Sir Chris Hoy, one of the most decorated track cyclists of all time, has invested in Skarper, a UK-based startup that has developed a innovative click-on electric bike system. The company has raised £12.8 million ($16.3 million) in funding since its inception in 2020, with Hoy contributing to an early seed tranche.

Skarper's electric bike system is designed to be easily attached to a traditional pushbike, converting it into an e-bike with minimal fuss. The system, which consists of a DiskDrive rotor with an integrated gearbox, replaces the bike's existing disc brake rotor at the rear wheel and serves as the mounting system for a clip-on electric motor. This design allows riders to easily switch between electric and pedal power, making it an appealing option for those who want the benefits of an e-bike without sacrificing the integrity of their original bike.

Hoy, who launched his own range of bikes in partnership with UK retailer Evans before retiring from competitive cycling in 2013, was introduced to Skarper's concept during a mid-pandemic Zoom chat with the company's CEO Eon Brown and COO Uri Meirovich. He was impressed by the idea of attaching a unit to a bike's rear disk brake to make it electric, with the added kicker that it could be promptly removed.

The benefits of electric bikes are well-understood, including reduced environmental impact, ease of use for those who may not be able to ride a traditional bike, and the ability to circumvent heavy traffic. However, not everyone wants to buy a dedicated e-bike, especially if they already have a bike. Skarper's system addresses this issue, allowing riders to enhance their existing bike without compromising its original design and quality.

The Skarper system takes 2.5 hours to fully charge from empty, providing a range of up to 50km (31 miles) with a top speed of 25km/hour (15 miles/hour). The company has partnered with an installer network to fit the system for free, and users can also disable the e-bike functionality by turning it off or engaging "pause mode" by back-pedaling three times.

While the price-point of £1,500 ($1,900) may be steep for some, Hoy argues that it's a worthwhile investment for those who plan to use the system regularly. "Let's say you have a £1,000 e-bike: the quality of the componentry, the brakes, the gears, the tires, the materials used on the frame-set, the saddle — everything about it is 'budget'," Hoy said. "With Skarper, this is basically the highest quality motor you could get, and you're attaching it to your pride and joy. And if you look at the number of times you'll use it throughout a year, it will become very economically viable."

Skarper is currently only shipping to UK customers, but plans to open orders to mainland Europe in mid-2025, with the US to follow. The company has received over 100 distribution requests from around the world, including big box retailers in the USA and key players in most European markets. Minor modifications will be required to fulfill international orders, and the company is in the process of obtaining the necessary certifications.

The investment from Sir Chris Hoy is a significant endorsement for Skarper, and his involvement in the design process has been instrumental in shaping the product. As the company looks to expand its reach globally, it's clear that Skarper is poised to make a significant impact in the electric bike market.