I've had my Brompton now going on 3 years. An absolute awesome bike. But I would like to convert it to an e-bike by adding a motor kit. Checking some of them out, especially from a company called NYCEWheels out of New York, the kit is almost as expensive as the bike itself. Other cheap kits, I've seen, add a wheel to the outside of the tire, which in time will wear down the tread. I'm thinking, if I have to break the bank to put a kit on the Brommie, then why don't I purchase a separate e-bike.

First off, does anyone know of a good kit for the Brommie that isn't going to brake the bank? Any suggestions for me would be so gratefully appreciated.

Cheers
Wayne

You need to define your target speed and range (and optionally power, if you know it). How big are the wheels on that thing?

My kit cost $500 delivered.

probably you looked at a BionX kit, expensive, but worth it with a three year warranty and excellent reputation. As C58 said, define your needs first; if you still want to pedal a bit, look at his builds.

These guys have a good rep, but I am not familiar with their Brompton kits:

Brompton Kits - Conversion Kits - Shop

Thank you folks for responding. Yes, I should have detailed some regarding requirements.

The wheel size on the Brompton is 16". And as far as speed. Well, I'm not all that concerned. Most of the time I'm pedaling around the 10MPH mark. The Brompton isn't built for speed. It's a nice recreational folding bike designed for commuting. If I can get a max speed of, say, 20MPH that would be enough, which would allow enough motor power on a slight incline. I would like a kit that would allow me to ride along without pedal assist, and with pedal assist if I choose.

Thanks again for your help guys.

Wayne

I'd look for a separate e-bike.. you'll lose some of the Brompton qualities that you like .. you'll add close to twenty pounds on the front end of the bike alone .. so the quick folding/mobility factor will be compromised.. the barely adequate brakes won't work as well with the extra weight.. higher speeds will need better brakes, not worse .. a direct drive hub motor will not freewheel with power off as well as your front hub does now.. so pedaling with power off will also be more of a chore..

If you went with friction drive, then you would have the noise to deal with under power, but it would disengage completely when not in use and you could pedal the bike normally .. Friction drive would also allow lighter weight and better balance.. something like THIS ... tire wear and wet road conditions would be a concern ..

If it were me, and I absolutely had to have a folding e-bike, I'd look for a decent initial platform and install a mid drive kit .. like a Bafang or similar... here are 3 folders that I converted to e-bike status that I ride regularly.

Thank you very much Bruce. I will certainly look into that. Much appreciated. If anything, I will look into a another bike that is an e-bike and perhaps leave the Brompton as is. I certainly don't want to make the bike a difficult one to ride after a conversion.

Wayne

Haha! We have one of those Hummer bikes at the co-op I help out at. Hilarious that someone added a motor to one.

-SP

If you don't mind building your own wheel and modifying the fork, try this?

https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-kit/301...ebike-kit.html

https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-kit/546...ebike-kit.html

https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-kit/548...ebike-kit.html

https://bmsbattery.com/ebike-kit/579...ebike-kit.html

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rims-tap...-hole/?geoc=US


Lifepo4 Lithium 36v12ah Portable Battery E-Bike Scooter Built-in BMS +Charger | eBay

Pelican 1200 Case with Foam for Camera (Black), New, Free Shipping | eBay

Brompton Carrier block Water bottle cage adapter Black,Made in korea | eBay

Electric Bike eBike Moped Scooter Controller Box E-Bike KIT Case Black Small | eBay