Competition for a Woosh Zephyr-B

[Tommy C]

Hello, everybody. I'd be really grateful if anybody would suggest some competition for a Woosh Zephyr-B ie a folding, full size e-bike, up to about £1500.

My story is similar to some others I've read here - I want to get back in to cycling in early middle age to shift some weight, get fitter, get around rural Buckinghamshire which isn't easy without a car and have fun. But I fancy an e-bike to assist on the gradient and get me a bit further, and a folder gets me on a train and a bus which gets me even further.

I've been looking around and the Zephyr-B seems to meet my requirements - folding full size e-bike, apparently reasonable pricing, apparently good reputation of company, can bear some weight (!). I was just wondering if anybody is using, or knows of one or two competitors that meet these requirements so that I can have some comparison. Also if anybody has any further thoughts on the Zephyr that are not covered in other posts. This will be a very significant purchase for me in many ways - all opinions are extremely welcome.

Power to the pedelecs!

 

[vfr400]

Have you tried carrying one onto a train or bus? They're pretty awkward, heavy and rather large.

 

[Woosh]

Have you tried carrying one onto a train or bus? They're pretty awkward, heavy and rather large.

it's no heavier than an average e-folder.
If weight is the most important criterion, then my new Karoo weighs just 16.4kgs
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/2019/karoo/karoo2.jpg

 

[Tommy C]

Have you tried carrying one onto a train or bus? They're pretty awkward, heavy and rather large.

Yeah, it's a good point - there's some bulk to it.

Mostly, it would be unfolded on an off-peak train but I'm opting for a folder so that I can get a bus out of the village. And I thought I'd investigate getting a canvas bag for it. I'm reasonably strong.

Much appreciated, though.

 

[Tommy C]

it's no heavier than an average e-folder.
If weight is the most important criterion, then my new Karoo weighs just 16.4kgs
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/2019/karoo/karoo2.jpg

It's a peach. If we were on the railway, I'd go for something like that. But all we have is buses. Not on the sabbath, of course.

(And we're lucky to have that, looking at the state of public transport in this country)

 

[VillageIdiotDan]

it's no heavier than an average e-folder.
If weight is the most important criterion, then my new Karoo weighs just 16.4kgs
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/2019/karoo/karoo2.jpg

That looks a lovely bike Tony, very stealthy all in black. You've obviously put alot of thought into it and deserve to do well

 

[georgehenry]

Never had one but pedelec member Kangooroo rates it.

https://www.piratescave.co.uk/seago-folding-electric-bike.html

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/folding-e-bikes-in-hilly-cities-edinburgh-in-particular-re-post.27257/#post-366041

 

[Tommy C]

Never had one but pedelec member Kangooroo rates it.

https://www.piratescave.co.uk/seago-folding-electric-bike.html

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/folding-e-bikes-in-hilly-cities-edinburgh-in-particular-re-post.27257/#post-366041

Many thanks for the links - it looks good. I think I need a full size (ish) wheeled bike for these pot holed country roads.

 

[Tommy C]

Looking at the Woosh site, two models seemed to have disappeared today, including one of my possible near alternatives, the 'Fat' bike. Shame.

 

[Woosh]

Looking at the Woosh site, two models seemed to have disappeared today, including one of my possible near alternatives, the 'Fat' bike. Shame.

we sold out yesterday - sorry.
Next arrival will be in the new year, I will revise the model in the mean time.
Basically, I want to use the Rio MTB's battery on the Rio Fat bike.
The Camino is introduced. Boat leaves Ningbo at the end of the week.
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?camino

 

[Nealh]

we sold out yesterday - sorry.
Next arrival will be in the new year, I will revise the model in the mean time.
Basically, I want to use the Rio MTB's battery on the Rio Fat bike.
The Camino is introduced. Boat leaves Ningbo at the end of the week.
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?camino

Looking good in Matt Black and a nice looking stylish model, thumbs up also for the rear stay mounted rack.

More info on the Shengyi hub !!!

 

[Woosh]

More info on the Shengyi hub !!!

it's this motor: DGW07C-MD, 3.4kgs
http://www.syimotor.com/productDe_62.html

 

[Dewey]

Montague Boston ZE is an electric folding bike with full size 700c wheels, if they don't have the Zehus motor wheel version in stock any of their pedal bike models like the Urban or the Paratrooper can be converted eg for a tsdz2 conversion see https://electricbike.com/forum/forum/builds/custom-builds/79796-tsdz-2-montague-paratrooper-ground-up-build or for a neat but expensive Pendix conversion (probably about 2700gbp) see https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=98214

 

[Tommy C]

Montague Boston ZE is an electric folding bike with full size 700c wheels

Very nice design at £1999 for pre-order. I'm considering boosting my fund for that one . Big boost.

if they don't have the Zehus motor wheel version in stock any of their pedal bike models like the Urban or the Paratrooper can be converted eg for a tsdz2 conversion see https://electricbike.com/forum/forum/builds/custom-builds/79796-tsdz-2-montague-paratrooper-ground-up-build or for a neat but expensive Pendix conversion (probably about 2700gbp) see https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=98214

Thank you very much for the links. The mid-drive conversion looks excellent.

I'm falling between trying to be an informed consumer and wanting to get out on the road as soon as possible this summer but I'm very grateful for the information. I think the Montague is front runner if Woosh falls by the wayside.

 

[Dewey]

Very nice design at £1999 for pre-order. I'm considering boosting my fund for that one . Big boost.

Thank you very much for the links. The mid-drive conversion looks excellent.

I'm falling between trying to be an informed consumer and wanting to get out on the road as soon as possible this summer but I'm very grateful for the information. I think the Montague is front runner if Woosh falls by the wayside.

You're right not to want to miss riding another season, Woosh can sell you a tsdz2 if you fancy your hand at converting a folder you like http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?cdkit#tsdz2 - or as you mentioned the Woosh Zephyr, which is sold abroad under other brands eg in the US it is the Daymak Arsenal https://electricbikereview.com/daymak/arsenal/, in Australia it is the Dyson Adventure https://www.dysonbikes.com.au/products/adventure-folding-26-inch-electric-bike.html?variant=19834684702807.

Here is an article listing the various all in one hub motors like the Zehus design https://www.electricbike.com/all-in-one-hubmotors/, there are threads on other forums describing their pros and cons, on the one hand it is neat and tidy, and very light - the Montague Boston ZE claims to weigh just 13.6kg, on the other its expensive for such a small battery and you have to bring the whole bike indoors to charge it, and cramming it all in an enclosed hub does not help shed heat from damaging the controller electronics - the Copenhagen wheel had a torturous development cycle - but Montague use it for their conversions in the US probably because like Montague the Copenhagen Wheel company is located in Boston https://www.montaguebikes.com/product-category/electric-bikes/

 

[Tommy C]

You're right not to want to miss riding another season, Woosh can sell you a tsdz2 if you fancy your hand at converting a folder you like http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?cdkit#tsdz2 - or as you mentioned the Woosh Zephyr, which is sold abroad under other brands eg in the US it is the Daymak Arsenal https://electricbikereview.com/daymak/arsenal/, in Australia it is the Dyson Adventure https://www.dysonbikes.com.au/products/adventure-folding-26-inch-electric-bike.html?variant=19834684702807.

Tony from Woosh reckons I'm too heavy for the Zephyr but Paul of this forum is about my weight and recommends the bike so I'm confused about the Zephyr now. This is a shame as I was just about to buy one. Now, I don't know what to do and time is ticking on. There's a Woosh LS Rio 'fat bike' on eBay that would take my weight and it's just down the road but I don't know...

Here is an article listing the various all in one hub motors like the Zehus design https://www.electricbike.com/all-in-one-hubmotors/, there are threads on other forums describing their pros and cons, on the one hand it is neat and tidy, and very light - the Montague Boston ZE claims to weigh just 13.6kg, on the other its expensive for such a small battery and you have to bring the whole bike indoors to charge it, and cramming it all in an enclosed hub does not help shed heat from damaging the controller electronics - the Copenhagen wheel had a torturous development cycle - but Montague use it for their conversions in the US probably because like Montague the Copenhagen Wheel company is located in Boston https://www.montaguebikes.com/product-category/electric-bikes/

Many thanks for the links.

 

[Woosh]

There's a Woosh LS Rio 'fat bike' on eBay that would take my weight

Is it this one? £875

Unisex Adult 250-299 W 26 in Electric Bikes for sale | eBay

Buy Unisex Adult 250-299 W 26 in Electric Bikes and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items

www.ebay.co.uk

That's a reasonable price. If you want to negotiate, I could ask the vendor to call you. Ebay charge 10% so there mayy be room for negotiation buying direct.

 

[Tommy C]

Is it this one? £875

Unisex Adult 250-299 W 26 in Electric Bikes for sale | eBay

Buy Unisex Adult 250-299 W 26 in Electric Bikes and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items

www.ebay.co.uk

That's it. He's got it up at £895. I thought it was just down the road but now I think it isn't - it's in Surrey.

That's a reasonable price. If you want to negotiate, I could ask the vendor to call you

Thank you; that's very helpful. I'll bear that in mind.

Ebay charge 10% so there mayy be room for negotiation buying direct.

He's already stipulated on the advert that he would only accept cash in person so I guess he's hoping to cook up some extra-eBay type transaction. I wondered if he would consider £750 but I got the location wrong, and I'm not sure about getting it from Surrey to here.

I'm weighing it up against a Big Bear ( I do like these names), and chancing a Zephyr because of Paul's recommendation and experience of running a Zephyr at a heavy load (22 stone including luggage).

 

[yapsody]

All looks awesome