Zag Daily recently published its 2nd annual edition of its Zag List, which included key personnel from LEVA-EU members Skarper and Segway who have been recognised among 100 trailblazers making a significant difference in advancing the transition to safer, cleaner and more connected transportation worldwide in 2025.
The Zag List is a compilation that recognises 100 figures driving a transition toward sustainable global mobility, with Ean Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of Skarper and Jasper Luan, Product Director of Segway, recognised for their efforts.
Ean Brown from Skarper co-developed a conversion kit that can quickly transform any conventional bike into an e-bike, with the innovation being crowned a Eurobike winner, and receiving over EUR 14 million in funding.
As the Product Director of Segway’s Commercial Mobility Business Division, Jasper Luan has been in charge of powering some of the largest fleets in micromobility, which includes providing e-scooter fleets in Oslo and e-bike fleets in Paris.
The LEVA-EU’s member’s premium clip-on device which transforms a regular non-electric bike into an e-bike, was tested against a similar market system, and was described as “super satisfying to use, a real talking point and designed with endless attention to detail”.
In its review, Top Gear noted Skarper as the more premium option over its fellow system and recommended it as an alternative to buying an e-bike.
It highlighted it as a one-size-fits-all solution in the form of a slick one-box design, which includes a battery (0.24kWh) and a drive motor that simply clips on and off the back wheel. Its function is activated by replacing a bike’s conventional rear disc brake with a “trick one with a built in drive hub”. The unique Skarper disk brake was developed with the material and engineering expertise of Red Bull, and unleashes 45Nm of torque.
Advantages noted about Skarper’s innovation include its quick response for reaction and assistance, intuitive power delivery, limited effect on the bike’s handling, as well as the system being easily attached and removable in two seconds.
The full review can be accessed on the Top Gear website.
LEVA-EU member Skarper is launching a free-of-charge companion app to enhance the riding experience for owners of their DiskDrive e-bike drive system conversion kit. The app allows riders to convert their phone into a display, enabling mode switching and providing battery level and other useful information.
The app is currently in its Beta version and is being tested by riders including Warren Rossiter of BikeRadar, who reports he has been trialling it for the last two months.
Rossiter had been impressed by the Skarper click-on, click-off conversion kit, which enables any standard bike with disc brakes to become an electric bike in just a few seconds – and revert to its standard status when the system is removed, setting it apart from other conversion-kit brands. His one gripe was the lack of information and interactivity during riding – the battery level status and the Eco, Cruise and Turbo assistance modes could only be reviewed or changed via the unit mounted on the rear-wheel hub.
The Beta version of the app displays the battery level, and allows riders to easily switch modes by swiping left or right. The app also provides odometer data, gives warnings if something is wrong with the system, and riders can check that the firmware is up to date. Skarper advises that it is continuing development of the app to expand the available features.
The official roll-out of the app is due for early December 2025.
The LEVA-EU member’s design team were presented with the award at a special event in Essen, Germany. They were praised for the groundbreaking design of their e-bike drive system that can be easily attached and removed, facilitating quick transitions between non-electric and electric versions of a bicycle.
Skarper’s award winning system comes with a wireless motor and a DiskDrive brake disc that can be attached and removed from the brake disc mechanism of an existing bike without needing tools. After the disc has been installed once, the drive system can simply be attached or removed with a simple clip, without needing to adjust the frame or wheels.
The following statement about Skarper’s innovation has been published by the Red Dot Design Award Jury: “In a very simple way, Skarper allows the retrofitting of traditional used bicycles and thus contributes to the longer use of existing resources.”
This recent Red Dot Award is not the first occasion that Skarper’s retrofittable e-bike drive system has been applauded; it also won an award at Eurobike 2024 and most recently, an iF Gold award. Both jury statements about these awards can be accessed on the Skarper website.
LEVA-EU member Skarper has been awarded the prestigious iF Design Gold Award for their click-on, click-off eBike drive system, during a ceremony held in Berlin in late April. One of the most prestigious accolades in the design industry, the award recognises outstanding achievement in design, and marks a major milestone for the company.
The company’s co-founders accepted the award on stage, representing the culmination of years of development and design refinement. The event brought together some of the world’s most innovative designers, with an atmosphere that celebrated creative excellence and forward-thinking ideas.
The award ceremony was followed by a day of insightful programming at the iF Trend Conference, which focused on the role of technology in design, the importance of ethical design leadership, and the responsibility designers have in shaping the future.
Skarper expressed gratitude to the iF Design Award organisers, their team, and peers across the design industry for their support and inspiration. The experience, the team said, has been both humbling and energising – a powerful moment that sets the stage for the next chapter in their journey.
LEVA-EU member Skarper, a British start-up recognised for its innovative click-on e-bike system, is expanding its retail footprint across the UK. The company, which has gained attention with support from six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and a partnership with Red Bull Racing’s Advanced Technologies team, is now available at select premium bike shops.
This expansion makes Skarper’s e-bike conversion system more accessible to cyclists looking for a flexible, easy-to-use solution.
Skarper click-on e-bike system: A new way to convert your bike
Skarper’s click-on system quickly transforms a standard bike into a high-performance e-bike using its patented DiskDrive technology. Unlike traditional conversion kits, the Skarper system requires no complex wiring or permanent alterations to the bike. Riders can seamlessly switch between manual and electric modes, providing assistance on steep climbs and long rides while maintaining the feel of their regular bike.
Neil Watts, owner of Fit to Ride in Poole, expressed confidence in the product, saying, “I only stock products that I truly believe in, and Skarper stood out as a smart solution for cyclists who want the benefits of an e-bike without committing to a whole new setup.” He emphasised the convenience and performance of the system, especially for cyclists who want assistance on certain rides but prefer to keep their regular bikes.
Expanding availability: A network of stockists
Skarper is now available at several well-known retailers, including Sigma Sports, Lifecycle UK, Billy Bilsland Cycles, Fit to Ride, Pedal Power, and Gary Harris Cycles. These retailers will offer demo units for customers to try before purchasing, along with professional installation and servicing. The first deliveries have already started, with more anticipated in March.
Ean Brown, Co-founder and CEO of Skarper, commented, “By carefully selecting premium retailers known for their expertise and service, we’re building a network that will ensure that any cyclist in the UK will be within an hour of a Skarper stockist.”
Advanced technology and proven performance
Skarper’s development has been enhanced through collaboration with Red Bull Racing’s Advanced Technologies, refining its design into a compact yet powerful system. The DiskDrive motor integrates with a bike’s rear disc brake, providing 45Nm of torque—similar to many e-bike hub motors. The system is powered by a 240Wh battery, offering a range of up to 60km, depending on conditions.
A review of the Skarper system at Eurobike 2024 and in a full test by Cycling Electric found the conversion kit to provide a smooth and responsive ride, particularly on climbs. Features like the quick-release mechanism and the ability to carry the unit in a dedicated backpack were also highlighted as key advantages.
Skarper’s growth and future plans
With nearly £13 million in funding, Skarper is focused on meeting the growing demand for its clip-on e-bike technology. The retail expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to offer a more accessible, flexible, and environmentally friendly way to cycle, both in the UK and internationally.
