Help! Folding E-Bike (London Narrowboat commuting)

[guerney]

I could, just about, get a full sized bike inside but trying to lift it into the boat, through the doors and then taking up lots of living space isn’t ideal. Plus, with being in London and wanting to use transport, I’d need something that folds.
Of course, I’d love a full sized machine but compromise is a must...

Could you secure it to the ceiling? When not in use, a full sized bike could serve as a curious looking lampshade? Seriously, I've been considering a winch-up storage arrangement myself - I already winch it up using a ceiling hook for repairs.

 

[guerney]

Unicycle.

He'd end up with one if he started with a Tern

 

[cyclebuddy]

Perfect, thank you. I’ve pretty much settled on either the D11 or D4S. I like the slightly larger battery and look of the D11. I’ve also heard you can unlock it, though no idea what that actually means.
With NHS discount I can pick it up for £800 so seems like a decent option.

Unlocking means removing the legal assisted speed restriction of 15.5mph. On my D11, it'll assist up to 18mph unlocked. An unlocked D4S goes a little faster - IIRC about 20mph (different/slightly heavier motor). If that's important to you, check first: Fiido changed the display a few months ago and the means of defeating that limiting on the D11 was removed, but AFAIK can still be done on the D4S.

Two things to consider on a D4S: The battery can't (easily) be removed for charging as the seat-post battery can on a D11 if that matters to you: If your narrowboat runs on Solar, you'd likely want to charge the battery at your Hospital? The D4S has a common issue with rear/motor wheel spokes loosening; AFAICS, that's mostly neglect by the owners and nothing a £3 spoke key won't prevent, especially during the first 6/12 months of use. It's common with many (lower cost) bikes, and just good practice to check occasionally.

 

[StuartsProjects]

Unicycle.

I have used one for going round the shops.

OK on quiet roads, but useless on hills.

Has the advantage of low maintenance though.