eZee in the UK - Update

[flecc]

I've arranged to meet with Wai Won Ching, principal of eZeebike and Rhys Mortimer, principal of new eZee importer Cyclepoint Ltd during Wai Won's visit to the UK in May.

The supply picture should be clearer by then, but I'll have the opportunity to query anything outstanding.

Following that Wai Won and Rhys will be going to Presteigne where Rhys and David Henshaw of A to B magazine will be riding eZee bikes in the Tour, which will afford the opportunity for many more of you to meet them.
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[HarryB]

Good to know the union is still progressing well. How do you think we should get parts for Ezee at the moment? The top has fallen off my meter box (all three screw lugs have snapped) I have taped it for now but it is not an ideal solution. Do you think cyclepoint will supply spares for the Torq 1 or is it best to approach Ezee direct. I am happy to wait 'till next month.

 

[Django]

Excellent news, Flecc.

I would love to do a back to back test with the best of eZee against the latest Wisper at the Tour de Presteigne. Even more interesting would be news of new models to kick start the new partnership.

Cheers,

Django

 

[Django]

Good to know the union is still progressing well. How do you think we should get parts for Ezee at the moment? The top has fallen off my meter box (all three screw lugs have snapped) I have taped it for now but it is not an ideal solution. Do you think cyclepoint will supply spares for the Torq 1 or is it best to approach Ezee direct. I am happy to wait 'till next month.

Hi Harry,

My advice would be to approach Mr Ching directly. I have found his approach to customers to be exemplary in terms of communication and he has recently delivered a battery to me quickly and without fuss. I am sure he would be more than happy to help.

Cheers,

Django

 

[nigel]

eZeebike and Rhys Mortimer, principal of new eZee importer Cyclepoint Ltd during Wai Won's visit to the UK in May.

The supply picture should be clearer by then, but I'll have the opportunity to query anything outstanding. Thats good news flecc i am missing there bikes already i also hope there could be a new model or two i also wonder if cyclepoint will increase prices on the bikes i guess we will have to wait and see lets hope exciting times are just around the corner nigel.

 

[flecc]

Either way Hal, Wai Won will supply if necessary, but I'll check the situation concerning older models when we meet. I'm fairly sure he'll want to supply through Cyclepoint in future.

There will be more news from eZee, but I can't say anything positive at the moment.

There will be a competitive meeting of brands at this year's Presteigne, Wisper will certainly be in the mix as well as eZee, and I've even heard another sort of whisper about a fast Kalkhoff. Can't count on the veracity though.

I won't be there, can't stand the sight of blood!
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[rsscott]

I won't be there, can't stand the sight of blood!
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Surely you mean electrolyte?

 

[frank9755]

I've arranged to meet with Wai Won Ching, principal of eZeebike and Rhys Mortimer, principal of new eZee importer Cyclepoint Ltd during Wai Won's visit to the UK in May.

The supply picture should be clearer by then, but I'll have the opportunity to query anything outstanding.

Following that Wai Won and Rhys will be going to Presteigne where Rhys and David Henshaw of A to B magazine will be riding eZee bikes in the Tour, which will afford the opportunity for many more of you to meet them.
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Good news for all current and potential Ezee bike owners! It will be good for the market to have Ezee as a full participant later this year. As a disinterested observer, I've been impressed with the action that Mr Ching has taken to protect his brand and improve his product, once he became aware of the problems UK customers were encountering.

A shame Mr Ching isn't going to charge up his Torq (and strap on his helmet!) for the Tour. After seeing the pictures he posted of his recent tour in all weathers on the Silk Road, I'm sure he'd find the Welsh borders easy going!

Excellent news, Flecc.

I would love to do a back to back test with the best of eZee against the latest Wisper at the Tour de Presteigne. Even more interesting would be news of new models to kick start the new partnership.

Cheers,

Django

Unless the course is very hilly, my money is on someone riding a (derestricted) Torq mark 1. The motor is the same, but it is much more geared for speed than the version in the Wisper. If it is very hilly, the Panasonics might just stand an outside chance!

Frank

 

[flecc]

A shame Mr Ching isn't going to charge up his Torq (and strap on his helmet!) for the Tour. After seeing the pictures he posted of his recent tour in all weathers on the Silk Road, I'm sure he'd find the Welsh borders easy going!

His son Ken did ride in the first Presteigne Tour of course, and came second, so upholding the family name. Since Ken is a manager with the company I'm hoping he'll be here next month too. I'd already met him previously, with Wai Won in 2006.

Unless the course is very hilly, my money is on someone riding a (derestricted) Torq mark 1. The motor is the same, but it is much more geared for speed than the version in the Wisper. If it is very hilly, the Panasonics might just stand an outside chance!

Frank

Kalkhoff do have a specially set up very fast bike which set up some sort of internal record. Can't remember the details, but I think it was something like 20 mph for an hour with three riders, which would worry most e-bikes on our UK market!
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[Django]

I won't be there, can't stand the sight of blood!
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Surely you mean electrolyte?

Assault and battery? Could be a charged atmosphere.

 

[Django]

Kalkhoff do have a specially set up very fast bike which set up some sort of internal record. Can't remember the details, but I think it was something like 20 mph for an hour with three riders, which would worry most e-bikes on our UK market!
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The age of innocence is over. I forsee rules regarding mods for next year.

Cheers,

Django

 

[flecc]

The age of innocence is over. I forsee rules regarding mods for next year.

Cheers,

Django

Could incorporate the Marquis of Queensbury rules after this year's event.

Seriously though, it's already taken care of. There are two classes this year, standard production bikes and "specials".

Could be fun, and privateers could well win the latter class, or even sweep the board.
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[tony18m2001]

Hi Harry,

My advice would be to approach Mr Ching directly. I have found his approach to customers to be exemplary in terms of communication and he has recently delivered a battery to me quickly and without fuss. I am sure he would be more than happy to help.

Cheers,

Django

Hi Django

I've sent a couple of emails to Mr Ching recently at ezeebikes@gmail.com requesting replacement Li-ion battery prices for my 2 year old Cadence but have had no reply. Same question to Cyclepoint brought a quick answer but at a huge price - £350. I'm thinking of making do for now taking a charger to work until I hear about the longevity of the new batteries. BTW, has anyone got an empty battery case for sale which I can fill with NimH cells?

Tony

 

[flecc]

Hi Django

I've sent a couple of emails to Mr Ching recently at ezeebikes@gmail.com requesting replacement Li-ion battery prices for my 2 year old Cadence but have had no reply. Same question to Cyclepoint brought a quick answer but at a huge price - £350. I'm thinking of making do for now taking a charger to work until I hear about the longevity of the new batteries. BTW, has anyone got an empty battery case for sale which I can fill with NimH cells?

Tony

Very surprised you didn't get a reply, and it sounds like his spam filter has been hyperactive again, I've known this happen before.

The new battery is made by Sanyo and contains 10 of their cells. Seven of these same cells are in the Panasonic battery that comes with the Kalkhoff, Gazelle and BikeTech bikes and that carries a two year guarantee.

That doesn't absolutely guarantee the new eZee battery life will be exactly the same of course, but it does give more confidence. It also explains the price, since the 24 volt battery for the Kalkhoff is £305, so pro-rata that makes £350 for 36 volts quite low.

Unfortunately all these much improved new generation batteries are coming in more expensive. Wisper are heavily subsidising theirs at present, but it's still ended up dearer than previously. However, the actual cost over time will be lower since they will last very much longer than the earlier rather short lived ones.

The ex works cost in China of the new eZee battery is £40 higher than the old one, so with very small manufacturer and retailer margins, export duties and VAT added to that £40, it's not surprising that it's £70 dearer at £350, though it does make the eyes water. It helps to reflect that the similar BionX battery is £450, easing the pain somewhat.

P.S. I have an NiMh battery complete that's only a year old but has done very few miles, just discharged and charged regularly on a charger to keep it healthy. I'll PM you, but you are welcome to it, no charge. The Li-ion charger is no good for it though, you'll need an NiMh charger.
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[frank9755]

Kalkhoff do have a specially set up very fast bike which set up some sort of internal record. Can't remember the details, but I think it was something like 20 mph for an hour with three riders, which would worry most e-bikes on our UK market!
.

Yes I remember that article from a few months ago. I can't remember how they did it - if it was just a smaller rear sprocket or a higher powered motor (probably they didn't tell us!)

Would 20 mph be enough to keep up with David Henshaw on his (production) Torq? It would be a good race!

 

[frank9755]

There will be more news from eZee, but I can't say anything positive at the moment.

I wonder if after Presteigne we'll find out what you've been up to on your test rides!

 

[flecc]

I wonder if after Presteigne we'll find out what you've been up to on your test rides!

No.
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[flecc]

Would 20 mph be enough to keep up with David Henshaw on his (production) Torq? It would be a good race!

That's of course if David is riding an old model production Torq.

I couldn't possibly say.
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[HarryB]

Hi Django

I've sent a couple of emails to Mr Ching recently at ezeebikes@gmail.com requesting replacement Li-ion battery prices for my 2 year old Cadence but have had no reply. Same question to Cyclepoint brought a quick answer but at a huge price - £350. I'm thinking of making do for now taking a charger to work until I hear about the longevity of the new batteries. BTW, has anyone got an empty battery case for sale which I can fill with NimH cells?

Tony

Flecc's offer is much more generous than mine - I have an empty case that is destined for the tip at some stage. You are welcome to it.

 

[Django]

Hi Django

I've sent a couple of emails to Mr Ching recently at ezeebikes@gmail.com requesting replacement Li-ion battery prices for my 2 year old Cadence but have had no reply. Same question to Cyclepoint brought a quick answer but at a huge price - £350. I'm thinking of making do for now taking a charger to work until I hear about the longevity of the new batteries. BTW, has anyone got an empty battery case for sale which I can fill with NimH cells?

Tony

Hi Tony,

The correct address is ezeebike@gmail.com (no 's' on ezeebike). Your e-mails will be floating around gmail somwhere looking for a recipient because you have the wrong address. Mr Ching will never have received it so is not to blame.

Try it, I have no doubt that Mr Ching will respond.

Cheers,

Django