eBike Conversion Kit Tested

My wife and kids want to come cycling with me, but they find the distances and the hills a challenge. So what is the answer for cycling with the family? An e-bike / assisted bike / electric bike? I did the research so you don’t have to.

There is a stigma around using E-bikes – some people say it is lazy or ‘cheating’, but as long as it’s encouraging people of all abilities to move their bodies and ride together, they’re a win in my books.

The kit I tested is the Swytch Series 2 – not the latest version, but still impressive. While the Series 4 is now available with even sleeker features and improved tech, the Series 2 remains light, reliable, and easy to use. It’s proof that you don’t always need the newest gear (or to spend the most money) to have a brilliant experience. I’ve taken it on many rides with the family and it continues to deliver smooth, steady assistance up hills with great range for longer trips.

What is wrong with electric bikes?

1. Heavy – Even the most expensive e-bikes are heavy and difficult to move around, especially if you are not that strong.
2. Expensive – Some people like to waste money, but I like to use my earnings on adventure and experiences.
3. Wasteful – If you already have a bike you like and it still works well, why change it?

Why choose a Swytch bike?

1. Light – Added is 2kg Power Pack on the handlebar and with 1.5kg motor in the front wheel hub.  The total bike weight is evenly distributed.
2. Not expensive – There are cheaper e-bike conversion kits, but none so easy to install and compact.  Swytch is MUCH cheaper than a new electric bike.
3. One less bike on the scrap heap – using what we have avoids waste.

Weight distribution is important

The biggest issue for me and my family was that when the motor weight was added to the rear of the bike it was hard to control.  If you are not strong, it is especially difficult when parking the bike.

Long lasting battery

The trips I want to take with the family are around 3-5 days.  Around 50-70k (32-44 miles) per day, on trails and small lanes, with many hills in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. So I wanted the battery to last for these trips.

Thinking about a longer ride?

If you’re dreaming of multi-day adventures but the thought of organising routes, accommodation and logistics feels overwhelming – we’ve got you covered. Our self-guided cycling holidays are designed exactly for riders like you: people who want the freedom of the open road, but without the admin and faff. You just ride – we handle the rest.

You’ll land on a page full of inspiring destinations tailored for cyclists, from gentle countryside routes to more challenging terrain – all with the reassurance that everything is taken care of, including your routes and suggested rest stops and delicious coffee spots.

E-bike comparison

I looked at many other kits, and there are plenty of comparisons if you want to research more.  I found that there are some kits that might be cheaper and others that would need a specialist mechanic.  Some e-bikes provide frightening speeds and turn the bike into a moped.

For me, Swytch is the easiest to install, and lightest of its kind. Once you take everything into consideration I think it gives the best value for money. Swytch are improving all the time. I have a series 4 and will write more about that soon.

Above are the main points, plus there are some personal things to also consider:

• The battery pack just lifts off the handlebar to avoid theft.
• If you don’t want the power you just turn it off and ride your bike just as it used to be.
• New electric bikes usually have a different gearing system – If you are used to your gears and like the way they work, you don’t need to change them.
• You like your bike the way it is – With the motor wheel on the front, all you do is swap that front wheel and add some cables to the battery pack.
• The bike stays the same.
• With your pedal power on the rear wheel and e-power on the front wheel, the power is evenly distributed.
• The hub in the front wheel means you are not changing the rear wheel gearing which makes for easy conversion.
• The weight at the front makes your bike weight evenly distributed and therefore easier to move around

The ultimate recycling

Whether you’re looking for an electric bike for commuting or want to hit the trails.  An e-bike lets you tackle longer days, steeper hills, and heavier loads.

Why spend money on a brand new bike when you already have a bike you love?  With a Swytch Bike you could convert that old bike in the shed.  Add electric assist for less money, less hassle, and feel good about recycling.

Yes, the Swytch kit I’ve been riding is a Series 2 – and while the Series 4 brings in new refinements, this version is still going strong. It proves that solid design and practical tech don’t go out of date. Whether you’re commuting, heading out with the family, or exploring on a multi-day ride, this kit keeps your trusted bike relevant, useful, and fun.

Combine that with the ease of our self-guided trips, and you’ve got a hassle-free way to rediscover cycling, adventure, and the joy of the journey.

👉 Start planning your self-guided cycling holiday.
👉 Discover more about Swytch.