British start-up Skarper, supported by six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, has secured £4.5 million in fresh investment, increasing its total funding to £12.8 million.
The latest funding round was led by investment portfolio firm Adjuvo, which drew on its extensive member network and angel investors. Existing investors, including Resilion Chairman Yaron Kottler, global consumer product manufacturer Starry Group, and mobility technology investor Mobilitech Capital, also contributed additional funding.
Skarper has developed a cutting-edge, portable drive system that connects to a standard bicycle through the disc brake rotor, converting it into a high-performance e-bike in seconds. The device can just as easily detach, offering users the flexibility to switch between a regular bike and an e-bike effortlessly.
This first-of-its-kind, patent-protected disc-brake drive system was invented by Skarper co-founder Dr. Alastair Darwood and developed with the expertise of engineers and Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Advanced Technologies division. The compact drive unit, measuring 34cm by 16cm, contains a 250-watt motor and a 240Wh battery that provides a range of up to 50km. It connects seamlessly to the proprietary rear disc brake, offering the same performance as traditional integrated e-bikes.
With this new funding, Skarper is poised to execute its go-to-market strategy, delivering its first products in the UK by Q4 2024. The company plans to expand into Europe in 2025.
Adjuvo CEO Mark Foster-Brown expressed confidence in Skarper’s potential, stating, “Skarper is set to become a major player in the rapidly growing e-bike market. Their innovative device has the potential to revolutionize the sector. As cycling continues to grow as a global industry, we anticipate Skarper will attract significant customer demand worldwide.”
Ean Brown, Skarper’s Co-founder and CEO, added: “This is a significant milestone for Skarper. Raising almost £13 million to date reflects the strength of our product and brand. This capital will enable us to meet customer demand, achieve our growth targets, and make a meaningful impact in the cycling industry.”
How does Skarper work?
Skarper’s system transforms a regular bicycle into an e-bike using an innovative, patent-protected disc-brake drive system. Here’s how it works:
- Disc-Brake Rotor Connection: Skarper’s drive unit attaches directly to the rear disc brake rotor of the bicycle. Instead of requiring complex modifications or new components, it utilizes the existing disc brake system. This makes installation quick and easy, taking only a few seconds.
- Drive Unit: The compact drive unit houses a 250-watt motor and a 240Wh battery pack, which provides power to the bike, effectively turning it into an e-bike. The unit measures just 34cm by 16cm, making it highly portable and easy to carry when not in use.
- Electric Assistance: Once connected, the motor provides electric assistance to the rider, propelling the bike forward with minimal effort. The system has a range of up to 50km on a full charge, making it suitable for commuting or longer rides.
- Detachable Design: One of the key features of Skarper is its detachability. The drive unit can be easily removed from the bike, allowing users to switch back to a regular, non-electric bicycle in seconds. This gives riders the flexibility to choose between electric assistance and manual pedaling depending on their needs.
- No Performance Loss: Despite being an add-on system, Skarper’s design ensures no loss of performance compared to traditional integrated e-bikes. The connection to the disc brake rotor allows for smooth, efficient power transfer without compromising ride quality.
Overall, Skarper offers a simple, lightweight, and versatile solution for converting any bike with a disc brake into a high-performance e-bike.
