Hello to everyone

[peter999]

I've been lurking for a while so thought it was time to participate. Although not currently owning an electric bike, over the years I have had several 'Powabykes' and am looking for a new and more light-weight replacement. The usual ones come to mind - Torq and 905e but is there a quality electric bike actually made here in the UK or all they all manufacturered in China ? Seems like the reason is that the UK market is tiny compared with the Continent where bikes are the order of the day. I went to Belgium last week and was amazed at the amount of bikes (including electric) in use. No doubt the abundance of dedicated cycle 'roads' help there. In Middelkerke I happened across a large bicycle dealer who kindly offered me an hour's free test ride on the latest E-move Evolution. Riding this 22.5kg bike was a pleasure and the front wheeled motor was totally silent at all times - unlike the Torq I rode. The build quality of the bike was superb and all the usual accessories including lights, rack, chain guard and the integrated rear wheel lock were all included in the price. It felt like a large comfortable 'cruiser' with its 28" wheels, elevated padded handlebars, front suspension and sprung seat post. I examined the bike in detail and all the fittings were top quality and was told the bikes were manufactured in Belgium. Although only 24volt, the rack mounted Lithium-Ion battery had a capacity of 16amps giving a maximum range of 100km according to the brochure. I was sorely tempted to buy one there and then and load it into the back of the car but for two reasons ..... the dealer wouldn't budge on the price of 1999 Euros (£1352) and the fact that it had pedelec operation only (as per European law) so I just went away with the brochure. Checking the WWW revealed that you cannot buy one in this country (correct me if I'm wrong) as I was hoping, but I'm still tempted to go back and try a little more negotiation. I'm still waiting for news of the 905SE before deciding. Overall an impressive (but pricey) package and at the moment, in my opinion, better than current offerings here. Maybe if the 'pedelec only' operation mode can be altered ?......

Any comments would be welcome. Does anyone have an E-Move ?

 

[JohnInStockie]

Hi Peter,

Not sure if this is the same bike or an older model, but extra energy had this on an eMove bike.

link

John

 

[flecc]

Hello Peter999, welcome to the forum pages and thanks for your information. This bike is almost a clone of the Sparta, and they apparently they helped with the design. The Sparta Ion is available here at a similarly high price, but again it's a pedelec only, partly because of it's very sophisticated control system. Everybody who tries the Sparta seems similarly enthused with it's qualities.

Where you tried the bike was probably quite flat, but it's as well to be aware that these are not good hill climbers. One tester described the Sparta as only having the power to carry itself up 1 in 5, leaving the rider to do all the rest just as if they were riding a normal bike. Of course if you have no hills or only gentle slopes that won't be a problem, but if real hills are on the menu, I'd advise you look for something with more climbing ability if you aren't a superfit cyclist scarcely needing electric assistance.

If we know your terrain and usage requirements, we should be able to help with suggestions of the various models that might meet with your approval.
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[peter999]

John and Flecc - thanks for your responses.

I've attached a picture of the Evolution - you will see it differs from the Sparta by having a rack mounted removeable battery. As far as my requirements go, I have few steep hills where I live so that isn't a big issue but I would like to take it on my motorcaravan so a light weight is desirable. However, having been used to the Powabykes I would still like plenty of hill climbing ability. Its true that my test ride in Belgium was on somewhat flat terrain so I wasn't able to test the E-move's capability in that area.

Any thoughts on the new Schwinn Continental ?

 

[flecc]

That evolution you've illustrated Peter is different from the one on John's link, so I can't say anything about the hill climbing with that motor, it could well be reasonable, though with that physical size of motor, it probably wouldn't get near a Powabyke's climbing ability.

The motor in fact looks suspiciously like the Nano motor, and the fact that you said it was so silent tends to confirm that. If so, it's new design and as yet unproven, though when used in small wheel folding bikes it has a good hill climb performance up to 1 in 8 unassisted. It probably would be reasonable in a normal wheel size then.

I don't know the Schwinn Continental personally, but have an instinctive aversion to the Schwinn hype and their practice of making ridiculously exaggerated claims about new models range, speed etc., that gradually get dropped after everyone believes they're true and thinks of buying one.

If lightness is important, the 905e you've mentioned is an obvious contender, but bear in mind the advertised under 20 kilo weight is for the stripped bike without mudguards, lights, carrier etc., so would probably be about 22/23 kilos fully loaded.

If speed is important as well as lightness, the Torq is the obvious choice at under 25 kilos, but it won't climb anything like a Powabyke unless coupled with a strong rider who wants to work with the bike. Then if that is the case, though not a powerful climber on it's own, it becomes the fastest climber of them all, faster up average hills than most e-bikes are on the flat.

If speed isn't a concern, the Powacycle Salisbury Li-Poly battery bike has a moderate performance and can climb, albeit slowly, and weighs 22 kilos fully loaded with lights, mudguards, carrier etc. It also costs a whole lot less than the others.
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