Commuter Bike - Folding Electric Recommendations

[kegelec]

Hi all,

Just wondering which folding electric bikes people have and if you'd recommend them?

I've been considering the FuroX or the Carbo.

I love that they're sub 15kg (easy if using the tube) as they're Carbon Fibre, but I have concerns about durability and warranty given the young nature of both of these companies. Does anyone have experience of the companies?

I was burned with poor customer support with an e-scooter so looking to avoid that same mistake.

Other non-carbon options look good from more established manufacturers (e.g. the Volt Metro or Tern Vektron) but they all seem to weigh in at > 20kg which doesn't feel so 'portable'.

My main criteria (which may be unreasonable is):
- Enough commute range (15m total daily)
- Foldable
- Light enough to not feel super heavy (<15kg?)
- Sensible (and available) battery replacement costs long term
- Preferably, a decent warranty and dealer network for after sales

The Brompton electric seems like a bit of a missed opportunity to me compared to what it could have been (the battery placement/bag just seems a bit of a poor choice) + very expensive.

Any bikes I'm missing? Would I be best spending money on a decent Dahon or non-electric Brompton and converting?

Cheers!

 

[vfr400]

All these weird and wonderful special folding bikes are marvels of engineering. The only problems is that they come and go. You have to ask yourself where will you get spares from in three years time?

I always give the same advice. Stick to known brands and designs that have stood the test of time.

I've always liked the Gocycles, which have been quite expensive, but they now have two cheaper versions including the folding GX. The design has been gradually developed and improved since 2009. I would expect them to still be around in 2029 - even more improved.

It's the same with the basic Chinese folding bikes. Yes, they're heavy, but they've also been around for at least 10 years, also with development and improvement mainly to the electrical systems. You can still get spare parts for the original ones.

 

[Woosh]

Any bikes I'm missing? Would I be best spending money on a decent Dahon or non-electric Brompton and converting?

they are just as heavy as a factory built e-folder. The Brompton has an edge over the competition because you can easily remove the bag which contains the battery, making it easier to carry folded.
CH5 TV did take my Gallego in London Underground but it's not as easy as the electric Brompton.
This one is my latest folding bike, called the Rambletta:

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/2019/rambletta/rambletta.jpg

 

[kegelec]

[...]

I always give the same advice. Stick to known brands and designs that have stood the test of time.

I've always liked the Gocycles, which have been quite expensive, but they now have two cheaper versions including the folding GX. The design has been gradually developed and improved since 2009. I would expect them to still be around in 2029 - even more improved.

My thoughts exactly on the known brand/designs thing.

I hadn't seen the GX - this looks great! Expensive in relative terms, but may well tick most of my boxes (if a little heavier than ideal).

I'd also been checking out the FLIT-16, which comes from a similar 'origin' (designed by ex-Automotive engineers in the UK) but of course, is a complete wildcard when it comes to the viability of the product and company as it'll be completely untested.

It's the same with the basic Chinese folding bikes. Yes, they're heavy, but they've also been around for at least 10 years, also with development and improvement mainly to the electrical systems. You can still get spare parts for the original ones.

Any specific Chinese models or manufacturers you're thinking of there that ideally are available and sold/warranted in the UK? Thanks for the input!

 

[kegelec]

they are just as heavy as a factory built e-folder. The Brompton has an edge over the competition because you can easily remove the bag which contains the battery, making it easier to carry folded.
CH5 TV did take my Gallego in London Underground but it's not as easy as the electric Brompton.
This one is my latest folding bike, called the Rambletta:

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/2019/rambletta/rambletta.jpg

Thanks for the input! Really admire your work btw - I've been checking out your models and it's great to see an independent brand using quality parts producing such keenly priced models with great specs!

Do you have more detail on the Rambletta? I can't see a product specific page on your site. Is the battery integrated in the Down (well, only!) tube?

 

[Woosh]

thank you for your kind words, the Rambletta have just been loaded, they will be here after Christmas. I'll post details on the website later today.
The battery is integrated in the frame, very much like on the Rio, you don't need the key to ride, only to remove the battery. The 36V 12AH is good enough for 35-40 miles. However, you can't really carry it up and down stairs folded like you can with the Brompton and the Gallego. I build it for the camping/caravanning market, it will fit in their campers' garage.

 

[anonymous]

thank you for your kind words, the Rambletta have just been loaded, they will be here after Christmas. I'll post details on the website later today.
The battery is integrated in the frame, very much like on the Rio, you don't need the key to ride, only to remove the battery. The 36V 12AH is good enough for 35-40 miles. However, you can't really carry it up and down stairs folded like you can with the Brompton and the Gallego. I build it for the camping/caravanning market, it will fit in their campers' garage.

I'm guessing you "could" take it up /down stairs but it would be a huge amount of effort?

 

[Woosh]

you have a handle to help with carrying it but lugging 20kgs up a flight of stairs is not fun.

 

[anonymous]

you have a handle to help with carrying it but lugging 20kgs up a flight of stairs is not fun.

Sure. I imagine it's kinda like taking say a tabletop mini fridge up a few stairs. Not something you want to do everyday, but it is possible. That's something ie: if you're moving.