This cool accessory turns your bike electric in just three seconds

This one's about bikes, not home energy upgrades, but here's the gist in case you're curious about electric transportation options.

A company called Spiny is crowdfunding a new gadget that turns a regular bike electric without any wrenching. The Spiny 2 is a small motor-and-battery unit, about 4.9 pounds, that clicks onto your bike in seconds and clicks off just as fast when you're done riding. It works by pressing a roller against your rear tire to provide power, rather than replacing a wheel or wiring into the bike's drivetrain. Sensors detect when you start pedaling and kick in the motor almost instantly.

The US version is limited to 250 watts of continuous power (with bursts up to 750 watts) and tops out at 20 mph of assisted speed, in line with legal e-bike limits. The built-in battery is rated for up to 56 miles of range in ideal conditions, though real-world range will likely be much lower. It charges over USB-C, so you can plug it into a laptop charger or portable battery pack rather than needing a special charger. The kit works with many road, city, hybrid, and touring bikes, though it won't fit bikes with rear suspension and can't be used with a standard rear fender.

The product is currently a Kickstarter campaign, with deliveries estimated for April 2027. As with any crowdfunded product, that timeline and the final product aren't guaranteed.