Electric Bikes - Folding electric bike

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LJ Schneider
04-04-11, 12:18 PM
My needs would best be met by a folding electric bike. The Dahon Matrix is the size I'd like. Just wondering, however, if by trying to get two-things-in-one I'm actually getting an overall mediocre product, and that I should choose one attribute and go for good value and forgo the other attribute.

jethro56
04-04-11, 12:30 PM
I'm a cruel person. Just to further confuse you I thought about this for an e-bike. http://www.militarybikes.com/products.html
LJ Schneider
04-04-11, 02:33 PM
I'm a cruel person. Just to further confuse you I thought about this for an e-bike. http://www.militarybikes.com/products.html

Not sure I need a combat ready bike, although I like the look. I also like some of the other models. There is a shop in the area that adapts them to electric. Thanks.

crackerdog
04-04-11, 05:59 PM
Because of the massive extra weight that electric would add to a folder, I don't think it would work for the way I use a folder. I use a folder because I am going to carry it during part of the trip. I use my electric bikes when I want to maintain speed over long distances such as a commute or to help haul loads. You may use a folder in other ways I haven't.
LJ Schneider
04-04-11, 07:19 PM
Because of the massive extra weight that electric would add to a folder, I don't think it would work for the way I use a folder. I use a folder because I am going to carry it during part of the trip. I use my electric bikes when I want to maintain speed over long distances such as a commute or to help haul loads. You may use a folder in other ways I haven't.

Sounds like you have two bikes. I'm not planning to commute daily with mine. I want the folding for storage, taking on car trips, and the battery to help with the hills, so I'll ride more. I'm 5' 3" so maybe a particularly small electric bike would do -- if that makes sense. Thanks for responding.
Sangesf
04-04-11, 09:41 PM
If I were you, I'd look for pre-built electric folding bikes.
I'm sure it's not going to be cheap.
Figure on $1500 USD minimum, for a decent one..
pavers
04-05-11, 04:57 AM
If you want a folding electric bike, and have some money to back it up, you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't look at the Tidal Force:

http://epluselectricbike.com/buy-bikes-online/e-bikes-on-popular-frames


I myself bought the eplus Surly Big Dummy 1000 watt. However, if I had it to do over again, or if I ever buy a second bike I'd be seriously looking at the Tidal Force. If you're not in a hurry, sign-up for their email list and they occasionally have sales. They have a great one around the holidays, although that of course means you miss out on the bike season this year.