Looking for a cheap starter folding E-Bike

[Foldingbike]

Hello all,

I just wanted some advice regarding buying a foldable e bike. I have not rode a bike for a number of years but I am looking to ease back into it and get some exercise. My partner also wants one.

Because I am new to this venture I do not want to spend too much and especially as ideally we need 2 bikes so under £500 ideally which I know limits my options.

I need to stick to foldable options due to storage in my home and also I would like to take the bikes camping with me and to load them in the car with some camping equipment.

Another issue is I see most bikes as standard say they have a load limit of 100kg a few years ago that would be fine but unfortunately I now exceed this (hence the need to ease back into exercise) I have seen a bike which holds 120kg which I slightly exceed but I have read there is some leniency in these limits so I think if I ride sensibly this should be ok until I manage to fall within this.

So from a couple of days searching the internet I see options of the Fiido D2 and Fiido D2s both of which can hold 120kg. They also look great to me and I love how they fold. Reviews and videos online look good too!

I see the Fiido D2 can also be speed unlocked to go a little faster which I see have improved the experience for many. However I have not seen any videos about the Fiido D2s having the speed limit unlocked. Is this possible and is it the same as the D2? I'm not sure if I read somewhere it was not possible.

My other option is an e plus folding ebike sold at argos for £429 which has larger wheels at 20 inch and I saw a good review on youtube however the load limit is 100kg so I am worried about this. I wonder if they only test to 100kg though and can take more as it seems they all say 100kg apart from the fiido bikes.

Sorry for the lengthy post ha!

 

[Amoto65]

Hi, Personally I would go for a folding bike with 20" wheels they are more stable than 16" , Viking do a fairly reasonable folding ebike also try looking in Halfords , if you can up the price then I would choose either a Wisper/Woosh or Juicy.

 

[sjpt]

Also look at Kudos; they sometimes do special offers on two bikes. Cheaper than Wisper/Woosh or Juicy but still maybe a little more than you want to spend.

.: Kudos Cycles - e-bikes with style :.

kudoscycles.com

The motor on the front of the Argos one is physically quite big; it looks as if it is possibly direct drive which is inefficient and not good at hill climbing. Low power battery; the claimed 'up to' 40km range might well not be much over 10 miles of real life cycling ... that might be as much as you want and a very likely compromise on any bike at the price as battery is a major part of the cost.

Most likely problem with greater rider weight is broken spokes.

 

[Foldingbike]

Thanks for the help I'll take a look at these.

In regards the speed limits do you feel 15mph is enough then.

I seen on the Fiido D2 the speed limit can be unlocked. Not sure if this is possible on the Fiido DS2 or possible on the other types of ebike.

So do you feel a 100kg limit folding bike may handle more weight if rode conservatively.

 

[sjpt]

15mph should be enough for most people; also the legal limit for assisted riding without tax, insurance etc.
I suspect that on a bike like the Fiido (*) you'd feel pretty unstable even at 15mph, especially if you hit a pothole.

(*) small wheel, no suspension and very basic engineering.

 

[Foldingbike]

Ok thanks 15mph would probably be plenty then I just saw a couple of people saying they wish it had a bit more speed but as a starter probably would be fine.

Kudos have an interesting looking small folder at around £600. The wheels are still 16 inch though. Not sure what the max weight limit would be.

They also have one with 20 inch wheels but its more over budget. As I'm just starting out I thought cheaper options might be better and then after a couple years make a bigger investment if I am enjoying it. I do love camping and walks and getting out so I feel I would. Its just I must have a folder because of storage.

I notice the Fiido D2 has a shock absorber on the back which isn't on some of the other folding bikes.

The only issue with the Fiido's is like as you say they have the 16 inch wheels. Also I am a bit worried about ordering from abroad because of returns issues if it was broken on arrival etc. On Geekbuying.com they say they have some of the D2s in the UK for shipping. Not sure whether the D2 or D2s is best though.

It would be easier dealing with a UK store ideally.

 

[Foldingbike]

Enhance 36v 250w 20" Folding Electric Bike

Enhance 20 Folding Electric Bike Value Model Finished in matt black, this certainly stands out as a high quality looking bike, even though our entry level model. Powered with a 36 Volt 6AH Lithium battery, range will vary from 20-35 miles with pedalling.&nbspA simple battery indicator fitted to...

www.funbikes.co.uk

Just seen this bike but the battery isn't as powerful also again not sure if it can handle the weight

 

[sjpt]

Difference between D2 and D2s seems to be the gears. I'd only go for the ungeared one on very level ground; but it does have the advantage of being simpler and less likely to be damaged lifting in and out of cars.

 

[Foldingbike]

Yes, it's tough to choose.

The main thing drawing me to the fiido bikes is the higher weight limit of 120kg but I dont know if that's just them being more optimistic than other retailers who may only test the bikes to 100kg as standard. Most retailers dont even state the maximum rider weight limit.

 

[Foldingbike]

After searching I've now seen this zipper folding e bike it has 20 inch wheels but does not specify what the maximum load weight is.

Z2 Compact Folding Electric Bike 20" - Onyx Black

The Zipper Z2 electric bike is great for commuters and easily folds up for practical storage and transportation. When unfolded the frame locks in place with a patented safety lock keeping the frame rigid and in place. The Z2 can go 15mph unassisted which is the maximum road legal speed for...

www.nitrotek.co.uk

If ridden conservatively could this handle 130kg?

 

[PP100]

After searching I've now seen this zipper folding e bike it has 20 inch wheels but does not specify what the maximum load weight is.

Z2 Compact Folding Electric Bike 20" - Onyx Black

The Zipper Z2 electric bike is great for commuters and easily folds up for practical storage and transportation. When unfolded the frame locks in place with a patented safety lock keeping the frame rigid and in place. The Z2 can go 15mph unassisted which is the maximum road legal speed for...

www.nitrotek.co.uk

If ridden conservatively could this handle 130kg?

Specs on that link say 100kg max load

 

[Kris1432]

The Oxygen GO! Is a good shout!

10.4ah Battery
Nice easy folding mechansims
Central LCD Display with lots of features!

£1149.99!

Oxygen Go | Folding Oxygen Bicycles

Oxygen Go | Encounter the convenience and versatility of the Oxygen Go electric bike. Perfect for urban commuting and outdoor adventures.

www.oxygenbicycles.com

 

[Foldingbike]

Does look good but a bit dear for me right now I'm afraid

Does anyone know if the Zipper bikes are any good?

 

[AMcG]

Hello all,

I just wanted some advice regarding buying a foldable e bike. I have not rode a bike for a number of years but I am looking to ease back into it and get some exercise. My partner also wants one.

Because I am new to this venture I do not want to spend too much and especially as ideally we need 2 bikes so under £500 ideally which I know limits my options.

I need to stick to foldable options due to storage in my home and also I would like to take the bikes camping with me and to load them in the car with some camping equipment.

Another issue is I see most bikes as standard say they have a load limit of 100kg a few years ago that would be fine but unfortunately I now exceed this (hence the need to ease back into exercise) I have seen a bike which holds 120kg which I slightly exceed but I have read there is some leniency in these limits so I think if I ride sensibly this should be ok until I manage to fall within this.

So from a couple of days searching the internet I see options of the Fiido D2 and Fiido D2s both of which can hold 120kg. They also look great to me and I love how they fold. Reviews and videos online look good too!

I see the Fiido D2 can also be speed unlocked to go a little faster which I see have improved the experience for many. However I have not seen any videos about the Fiido D2s having the speed limit unlocked. Is this possible and is it the same as the D2? I'm not sure if I read somewhere it was not possible.

My other option is an e plus folding ebike sold at argos for £429 which has larger wheels at 20 inch and I saw a good review on youtube however the load limit is 100kg so I am worried about this. I wonder if they only test to 100kg though and can take more as it seems they all say 100kg apart from the fiido bikes.

Sorry for the lengthy post ha!

Hello all,

I just wanted some advice regarding buying a foldable e bike. I have not rode a bike for a number of years but I am looking to ease back into it and get some exercise. My partner also wants one.

Because I am new to this venture I do not want to spend too much and especially as ideally we need 2 bikes so under £500 ideally which I know limits my options.

I need to stick to foldable options due to storage in my home and also I would like to take the bikes camping with me and to load them in the car with some camping equipment.

Another issue is I see most bikes as standard say they have a load limit of 100kg a few years ago that would be fine but unfortunately I now exceed this (hence the need to ease back into exercise) I have seen a bike which holds 120kg which I slightly exceed but I have read there is some leniency in these limits so I think if I ride sensibly this should be ok until I manage to fall within this.

So from a couple of days searching the internet I see options of the Fiido D2 and Fiido D2s both of which can hold 120kg. They also look great to me and I love how they fold. Reviews and videos online look good too!

I see the Fiido D2 can also be speed unlocked to go a little faster which I see have improved the experience for many. However I have not seen any videos about the Fiido D2s having the speed limit unlocked. Is this possible and is it the same as the D2? I'm not sure if I read somewhere it was not possible.

My other option is an e plus folding ebike sold at argos for £429 which has larger wheels at 20 inch and I saw a good review on youtube however the load limit is 100kg so I am worried about this. I wonder if they only test to 100kg though and can take more as it seems they all say 100kg apart from the fiido bikes.

Sorry for the lengthy post ha!

I find myself in a similar situation to this regarding the weight limits. I too am considering the D2S. Can I ask which bike you bought in the end and what your experience with it was? Many thanks.

 

[lightning]

The O/P has never been back since posting their question two years ago.

l've just bought a folding ebike and am having great fun on it, it's the Mirider 1 which costs £1500
However there's a similar looking one called the Onebot at half the price and reports say it's okay.

l am really impressed with the Mirider so the Onebot might be worth a look if you don't want to spend £1500