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Electric bikes - - anybody ride one?

Old 07-10-13, 02:25 PM
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Electric bikes - - anybody ride one?

Just for fun I got onto You Tube and viewed a number of videos on battery powered folding bikes. Man, they look like a lot of fun, especially for my old tired legs . Does anyone out there use one or perhaps have used one? The nice thing, from what I see, they can be used as a regular folding bike, then use the electric motor to either assist or replace pedal power for those times when you might want a bit of a breather. Of course the big question is -- are they worth it quality wise, or are they subject to failure after a year or so use?

Thanks

Wayne
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Old 07-10-13, 03:23 PM
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LBS sells EMoto bikes, the folding one like this : https://emotoev.com/products/bicycles...ng/traveler10/

bought thru a local retailer, the shop is there to keep it up and act in your interest should you have trouble..
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Old 07-10-13, 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Still Pedaling
... battery powered folding bikes. ... they look like a lot of fun, especially for my old tired legs ... they can be used as a regular folding bike ...
Your old tired legs probably won't like pedalling a 45 pound folding bike.

Thor (www.thorUSA.com) is very active in this forum and has some real-world experience with electric folding bikes.

NyceWheels in NYC has experience with electric bikes, folding bikes and electric folding bikes. Based on their website information, their electric folding bikes start at ~$2,000. As I recall, the Dahon Boost folding electric bike that Dahon offered a couple of years ago was ~$2,500. And keep in mind that batteries are like tires, they will need to be replaced periodically.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
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Old 07-10-13, 08:09 PM
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the only system I like is the bionix ..... its great however also very expensive. And removing the rear wheel is a real drag. Running out of battery and pedal a 45 lbs sled around is not much fun either. I am waiting for a KISS system which has super backup... a light battery, which last a very long time even when not always maintained properly. Too much to ask for right now... did I say the system must be light and easy to take on an off the bike ( including change of the FRONT wheel with the motor in it )

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Old 07-11-13, 12:33 AM
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I build my own electric folders the most successful round a Brompton M2L-X which I use on my daily 10 mile round commute.




With a very low assist (180W) front hub motor that weighs just 1.4kg this bike has a carry weight of under 12kgs. The system requires I add pedal assistance but at about a rate of 1/3 that usually required. On the flat the motor will propel me at 15mph (UK legal limit) on the flat with no pedaling. All the electrics are in the front bag in the back two pockets including the DIY 36v batteries which range in weight (1 and 2kg)and capacity (3Ah - 6Ah)depending on the length of ride I am doing. Max range with each battery is 15 miles and 30 miles (45 if I take both) depending on terrain and how much assistance I give to the motor. I have done over 6000 miles in three years on my E Bromptons.

I have also converted a Dahon Uno (upgraded to a Duo) as well.

Regards

Jerry

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Old 07-11-13, 07:14 AM
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Originally Posted by brakemeister
the only system I like is the bionix ..... its great however also very expensive. And removing the rear wheel is a real drag. Running out of battery and pedal a 45 lbs sled around is not much fun either. I am waiting for a KISS system which has super backup... a light battery, which last a very long time even when not always maintained properly. Too much to ask for right now... did I say the system must be light and easy to take on an off the bike ( including change of the FRONT wheel with the motor in it )

Thor
Hi Thor

What exactly is the KISS system? Is this an electric system that can be added to most any folding bike?
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Old 07-11-13, 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by jerrysimon
I build my own electric folders the most successful round a Brompton M2L-X which I use on my daily 10 mile round commute.




With a very low assist (180W) front hub motor that weighs just 1.4kg this bike has a carry weight of under 12kgs. The system requires I add pedal assistance but at about a rate of 1/3 that usually required. On the flat the motor will propel me at 15mph (UK legal limit) on the flat with no pedaling. All the electrics are in the front bag in the back two pockets including the DIY 36v batteries which range in weight (1 and 2kg)and capacity (3Ah - 6Ah)depending on the length of ride I am doing. Max range with each battery is 15 miles and 30 miles (45 if I take both) depending on terrain and how much assistance I give to the motor. I have done over 6000 miles in three years on my E Bromptons.

I have also converted a Dahon Uno (upgraded to a Duo) as well.

Regards

Jerry
Hi Jerry

Is it expensive then to upgrade a folding bike with an electric motor system?
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Old 07-11-13, 08:06 AM
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KISS Keep It Simple Stupid...
Jerry I think you got it there.. low wattage ... just a little help ..but light ... is the key

is the motor/hub 74 mm or 100 ?


best Thor
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Old 07-11-13, 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by brakemeister
KISS Keep It Simple Stupid...
Jerry I think you got it there.. low wattage ... just a little help ..but light ... is the key

is the motor/hub 74 mm or 100 ?


best Thor
Its around 80mm wide so a little fork spreading is required. Pretty scary on £250 Brompton Ti forks!

The motor is readily available direct from China here

https://www.keyde.com/?do=product&lang=en&event=list_2

However you need to know exactly what you are ordering and be patient in that they start making your order after you pay with a 5-6 week turn round.

Cost about £80/motor total kit around £150 but you will need to build the wheel and connect it all up yourself and of course source or build a battery. Most the off the shelf generic batteries are large/heavy so its better to work out your own distance and capacity requirements and build one to fit if you have the ability/tech knowledge of course. I agree KISS for folding bikes i.e. to keep everything light and the carry weight down. I do this by spreading the setup between the bike and bag (connected via an umbilical as shown below) and only carrying the size/weight of battery I need for the trip rather than carrying a generic 36v, 10-15Ah 4/5kg plus battery on every trip.



Jerry

Last edited by jerrysimon; 07-11-13 at 10:43 AM.
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