Brompton + Shareroller
 

ShareRoller (Portable Motorized Assist)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478675

It's a 5.5lb mini-briefcase (8 x 8 x 2.8") that employs friction to drive the front wheel. It has a built-in USB charger for phones/tablets, lights, and a battery indicator. Also, a special front carrier block is included to accommodate the SR. After the mount is installed, snapping in and removing the Shareroller takes less than 10 seconds with practice.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478679
Mount does not affect fold at all
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478677

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478680
Control panel with throttle + kill-switch
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478670
On a pedestal (kinda)
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478676
USB port + battery indicator

Jeff was very helpful and prompt in helping me get started. The concept may be simple, but there was definitely grey areas that needed to be sorted out.

The mount installation took about 30-40 minutes total. It was not entirely smooth but the problems were minor and quickly resolved. I'd rate the difficulty of the initial installation at around "changing a tyre (by a newbie)".

1. install Li-NMC batteries (included)
2. charge SR
3. install SR mount and handlebar control mount

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478672


There are a few additional modes to optimize the ride: PivotGuard/RainLock (increased "bite" for wet conditions) and Tailwind (constant assist mode).

The next day I took it for a 2 hour spin on the local equivalent of a MUP and bottom line, it was great. The analogue button scaled smoothly with thumb pressure and at no point did I feel like I didn't have 100% control over the motor. Pedaling without the motor needed about 5% more effort at the lowest Rainlock/PivotGuard setting (1/1)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=478674

The website quotes a max speed of about 20mph+ with a 14-20 mile range. Apparently the SR can self-charge through regular pedaling too.

It was a long wait but it's not time wasted as he's made a good number of solid improvements. Pretty happy with it as it's unobtrusive and simply works with a minimum of fuss. My biggest wish for it however, would be to make the control wireless as the wire does get tangled from time to time.

I've been interested in this for some time, it looks fantastic. Just a little pricey for me at the moment.

You can look out for Jeff's second crowdfunding attempt on Indiegogo, coming soon. Apparently he's making a wireless remote for the V3 version (mine is the V2). No idea about the pricing though.

I paired it with a Brompton Pere seat (IT Chair) and so far my kid (2 years old) and my friend's kid (5 yo - who wasn't too keen at first) have really enjoyed it.

There's also a Tailwind feature which acts as a small consistent boost to your pedaling. All controlled between 2 buttons. Simple and effective.

What is the noise like? I've looked at this and at add-e for my bike friday. I've noticed the friction drives tend to make a high pitched noise unlike a standard hub motor. Does the shareroller have that annoying whir?

VeloSolex was a French made MoPed that was powered by a friction Drum rolling on the front tire
http://a397.idata.over-blog.com/2/52...-orange-ls.jpg ... http://onlytruecars.com/data_images/...ex-1700-04.jpg

same idea just a different power source.

I didn't think Singapore was that big , to need power assist. [but there seems to be a lot of money in that city.]

I must say, it does have a high pitched whirr.

I think this vid is a good indication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWyv-3IBfuY

To newcomers the sound at top speed is definitely very obvious - friends and family have remarked on it being somewhat noisy at first.

In a quiet area it can sound whiny when pushed. Roadside it tends to just blend in with the rest of the noise. At low-mid throttle (5-15 mph) it's a low growl which does not attract much attention.

Quite true. It's the same idea except the SR is built for portability and fit a variety of bikes and kickscooters. Given my Bromptons have to be portable first and foremost, I really liked the flexibility of this system.

I want it for my Go-Ped KnowPed: http://youtu.be/lYtKenoXJ2M

at the price they are selling the shareroller for isn't it cheaper just to buy a good electric kick scooter and since you are in new york the options are good!

EcoReco|NYCeWheels

I know all about NYCEWHEELS, and the RcoReco. I weigh 230lbs, so that scooter is no good for me. And the electric scooter I'd like to get isn't easily purchased here in the USA. The Shareroller intrests me.

ah.... gotcha. hmmm you are still under their limit of 250lb max limit. but now at that end of the spectrum the ecoreco is only a 250watt motor vs the sharerollers 750watt, it'll be a huge riding difference there once you get moving. probably why it costs so much.

Yup! 250 vs 750! LOL! Guess what this fatboy would rather have,...:p

I'm about 5'6 152lbs and the 750W motor does move along nicely. The feeling - since it is on the front wheel - is like being pulled forward while waveboarding.

After 2 weeks, I'm putting it on and off within 20s, and it's low key enough that no one would guess it's an electric motor from a glance.

Nowadays there are a serious number of alternatives, which is great for the consumer. I guess the next iteration of the SR will have to adjust the pricing and technology accordingly if it expects to do well.

not sure if they need to lower their prices yet because the other portable alternatives are just as expensive:
Welcome to Rubbee | Rubbee

well they are upping the technology hopefully for v3.0. but selling for too low and for marginal profit and you'll see people drop their drive to pursue it further, the only losers in the end would be us the cyclists! I rather see them make some good money on it and make it better! but stay stagnant then the asian factories would be easily pumping them out for cheap.

When??
 

Anyone know when the next crowdfunding might actually happen? I've been waiting forever and there have been no updates. If it's going to be like, a year, I'm just going to buy an electric bike.

Second question: any idea how I might buy the original/older model? I'm desperate -- it's my ideal commuter solution in NYC.

Thanks all.

Indeed, it's a distinctly middle class city and a playground for billionaires (or so I've heard). It's not big (about 277.3 sq miles) and mostly flat but it does get pretty hot and humid (being on the Equator and all), so a 10km cycle is going to get you to wherever drenched in sweat in the middle of the day. Also with a growing network of cycle-friendly MUPs (or as we call it here, PCN - Park Connector Network), there's plenty of convenient ways to traverse the island - why not an electric assist?

Surely not "needed", but fun and convenient.

I'll let him know and see if he can address the points here directly.

Oct. 20th on Indiegogo. Just got the email this morning. If you are not on their mailing list, sign up now. They are closing it 10/18.

Thanks! I just signed up. Jeff just replied as well - he says the V2 is no longer being sold after all orders were fulfilled and they will be concentrating on the V3.

Do you know how the V3 is improved over the V2?

I am getting one for SWMBO.

Wow thanks - I'm looking forward to this.

I wrote to them; the throttle is going to be wireless.

I wish there was a detachable pedalec sensor. Then it would be PERFECT!

I emailed the company on this and the V3 has an optional pedalec sensor that plugs into the unit.