Advice on the best lightest folding electric bike
im looking to purchase an electric folding bike. Weight is a consideration as it will be stored in our Motorhome whilst travelling.
Comments
-
just google 'folding electric bike' and you'll get an idea of how many are on the market.
the main similarity is that mostly have small wheels, even if the bike isnt a folder, riding a small wheeled bike can feel different to a 'normal' bike, so something to think about.
is a rack on the back a possibility, as, folders will always be 'compromised' (to a degree) as their main function is to have a frame that in in at least two parts.....
i would try a few folders and some full sized bikes and then let the bike you like dictate how you will carry them rather than the space dictating what bike you must ride...
1 -
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
2 -
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Ours weigh 19Kg and 17.2KG without batteries but they were superseded this year so can't suggest others.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.0 -
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.
0 -
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.
0 -
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 .
0 -
i most certainly wouldnt take the weight 'with a pinch of salt'....
two bikes (40+ kg) plus a rack (15kg ish) slung out well beyond a rear axle will, in effect, add around 70-80kg to the rear axle weight, i think ypu should be looking properly at the total weight already of the van and, particularly, the axle weights.
almost certainly, your rear axle max (2000kg on most Fiat 3.5t vans) will be exceeded before the MTPLM.
David K seems satisfied with the weight of the bikes being under the limit of the rack.....all well and good.....but what if the combined weight of bikes, rack and other stuff parked at the rear end of the van have caused you to exceed the rear axle weight.
my advice, before you buy anything, weigh your van, both axles and check that you have 80-100kg spare on the rear axle (to allow for chargers and batteries stored in the rear locker).
if you have less than 70kg to spare, you will almost certainly take the van over its rear axle limit by putting a rack and two electric bikes on the rear of the van.
im sure DK could tell you the axle weights of his lengthy overhung van and the difference it made when they were added.
0 -
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.
0 -
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).
1 -
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
0 -
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
0 -
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.
0 -
groggy, try looking around a specialist electric bike shop like Nationwideebikes or 50cycles (they both have a number of branches) and you will get a chance to test the various different types of drive system.
i did look at Powabike when i first wanted an Ebike but after looking around a bit more i decided a centre crank driven model felt most like a 'bike'....
it may be that, having checked out the market, you might be able to pick up (say) a one year old top line model for the price of a new Powabyke.
have a look and check out a Kalkhoff or Gepida to see if the differences are important (or not) to the style of riding you will be doing.
if you're just popping a couple of miles to the shops, a cheaper bikewill be more than adequate, but if the ebike is to become your primary transport away from the van, then thinks like, range, comfort, reliability, driveability become more important.
PS ive put some more ebike thoughts on the GOING GREENER thread.
0
