Hi from FatBob!

[FatBob]

Eh up everyone. I'm Bob from Manchester.

Bit of background about me: I'm nearing the big five-oh, 6 foot 3 and 23 stone! I've got dodgy knees which makes walking any more than a couple miles a bit difficult. I'm a chemist by training - of the laboratory kind, not pharmacy! I used to cycle a bit before I put on the weight (long story....)

What I'm looking for: ideally a folding ebike (I need to get it in and out of an elevator) that can take my weight (!!), again ideally something that looks like a hybrid bike or MTB with chunky wheels (at 6'3" and 23st I'd look very very silly on the small 12"-wheeled bike!).

I would be travelling up to 10 miles round trips for commuting to and from work and visiting family (once lockdown ends!) . Ideally nothing more than GBP1200 tops. What is important is that the brand is reputable enough so I know that I can get tires, parts and batteries in the future.

Because of my knees I am looking for a throttle bike rather than pedal-assist.

My work route involves an incline of just over three-quarters of mile long at 3% gradient (yes, I know hardly Mt Ventoux!).

If no folding bike meeting the above criteria exists, I'll accept the alternative for a fixed-frame machine.

Ta everyone!

 

[sjpt]

Because of my knees I am looking for a throttle bike rather than pedal-assist.

Check the thread

Folding bike advice for heavy rider

Hi there, I have read lots of threads on this forum, which has been a massive help, but I'd like some advice if possible. I am looking for a folding electric bike for my 6 mile each way commute. The return is mostly up an incline. I love the way the Woosh Gallego folds and then is wheel-able...

www.pedelecs.co.uk

Pure throttle is difficult because of legal details.
Could you keep the pedals turning but without applying effort?
If so a typical cadence sensor bike without throttle might be OK for you;
most bikes under £1200 would have that setup.

 

[Benjahmin]

Hi Bob,
I fear your weight may make a folding bike difficult. However, have a look at the Woosh Zephyr B, although I think they are currently out of stock due to delivery issues.
While you are on their site have a look at the Big Bear. This is a bike that's made for a chap such as yourself.

Legal e-bikes are rated at 250W, this is not what they actually consume (this can be as high as 6 or700watts) but this is not enough to get you up hills with no effort from yourself. Most hub motored bikes have a sensor that detects the rotation of the peddles (called pas) which turns the motor power on. It doesn't mind how much effort you put in, just that the peddles are turning. So, on the flat you could be ghost peddling reserving your own input for the hills.
I too have suffered from painful knees but have found that e biking helps no end. If one knee starts playing up during a ride, I favour the other one. Although these days (after 6 years of e biking) this is a rarerity.

 

[Fat Rat]

Hi welcome Bob

 

[FatBob]

Check the thread

Folding bike advice for heavy rider

Hi there, I have read lots of threads on this forum, which has been a massive help, but I'd like some advice if possible. I am looking for a folding electric bike for my 6 mile each way commute. The return is mostly up an incline. I love the way the Woosh Gallego folds and then is wheel-able...

www.pedelecs.co.uk

Pure throttle is difficult because of legal details.
Could you keep the pedals turning but without applying effort?
If so a typical cadence sensor bike without throttle might be OK for you;
most bikes under £1200 would have that setup.

Thanks for the info sjpt. The thread was very helpful, even four years on.

Sadly I'm a good 40+kg over the specified max weight of most of the bikes and if I was to add in a big rucksack full of shopping then I don't think (i)they'd get me up a hill and (ii)last very long. Haha! Coupled with the smaller wheels than I'd ideally like*, I guess a folding bike is out of question.

*trying to avoid this scenario! lol

 

[sjpt]

If you have to give up on the idea of folding, Woosh Big Bear comes in step through (https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?bigbear-ls up to 25 stone, 5ft4 and above ) or crossbar (https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?bigbearplus up to 25 stone, 5ft8 and above)

It looks as if the smaller (still fairly big) 15aH battery version at £1200 is out of stock, but the 17aH versions are listed at £1250. Just above your ideal budget, but well recommended firm, excellent pre and post sales customer service, and all the bike parts pretty standard and easy to repair/replace.

 

[FatBob]

Hi Bob,
I fear your weight may make a folding bike difficult. However, have a look at the Woosh Zephyr B, although I think they are currently out of stock due to delivery issues.
While you are on their site have a look at the Big Bear. This is a bike that's made for a chap such as yourself.

Legal e-bikes are rated at 250W, this is not what they actually consume (this can be as high as 6 or700watts) but this is not enough to get you up hills with no effort from yourself. Most hub motored bikes have a sensor that detects the rotation of the peddles (called pas) which turns the motor power on. It doesn't mind how much effort you put in, just that the peddles are turning. So, on the flat you could be ghost peddling reserving your own input for the hills.
I too have suffered from painful knees but have found that e biking helps no end. If one knee starts playing up during a ride, I favour the other one. Although these days (after 6 years of e biking) this is a rarerity.

Cheers Benjamin.

With a legal 250W bike do you think I would have to pedal quite hard to get up a 3% incline with it set at the highest assist level? I 'glow' quite easily so wouldn't want to arrive at work in a state!

I looked at the Woosh Zephyr B but I'm about 35kg over the max it recommends and add in a big bag of shopping...

Are there any other similar alternatives to the Big Bear Plus, just so I can compare price, performance & aesthetics? The battery seems quite expensive at GBP349. I thought most replacement batteries were around the GBP200 mark. How long would I expect the battery last (based on 10 miles per day, 5 days per week)?

 

[FatBob]

If you have to give up on the idea of folding, Woosh Big Bear comes in step through (https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?bigbear-ls up to 25 stone, 5ft4 and above ) or crossbar (https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?bigbearplus up to 25 stone, 5ft8 and above)

It looks as if the smaller (still fairly big) 15aH battery version at £1200 is out of stock, but the 17aH versions are listed at £1250. Just above your ideal budget, but well recommended firm, excellent pre and post sales customer service, and all the bike parts pretty standard and easy to repair/replace.

Just seen your reply. Thanks. Any thoughts on my queries about the Big Bear Plus?

 

[FatBob]

Also, with the motor being being front-mounted should I be worried about this (from Montague Bikes website)?

The front hub motor is the simplest e-bike design and as such, is the most limited in capability. Front hub motors are generally only used with throttle systems as it is more challenging to provide assistance based on rider input when the motor is not part of the drivetrain. Exceptions do exist such as the Brompton folding e-bike which utilizes a front hub motor and pedal assist. They can also have problems with traction since the majority of the weight on a bicycle is over the rear wheel. Cornering while accelerating can be especially tricky when the drive unit is in the front wheel. Given these limitations, the front hub motor is the least common e-bike system and is most often found on inexpensive conversion kits as they can easily be added to almost any bike.

 

[FatBob]

Hi welcome Bob

Hi!

 

[sjpt]

I think it should get you up a 3% hill without an issue (Woosh will advise). Looking at the calculator even the much weaker XF07 looks as if it can do it. https://www.ebikes.ca/tools/simulator.html?motor=MXUS_XF07&grade=3&hp=0&mass=160&axis=mph

The battery is high capacity and good quality cells which explains it price. I think it is standard HL (Hailong) battery so you could replace it with a cheaper one. (again Woosh will advise). If you keep it carefully it should last 5 years or more.

I wouldn't worry too much about the issues with front wheel drive; it doesn't sound like you'll be tackling steep hills where the traction matters, or cornering while accelerating.

The big bear motor is tuned for your kind of use; you might find something with a little more zip, but you won't find anything legal that gives significantly better performance.

 

[FatBob]

I think it should get you up a 3% hill without an issue (Woosh will advise). Looking at the calculator even the much weaker XF07 looks as if it can do it. https://www.ebikes.ca/tools/simulator.html?motor=MXUS_XF07&grade=3&hp=0&mass=160&axis=mph

The battery is high capacity and good quality cells which explains it price. I think it is standard HL (Hailong) battery so you could replace it with a cheaper one. (again Woosh will advise). If you keep it carefully it should last 5 years or more.

I wouldn't worry too much about the issues with front wheel drive; it doesn't sound like you'll be tackling steep hills where the traction matters, or cornering while accelerating.

The big bear motor is tuned for your kind of use; you might find something with a little more zip, but you won't find anything legal that gives significantly better performance.

Great! Sounds good so far. Thanks.

 

[Benjahmin]

My wife has an earlier Big Bear step through. These frames are strong and robust. The BPM motor develops plenty of hill climbing torque that has tackled even the lung bursting hills of south Devon - though you do have to work. I'm afraid that if you're looking for effortless hill climbing then a motorbike is the only answer.
3% should be no problem. At first you will hurt a bit, but stick at it and you will quickly build stamina. Though analogue cyclists would decry this, e-biking is actually a great way to get fitter. Any movement is good for the heart and lungs and riding an hour a day will do wonders.
Front wheel drive is only a problem on very steep hills with a loose or slimey surface. Regular road riding is no bother at all. We ride the narrow, steep and gritty roads of west Wales and my wife (not a life long cyclist) has never come to grief.
With batteries - buy the biggest you can afford. I can almost guarentee that you'll be using it more than you originally intend 'cos it's such great fun.
Woosh batteries are good quality and, if you think they're expensive, have a look at the cost of a replacement Bosch battery

 

[FatBob]

My wife has an earlier Big Bear step through. These frames are strong and robust. The BPM motor develops plenty of hill climbing torque that has tackled even the lung bursting hills of south Devon - though you do have to work. I'm afraid that if you're looking for effortless hill climbing then a motorbike is the only answer.
3% should be no problem. At first you will hurt a bit, but stick at it and you will quickly build stamina. Though analogue cyclists would decry this, e-biking is actually a great way to get fitter. Any movement is good for the heart and lungs and riding an hour a day will do wonders.
Front wheel drive is only a problem on very steep hills with a loose or slimey surface. Regular road riding is no bother at all. We ride the narrow, steep and gritty roads of west Wales and my wife (not a life long cyclist) has never come to grief.
With batteries - buy the biggest you can afford. I can almost guarentee that you'll be using it more than you originally intend 'cos it's such great fun.
Woosh batteries are good quality and, if you think they're expensive, have a look at the cost of a replacement Bosch battery

That's a great review thanks!

Something keeps dragging me back though. My apartment block doesn't have any secure ground level bike storage so I have no choice but to lug any bike (I've got a manual rusting on balcony....) either up and down about 300 steps or use the smallish elevator which is a pain: seeing another bike user attract really nasty looks/sighs from other lift users having to wait and his up-ending the bike leave track marks all over the inside walls and mirror. A non-folding bike just doesn't seem feasible.

So I would really prefer a folding bike. If anyone knows one that could take my weight that would be great!

 

[sjpt]

Just checked on the tandem (25st or so wife + me) with weaker XF07. We put it on full assist (5/5, we usually ride at 2/5) up a slightly over 3% slope and ghost pedalled (eg turning pedals but not putting effort in) and it took us up just under 12mph. This confirms the Big Bear should manage the hill for you.

BUT the Big Bear is quite heavy (26kg) and would not be fun to pull up 300 steps or easy to manage in a small lift. I doubt you'll find an ebike for you that comes much under that weight though.

 

[Benjahmin]

I agree, any electric bike is going to be in the 25kg area.
There is the Tern HSD. It's a semi folding cargo bike with a gross weight capacity of 170kg. Looks like a really nice piece of kit, however I fear the price would be stratospheric - I haven't dared look.

HSD: Easy-to-ride, compact Bosch e-cargo bike | Tern Bicycles

The HSD is a compact Bosch e-cargo bike that is easy to store and fun to ride. Use its 170 kg capacity to carry a child, groceries, pets or other cargo.

www.ternbicycles.com

 

[FatBob]

I agree, any electric bike is going to be in the 25kg area.
There is the Tern HSD. It's a semi folding cargo bike with a gross weight capacity of 170kg. Looks like a really nice piece of kit, however I fear the price would be stratospheric - I haven't dared look.

HSD: Easy-to-ride, compact Bosch e-cargo bike | Tern Bicycles

The HSD is a compact Bosch e-cargo bike that is easy to store and fun to ride. Use its 170 kg capacity to carry a child, groceries, pets or other cargo.

www.ternbicycles.com

Ouch! GBP3300!

 

[FatBob]

Just checked on the tandem (25st or so wife + me) with weaker XF07. We put it on full assist (5/5, we usually ride at 2/5) up a slightly over 3% slope and ghost pedalled (eg turning pedals but not putting effort in) and it took us up just under 12mph. This confirms the Big Bear should manage the hill for you.

BUT the Big Bear is quite heavy (26kg) and would not be fun to pull up 300 steps or easy to manage in a small lift. I doubt you'll find an ebike for you that comes much under that weight though.

I know that by and large you get what you pay for, but are there any reasonably decent bikes that can carry my weight and cope with my 3% commuting grade that cost less than or up to GBP750?

A vaguely possible alternative to struggling with the elevator is if I could persuade the management company/leasholder for the apartment block to install a secure bike shed somewhere in the secure car park. Worth a try I suppose...

 

[sjpt]

Is the secure car park underground? If so just a rack for a few bikes would be pretty secure.

I'm afraid that with all the other constraints £750 is not going to be possible. You could try 2nd hand, but there is a big risk that the battery will be dead or near dead.

 

[Benjahmin]

The problem with any folder is that the hinges and locks are an inherent weakness that limits their weight carrying capacity.
£750 may be a possibility for a regular frame bike but it can almost be guarenteed that the battery will be of poor quality and not have a long life.

In your search look for a 'Geared hub motor', don't be tempted by cheap offerings with 750 or 1000 watt motors.
These will be direct drive and, whilst being fast on the level, are poor hill climbers and known to be battery eaters.
On a cheaper bike the components (brakes, drive train etc.) will be lower quality, but all of these are easily replaceable with off the shelf generic parts.