Spiny 2 Adds Electric Assist to the Bicycle You Already Own

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You already have a bicycle you enjoy riding, but steep hills and longer commutes can make electric assistance appealing. Buying a dedicated e-bike means investing in another bicycle, while many conversion kits require replacing a wheel or changing existing components. Spiny 2 offers another way to get that extra power, using a removable motor and battery system that works with compatible bikes.

Price: From $359
Where to Buy: Kickstarter

Once the initial installation is complete, you can attach the unit in approximately three seconds. Spiny claims up to 750W of peak power in its U.S. configuration and up to 56 miles of assisted range under ideal conditions. You get electric assistance when you want it while keeping the option to ride your bicycle normally.

The idea has attracted considerable interest on Kickstarter, raising $384,591 from 913 backers against an $8,000 funding goal.

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Electric assistance in three seconds

Converting a regular bicycle into an e-bike usually involves installing a motorized wheel or making changes to existing components. Spiny uses a friction-drive motor that engages directly with the rear tire, leaving the original wheels, drivetrain, and brakes in place.

Initial installation involves fitting a mounting bracket to the frame, attaching cadence and speed sensors, and aligning the drive roller with the rear tire. Once configured, the motor and battery assembly clips onto the bracket in approximately three seconds.

Spiny says the motor engages about 0.25 seconds after you start pedaling, delivering assistance based on your selected setting. Stop pedaling, and it automatically lifts away from the tire, removing motor contact during unassisted riding.

You can use electric assistance for a demanding commute, detach the unit afterward, and continue riding your bicycle normally. For cyclists who want occasional motor support instead of a permanent conversion, this design makes a strong case for keeping the bike they already own.

Up to 750W of peak power and five assistance levels

Spiny rates the U.S. version at 250W nominal power, with up to 750W peak output, 35 Nm of torque, and assistance up to 20 mph. Canadian models reach up to 500W peak, while versions for most other markets are rated at 250W and limited to 15.5 mph.

Five pedal-assistance levels range from a light boost to stronger support for hills. The 266Wh battery provides a claimed range of up to 56 miles under ideal conditions; actual range depends on terrain, rider weight, riding style, and assistance level.

Charging over USB-C Power Delivery takes approximately four hours, according to Spiny. The company lists a battery lifespan exceeding 800 charge cycles.

A removable motor that weighs just 4.9 pounds

The detachable motor and battery assembly weighs 4.9 pounds and measures approximately 8.9 × 7.9 × 3.5 inches. You can remove it when you park and carry it in a backpack or bag.

Its IP65 rating indicates protection against dust and water jets. A replaceable dual-compound friction pad is designed to maintain contact with the rear tire in changing conditions.

The Bluetooth app shows battery level, speed, and ride data and lets you adjust assistance. An optional handlebar remote also controls assistance.

Works with many road, city, and hybrid bicycles

Compatibility can determine whether an e-bike conversion is practical. Spiny designed its mounting system for a range of road, city, hybrid, and touring bicycles, including models equipped with rim or disc brakes.

Sufficient clearance between the frame and rear wheel is the main requirement. The company provides a downloadable measurement guide so you can check your bicycle before ordering.

Optional Sport and Brompton adapters extend compatibility to certain tighter-clearance frames and folding bicycles. Rear-suspension frames aren’t compatible with the standard configuration, while bicycles fitted with rear fenders may require a small modification where the motor contacts the tire.

For households with multiple bicycles, an optional Second Bike Kit includes another mounting bracket and sensors. This allows you to transfer the motor assembly between compatible bicycles without repeating the entire installation.

Cyclists with compatible bikes can keep their existing components and add electric assistance without replacing the bicycle itself.

A Kickstarter project supported by more than 900 backers

Spiny EV Solutions, based in Alicante, Spain, developed this second-generation system using feedback from more than 500 riders who used its earlier product.

That feedback helped guide improvements to attachment speed, portability, and bicycle compatibility. The company has focused on making electric assistance easier to incorporate into everyday cycling.

As of this writing, the Kickstarter campaign raised $384,591 from 913 backers, far exceeding its original $8,000 goal. Worldwide delivery is estimated for April 2027, with shipping costs varying by destination.

Price: From $359
Where to Buy: Kickstarter

For cyclists who want electric assistance but don’t want to replace their existing bicycles, this project offers an appealing alternative. Its strongest feature is the removable design, which lets you switch between assisted and regular cycling while keeping the bicycle you’re already comfortable riding.

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