Which bikes can be electrified with the Asus Oxiis E250G1 kit?
Primarily known as a computer manufacturer, Asus offers a kit to easily and quickly electrify a large number of traditional bicycles. However, not all models are compatible.
A all-in-one unit
Kits for electrifying bicycles are not new, having existed for over a decade. For many, it requires some more or less significant modifications that can take time. This is the case when installing a motor at the pedal crank or on a wheel, replacing the original components.
The other approach is to use a single housing that includes the battery and a motor that transmits motion through a pulley, which drives one of the wheels via friction—either on the side, like in older generators for lighting, or on the tread. It is this latter solution that Asus has chosen, as have many other Chinese manufacturers whose products are available on Amazon or AliExpress.
The Asus Oxiis E250G1 kit includes the housing (L x W x H = 40 x 8.4 x 12.8 cm) with a removable battery, three spacers—one for each specific size range—to secure it to the saddle stem, a wireless motion sensor to be placed on the left crank arm of the pedal set, a USB-C cable for charging from a laptop or similar device, not necessarily from an Asus brand, and an Allen key to quickly assemble and disassemble the kit that attaches to the rear wheel.
In addition to the printed manual, the installation process is detailed in a video hosted on YouTube.
Up to 50 km of range
With a weight of just 3.7 kg, the Oxiis E250G1 kit is designed to be unobtrusive. In Eco mode, its 36 V battery with a capacity of 158.4 Wh and a two-hour recharge time promises a decent range of 50 km. However, in Sport mode, the range drops to only about ten kilometers.
It should be noted that these figures apply to regions where the maximum assistance speed is 32 km/h. In France and other areas, it is limited to 25 km/h, in accordance with European regulations.
To switch from one of the three modes to another, there are two options: operate directly on the IPX4 waterproof case or use the compatible Android and iOS smartphone app, which also allows starting or stopping the system and displays various information such as instantaneous speed, current distance traveled, and battery energy level in percentage.
Incompatibilities
While Asus’s kit is compatible with a wide range of city bikes, road bikes, and folding models, there are still some incompatibilities. For example, it cannot be installed on a carbon fiber seat post, with large all-terrain tires, or on a fully suspended bike. Additionally, a rear pannier or fender will prevent the installation of the Oxiis E250G1 case.
The price of this electrification kit has not yet been officially announced.