Kit for Dahon Ciao Folder 2008

[Davo]

Hi,
I have a pair of Dahon Ciao folders (see attached pix) and I would like to convert one or both of them to pedelec. It has a very nice 8 speed Shimano hub gear which I would like to keep so I guess that means I need a front wheel kit. The space between the front forks is around 75mm and the wheels are 20" x 1.5".

Has anyone else converted this bike and if so what did you use?

Many thanks
Dave

 

[Deleted member 4366]

You'd be better off finding a more suitable bike. Any bike can be converted, but yours would take a bit more work than normal. You'd probably have to change the forks. You can buy a ready made one for the price of a kit. When you have an electric motor, all the things that make a non-electric bike good (and expensive) become less important.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric-Bike-Folding-Type-New-/122537644756?hash=item1c87d012d4:g:xZ8AAOSwWiBY~RMw

 

[Woosh]

A bafang BBS01B or GSM CD kit may fit.

 

[anotherkiwi]

A bafang BBS01B or GSM CD kit may fit.

I think the hinge is right there at the BB can the OP post a photo of the BB area without it being hidden by the pedal?

 

[Davo]

I think the hinge is right there at the BB can the OP post a photo of the BB area without it being hidden by the pedal?

Took me a while to work out what a BB is but attached is the foto.

 

[anotherkiwi]

Yes so a mid-drive motor will probably fit but you may lose folding as a result.

 

[Woosh]

if the OP fits a CD kit, the motor will be adjacent to the seat tube.
the fold may be OK

 

[Davo]

Thanks for the great advice folks. I think it is starting to look a bit iffy for the Ciao. Maybe best to sell it on and get a new ebike. Any recommendations for a similar small folder which would fit me 6'1" and 226lb and my wife at 5'7"? Leisure use only on mainly flat runs around Inverness and the Caledonian Canal with a budget of £1000 per bike.

 

[PeterCo]

A Volt Metro folding bike works well for us. Folds to very approx Bromton size and sits in the corner of of the engine room in our narrowboat.

 

[Davo]

Good call Peter. I had actually selected the Metro as well and emailed the local dealer who never bothered to reply. So instead I got a Unisex Step Through Folding Electric Bike - Pro Rider Flow for £700. Charged up in garage waiting for rain to stop but looks very nice.
Also, it looks like Dillenger may have a £500 kit for my Dahon folder so I could end up fully electric very soon.