Choosing between these folding bikes?

[Solstice]

This forum is busier than the buying forum, but if the thread should be moved, that's okay.

I haven't owned an electric bike before. I also haven't cycled much as an adult.

These are things I am looking for:
- preferably has a throttle, for times of low energy or knee twinges
- standard seat fitting so seat can be changed
- step-through frame so cycling in a skirt is possible
- quite low down so a shorter person can get a foot on the ground whilst on the bike
- suitable for country roads (don't need a mountain bike though) and both flat areas and hills
- suitable for history of RSI - doesn't put all the weight through the arms
- okay for a less confident cyclist to get the hang of things again
- can be easily transported and stored - so folding bikes
-steering can be adjusted to be really quite tight

Am considering these but not sure what significant differences there are, and don't have the experience to know about their reliability.

http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/BatriBike/Batribike_Dash_Folding_Electric_Bike-15ah.aspx
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Freego/Freego_Folding_Electric_Bike_-Freego_Folding_Red_16ah_Battery.aspx
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Kudos_Electric_Bikes/Kudos_Secret_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Byocycle/Byocycle_Chameleon_LS_Electric_Folding_Bike.aspx
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/BatriBike/Batribike_Breeze_LCD_Electric_Folding_Bike.aspx

I read something negative about Viking bikes so excluded them.

 

[cwah]

Dahon jetstream?

 

[Solstice]

Can that be used in an upright sitting position?
Here it looks like one that needs the rider to lean forward: http://www.world-wheels.co.uk/09_jetstreamp8.htm

 

[JohnCade]

You could fix an armchair to his bike and just use the throttle. It would probably do about thirty like that.

Kudos and Woosh get good reviews here and have good customer service. Both are trade members of the forum.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Just to sort out one of your comments. Most folding bikes are still not easy to transport, and all electric bikes are easy to transport if you have the right equipment. Can you give us a bit more info on your intentions?

 

[RobF]

Folders at this price point tend to be heavy and unwieldy - folded or unfolded.

They are all much of a muchness, so if you try one it will give you a good idea about them all.

I'm concerned you want to touch the ground and have knee twinges.

If you can put your feet flat on the floor while sitting on the saddle, the saddle is too low.

This stresses the knees, so you could be feeding a vicious circle.

 

[Silps]

Plenty of positive reviews of Viking bikes out there too.

Also, can be bought very cheaply from Tesco - branded Hopper when on sale. Halfords sell one as Coyote so you maybe able to try it in store.

And seem to tick a lot your boxes...

 

[jerrysimon]

Nothing like going and doing a few test rides

Jerry

 

[JuicyBike]

All those mentioned should be Okay.
Can I ask, why such a big battery, and "tight steering" (what adjustment do you mean?)
You'd be more than welcome to try our Compact folding electric bikes range which have similar features and benefits to those makes you mention.

 

[trex]

..
Can I ask, why such a big battery, and "tight steering" (what adjustment do you mean?)
You'd be more than welcome to try our Compact folding electric bikes range which have similar features and benefits to those makes you mention.

I think he means that on some folding bikes, you adjust then tighten the handlebars with a collar. That collar is hard to close properly for old people's hands and could result in wobbly steering.
He prefers something that the steering feels secure, without adjustment or that can be tightened more positively.
Perhaps with a large wing nut like on the Brompton:

streering is adjusted then tighened with a collar: