Bicycles

Electric-assist EvoWheel set to hit Indiegogo

Electric-assist EvoWheel set to hit Indiegogo
Being made in different sizes, the EvoWheel should reportedly be compatible with 95 percent of all bikes
Being made in different sizes, the EvoWheel should reportedly be compatible with 95 percent of all bikes
View 2 Images
Being made in different sizes, the EvoWheel should reportedly be compatible with 95 percent of all bikes
1/2
Being made in different sizes, the EvoWheel should reportedly be compatible with 95 percent of all bikes
All versions of the EvoWheel will have a 250W motor, although there will be three different battery capacities
2/2
All versions of the EvoWheel will have a 250W motor, although there will be three different battery capacities

If you're looking at temporarily converting your standard bicycle into an e-bike, there are now several makes of powered front wheels to choose from. You might want to hold off on making your choice, though, as the crowdfunding campaign for yet another one – the EvoWheel – is starting this week.

Like most of its competitors, the EvoWheel is simply a motorized wheel that replaces a bike's regular front wheel (in a claimed 30 seconds). When the rider pedals, the wheel's motor automatically kicks in and provides some electrical assistance – there is no pure throttle mode, which most users probably wouldn't want anyway.

There are, however, several electric-assist modes from which to choose, depending on how much of a boost is desired. Users can select between these using an iOS/Android app on their smartphone – which also provides data such as current speed and battery life – or via an included handlebar-mounted Bluetooth remote.

All versions of the EvoWheel will have a 250W motor, although there will be three different battery capacities
All versions of the EvoWheel will have a 250W motor, although there will be three different battery capacities

Plans call for the EvoWheel to be made in a wide variety of wheel sizes, and to be compatible with either rim or disc brakes. All versions will have a 250W motor, although there will be three different battery capacities – depending on which one is chosen, a single one- to three-hour charge will be good for a claimed 30 to 90 km (18 to 54 miles) of use, with the weight of the wheel ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 kg (14 to 16 lb).

The top motor-assisted speed is an electronically-limited 33 km/h (20 mph) in North America, and 25 km/h (15 mph) for units heading to Europe.

Should you be interested in getting an EvoWheel, the Indiegogo campaign starts this Tuesday, and will be accessible via the link below. Pledges will range from US$299 to $449 for the three models, with retail pricing planned to range from $699 to $899. Assuming all goes according to plan, shipping is estimated for June.

Source: EvoWheel

4 comments
4 comments
Jim B
$299 is finally at or near a price point that will get a larger number of people interested. It is dramatically less than $699, so hopefully e-wheels can hit this price point at regular sales prices in the coming years.
MerlinGuy
$300 - $700 for just a wheel? Not a chance when you can get a complete bike for $1000 with the Nireeka Street.
Douglas Bennett Rogers
If you have a bike, you can get an e-bike for $299! I am worried about front wheel steering resistance, though.
ljaques
I don't see how these will be very popular, when complete, assembled e-bikes from India are $499 at Walmart. Import Asian wheel kits with electronics, pedal assist, bag, rear rack, and charger start at $169. Just add a bike and batteries. ($65 for those I bought, heavy lead acid)