jur

Yep to good to be true. Don't touch even at $43.

mancival

Hi, I have the 14" version and I need to replace the rear wheel band brake pad (the orange band): do you know where those can be bought with the right size? thanks

fold

Last time I tried to replace my 12" one and googled it. It seems it's standard size, I found an almost identical one in the US, made by a US manufactory. The key words I used for the search was drum brake. I will update you when I have time for the search.

mancival

The rear drum brake pad for my 14" version measures: ~9.5cm in diameter and 26cm in length. Any idea where to buy? Thanks a lot

George3

I haven't read the hole topic, but IMO a wheel size under 16" is unsafe on the streets, because of potholes, unexpected kerbs in the dark, etc. Potholes and kerbs can even be hidden by snow or water puddles. However you could use such small wheels on a plain factory ground, or another restricted area with a plain floor, like a large office, airfield, holiday parc or harbour.

And I think it is important to have a brand dealer in walking distance from my home, for repairs and spare parts.

And I definitely need a luggage rack on the rear.

George3

If the wheel base is too short, the bike will dangerously ramp uphill, esp. for longer riders with a heavy backpack.

Pinigis 

There is always a dealer within walking distance if you are willing to walk far enough.

bhkyte

Wheel Base is pretty standard on this bike see comparison photos with a brommie earlier in tread.

badmother

You guys have hijacked this thread. Why not start a new thread for the ahem.. "bikes" you discuss?

George3

Might be, but the saddle of this mini-bike seems to be placed more to the rear (than on the Brompton), which may cause ramping going uphill with a heavy backpack.

fold

just bend forward towards the handle bar in that case...

jaynh

I've had the 14" version for over 2 years now and the 12" version more than 4 years and was curious about the electric version, so I sold more rare toys and bought the 14" E-bike from eBay.
Prices on eBay puts this around $1k with shipping. If you ask me, the lower quality of some of the components does not justify such a high price.
The bike was dispatched from China and took 3 weeks to get to California.

Here are some of differences that I see in my electric version (black bike) in vs my 14" manual version (white bike).
- They both have the same frame with the same fold. The folding latches are the same as the 14" that I described in my earlier post number 238 on page 10 of this thread. The only difference that I can see is the rear bottom tube which is now a rectangular box that holds the battery pack. I cannot see where the controller could fit in this bike, since the battery pack fills the entire battery box. I'm thinking that the controller may be installed in the front bottom tube, that's the only place big enough to fit the components and most of the wires end up going in that bottom tube, but I cannot definitely say without taking it apart.
- The larger battery box prevents the supplied original trolley wheels from touching the ground when rolling the folded bike. I replaced these with 80mm diameter narrow luggage wheels which works great.
- The electric motor makes the front wheel a lot heavier. The wheel does not want to stay in the folded position due to gravity pulling it down to the extended position. The supplied heavy duty bungee cord is really needed.
- There is no longer an idler wheel in the chain drive. My 12" bike had problems with the idler wheel coming loose and the chain falling off. No more problems here.

These are instructions as provided by the seller:
- The LED display only shows a 3 digit number. 40.0 is full charge, once it gets under 30.0 the battery needs to be recharged.
- The removable 36V Lithium Battery can be charged at any time. It usually take up to 16 hours (?!?) to fully charge from empty (the charger led will turn from red to green when charged)
- The E-bike will run at 20 kilometers/hour (12 mph) with top speed of 35 Kilometers / hour (21 mph). Expected battery life is 40 Kilometers (25 miles) depending in conditions.
- The system is NOT pedal assist. You will need to twist the throttle to energize the motor.

Here are my observations while riding the E-bike:
- The electric system is keyed and 2 keys are provided. Twisting the key will turn on the electrics.
- The motor is fairly quick to get up to top speed when I twist the throttle, and goes at a good clip. This is compared to a few other mini electric bikes that I tested. My bike app indicates a speed of 13 to 14 mph at full throttle. The bike will pick up speed faster if you have a pedaling start, as opposed to a standing start.
- The battery connector is located at the very bottom of the battery box and is somewhat loose. Hitting a large bump will loosen and disconnect the battery connector. I'm trying to figure a way to attach a retainer clip to keep it connected.
- The battery compartment cover has a flimsy retaining pin and it fell out several times, leaving the battery fully exposed. I removed the retaining pin and replaced it with a Quick Release skewer which works perfectly.
- You cannot remove the battery if the bike is folded or even half folded. It has to be fully expanded to remove or install the battery pack.
- Due to the size of the electric motor in the 14" rim, is it almost impossible to get a tire valve in there to pump the tires. I added 90 degree air valve extenders to the tires which makes it possible to fill the tires with air.

Here are some detailed pictures of the Electric version:









I replaced the trolley wheels with the larger diameter 80mm luggage wheels which allows the FreeRide to roll.


LED Voltage Indicator and keyed ignition:


Battery pack and downward facing battery box opening.


Chain no longer has an idler wheel, another look at the 80mm Luggage Wheel replacements.

marlonbraga

Dude, absolutely awesome. I really like the engineering involved in the fold of this bike, and I wonder why noone else does the same.

One day I will have this bycicle.

Congrats!

bikingbill

If I fit on it (6'2"+m 235lbs) I'd be interested in it for airline travel.

I've taken my Brompton in the overheads over a dozen times (removing the seat) but it's always a somewhat risky chance that the airline could say no.

This would work every time.