Q: Is it pedal assist, or throttle?

A: "Pedal assist" refers to an e-bike where the motor turns on based on your pedaling (usually at a power level that you set on the handlebar mounted display). "Throttle" refers to a hand-activated device that turns on the motor. Our systems do both! All systems are equipped with pedal-assist operation, and either have a throttle automatically included (all Grin-based systems) or available as an optional addition.

Q: Is the motor always on when you're riding? If not, how do you turn it on?

A: The best way to answer this question is: come in for a test ride to experience how these electric assist systems work for yourself! Here's an attempt to answer in text form: The motor only assists when you want it to. If you select a non-zero assist setting on your handlebar mounted display, the motor will be powered when you pedal. It will also engage when you activate the throttle, which operates independently of the pedal assist. 

Q: How does the battery charge, and how long does it take?

A: The battery must be recharged with a plug-in charger. With out standard charger, batteries take 6-10 hours to charge from 0% to 100%. However, the Satiator smart charger will recharge in just 2-3 hours, and has a number of other features that will extend the lifespan of your battery as well.

Q: Do you have to monitor the batteries while charging?

A: All batteries are UN38.3 listed, and have redundant safety features that make any sort of safety issues while charging essentially impossible. 

Q: I noticed you only advertise hub motor systems. Do you sell and install mid-drive motors?

A: Yes, we can sell and install mid-drive motors on a case-by-case basis. However, unless you are in a technical mountain biking situation, we are confident that a hub motor will be a better overall option for your electric bike conversion. The reason why is multi-faceted, but basically hub motors have great torque and power, do not wear down your chain and cassette, are generally more reliable, and are capable of regenerative braking.

Q: What's the warranty of your systems?

A: Generally, our systems come with a 2-year warranty. Most parts and components manufactured by Grin Tech have a 3-year warranty. See our full warranty terms and conditions to learn more. 

Q: How much do your electric assist system weigh?

A: Our systems will add anywhere from 11 to 21 pounds to your bike, depending on the particular motor and battery combination that you choose. 

Q: What is regenerative braking? Is it worth it?

A: "Regenerative braking" is the process of slowing down the bike and recharging the battery. This will extend your battery's lifespan by anywhere from 5-20% (closer to 20% in hilly Seattle!), and save the majority of wear on your brake pads. It is ABSOLUTELY worth it, and one of the most valuable features of our electric assist systems. It can be found in any Grin Tech-powered ebike system.

Q: How many watts are Bike Swift's systems?

A: We get this question quite often. The simple answer is: it depends, because is no generally accepted understanding of motor wattage ratings for ebikes. The Grin All-Axle motor system, for example, could reasonably be considered a 500 watt system if your definition is the power that the motor can accept indefinitely without overheating. However, it's over a 1,000 watt system if wattage is the peak mechanical output of the motor, and it's a 1,500+ watt system if wattage is just defined as how much power if going into the motor. You can read more about this on Grin Tech's website here. 

We take a more nuanced approach to motor power, and want to ensure that you have a system that's powerful enough to meet your needs. Please contact us with your intended use for your e-bike and we will suggest a system for you!

Q: Are your systems class 1, class 2, class 3, or off-road only? Are they legal to take on bike paths?

A: All of our stock systems can be configured to be compliant with any of the classes listed above by implementing speed limits. By default, all systems are sold as class 3 ebikes, meaning that they can assist up to 28 mph when pedaling. Bike paths have various regulations about whether and what kind of ebikes are allowed, and if you need to meet a certain class (or are interested in an off-road only ebike), please contact us and we will configure your system to meet your needs.