omnirider

I was reading about the new Birdy pedelec on the Folding Cyclist website and am curious if anyone has ridden a bike with one of these electric motors? Any thoughts or opinions?

jerryt

Yes I have an eZee Quando which I use for running errands and getting grocerys. I use it due to my advanced years and arthritis. I generally ride it like a moped w/minimal pedaling because it only has one speed. I weigh in excess of 220 lbs and it carries me 15-18 milles @ 12-15 mph on primarily flat (paved) terrain.

Its a 20" and folds into a slightly larger package than the higher priced/quality folders so I wouldn't recommend it as a commuter. But its great to pack in a car boot or motorhome.

The cost was approx $1200 +/- with an NiMh battery.

elmergeorge

Hi,

I bought a secondhand Birdy 9 speed on craigslist and added a bionix 36V LiIon battery to do my commute to work as at the end of the day I have a really big hill.
I LOVE it! Even co-workers who scoffed when they found I was getting a pedal assist are now trying to find an economical way of adding the bionx to their bikes. It does not look as elegant as the solution that Birdy is selling but you can see other models here https://www.jvbike.com/bikes/birdy_el.htm

So far the battery has been good after 25km it still has at least half a charge. I have had it since september.

ShinyBiker

Don't have any experience with folding electric bikes, but I am familiar with those hub motor kits that you can add to "regular" bikes. Here's what I think just by looking at the picture:

1. I don't know if I would put the hub motor in the back wheel. Most of your weight will be on the seat and those hub motors are heavy. This could put great stress on the rear frame and you might find yourself doing some unplanned wheelies esp. on inclines. Much better to put the hub motors on the front wheel and the batteries too. This keeps an overall weight balance. I may be wrong on this so try b4 you buy.

2. Unless you're strong, folding and unfolding this bike will be a chore due to the weight. I think you'll find yourself leaving the bike in an unfolded state. And, it'll be heavy to lift. Why not get yourself a regular bike with a hub kit?

elmergeorge

1. I don't know if I would put the hub motor in the back wheel. Most of your weight will be on the seat and those hub motors are heavy. This could put great stress on the rear frame and you might find yourself doing some unplanned wheelies esp. on inclines. Much better to put the hub motors on the front wheel and the batteries too. This keeps an overall weight balance. I may be wrong on this so try b4 you buy.

It's true, I did an unintentional wheelie when I first rode my bike, that's why I like the look of the pedelec as it distributes the weight of the hub and the battery (hanging from the handlebars)

2. Unless you're strong, folding and unfolding this bike will be a chore due to the weight. I think you'll find yourself leaving the bike in an unfolded state. And, it'll be heavy to lift. Why not get yourself a regular bike with a hub kit?[/QUOTE]

with the conversion, fenders, extra comfortable seat, and folding wire basket my bike weighs in at around 53 lbs, not light but still foldable and I have loaded it into a friends car for a ride home after a night out. My battery is permanently mounted, but if you have a removable battery pack that is a lot of weight you can take off before folding.You wouldn't want to be hauling this onto public transportation all the time, but with the pedal assist you can just do the whole ride.