Commuting bike

Paola

Just Joined
Jun 8, 2016
3
3
47
London
Hi,
I am looking for an ebike to commute from North London to central London, 6.5 miles each way. I will be working 9 hours plus an hour break so I would like a reliable electric bike that will allow me to teach at my school without feeling too tired. Commuting will be a bit hilly. I would like to buy a folding bike as sometimes my husband will come to pick me up. I thought maybe the Volt Metro would be a good choice. Or maybe the Freego folder light?

What do you think? Any suggestions?
Thank you very much

Paola
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,875
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over that distance you do it in under 20mins @15mph;)
 
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soundwave

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May 23, 2015
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Paola

Just Joined
Jun 8, 2016
3
3
47
London
Thank you Soundwave, I quite like this Haibike. It's a bit expensive for me but it's probably worth it. I might say a blasphemy, but can I put panniers on a bike like this? Teachers have stuff to carry...
And if it's no for folding bike, in your opinion can I find something under 1300£?

Thank you again :)
 
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soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
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should be able to put some kind of panniers on it just ask martin at ebike shop he be able to tell you which ones will work with it.

as for price no chance with haibike for 1300 unless second hand or a deal dir from a German shop.

ebike shop will also give you warranty and want a dongle to remove the 15mph limit.

or this cube the cheapest you can get a bosch motor bike for atm.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-cross-hybrid-pro-400-e-bike-2016/rp-prod141464
 

Angelnorth

Pedelecer
May 13, 2016
209
170
Hexham, Northumberland
The Haibike does indeed look lovely but maybe not so much a commuting bike. In your position, I'd be looking for something that already had a pannier rack, mudguards and chain guard so you arrive at work clean and tidy with no need to carry a change of clothes and have an easy way to carry your stuff.

Will you have access to private and secure parking for your bike, Paola (both at work and at your home)? I'm thinking you might want something a bit less "visible" to park in central London!

I think your best bet is to visit an ebike shop and test a few bikes, see what suits you best and fits your budget. People here may be able to recommend London shops that have good service and expertise - several turn up if you google "London ebike shop" though.
 
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JuicyBike

Trade Member
Jan 26, 2009
1,671
527
Derbyshire
Hi Paola
I know you have a bit of a hill going north out of London but really that wont tax any of the 250W bikes.
You have a wide choice so look for something you like, with pannier rack, mudguards and as many accessories as you can get and make sure you try it out. Hopefully against others too and from a good local supplier for future support.
You should also qualify for the Cycle To Work Scheme - we have supplied many teachers and school employees using that scheme.
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
20,340
16,858
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
woosh Gale

Easy to fold, excellent comfort, sturdiness, performance, range and handling.
36V 13AH battery - front suspension fork - 8-Fun motor - 7-speed - adjustable handlebars - flip forward seat - lights - bell and puncture resist tyres.
Only £669 with 13AH battery, including delivery.
Rider's height: 5ft3 to 6ft. If you are smaller than 5ft3 (5ft to 5ft3), we'll fit a low profile seat post instead of the flip forward.
Maximum rider's weight: 110kgs.
Range: 40-45 miles with 13AH battery on flat roads.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?gale



If you have limited storage, I would suggest the Woosh Gallego.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?gallego

The Gallego:
5 seconds to fold, eye catching design yet powerful enough to pull a 16 stone rider up a slope.
3-speed Nexus hub gears, hidden 270WH lithium battery, light yet solid frame.
Wheelable like a trolley, can sit under a desk when folded and is ideal for cities and the Underground.
Battery: 7.5AH in-frame. Range: 20-25 miles on a full charge.

Only £699 including delivery.
Just unwrap, unfold and ride.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?gallego

 

Kudoscycles

Official Trade Member
Apr 15, 2011
5,566
5,048
www.kudoscycles.com
Our new Kudos K16(£735.00),due in 2 weeks,or Kudos Secret(£765.00) should be good for that task,the K16 is light at 15 kgs. There are some advance details on this forum and will be on the Kudos website very soon.
If you dont want a folder,how about the new Kudos Sprint(£895.00),or if you want to be cool the new Kudos Miami(£815.00)advance details are on this forum,delivery about 4 weeks.
KudosDave
 

D8ve

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 30, 2013
2,142
1,294
Bristol
Test ride as many bikes as possible. Even the worst bike I have ever ridden would do your 13 mile Daly run.
The Chinese make all the common basic components so there is little difference in the sub £1k bikes, having a good local dealer would be an important point. Unless saving max is important but then you risk buying twice.
 

cyberdyne_systems

Pedelecer
May 8, 2016
153
111
53
Surrey
I had a quick go on a Volt Metro, and was pretty impressed, in fact it's what got me started to get an e bike.

Sound advice above to test ride a few bikes to really know for sure
 
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trex

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 15, 2011
7,703
2,671
Paola, if you have to park your bike in the street in London, you should consider a relatively cheap bike without LCD. They are magnets for thieves and vandals. You also need security bolts for your saddle and wheels.
 
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Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,282
2,252
69
Sevenoaks Kent
I agree with Soundwave, if you intend to ride 12 miles a day most days, go for a 26" bike.

We have just supplied a Wisper 705Torque to Kit Malthouse MP who lives in N7, Kit rides to and from Westminster every day and loves it.

The bike was supplied by Eddie from the Electric Transport Shop also in N7. Eddie would be delighted to get you onto a Wisper for a test ride. If you can afford to pay £1,500 for the bike, a 375Wh Wisper Torque would be perfect for you, very, very quiet and discrete, powerful enough for the hills and a simple but sophisticated power delivery system.

A less expensive alternative would be the new Wisper SE Range from £999, we will be taking delivery of our summer colours next week.

Both our SE and Torque bikes have disc brakes with a 180mm rotor on the front wheel, very important for safe braking, the Wisper 705Torque has hydraulics brakes, even better!

As Dave says, and I always advise, ride as many bikes as possible before you commit.

Burgundy 1.jpg
705se Burgundy £999 to £1,199 depending on battery power.

Electric Blue 1.jpg
705se in Electric Blue

705se.jpg
705se in Stealth Black

705Torque.jpg
705Torque £1,499 to £1,699 depending on battery power.

Happy hunting!

Kind regards, David
 

Kelly P

Pedelecer
Mar 21, 2016
36
8
38
Hi Paola,

I have a A2B Kuo+ which I've really been enjoying. It's a folding bike but it can be folded, tipped back and wheeled. My journey to work is 6.5 miles each way.

I have also tested the Freego Folder Light - it's a great bike, it's a tad lighter than my Kuo and the inbuilt battery is nice.

I simply choose the Kuo because it was easier to wheel win folded but the Freego is a great option.

Kelly x
 

electrickery

Pedelecer
Jun 8, 2015
135
124
71
fife scotland
Paola, if you have to park your bike in the street in London, you should consider a relatively cheap bike without LCD. They are magnets for thieves and vandals. You also need security bolts for your saddle and wheels.
I second above.. inexpensive hub motor bike that wont attract attention and quickly removable battery so you can take it off when you leave the bike and of course a good lock.
 

Electric Transport Shop

Official Trade Member
Aug 7, 2010
156
57
Hi Paola, we have an electric bike shop in North London if you'd like to visit and test ride a few options: https://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/londonstore
Paola just let me know if you'd like to visit us for a few test rides. We'd be happy to help in that respect and it will be the best way to narrow down the options.
As David pointed out the summer colour Wispers will soon be here so if you like a bit of colour you will be more than welcome to come and see them. One customer has already said they look good enough to lick (from the pictures)!
Hopefully see you soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,875
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you could custom the hell out of the frames if you wanted to and not cost that much ;)

 

trex

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 15, 2011
7,703
2,671
Hi,
I am looking for an ebike to commute from North London to central London, 6.5 miles each way.
for this sort of distance, rigid forks can be uncomfortable on your wrists and back, and a bit more difficult to control if you hit pot holes.
 
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