The Rubbee X is a fully wireless converter kit that can make any bike electric - and the simplicity of the design has proven a hit during its crowdfunding campaign, with the £20,000 goal raised in just 14 hours.
Swytch system now funding on Indiegogo
Rubbee X is installed on the rear of your bike, and has a patented lock mechanism that clamps onto your seatpost in seconds. The power assistance springs into action via a flywheel on the underside of the box that makes contact with your tyre, and it's compatible with any tyre from 20-60mm. The wirelessness is thanks to a bluetooth wireless sensor, that also handily tracks your cadence. Rubbee also have an iOS and Andoid app so you can track your rides, control your power output and plan routes.
The box can take up to three battery modules, and the more you put in the more assistance you get. With one module you get a 10 mile range, 250W of power and a top speed of 16mph. Two gets you a 20 mile range and the same 16mph top speed, and used with three modules you get a top assisted speed of 20mph and 350W of power. It looks like a really good system to give you a choice between a little assistance for short trips or more range for longer jaunts. The modules are also safe to take on a plane if you want to take Rubbee X abroad and install it on a hire bike.
Rubbee X can be pre-ordered for a discounted price if you become one of their early backers on Kickstarter. For £269 you can reserve one, and £1079 gets you four Rubbee X's plus four battery modules, cadence sensors and chargers so you can electrify your whole family. Take a closer look at the campaign here - it's got three weeks remaining and the first units are estimated to ship out in June 2018.
It's not the only converter kit on the market - we recently saw another system from Swytch which mounts to the handlebars, and is currently funding on Indiegogo. Which is best? We hope to be able to try them both out next year...
