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This article is part of TechRadar’s Get Fit For ‘25 series.
I love a product thats easy to install and even easier to use.
I think thats why Ive been put off e-bike converter kits.
They just look too complicated.
Ive therefore stuck to the binary of traditional push bikes or testing thebest electric bikes.
It seems that I no longer need two bikes to make the choice any more.
Could this be the future of electric cycling, and match even the best folding e-bikes for versatility?
Skarper sent me a bike with all the Skarper devices fully installed.
Other than a few tools, nothing else is required to load the complete Skarper system.
Its worth noting that the Skarper will only work on bikes that have disc brakes.
Installation begins by replacing the original brake disc with the Skarper DiskDrive brake rotor.
The final thing to install is the DynamicClimb pedal sensor, which clips easily around the pedal crankarm.
It reminded me of theTenways CGO600 Prothat I reviewed a while back.
That feeling of high performance and incredible motor responsiveness… the Skarper delivered the same.
Im used to e-bikes that take one or two rotations of the pedal before the motor kicks in.
Not so with the Skarper.
Once I got used to the instant responsiveness, I was amazed by the power.
The Skarper gets you up to 25 kph with very little trouble at all.
When opting for the electrical assist, I had to put very little effort in.
I was so confident in the engineering that I didnt give its robustness credentials a second thought.
Its a standard amount of torque but acceleration from 0 to 25 kph seems almost instant.
The only area where I found the Skarper a little lacking was on steeper inclines.
At times I couldnt even get it up to the top speed of 25 kph.
When arriving at a destination, removing the DiskDrive was simple and quick.
There are no fiddly catches or locks to get in the way.
I would personally like the option, as you might not want to always take it with you.
Talking of carrying it around, the unit weighs approximately 4.5 kg so its not light.
I certainly didnt want to carry it around more than I had to.
The catch for removing and replacing the Skarper doubles up as a handle.
It would have been nice to include rather than sell separately.
Being able to remove the Skarper makes it easy to charge either in your home or at the office.
This can be done using the provided charger, with a full charge taking only 2.5 hours.
In ECO mode, users can get up to 50 km compared to only 30 km in turbo mode.
This isnt a terrible range but its far from the best.
I would compare it to my experience with theBrompton C Line Explore.
Throughout my experience of using the Skarper, there was one noticeable missing piece.
I couldnt put my finger on it to start with but after a while I realised what it was.
There was simply no screen or app that was enabling me to interact with the equipment.
Skarper has done a great job of providing extensive on-board controls but theyre not quite enough.
For example, it wasnt possible to adjust mode or see remaining battery life mid-ride.
It was time to get in touch with Uri at Skarper again.
Early adopters will therefore not be at any disadvantage.
This seems like the logical next step for developing a more well-rounded riding experience.
Its that moment when you realise a whole industry is being redefined right before your eyes.
