Brompton jump on the Ebike wagon, its officical

jerrysimon

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 27, 2009
3,292
112
Cambridge, UK
Brompton jump on the Ebike band wagon, its official

As many suspected Project X was an E version of this popular folder. I would put money on it being a front hub motor, as a rear one would compromise the rear frame swing in and out mech.

Its going to cost a fortune, (they claim a retro fit option will be available), it will sell by the bucket load if they keep it light!

Regards

Jerry

PS my spelling sucks. Why can't you edit titles lol

INSTALMENT FOUR


Hello

Project X has been running for some months now and we have received a number of enquiries as a result. Guesses of what Project X might be have ranged from a fully titanium Brompton (it’s not), to a carbon fibre Brompton (no again) to a pair of Brompton-branded slippers (definitely not, but full marks for imagination).

We are now in a position where we are happy to reveal to you a project we have been working on for the past six years.

Project X is the code name for the eBrompton. The eBrompton is a Brompton in every sense; it folds to the compact size you have come to expect, it outperforms its peers and it is robust. But it has something extra...

The ‘extra’ comes in the form of pedal-assist, provided by a powerful motor.

Initially, the eBrompton will be made in a limited run and restricted to two territories in 2012: the UK and Germany. If you are in either of these countries and would like to be considered for these early-release bikes you will be able to register your interest for this in the near future.

We are expecting full roll-out, including the ability to retrofit, by 2013.

Excited? We are.

In terms of how the bicycle will work, and its full spec, we’re no pushovers; you’ll have to wait for the next update for more information. Let’s just say, we expect great things…

Best wishes,


The Brompton team
 
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mike killay

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 17, 2011
3,012
1,629
Well, it would not take 6 years to plan a hub conversion.
They have to keep it light and compact. For many office users, the battery weight will be a problem.
My guess is some sort of 'Lynch' type pancake motor alongside the chain wheel and a comparatively small battery. At the moment, we have the Panasonic chain drivers that do not have to have either a Tonaro shaft or a chain from the motor to the crank shaft. The Panasonics are probably the most efficient at the moment.
To directly bolt the motor to the chainring, will give greater efficiency and reliability. Also it will not compromise the folding mechanism.
 

eddieo

Banned
Jul 7, 2008
5,070
6
cant see what they can come up with that betters some of the kits/conversions that are available now.........Apart from hidding the wiring I quess
 

Ultra Motor

Esteemed Pedelecer
We have been working with Brompton on this project and will be providing all the kit. However, I am unable to give specific information. What I can say though is that is will be a very special bike!
 

jerrysimon

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 27, 2009
3,292
112
Cambridge, UK
Mark, very interesting.

I would love to know if they are using a front hub motor though appreciate you are probably sworn to secrecy.

Regards

Jerry
 

Ultra Motor

Esteemed Pedelecer
Mark, very interesting.

I would love to know if they are using a front hub motor though appreciate you are probably sworn to secrecy.

Regards

Jerry
Hi Jerry

Lets just say we have designed a very neat little motor that is easily retrofittable....

Thanks
Mark
 

essexman

Pedelecer
Dec 17, 2007
212
0
cb11
the exciting thing is the potential for how well it works as a complete package. Thats what brompton excels at.

Lets hope it doesnt compromise luggage convenience! I'm expecting a front mounted bag which is a battery holder + laptop/shopper
 

lemmy

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sounds good to me as i could make do with one bike only. Except that on my Kalkhoff I can fit panniers and rack and carry quite a lot of stuff, mainly my cameras.

So what I need is someone to come up with a set of panniers with .5 litre physical external size and 30 litres internal capacity.
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,284
30,660
So what I need is someone to come up with a set of panniers with .5 litre physical external size and 30 litres internal capacity.
That's easy enough, in fact you can put as much as you like in. Just cut a large hole in the bottom. :)
.
 
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