Fold up trike conversion kit ?

barnsue

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 24, 2024
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0
I’ve a DiBlasi folding trike. Has anyone tried to convert one ? It’s a complex folding mechanism so I’m thinking it’s likely not possible. I don’t honed Mission Cycles and the guy there said not possible. But as it’s £3000 for the electric version new , I’m looking into all possibilities. Swych looks complicated and not sure they do one suitable as I’m not up on technical bike stuff.
 

barnsue

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 24, 2024
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0
That should read that I phoned mission cycles. I didn’t preview the message before posting
 

thelarkbox

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 23, 2023
1,209
371
oxon
Hi and welcome..

Avoid swych, High cost, long delays and meh equipment..

Perhaps if you post some pics of your bike and what you think is problematic. suggestions could be forthcomming? Mr @Woosh supplies kits and may have a setup suitable off the shelf for you ?

A front hub motor should fit ok just leaving you with the issues of housing a controller and battery in such a way it wont interfere with the folding i guess? one of the underseat batteries might work ? and a in tube controller might fit if no external mounts are possible? topbikekit is a seller of KT controllers including in tube types..
 
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barnsue

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 24, 2024
7
0
Hi and welcome..

Avoid swych, High cost, long delays and meh equipment..

Perhaps if you post some pics of your bike and what you think is problematic. suggestions could be forthcomming? Mr @Woosh supplies kits and may have a setup suitable off the shelf for you ?

A front hub motor should fit ok just leaving you with the issues of housing a controller and battery in such a way it wont interfere with the folding i guess? one of the underseat batteries might work ? and a in tube controller might fit if no external mounts are possible? topbikekit is a seller of KT controllers including in tube types..
 

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barnsue

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 24, 2024
7
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Thank you for your swift reply. I’ll have a look at that other company. I don’t know what the parts of the bike are called . What would an in tube controller be ?
 

barnsue

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 24, 2024
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The photo above is a screen shot of my current trike. It fold up a bit like a wheelchair does.
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,814
3,152
Telford
The photo above is a screen shot of my current trike. It fold up a bit like a wheelchair does.
Unfortunately, it can't be converted in any of the usual ways. It would take a specialist to modify with a one-off type solution.
 
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sjpt

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 8, 2018
3,832
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Winchester
Unfortunately, it can't be converted in any of the usual ways. It would take a specialist to modify with a one-off type solution.
I think OP is new to the forum and doesn't know who's who, so I'll add: If saneagle says so and Woosh agrees then they will (99.9%) certainly be right.
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
20,370
16,871
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
The R32 has a very narrow front hub, so ruling out a front hub motor.
It also has a 5-speed rear hub, so ruling out a rear hub motor.
A middle motor will stop the fold.
On top of those challenges, it's heavy.
Maybe a roller motor?
As saneagle said, it's a jiob for a specialist, not an off the shelf kit.
Unless the OP lives near Southend on Sea or Telford, I can't see any practical solution.
 

barnsue

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 24, 2024
7
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Thank you Whoosh. I suspected it might not be possible to convert and you have confirmed it , so I will trade it in for the E version. Thank you everyone for your replies , you have all been really helpful and speedy to reply.
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,814
3,152
Telford
Thank you Whoosh. I suspected it might not be possible to convert and you have confirmed it , so I will trade it in for the E version. Thank you everyone for your replies , you have all been really helpful and speedy to reply.
The E version has a slightly different frame that's been adapted for the electrical stuff. I think that's your best option. At least it should handle and fold the same way as your present trike, so nothing complicated to learn. I hope you don't lose too much money on your present one. Maybe they'll give you a good price if you trade it in.

BTW, I think this is the first time in 14 years that I've had to say that there are no reasonable options for conversion, and we've had all sorts of weird and wonderful bikes and trikes.
 
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barnsue

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 24, 2024
7
0
I’ve found a cycle shop in Glasgow that sells the DiBlasi and they said they consider trade ins. So fingers crossed. Thanks hanks again for all your help. I’ve been mulling it over for a couple of years now and you have helped me make a decision.