The new Skarper companion app brings full control to what I believe is the smartest ebike conversion kit you can buy.
Skarper’s revolutionary DiskDrive Ebike Drive System impressed me massively when I tested it last year.
It combines great power delivery, low weight and being an ebike converter that, uniquely, can be fitted in seconds and removed just as quickly.
I’ve been impressed by ebike converters from the likes of Boost, Swytch and Cytronex. However, the downside is that once you’ve fitted any of those conversion kits, your bike can't be restored to its former non-assisted state.
The beauty of Skarper’s groundbreaking solution, which clicks on and off, is that your bike remains a bike. It only becomes an electric bike when you want it to be.
The Skarper system can be shared across multiple bikes, making it a great-value option.
The only niggle I had with the system was the lack of information; with no on-bar display or controller, you have to look at the lights on the unit to check on battery level and current mode. That’s not easy when riding, and not being able to change modes while pedalling seemed like an oversight.
Beta app brings total control
I called out for an app to make the system complete and Skarper has answered my prayers. I’ve had the Beta version of the new Skarper app on test for a couple of months now, and it’s just what I wanted.
The app converts your smartphone into a speed display; it also shows the battery level, and you can switch between Eco, Cruise and Turbo modes by swiping the display left or right.
It will also show warnings if something is amiss with the system, and you can check the firmware is up to date within the system settings. There's an odometer for the unit, too.
The Beta version has these simple functions, but Skarper tells me it will continue development and is looking into expanding the features of the free companion app soon.
The official roll-out of the Skarper companion app is set for early December.
