Electric Dahon Conversions

[homemoz]

Have just seen this post from Mark Bickerton on the Dahon community forum:

"For those of you looking for electric Dahon conversions they can be ordered through World Wheels - The No 1 internet source for Dahon Folding Bikes in UK and EU

C H Whites are our partners and we have sold a number of these conversions to customers in Europe as well as in the UK."

Looks like the CH White conversions are proving popular.

 

[rooel]

I read Mark Bickerton's announcement too and the impression I have is that Dahon, rather than produce a new electric model of their own, have decided to distribute two of C H White's electric conversion models, a compliment to the latter, but just adding more layers to the distribution chain.

As most Dahon 20" folders are attractive bikes C H White's choice of these for conversion is sensible, and they have thereby produced electric folders with a lower retail price than Dahon's own now discontinued Roo El.

Personally I prefer the Sram Sparc system built into the Roo El, and in my case the Speed P8 and the Speed TR, as that is the only system I know of which retains both rear wheel drive and a five speed hub gear. No other permits a hub gear with a rear wheel motor. I have never tried a front wheel drive myself but comments I have read suggest the front wheel drive is less satisfactory, having a tendency to lose traction, and to skid if the motor powers up on a sharp bend, because most of the weight is on the rear wheel.

Rear wheel motors can be combined with rear wheel derailleurs, but having ridden a pedal-only derailleur bike for twenty five years before switching to the hub gear on the Dahon Sram Sparcs, and recently tried out the pedal only derailleur again, I definitely now prefer the hub gear, not only in town but for longer rides in the countryside too.

 

[homemoz]

I also wondered whether Dahon had decided to distribute the CH White bikes instead of developing their folders. As far as I know, Mark Bickerton was the main (sole?) UK Distributer for Dahons up to 2006. I'm not sure about the position now with Fisher Outdoor Leisure also being involved. I guess the question is whether the electric conversions are being distributed as part of the World Wheels business only or with the blessing of Dahon international. This wasn't clear from Mark's posting. The other thing is about the longer term legality of throttle only electric bikes.

If Dahon were involved, I for one would like the conversions to be developed with more sophisticated batteries, controllers & with a pedelec system. However, an earlier post on the Dahon site from Dahon tech did suggest that Dahon were developing their own electric folder. So the question is wide open.

Taking up Rooel's comments on the front wheel drive. I personally haven't experienced any tendency to skid even in wet conditions. Maybe because of the relatively low power rating of the motor. I can see that it could be more of a problem with more powerful bikes like the Quando.

Have to say that I am intrigued by the Sram Sparc system after reading Rooel's postings. Maybe have to get down to Scarborough Halfords & ask to try one out!