A new e-bike conversion kit called Kamingo is now crowdfunding on Kickstarter, offering a compact system that enables cyclists to turn traditional bicycles into electric-powered bikes in just minutes. The kit weighs 2.3 kg and requires only a 10-minute initial setup, according to the manufacturer.
The Kamingo system includes three main components: a motor, a control unit, and a battery. Once installed, the components can be detached and reattached in roughly 10 seconds. The company claims that complete installation after setup takes less than three minutes and does not require tools.
The motor is mounted on the seat post and features self-adjusting technology to maintain the proper distance from the tire. It supports all tire types except for coarse mountain bike treads. A connection to the gearshift lever can be made via cable or wireless 2.4 GHz band.
The battery, with a capacity of 266 Wh, fits standard water bottle holders and provides continuous output of 250 watts, peaking at 750 watts. In addition to powering the bike, it functions as a 5-watt USB-C power bank. Charging takes approximately three hours.
The handlebar-mounted control unit displays battery status and allows the rider to choose from three modes: Standby, Assist, and Cruise. The Cruise function, which enables motor-powered riding without pedaling, may not be permitted in certain countries due to local regulations.
Kamingo is rated IP66 for dust and water resistance and includes a Bluetooth locking feature to help deter theft. The system is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
The product is available at a super early bird price of $349, with a planned retail price of $589. However, as with all crowdfunding campaigns, delivery is not guaranteed.