ActiveCyclingThis could be the perfect e-bike conversion kitBoost’s custom kits will turn any bike into an e-bike, and you don’t need to be a bike expert to fit itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveCyclingThis could be the perfect e-bike conversion kitBoost’s custom kits will turn any bike into an e-bike, and you don’t need to be a bike expert to fit itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Boost’s custom kits will turn any bike into an e-bike, and you don’t need to be a bike expert to fit it
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Boost)
(Image credit: Boost)
As much as I love e-bikes, I think thebest electric bikesare still quite pricey: the Pure Flux One, one of the more affordable options, is still coming in at £999. Boost has an alternative: take your existing bike and make it electric. As you can see from the photo above, you’re looking at £645 for the whole kit. The kit has been available for some time, albeit with a bit of a waiting list, but with delivery times down to just 1-4 weeks – good for a custom-built product – Boost is now shouting about its product, and showing it off this week at the (UK) Cycle Show.
Kits make a lot of sense if you already have a great bike that you don’t want to part with, and the most efficient ones replace one of your wheels – in this case, the rear one. It’s designed to be relatively simple to install but if like me you’re a menace when it comes to practical things, Boost’s shop partners will fit one for you for £50.
So what do you get for just under seven hundred quid?
Does the boost kit make your bike into a good e-bike?
It does, provided your bike is compatible: the kit is made for non-folding bikes with 26", 27.5", 28", 29" and 700c wheels and either single speed or 7 to 11 speed rear cogs. Your bike also needs to have standard bottle cage mounts and a quick-release or 9.5/10mm solid axle. Versions for folding and high spec road and gravel bikes are promised soon.
The big rivals here are Swytch and Cytronex. The latter is a better system but it’s also a lot more expensive, starting at around £883, while the £999 Swytch – which replaces your front wheel rather than the rear – is still operating with long waiting lists. I think I prefer the Boost, both in terms of design and availability: the Swytch is pretty bulky and makes its presence obvious, and you currently have to wait months for one.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The ultimate full-body gym workout for beginners, according to a fitness expertWant to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Want to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Amazon upgrades Kindle Colorsoft already – new model addresses customer complaintsAmazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
Amazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
