Full size 26 electric folder conversion possibility

[patpatbut]

Hi anyone,

I have tried to look for a full size folder with electric motor and it seems it does not exist so I have to look for the one without electric.

I came across dahon cadenza and it seems the only folder that fits the electric motor well.

Do you think it is a bad idea converting this to electric bike?

Thanks.
Pat

 

[GaRRy]

what about converting one of these ?

Montague Folding Bicycles and Folding Bike Accessories

or these

http://www.airnimalfoldingbikes.com/

infact airnimal already have a bion-x one

 

[catsnapper]

Hi Pat,

I've done several successful conversions of the older, single beam 26" wheel Dahons using Bafang or Tongxin motors. They were purchased as bare frames from C H White for around £75-100, the current type are more expensive at around £220. The older beam type frames are still available, although some models are a slightly dearer.

The present type with the more conventional triangulated frame had an iffy reputation in its early life. The small grub screws holding the hinge mechanism could loosen with repeat folding, allowing the frame to move at the hinges.
I don't know if the problem was fully resolved on more recent models, as the family feud within the business seemed to overshadow everything else.

Alan

 

[patpatbut]

what about converting one of these ?

Montague Folding Bicycles and Folding Bike Accessories

or these

Airnimal | Home

infact airnimal already have a bion-x one

Not quite...those bikes need to dismount the front wheel before get it to fold

My idea is not to disconnect the cable and still able to fold.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Pat,

Another folder worth considering is this one Tern Joe P24 2012 Folding Bike | Evans Cycles

 

[patpatbut]

Hi Pat,

I've done several successful conversions of the older, single beam 26" wheel Dahons using Bafang or Tongxin motors. They were purchased as bare frames from C H White for around £75-100, the current type are more expensive at around £220. The older beam type frames are still available, although some models are a slightly dearer.

The present type with the more conventional triangulated frame had an iffy reputation in its early life. The small grub screws holding the hinge mechanism could loosen with repeat folding, allowing the frame to move at the hinges.
I don't know if the problem was fully resolved on more recent models, as the family feud within the business seemed to overshadow everything else.

Alan

Thanks. Can you give me a bit more details for the model you have done?
Photos would be nice

Pat

 

[patpatbut]

Hi Pat,

Another folder worth considering is this one Tern Joe P24 2012 Folding Bike | Evans Cycles

Thanks. From the comments, it seems there is a problem fitting rear rack on 24" frame. Not ideal for mounting the rear rack battery setup. Do you know a way how to get around it?

Pat

 

[Cyclezee]

Thanks. From the comments, it seems there is a problem fitting rear rack on 24" frame. Not ideal for mounting the rear rack battery setup. Do you know a way how to get around it?

Pat

Hi Pat,

The Tern Joe has 26" wheels, the 24 refers to the number of gears and an eZee MTB style rack could be mounted on the seat post as shown below. It also has a mounting plate for the controller.

 

[catsnapper]

Thanks. Can you give me a bit more details for the model you have done?
Photos would be nice

Pat

Some pics....2 bikes were the older style Cadenza frame, the 3rd was a rarer upmarket Matrix model intended for offroad use, it had some extra frame reinforcement.
The Cadenzas were fitted with Tongxin motors, small 'frog' type batteries and thumb throttles.
The Matrix had a 250W Bafang with 44V LiPo batteries. I've shown just the basic Matrix frame, as the final build pic is on my desktop comp, not nearby right now



Click on the pics for a larger image.
Just ask if you want more pics or info.

Alan

 

[hoppy]

CH White may still do their nice readymade electric conversion of the Dahon Vitesse 26 folder at £899

 

[Scimitar]

Folding Mountain Bike - Rudge Bi-Frame MTB 19" Frame RETRO | eBay

 

[hoppy]

Sorry,that should have been the Dahon Espresso 26.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

this looks a nice one with full suspension too. I think Cwah had one like this for a while.
ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE FOLDING | eBay

 

[patpatbut]

Thanks everyone.

It seems many of them are using Frog type battery.

Is it a big problem using rear rack battery? Wish I can put a bigger battery in like 36v 15AH...

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Frog batteries are OK for normal 250w motors. You can carry a spare battery in a rucksack and swap them over for 20aH if that's what you need, or, if you want more power, you can buy an empty case for about a tenner as long as you buy other stuff with it to get the relative shipping cost down.
ABS shell battery case
Then insert two 8aH22v Zippy 6S packs in for 44v (actually 48v) and up to 240 amps discharge.
ZIPPY Flightmax 8000mAh 6S1P 30C