While there are plenty of add-on electric bicycle motors out there, the Rubbee takes a particularly interesting approach. The product of a successful Kickstarter campaign, it incorporates a powered polyurethane roller that rubs against the bike's rear tire (hence the name), helping to augment the rider's pedaling power by driving the wheel forward. The second version of the device is now available and it's reportedly easier to use, plus it'll take you farther.
Both versions of the Rubbee follow the same basic principle ... they're mounted on the bike's seatpost, allowing the motorized roller to be flipped down onto the tire only when needed. In fact, the whole Rubbee can be quickly installed or removed, via its quick-release mount. Power comes from an integrated 250-watt motor and a 14.4-volt 280-Wh battery pack, that can be fully charged from empty in three hours.
On the original version, the rider manually adjusts the motor’s output level via a handlebar-mounted controller that stays attached full-time. On the Rubbee 2.0, however, a permanently-installed Pedal Assist Sensor monitors how fast the rider is pedaling, while integrated software also keeps track of the speed at which the motor is running.
By analyzing that data, the Rubbee is able to determine how fast the bicycle is traveling. It then determines how much assistance it should provide, both in order to maintain the preferred cadence and the desired speed ... up to a maximum of 25 km/h (16 mph).
Other improvements include a 300-gram (10.6-oz)-lighter weight of 6.9 kg (15 lb), 30 percent more torque and a 35 percent increase in range, which takes it up to approximately 40 km (25 miles).
It's available now, for US$1,190.
Source: Rubbee
In my opinion, a simpler and cheaper electronic system should be used, maybe with some mode to be preset before going (hills, flat, heavy assist, ...). I don't understand why they incorporate the battery near the seat. It could be put everywhere on the bike linked by a cable. This would provide more stability and the possibility to change batteries if more range or more assist is needed.
I hope someone like TESLA and/or ZERO Cycle offers a big prize for the best eBicycle design, that way many would put on their thinking caps and the result would remove huge numbers of cars from our too crowded streets.
Great idea guys, good execution and already improving the product. A product which is one of a kind and so high initial up-front cost. What did those first automobiles cost? They were so inexpensive that just about everyone purchased one. They were so reliable that no one had issues or thought they were a waste and dangerous or too expensive!
Again great idea, especially for someone like me who has multiple bikes.