Folding E-Bikes in Hilly Cities (Edinburgh in particular) Re-Post

[N.T]

Hi everyone!

This is a re-post from another thread of the Pedelecs forums

I really need your help, to decide which folding bike to buy. I don't want to spend too much, if it's not necessary.

Taking into account the topography of Edinburgh and the occasional high winds, which bike from the following 5, would be best to choose?

(I'm really unsure, as to how much money to spend. If necessary, I'll spend closer to the price of the Wisper, IF, it makes a considerable difference when cycling around Edinburgh in particular. I personally think that it's the most unattractive bike out of all of them. If you say that the cyclotricity is just as good, or at least close enough, in terms of performance, for getting up hills as the volt for example, then I'll go for that.)

Panda Ninja Folding Bike
https://www.pandaebikes.com/shop/offers/panda-ninja-folding-ebike/

Volt Metro
http://www.voltbikes.co.uk/metro-colour-folding-electric-bike.php#&gid=1&pid=3

Cyclotricity Wallet Folding Bike
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item...yclotricity_Wallet_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx

Kudos Secret
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item...Bikes/Kudos_Secret_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx

Whisper 806 Torque
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Wisper_Bikes/Wisper_806_Torque_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx


Thanks in advance!

Nick.

 

[kangooroo]

I have a folding bike - Seago ePower which has been used in all conditions. I live on the Wales borders in a very hilly area and have taken it up the 20% gradient of Symonds Yat Rock several times and it has coped.

The folders are very similar and the Seago is closest to the Kudos but with straight handlebars and disc brakes.

To me, the Whisper is expensive, the Cyclotricity folding looks clumsy, the Panda lacks a pannier rack (easily fitted). I like the Volt but this is quite expensive too.

Have you considered the Seago ePower? I believe the battery has been upgraded for the 2017 model, but here's its 2016 predecessor. I have the 2015 version.
https://www.piratescave.co.uk/seago-epower-electric-folding-bike-2016-model.ir?gclid=Cj0KEQjwzd3GBRDks7SYuNHi3JEBEiQAIm6EI0n7vbDUL6Pm1lXCR2MmVaNWmYBlCGy8dv36YQWNStEaAjZE8P8HAQ

 

[N.T]

Thanks Kangooroo!

I'll have a look at the Seago ePower.

So, basically what you're saying is, that there is very little noticeable difference between the less expensive Panda and the most expensive Volt or Wisper, when it comes hilly city cycling?

Also, (excluding the seago for a moment), if the Panda had a pannier attached to it, would it be the one to go for? Especially, since it's the cheapest (I think!)

 

[kangooroo]

I don't think there's much to choose between them. The Panda looks reasonable to me, folds well but needs mudguards and a pannier rack. I would prefer disc brakes though.

Personally, I wouldn't spend over £1k on a folding bike.

 

[N.T]

Had a look at the Seago - it's definitely one of the best that I've seen. Really like the Seago bike carrying bag accessory as well.

Thanks for your response and advice Kangooroo!

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Whenever anybody says how great a bike is at going up hills, you should take it with a pinch of salt until they tell you their weight and fitness.

 

[N.T]

Interesting point d8veh.

What are your thoughts on the choice of bikes that I've picked?

 

[Woosh]

none of them is as well equipped as the Woosh Zephyr 2017.

 

[kangooroo]

Whenever anybody says how great a bike is at going up hills, you should take it with a pinch of salt until they tell you their weight and fitness.

I'm 53kg, unfit and with no stamina! I would struggle to even walk up the hill and couldn't possibly push the bike up.

 

[Tugwell Gibson]

I'm 53kg, unfit and with no stamina! I would struggle to even walk up the hill and couldn't possibly push the bike up.

8 stone .?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

At only 53kg, I'm not surprised that your bike goes up hills well. Most of us are closer to double that weight, so we need literally twice as much power as you to get up hills.

 

[Tugwell Gibson]

8 stone .?

Sorry. Just seen that your a lady Kanga. I'm over double your weight. My poor bike......

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Interesting point d8veh.

What are your thoughts on the choice of bikes that I've picked?

If you're more than 80kg, try and find a disc brake one, otherwise take your pick.

This one looks interesting. 48v, so 30% more power. You'll have to pay duty of about 20%.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/48V-250W-BMX-Electric-Mini-Folding-Bike-20-Wheel-Spokes-Aluminum-Richbit-RT-730-/262908320518?hash=item3d368e9b06:g:BzsAAOSwOgdYoVlT

 

[kangooroo]

At only 53kg, I'm not surprised that your bike goes up hills well. Most of us are closer to double that weight, so we need literally twice as much power as you to get up hills.

Ahhh, but some of your higher weight will be muscle which, at 5' 9" and 8 stone'ish weight, I completely lack. So, you are probably contributing a lot more muscle power than I can!

 

[Woosh]

Ahhh, but some of your higher weight will be muscle which, at 5' 9" and 8 stone'ish weight, I completely lack. So, you are probably contributing a lot more muscle power than I can!

your motor provides a lot more push when you ride uphill, that can be as much as 400W-500W on a bike like yours. That is typically 4 times your own pedaling effort. That's fine even on steep hills when you weigh 8st but if you weigh 10st, you would need 20% more to climb the same hill at the same speed, twice more if the rider weighs 16st.
Then when you go downhill, a 16st person needs brakes with twice the stopping power than an 8st person. A 16st rider would need hydraulic brakes.
That's why I fit some of my bikes with larger motors. My Zephyr 2017 is fitted with the Bafang SWX02 and hydraulic brakes, suitable for up to 16st.

 

[blaw1201]

Hi everyone!

This is a re-post from another thread of the Pedelecs forums

I really need your help, to decide which folding bike to buy. I don't want to spend too much, if it's not necessary.

Taking into account the topography of Edinburgh and the occasional high winds, which bike from the following 5, would be best to choose?

(I'm really unsure, as to how much money to spend. If necessary, I'll spend closer to the price of the Wisper, IF, it makes a considerable difference when cycling around Edinburgh in particular. I personally think that it's the most unattractive bike out of all of them. If you say that the cyclotricity is just as good, or at least close enough, in terms of performance, for getting up hills as the volt for example, then I'll go for that.)

Panda Ninja Folding Bike
https://www.pandaebikes.com/shop/offers/panda-ninja-folding-ebike/

Volt Metro
http://www.voltbikes.co.uk/metro-colour-folding-electric-bike.php#&gid=1&pid=3

Cyclotricity Wallet Folding Bike
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item...yclotricity_Wallet_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx

Kudos Secret
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item...Bikes/Kudos_Secret_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx

Whisper 806 Torque
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Wisper_Bikes/Wisper_806_Torque_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx


Thanks in advance!

Nick.

just want to given you two options

1. Seago ePower
2. Hoverboard (electric scooter)

Seago epower is an electric bike and hoverboard is an electric scooter.
Both are available on amazon.

Hoverboard amazon and Seago epower both are with lithium battery.

hoverboard are with UL certified lithium battery.
If you buying e-bikes for small run, then you should go with hoverboard.

And for long run, go with Seago epower