From Alicante, a Spanish company has developed a way to convert a conventional bicycle into an electric one by adding just 2 kg of extra weight—without complicating the cycling experience.
While electric bikes are becoming increasingly common, price remains a major barrier for many potential buyers. Additionally, many cyclists already own a conventional bike and don’t want to replace it. Conversion kits that give new life to existing bicycles by transforming them into e-bikes are an affordable and growing alternative, offering simple and cost-effective solutions.
What Is an E-Bike Conversion Kit?
An e-bike conversion kit is a set of components that allows a traditional bicycle to be transformed into an electric one. These kits typically include a motor, battery, and controller, and their installation may require different levels of technical skill. Depending on where the components are mounted on the frame, conversion kits are generally categorized into three main types, though there are many variations.
A Simple, Practical, and Affordable Spanish Innovation
According to the Spanish Association of Bicycle Brands (AMBE), e-bike conversion kits are a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution compared to buying a new electric bike. However, these kits often come with challenges: they can be complex to install without technical knowledge, offer limited range, and sometimes require replacing essential parts such as wheels.
To address these issues, the Spanish company Spiny, based in Alicante and Valencia, has developed a portable, removable, and easy-to-use e-bike conversion kit. Their latest model, released in May, can be installed in minutes, offers a 50 km range, and is available on their website for just €499, making it significantly more affordable than many other options in Spain. The project originated from a personal need and the demand from friends looking for a practical way to electrify their bikes.
Since 2020, Spiny has been refining and improving its kits, listening to users to tailor the product to their needs. Their system respects the original design and functionality of traditional bicycles, allowing riders to install or remove the kit quickly and effortlessly. Weighing just 2 kg, the device is designed to be discreet and lightweight.
The kit provides electric assistance while allowing the bike to be used traditionally, without excessive cables or modifications. The latest version, an upgrade from the 2022 model, features improvements in portability, compatibility, and design, making it suitable for various types of bicycles—except folding bikes.
Easy Installation in Just 10 Minutes
Spiny has streamlined the installation process so that even users without technical expertise can mount the kit in just ten minutes. Once installed, the system can be attached or removed with a single click, making daily use simple and convenient. Wireless sensors detect speed and pedaling, automatically activating the motor and stopping it when the maximum allowed speed of 25 km/h is reached.
Unlike many conversion kits that require changing the wheel and leave the motor’s added weight in place, Spiny’s system allows for both the motor and battery to be detached in one simple motion, adding or removing just 2.2 kgas needed. This focus on portability and simplicity reflects the team’s commitment to making the kit as user-friendly as possible.
Smart Design and Future Expansions
The motor is mounted on the seat tube, optimizing pedal assistance by driving the rear wheel. Once installed, users only need to download the Spiny app (available for iOS and Android), pair the sensors, and choose from three levels of assistance.
The battery, built with 21700 cylindrical cells, has a 10 Ah capacity, providing up to 50 km of assistance—though range varies depending on terrain and assistance level. Spiny is already developing an optional battery upgrade that will double the range to 100 km, ideal for longer rides across different terrains.
Spiny is also working on a specific version for Brompton folding bikes and is currently expanding internationally. In addition to its presence in Spain and Europe, the company has recently entered the Turkish market and is planning further expansion into Latin America.
