Advice on the best lightest folding electric bike

GROGGY64
GROGGY64 Forum Participant Posts: 18
edited September 2017 in Parts & Accessories #1

im looking to purchase an electric folding bike. Weight is a consideration as it will be stored in our Motorhome whilst travelling.

Comments

  • Unknown
    edited August 2017 #2
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  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,068
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    edited August 2017 #3

    We have folding electric bikes but despite being made of aluminium they are half as heavy again as our previous non electric road bikes and that is without the batteries. Having said that they are well within the weight of the Fiamma bike rack we have on our motorhome. I am sure there must be lighter weight models around it's just a case of research.

    David

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #4

    Long story....short.
    Someone purchased ebikes from two well known retailers. In both cases they were much heavier than stated and they were returned.
    If weight is important do be careful....retailers don't weigh bikes they simply repeat the sales blub.
    Ours weigh 19Kg and 17.2KG without batteries but they were superseded this year so can't suggest others.
    PS. Our pre electric folders were 13Kg.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,853
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    edited August 2017 #5

    What's your budget? My local bike shop says  they range from £500 to £3500.  I suspect that the "best and lightest" which you are asking about might be nearer that top end price.

  • GROGGY64
    GROGGY64 Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited August 2017 #6

    Thank you for your advice.  There seems to be soooo much choice.  Do I want drive shaft rather than traditional chain? Yes I do need foldable so that I can get it in the boot of my convertible car but weights of 20 kg plus is hardly "lightweight carryable".  I take your comments on board therefore to take the weight with a pinch of salt.  The only trouble is one is often buying blind and wholly dependent on honesty as most of these bikes are only sold online.  I will continue with my research.  

  • old ludlovian
    old ludlovian Club Member Posts: 132
    edited August 2017 #7

    Halfords are selling a 20 inch wheel folder for £650 with interest free credit looks ok battery inside frame my wife as tesco hopper same size and loves it .

  • Unknown
    edited August 2017 #8
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  • birderbilly
    birderbilly Forum Participant Posts: 349
    100 Comments
    edited August 2017 #9

    If money no object - GoCycle You won't find anything much lighter than the G3 at 16kg - very few electric bikes weigh less than 20kg with batteries and most are more.

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #10

    Are we to presume that Go Cycle are the only honest company in the business....or have you weighed one of their bikes?wink

     

  • birderbilly
    birderbilly Forum Participant Posts: 349
    100 Comments
    edited August 2017 #11

    You can presume what you like. I am sure many ebikes weigh what their manaufacturers say they weigh, most say their bikes weigh more than 20kg, 22-23kg being typical for a good ebike.  It is difficult to make an ebike that weighs less than 20kg beceasue of the weight of the motor and the battery and because they need to be more robustly built than conventional bikes because of the extra weight they have to carry. I can confirm the G3 does weigh 16kg and as the OP asked for "the best lightest folding bike" it is probably about as good as they get (and as expensive). 

  • TonyIshUK
    TonyIshUK Forum Participant Posts: 296
    100 Comments
    edited August 2017 #12

    Remember the weight of an ebike can grow;

    Add a rack and panniers, lights (flashing fore and aft may be a lifesaver) 

    Saddle post springs (They take the sting out a pothole. The weight of a motor and battery can really  "crash" your backside.)

    Bell, should be supplied, and politely used. Air horn works better !

    Rgds

     

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,068
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    edited August 2017 #13

    I don't know about anyone else but I don't travel with my batteries installed in the bikes, they must be 3/4kgs each! I find they fit neatly behind the passenger seat.

    David

  • GROGGY64
    GROGGY64 Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited September 2017 #14

    Well me and the OH are going to test out the Powabyke F100 today.  It's weight is 17k at a cost of £900.  We won't be purchasing today as we are booked in with Halfords to sample their comparable offerings. There are plenty of makes and models via the internet but trying them prior to purchase is preferable.

    i will let you know the outcome.

     

     

     

     

  • Unknown
    edited September 2017 #15
    This content has been removed.