There are plenty of e-bike conversion kits designed to turn your existing bicycle electric, but most involve at least a bit of wrenching. Spiny 2 takes a different approach, using a removable friction-drive system that can apparently snap onto your bike in just three seconds.

Now let me start by saying that this is a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter, so it’s a “buyer beware” situation. My long-time readers will know I have a rule about crowdfunding campaigns. I don’t cover them unless they either A) come from a company that has a track record of delivering products in the past, or B) I personally test out the product in advance to confirm it’s legitimate and works. In this case, I haven’t personally tested the Spiny 2 e-bike kit, but the brand does appear to have delivered hundreds of their previous version of the kit, so this isn’t a brand new, fly-by-night company.

The newly unveiled second-generation system combines its motor and battery into a compact 2.2 kg (4.9 lb) package. Once the mounting hardware and sensors are initially installed on the bike, the entire drive unit can be clicked into place before a ride and removed afterward.

It’s a friction drive kit, which isn’t the most elegant way to drive an e-bike, but it does get the job done quickly and simply.

That could be particularly useful for riders who want to keep the feel of their favorite pedal bike, but occasionally want a little electric help.

Instead of replacing a wheel or integrating with the drivetrain, Spiny 2 uses a roller that contacts the rear tire.

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