Overview
Craving the ease of electric power, yet unenthusiastic about parting with your favourite two-wheeler?
A new Kickstarter campaign promises to solve your dilemma. The Rubbee is an electric drive that can be mounted to any bicycle within seconds.
Its development came about out of frustration with the range of e-bikes currently on the market. '[They] have multiple design and user-experience flaws,' the Rubbee's creators argue. 'If it is a factory-made electric bicycle it will probably be very heavy and will look... Well, let's say boring is the word for it. And what happens to your beloved regular bike you already have? It gets sold or forgotten somewhere in the basement.' Moreover, the conversion kits available practically require a PhD in engineering for successful installation, and usually weigh between 10 and 15 kilograms.
In contrast, adding the Rubbee to a bicycle is merely a matter of adjusting a clamp. Hence, it can be shared with family and friends easily. Plus, an integrated battery pack sees it weigh in at just 6.5 kilograms.
The Rubbee's developers have spent two years perfecting their product. 'We worked long and hard before getting it right,' they explain. 'After many sleepless nights and dozens of pitches we have made our way here, where we are now . . . Our mission is to change the way electric bicycles used to be.'
[via PSFK]