New Swytch Kit adds electric power to any bike – Move Electric

The Swytch battery kit turns any conventional bicycle into an e-bike, delivering a range of nine miles...

Steve Huntingford

Updated20 April 2022

Car reviews

Mazda 2 Hybrid

New MG3

Porsche Macan Electric

View all new car
reviews

British E-bike conversion firm Swytch Technology has launched what it calls the world’s first ‘pocket-sized’ battery kit, which can be used to add electrical assistance to any standard bike.

The firm has offered the first generation of its Swytch Kit since 2017, and has sold nearly 40,000 units worldwide, including more than 9000 in the UK in 2020. The kit comprises a battery pack, handlebar bracket, front motor wheel and a pedal sensor that ensures the motor is only used to offer pedal assistance.

On the original system, the power pack weighs 2kg, with the wheel adding a further 1.5kg. But the second-generation Swytch Kit features a power pack weighing just 700g, which can be recharged in around an hour. The power pack is similar in size to a large smartphone and offers 250W of power with a range of nine miles. Its small size mean that it can be taken on some aeroplanes as carry-on luggage.

The firm will also offer a larger battery pack that weights 1100g and has a 17-mile range. The previous version had a range of around 31 miles.

Car deals

Swytch claims that its conversion kit system is around four times lower than the cost of buying an e-bike of equivalent specification, and also says the system reduces waste by allowing people to upgrade existing bikes rather than having to buy a new one.

The new Switch Kit will be available to pre-order from May 2022. Pricing has yet to be disclosed, although the previous model started from around £500.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Best plug-in hybrid cars 2024 – best and worst PHEVs named

Plug-in hybrid cars can reduce fuel consumption to an absolute minimum, but which models are the best all-rounders and which ones should you avoid?

Long term tests >

Feature

Renault Clio long-term test

In January, we named the latest Clio our Small Car of the Year. But now we're seeing if it continues to impress when you live with it every day

New car group tests >

Feature

New Renault Megane E-Tech vs used Kia EV6

With a saving of around £14,000 off new, a year-old Kia EV6 looks like great value, but are you better off spending even less on a box-fresh Renault Megane E-Tech?

News and advice