E-bikes can be expensive, with an average cost of around $2,000 – and that’s a major barrier to entry, given that you can find a high-end bike for much less. Quickly browse the best electric bikes you can buy, and even several entry-level models cost well over $1,500 at full price. However, they are certainly practical. What if you could simply convert your existing bike? There are tool kits for this, even DIY options, and Asus is now launching a clip-on gadget that makes things simpler. Called the Asus Oxiis E250G1 Intelligent Bike Booster, it’s an all-in-one clip-on device that turns any traditional bike into an e-bike.
The self-contained device has a built-in motor, a removable battery and a set of rollers that contact the bike’s wheels and power the movement, rather than requiring a bike chain or wheel hub change like advanced tool kits. You can attach the Oxiis pretty quickly and turn your bike into an electric throttle version, then remove it just as easily when you’re done. The Oxiis offers up to 31 miles of range with a top speed of 19 mph. The system is powered by an internal 158.4 watt-hour battery and has an average output of 250 watts, with a maximum output of up to 500 watts. It uses a 100-watt USB-C PD charger and takes about two hours to fully charge.
However, pricing and availability have not yet been announced, and this is not the first product of its kind. The Kamingo, a similar Kickstarter-funded roller, is expected to cost around $589, with 750 watts and a 55-mile range. Another, the Livall PikaBoost 2, costs $370 full price for 220 watt hours with a range of 43 miles.
What bikes are compatible with the Oxiis and what else can it do?
Compatibility depends more on the size and dimensions of a bike’s tires than the frame. The Oxiis can fit tires from 16 inches to 29 inches, up to 60mm wide, and even supports 700c wheels. Asus already has an installation video that explains the setup process. The only tool you will need is a 5mm Allen key. One end of the device attaches to the seat post, while the other side, the roller, rests on the rear tire to power the movement. The clamp supports seat posts with a diameter between 25.4mm and 34.9mm, which covers most bicycle frames. It should be suitable for casual, road, mountain and hybrid bikes.
Beyond the extra power, the Oxiis features Adaptive Boost technology, which reads inclines or difficulties in the road and adjusts the assistance to make the toughest stretches of road less punishing. There are three operating modes, including Eco for extended reliability, Normal for commuting or commuting, and Sport for difficult areas or steep slopes. The device also incorporates taillights for added safety, so nearby vehicles and other drivers see when you slow down or stop. This is a feature you’ll find available even on some of the cheaper e-bikes on the market, so it’s good to see here.
The Oxiis is out of the ordinary for Asus, a company best known for its computer and consumer electronics products. Asus is not owned by a parent company or subsidiary. So it’s not uncommon to see it grow, as many standalone tech companies do. However, one could easily argue that e-bikes or e-bike kits are far removed from general computing. It will be interesting to see how well the Oxiis performs and how it is rated by customers.
