Cdn or $500 US / $700 Cdn promo
– PRO Kit (50 km) $1,250 US / $1,750 Cdn or $625 US / $875 Cdn promo
Swytch Brompton eBike conversion Kit
– ECO Kit (35 km) $1,250 US / $1,750 Cdn or $625 US / $875 Cdn promo
– PRO Kit (50 km) $1,498 US / $2,098 Cdn or $749 US / $1,049 Cdn promo
Pricing excludes shipping, duty & local taxes.
For more information visit www.swytchbike.com or contact info@ventureoutfitters.com
My experience with SWYTCH has been nothing short of painful.
I [unfortunately] chose the less expensive “delayed” shipping purchase plan to save a few hundred dollars. My kit finally arrived in Canada several weeks after the promised arrival date. Yes, I understand the world’s supply chain is having problems.
When I tried to install the kit, I discovered they had sent me an “English” 26″ wheel (over 27″ in diameter), rather than the 26″ “North American” wheel that should logically have been sent to my Canadian address. It took weeks for them to respond, and then send me the correct wheel.
I installed the kit closely following their manuals, and had it checked by a friend who had previously set up two Swytch kits.
When I tried the bike under power, it ground to a halt and even threw my very experienced cyclist friend to the ground, as though the motor was trying to run backwards. Going through the settings we found the default setting for PAS was “forward”. By switching this to “reverse”, I was able to pedal the bike with the power turned on. However, all attempts to get the motor to work — riding all kinds of terrain, pedalling the bike elevated on a repair stand, playing with settings — failed to get the motor to work.
I contacted Swytch on September 4, 2002 asking for return shipping labels and my money back. As of September 9, I still have no definitive response.
All in all, there have been a huge number of emails back and forth about my problems. Interestingly, I am still getting emails inviting me to sign up for their latest promotion.
Would I recommend SWYTCH? . . .
Buyer Beware. Do not buy Swytch Kit it’s a scam.
I order my kit in early 2022 and still waiting for it. The company does not respond in a timely manner nor provides any substantial new information. The order status is just a sham . My order is apparently in local fullfillment center since Dec 2022. now more than two months later it says the same thing. Again company is not responding to any updates . I have waited patiently for too long and now requested my full
Money back . Since then there is complete radio silence. Just very painful and o see how they still promote the kit when they can not supply. Don’t fall for it .