Boost’s e-bike conversion kit delivers sleek, discreet power

There are a number of e-bike conversion kits on the market, all of which offer ways to electrify your existing wheels. Boost emerged as an option with a sleeker, easier way to do things than some of its competitors. Instead of wires to control modules, battery hardware and a hall effect sensor, nearly all the necessary equipment is integrated into a custom-made rear hub motor. Everything else, meanwhile, is contained in a circular battery pack that sits inside a bottle cage, or something much like it, and is screwed to the bottom of your tube.

Whereas with Swytch, for example, which sells you a custom front wheel to mount on your bike, Boost goes all the way to the rear. This means the initial install is a bit more intense, as you’ll need to add your cassette, install the chainring to the chainring, and get all the analog stuff nicely done. Or, you know, have the technicians at your local bike repair shop do it for you if you’re as risky as I am to engineer. But, after that point, all you need to do is screw the cage to the bottle cage and ziptie a wire running from the rear wheel to the down tube and you’re all set.

It’s screenless, and part of this is because all the torque sensors are built into the motor, and also to help keep costs down. Users, if they need to, can connect to the companion app where they can adjust the power assistance in Eco or Boost modes. You’ll also get a short rev-up option to help you pull away from traffic, which revs the engine for a very brief period. The app also has a dashboard mode, so if you mount your phone to the handlebars, you can monitor your speed, distance, and battery level.

And the battery itself has a USB-A port hidden under a dust cover, letting you charge your device, or power a USB-powered lighting kit while you ride.

Since Boost was set up at the Cycle Show in the UK today, I got to try it out while calling a turbo trainer. I found that it didn’t take long at all before the level of boost offered in Eco mode felt like it would be more than enough to get me across town each day. When boost mode was activated, it quickly felt like there was plenty of power, an option you’ll only need when you’re dealing with steep hills and more.

in terms of pricing, reinforces It is currently available in the UK and costs £695 when installed by a local bike shop. If you want to tackle the installation yourself, you can also pick up the kit for £645, although the company also offers a motor and battery kit for people to build their own wheels. It’s definitely an interesting twist on e-bike conversion kits, and something I’d be very interested in trying out for myself in the future.