The vision of Skarper's prominent patron
Skarper is a start-up from London that has directly patented its innovative drive system. One of its sponsors is the eleven-time world champion and six-time Olympic champion in track cycling, Sir Chris Hoy. He himself was involved in the development of the Diskdrive motor from the very beginning: "Getting more people on bikes has always been a major concern for me - regardless of their fitness, ability or age. E-bikes play a major role in making cycling more accessible to everyone. It opens up completely new possibilities - whether it's cycling to work, which is otherwise too long, keeping up with a fitter friend on a challenging bike ride or getting back into cycling after an injury or illness."
Promoter Hoy continues: "What excites me most about Skarper is that we are offering something completely new. You no longer have to choose between a bike and an e-bike, but can clip on the motor whenever you want. Electrical support wishes. I firmly believe that this freedom and flexibility to change the way you ride within seconds will have a significant impact on the industry. Cycling will be made accessible to a much wider audience."
Skarper Diskdrive is engineering by experts
Dr Alastair Darwood is the inventor and co-founder of the young company. Before developing the innovative motor, he worked as a doctor for the British National Health Service (NHS). Darwood had already developed several devices for the fields of anaesthesia and orthopaedics before working on an e-bike drive system and was also able to help many people suffering from corona with a new emergency ventilator: "At Skarper, we live and breathe innovation; and we are only at the beginning of our product development," says Darwood. "The Skarper system is fully enclosed, wireless and integrates seamlessly with the bike via its Diskdrive technology. The ultra-lightweight, clip-on motor technology transforms any bike into an e-bike without the need for frame or wheel modifications - and without compromising on performance. We are very excited to be working with Red Bull Advanced Technologies on an off-road version of the drive, news of which will be released later this year."
The most important facts about the Skarper disc drive at a glance
The Skarper Diskdrive should be ready for use after 2.5 hours. However, the maximum range is only 60 kilometres. Using appropriate sensors, the motor should be able to support people on suitable terrain.
In principle, the drive can be fitted to any bike. All you have to do is remove the rear Brake disc with the special Diskdrive disc, which works like a normal disc brake, but is also responsible for the power transmission of the system when using the drive. To complete the "conversion", a small connecting piece must be attached to the chainstay to secure the system. The price of the motor will be the equivalent of approx. 1200 euros.
The most important key data
- Drive typeDiskdrive (proprietary Skarper technology)
- Weightapprox. 3 kg + disc drive disc (300 g)
- Maximum speed32 km/h (limited to 25 km/h according to the respective national laws)
- Reachup to 60 km
- Range after 30 minutes of charging15-20 km (preliminary calculation)
- Charging time (empty to full): 2,5 hours
- Battery performance: 202 Wh
- Engine power: 250 W
- Torque: 50Nm
- Modes - Standard, Turbo, Eco
- Interface: To select the modes or check the battery level, there are lights and buttons on the device
Ean Brown is also co-founder and CEO of Skarper and is certain that the system will revolutionise the bicycle industry: "Our drive system is the easiest way to a completely finished and powerful e-bike. Our goal is for the Diskdrive brake disc to be integrated as standard in millions of bicycles around the world."
Even though the drive system is not due to be released until 2023, it will soon be possible to pre-order the Skarper Diskdrive.
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
