Any reviews/advice on Beat Bike or Kwikfold Pro?

[Newbikecommuter]

Dear Forum members,

My search for an affordable folding pedelec goes on. I have recently read about "Beat Bikes" and KwikFold pro. Both seem to be within my price-range, foldable and not too heavy.

Link to Beat Bikes: http://www.beatbikes.com/about/
Link to KwikFold pro: http://www.kwikfold.co.uk/product/pro-12-white-electric-bike/

Any advice or reviews on these 2 bikes. Which one is better? I am open to other suggestions as well as I keep looking for my first affordable foldable pedelec.

 

[Lancslass]

Hi, I am just an electric bike bairn in terms of my experience but I do know that those tiny wheels will be hard work for more than a couple of miles, and the 6ah battery on the Beat wont take you very far - maybe 10 miles or so, less if you hit hills. The Kwikfold has an 8ah battery which might be good for 15/20 miles depending on terrain.

I would personally feel very vulnerable in heavy traffic on bikes so low to the ground, but that's maybe just me.

They both seem to fold up into a small package, especially the Beat bike, but having no gears would take some getting used to!

Other more experienced guys will soon come along to voice their oplnions no doubt.
Good luck with your search!

 

[Newbikecommuter]

Thank you so much @Lancslass . This is a wonderful analysis.

I liked your opinion related to the wheel size and traffic conditions. Luckily where I live it's not very hilly and we've got lots of cycle paths.

I completely missed researching on the gears and your insight is very helpful. I see other Kwikfold models have 3 or6 gears but of course are heavier and pricier.

Again, thank you so much!

Hi, I am just an electric bike bairn in terms of my experience but I do know that those tiny wheels will be hard work for more than a couple of miles, and the 6ah battery on the Beat wont take you very far - maybe 10 miles or so, less if you hit hills. The Kwikfold has an 8ah battery which might be good for 15/20 miles depending on terrain.

I would personally feel very vulnerable in heavy traffic on bikes so low to the ground, but that's maybe just me.

They both seem to fold up into a small package, especially the Beat bike, but having no gears would take some getting used to!

Other more experienced guys will soon come along to voice their oplnions no doubt.
Good luck with your search!

 

[Lancslass]

Glad to be able to help.
I have not given alternative suggestions to you as I know nothing about folders. If you do a search on this forum for 'folding bikes' you will get some more info, and others will no doubt be along to help.

 

[trex]

you should tell us a little more about what is important to you, your height, your weight and whether you need a throttle because of a medical condition. All e-bikes are compromises, on folding mechanism, battery, gears and motor. For example, if you need to take your folder onto trains and buses, they will need to be easy to move when folded and easy to take up a few steps, 16" wheels are better. If on the other hand, you need a folder for your camping car then range and comfort are more important and 20" wheels are better.

 

[Geebee]

I own a beat bike clone, the small wheels cope surprisingly well as long as you don't drop it into a very deep pot hole, a lot smoother ride than you would expect, grass and dirt track short cuts are fine due to the fat tyres.
Hills up to 10% grade are pretty easy above that you need to put a fair effort in, the frame is fine for standing and pedalling if you wish, its light enough to bunny hop up onto curbs.
If you pedal a fair bit you can get about 25 km out of the battery, used as a moped a lot less.
Folding is very fast and will easily fit in a small car.
I am 5'8" and am about the max height for good pedalling leg length.
Tyres wear fast but are cheap.

The VeloMini is another clone and there are some reviews if you google it.

UK Beat bike review, pretty accurate but I find it quite good to pedal and at my height a good pedalling length.
http://www.electricbikemag.co.uk/showStory.php?storynum=172

 

[Zack @ Byocycles]

For £100 more you could have the Byocycles Chameleon LS!

Great quality, although slightly heavier at ~21kg, but the comfortable ride and versatility of them makes up for the extra few kgs in weight!

http://byocycles.co.uk // 02392 488 362

 

[Newbikecommuter]

Thank you! I will check the Velomini out!

I own a beat bike clone, the small wheels cope surprisingly well as long as you don't drop it into a very deep pot hole, a lot smoother ride than you would expect, grass and dirt track short cuts are fine due to the fat tyres.
Hills up to 10% grade are pretty easy above that you need to put a fair effort in, the frame is fine for standing and pedalling if you wish, its light enough to bunny hop up onto curbs.
If you pedal a fair bit you can get about 25 km out of the battery, used as a moped a lot less.
Folding is very fast and will easily fit in a small car.
I am 5'8" and am about the max height for good pedalling leg length.
Tyres wear fast but are cheap.

The VeloMini is another clone and there are some reviews if you google it.

UK Beat bike review, pretty accurate but I find it quite good to pedal and at my height a good pedalling length.
http://www.electricbikemag.co.uk/showStory.php?storynum=172

 

[Newbikecommuter]

Good point! For me I need a folder for my commute to the station (3miles one way). Therefore, it should be a folder I can carry onto trains. Weight is another aspect. I will already be carrying my laptop and would want the bike reasonable light - although I am open to folders which you can roll.
I can compromise on gear, especially when it's not hilly where I live and there are lots of cycle path.
Price-wise, I want it reasonably priced at the moment (below £1000, ideally below £800).
I am 5ft6 and I guess my height may be a differentiator as well.

you should tell us a little more about what is important to you, your height, your weight and whether you need a throttle because of a medical condition. All e-bikes are compromises, on folding mechanism, battery, gears and motor. For example, if you need to take your folder onto trains and buses, they will need to be easy to move when folded and easy to take up a few steps, 16" wheels are better. If on the other hand, you need a folder for your camping car then range and comfort are more important and 20" wheels are better.