PikaBoost – the most convenient e-bike conversion kit?

In 2022, e-bike sales worldwide surpassed regular bicycle sales. E-bikes are popular but can be very expensive. An e-bike conversion kit is generally cheaper, as you bring your own bike and only pay for the conversion kit.

The latest entry into this space is Livall, known for their smart helmets, with their PikaBoost that functions via roller-resistance on the back wheel. I have seen several similar conversion kits on crowdfunding platforms before, and sadly a quick search showed that none of them seem to be around anymore. Livall’s PickaBoost might however succeed where others have failed for several reasons:

• It is very quick to install and take off
• Batteries are standard ones and easy to replace
• It is lightweight, but still has decent power and battery capacity
• It fits most bikes
• It has different smart operating modes
• It is not ugly

PikaBoost basics

PikaBoost is an all-in-one design, that attaches to your seatpost and transfers force via a roller and your tire to your rear wheel. It is powered by 18 cells of standard 18650 batteries of a combined 234 Wh and has a maximum power output of 250 watts. For those not familiar with wattages, 250W is equivalent to the power that a decently fit cyclist can maintain for an hour, and 230 Wh capacity means, that your battery will also be able to last (almost) an hour with full output and longer if used at lower support level or over multiple shorter durations. One hour under full power (without your own pedaling input) should get you around 30km in flat terrain. The batteries charge via a supplied USB-C cable.

The attachment to the frame is simple, and it can be locked to prevent theft. The attachment of the PikaBoost contains a clutch. After fixing PikaBoost to the seat post, you need to press it down to the tire for use. The locking mechanism of the clutch is promised to be secure enough to avoid loosening due to vioibration.

The ride modes

The PikaBoost has a built-in two axis linear Hall sensor, a Gyroscope and an accelerometer, which are used by its algorithm to detect speed, acceleration or deceleration, and whether you are cycling uphill, downhill or on a flat road. It has three available modes for cycling:

• Cruise: If you don’t want to pedal at all, PikaBoost maintains your current riding speed and gradually accelerates to go into full electric riding; it reduces speed when detecting braking.
• Roll: Pikaboost provides assistance only when going uphill and automatically switches off the motor on downhill and flat road.
• Exercise: Pikaboost will not support at all: On the contrary, it adds resistance (up to 40W) and works like a dynamo in this mode to recharge its battery.

An app is used to automatically lock the device when leaving the bike behind, to control the ride modes and to set the speed limit in accordance to your local law.

Other this-and-that’s

The PikaBoost is waterproof to IP 66 standard, which means you can safely ride it in the rain, but I don’t suggest using a pressure washer. It fits most bicycles – even full suspension – and tire widths and seat posts with a diameter between 24.5mm and 40mm, and at least 9cm in length. PikaBoost has crash detection and will stop the wheels from spinning after a crash. For convenience, it includes a taillight. The weight of the whole unit is 3kg.

Final Thoughts

As usual, when I have not tested a product myself, I will not give a recommendation. I do think, though, that this device could be useful for a number of people, for example, commuters that would like to avoid getting sweaty on the way to the office or for parents pulling a heavy trailer and needing just that bit extra power on uphills. I can imagine attaching it to my bike to add resistance when cycling with my young daughter while simultaneously charging it and passing it to her when she gets tired. The ease of use and the Kickstarter price of USD 299 are attractive. I am unaware of any other conversion kit that seems as convenient to use and sits at this price point. Not explained by Livall is the amount of pressure with which the device presses against the wheel and how they ensure the pressure is always right. Anyone, who has ever used a wheel-on turbo trainer knows, that too much pressure increases resistance, and too little leads to slippage. I also have some concerns about tire wear, but since the friction between the tire and the PikaBoost’s wheel is static (both wheels move at same speed), there should not be too much wear. There might be some power loss compared to more efficient systems like hub motors, but then again, I’d happily take that trade-off, given the overall simplicity of the design. As always, on crowdfunding platforms, there is an investment risk. However, Livall as a company has been around for years, has several successful products on the market, and has successfully funded and executed previous crowdfunding campaigns.