This Kit Can Convert Your Bicycle Into An EV
Modified On Jun 17, 2022 04:56 PM By Nishaad Joshi for Hero Lectro F6i
- 3483 Views
- Write a comment
With the Zipforce ONE, your electric bicycle can go to a maximum speed of 25kmph
Sweden-based portable electric motor startup Zipforce has launched its flagship product, the Zipforce ONE. It is basically a conversion kit to transform your regular bicycle into an electric one.
What Does The Kit Include?
The kit includes the portable electric motor, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, charger, pedal sensor and bike mount.
How Does It Work?
The principle of the motor is relatively simple: the bracket is bolted to the frame, and the front fork or rear wheel suspension. Since the motor drives the tire directly via a friction wheel, it is not necessary to change the rim. The motor starts when you pedal and activates the wireless pedal sensor. With Zipforce, you can ride up to 16mph (25 kmph), which is the speed limit allowed to e-bicycles. Zipforce has an adjustable assistance level, which allows you to control the electric motor’s power pushed to the bicycle. You can even control the strength of the assistance level with a slider on the motor or via the Zipforce mobile app.
Interestingly, the mount can also be installed on the rear wheel, in which case you will need to set it on the ‘Reverse Mode’ in the app so that the electric motor drives in the right direction. For added convenience, you can easily detach the motor when you park the e-bicycle, preventing it from being stolen.
Once connected, the motor essentially transforms the bicycle into an e-bicycle. It is important to note, though, that the motor will last upto about 40km when fully charged.
Zipforce claims its Zipforce ONE motor can connect to, and function with, any standard bike on the market. This is achievable as a result of the motor's compact size and ease of installation. On top of this, the motor itself only weighs 6 pounds (approximately 2.7kg), making it convenient to carry around.
The Zipforce ONE is available in two colours: Black and Silver and can be ordered from Zipforce's website for 649 Euros (approximately Rs 53,279) along with a shipping cost of 39 Euros (approximately Rs 3,200). The ONE motor is hence an extremely versatile one as it can convert any bike into a pedelec without having to undergo tedious and expensive methods like replacing or modifying the wheel with a hub motor.
That said, while the price may make sense for the European market, it’s quite an expensive proposition here. For Rs 54,999, you could get your hands on Hero Lectro’s top end bicycle, the Lectro F6i, which offers upto 60km in one charge. and for a lot less, you could get yourself the Lectro F3i which offers a range of 35km.