E-bike conversion kits: Old idea, new tech

E-bikes are taking the word by storm, but the marriage of motor and bicycle is a courtship that stretches back over a century. Among the early flirtations, friction drive– which sees a motor turn a roller against the tyre - emerged as an easy solution for boosting pedal power with a small petrol engine.

Though its popularity has waxed and waned, the concept is now enjoying a whisper-quiet renaissance thanks to advances in electric motor technology.

{{cta-ebike}}

Friction drive might not be a particularly efficient way of transferring power to a wheel, but it can have the advantage of being so easy to fit that you can quickly swap the conversion kits between bikes.

For example, the PikaBoost 2 rear wheel friction drive design promised one-minute installation, and proved so popular with would-be e-bikers that it raised £400,000 in pre-orders.

Another newcomer to the market is the Clip, which attaches to front forks and drives the front wheel. The design pitches itself as 'the world's only "no-tools" e-bike conversion-kit.

{{cta-ebike}}

Historic friction drive bicycles: A noisy niche

In 1899, American engineer A. F. Morrison developed a petrol-powered bicycle with a small engine driving a roller directly onto the rear tyre. Early designs like this, however, were loud, dirty, and prone to slipping in wet conditions. Friction drives were simple to install, but their inefficiency and maintenance demands relegated them to a noisy niche of motorised transport.

‍

The arrival of more efficient electric motors in the late 20th century marked a turning point. In place of smoky petrol engines, compact electric motors offered quieter, cleaner, and more efficient alternatives. By the 1990s,friction drive kits - like the Zap motor - began to trickle onto the market, aimed at DIY enthusiasts eager to electrify their bicycles.

But these early efforts were plagued by the same limitations: friction drives struggled to grip tyres reliably in rain, and lead acid batteries were heavy and inefficient.

The last two decades have seen an explosion in e-bike innovation, with friction drives finding a new niche in the growing world of micro mobility. Modern friction drive kits are lighter and have improved roller grip, while lithium-ion batteries and brushless motors provide longer range and faster charging times.

Today's friction drive motors are easy to install, often clipping onto the forks or seat post without permanent modifications to the bike. They appeal particularly urban commuters who can live with the limited range they offer in comparison to hub or crank drive e-bikes.

The simplicity and versatility of these systems echo the ingenuity of their Victorian forebears, but now with a futuristic twist.

Insurance for e-bikes

Our e-bike insurance includes everything you’d expect, like theft, accidental damage and vandalism cover – plus a few things you might not. For example, we have a no-quibble battery theft policy, zero devaluation for life, and if you break down on your electric bike, or run out of battery, you can call us 24/7 and we’ll arrange a rescue. Whether you ride a tricycle, folding, mountain or cargo electric bike, our comprehensive policy has you covered.

Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

{{cta-ebike}}

‍

‍

Are e-bike conversion kits legal and safe?

<div style="padding:100% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1026900897?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Are e-bike retrofit kits legal and safe?"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍