E folders under a grand?

[PP100]

Though I'd finally start my own thread on this.
I'm looking for a folder for part time city commute and folding (mostly for security when I can stash it inside at work)
I'm 70 kgs , 5.7 so no special requirements on size -
There's obviously a waiting list or delay for many brands currently but this is in stock -
Any experience or comments on this:

Buy a Basis Osprey Folding Electric Bike from e-BikesDirect

A Mid range Folding electric bike with a good kick of power!

www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk

 

[sjpt]

Looks fairly basic but sensible. Also look at a few folders still available at http://www.kudoscycles.com/index.php?intro=done&osCsid=q4h3gh49jntk5a21mueuhi3g66
(especially Secret)

 

[mike killay]

I would go for the Rambletta from WOOSH bikes they are a well known, tried and trusted firm who regularly post on this forum.
You get suspension as well .

The Rambletta | Powerful Foldable Electric Bikes with 10.4AH semi-hidden battery from Woosh

The Woosh Rambletta is the most recent 20kg folding bike from Woosh, with a large 36V * 10.4AH semi-hidden battery, very easy to stowaway, perfect for camping / caravanning.

wooshbikes.co.uk

 

[PP100]

I would go for the Rambletta from WOOSH bikes they are a well known, tried and trusted firm who regularly post on this forum.
You get suspension as well .

The Rambletta | Powerful Foldable Electric Bikes with 10.4AH semi-hidden battery from Woosh

The Woosh Rambletta is the most recent 20kg folding bike from Woosh, with a large 36V * 10.4AH semi-hidden battery, very easy to stowaway, perfect for camping / caravanning.

wooshbikes.co.uk

That's already a possible, but as I mentioned many brands not in stock and it's Sept at least before they are in stock so I wanted to see what other options there are.

 

[PP100]

Looks fairly basic but sensible. Also look at a few folders still available at http://www.kudoscycles.com/index.php?intro=done&osCsid=q4h3gh49jntk5a21mueuhi3g66
(especially Secret)

Yeah. Did look at that but the review linked suggested it's really small even for average height riders for efficent pedalling, without a seatpost extension -

I was surprised to see that the maximum extension (marked by a series of grooves on the post) was well short of what I’d expect. It’s around 64 cm from top of the saddle to centre of the chainring. A rough calculation suggests that, as usually worked out in cycling circles for efficient pedalling, this would suit riders at most 5' tall.

 

[kangooroo]

I have the Basis Finch and reviewed it (still not published on site though) and a neighbour has the Basis Osprey. We're both very happy with our choices and spec although I prefer my Finch due to the disc brakes and the battery can be interchanged with my full-size bike. One my main reasons for choosing the Finch was the saddle height. I'm 5'9" and the Osprey didn't accommodate my 34" inside leg - nor did the Rambletta when I checked with Woosh. If you have long legs, do check the saddle height.

 

[PP100]

I have the Basis Finch and reviewed it (still not published on site though) and a neighbour has the Basis Osprey. We're both very happy with our choices and spec although I prefer my Finch due to the disc brakes and the battery can be interchanged with my full-size bike. One my main reasons for choosing the Finch was the saddle height. I'm 5'9" and the Osprey didn't accommodate my 34" inside leg - nor did the Rambletta when I checked with Woosh. If you have long legs, do check the saddle height.

Ok thanks, just roughly measured my inside leg and it's about 29/30 inches
hoping that is not considered long.

 

[01wellsd]

Buy a Dawes Arc-II Unisex 20" Folder from E-Bikes Direct

You may have guessed from the name, but our new ARC II is an improved version of our previously very popular ARC folding electric bike.

www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk

This one looks pretty good. £99 over your budget, but you get disc brakes and a USB port for charging phones etc. And the battery is concealed within the frame so it looks slightly less like an ebike (Maybe less of a target for thieves?)
The battery is a bit small though at 6.6ah

 

[kangooroo]

Be a bit careful with the Dawes though. The 6.6Ah battery is very small and I had to sell a bike with an internal battery because they can be very difficult to source and uneconomical to re-cell. I like the disc brakes though.

 

[PP100]

Be a bit careful with the Dawes though. The 6.6Ah battery is very small and I had to sell a bike with an internal battery because they can be very difficult to source and uneconomical to re-cell. I like the disc brakes though.

Yes, tiny capacity. I could also probably get nearly twice as much battery elsewhere for around a grand. Feels like those "hidden" battery bikes with very proprietary design, could be awkward for later maintenance or replacement.

 

[RossG]

This a good bike got one myself, sold in many places .. when in stock that is.

https://apollomarine.co.uk/product/seago-electric-folding-go-city-lite-bike-2020/

 

[sjpt]

This a good bike got one myself, sold in many places .. when in stock that is.

https://apollomarine.co.uk/product/seago-electric-folding-go-city-lite-bike-2020/

I don't know if it is exactly the same bike, but

Seago E-Power Folding Bike

The latest version of SeaGo's E-Power bike folds up compactly making it the perfect choice for taking away on caravan holidays, keeping on the boat or using it as nippy town transport

www.towsure.com

claims to have it available, and even quite a bit discounted. (I don't have knowledge of that bike or of towsure, this is just a comment and not a recommendation.)

 

[kangooroo]

This a good bike got one myself, sold in many places .. when in stock that is.

https://apollomarine.co.uk/product/seago-electric-folding-go-city-lite-bike-2020/

It was actually my Seago (earlier model, not City) which I sold because I couldn't source replacement batteries and Seago couldn't help either. I would be cautious of internal batteries unless they are generic.

 

[kangooroo]

I don't know if it is exactly the same bike, but

Seago E-Power Folding Bike

The latest version of SeaGo's E-Power bike folds up compactly making it the perfect choice for taking away on caravan holidays, keeping on the boat or using it as nippy town transport

www.towsure.com

claims to have it available, and even quite a bit discounted. (I don't have knowledge of that bike or of towsure, this is just a comment and not a recommendation.)

This is the newer Seago bike which has the 10Ah battery. The earlier model had an 8.8 Ah battery for which I couldn't source a replacement. There is one which is very similar but just slightly larger so wouldn't fit.

I think replacements can be found for this bike and the spec is very good for the price and I found my Seago very reliable.

 

[RoadieRoger]

Look at the NCM Paris . The price like all Ebikes has crept up over £1000 now ( by £70) , but it`s highly regarded by the Owners and the spec. is excellent .It is a copy of my 10 year old Batribike Quartz which is not surprising as it was designed by NCM and probably made by the same people in China . The WOOSH Rambletta with front suspension at £849 would be excellent but I imagine in very short supply . Woosh design , build and reliability are excellent judging by my Brother`s 8 year old Santana . He rides everywhere on full assist and still gets 25-30 miles per charge on the original battery .

 

[Woosh]

I'm 5'9" and the Osprey didn't accommodate my 34" inside leg - nor did the Rambletta when I checked with Woosh.

the Rambletta is supplied with 31.6 x 300 sprung seat post.
The new batch coming in September will be fitted with longer 400mm suspension post.

 

[Chainring]

Look at the NCM Paris . The price like all Ebikes has crept up over £1000 now ( by £70) , but it`s highly regarded by the Owners and the spec. is excellent .It is a copy of my 10 year old Batribike Quartz which is not surprising as it was designed by NCM and probably made by the same people in China . The WOOSH Rambletta with front suspension at £849 would be excellent but I imagine in very short supply . Woosh design , build and reliability are excellent judging by my Brother`s 8 year old Santana . He rides everywhere on full assist and still gets 25-30 miles per charge on the original battery .

I've looked at the NCM bikes, but I cannot find any proper reviews or feedback. Their site seems to give no indication of spares availability, and people on this site have said that the electrical parts are non-standard. You get a lot for your money, but you don't want problems trying to get spares.

 

[mike killay]

I think it best to ensure that the battery is easily removable. This is useful for recharging in some places.
Also, the case can easily be re-celled.
Unfortunately, WOOSH do not show any photos of the Rambletta battery being removed so best check with them first.

 

[RoadieRoger]

If you google NCN Paris there are reviews . Two years ago when Amazon were selling them the Owners were very pleased , 13 gave feedback on the original Paris . They have added the Max with a Bafang Crank Motor which is £1500 , 3 Owners have reviewed it .
Perhaps I have been lucky with my Ebikes over 10 years but only Cycle Spares have been needed , not specific to the Maker/Supplier .

 

[RossG]

This is the newer Seago bike which has the 10Ah battery. The earlier model had an 8.8 Ah battery for which I couldn't source a replacement. There is one which is very similar but just slightly larger so wouldn't fit.

I think replacements can be found for this bike and the spec is very good for the price and I found my Seago very reliable.

That's the older version from 2018, the newer version is this.