New electric Brompton, or convert existing Brompton

[tomoufc]

Hello

Looking for some advice from knowledgeable Brompton owners please.

I’m moving from the city to the hilly countryside, and there’s no way my current 3 speed Brompton will cope there, it being poor with steep hills.

So I’m wondering if an electric conversion kit is the answer, and if so, which one? Also, if I had a kit, would the 3 speed work fine on very steep hills? Or would I need to buy a (second hand) six speed?

A new, electric Brompton is probably out of the question because of price.

Finally, how about luggage. I currently have a big bag attached to the front block, but, as I understand it, that space is required for batteries on any kind of electric Brompton. What is the solution to this? Two pannier bags attached to a rear rack? I assume that a rear rack is relatively easy to fit. Is that right?

Thanks for your help

 

[saneagle]

Hello

Looking for some advice from knowledgeable Brompton owners please.

I’m moving from the city to the hilly countryside, and there’s no way my current 3 speed Brompton will cope there, it being poor with steep hills.

So I’m wondering if an electric conversion kit is the answer, and if so, which one? Also, if I had a kit, would the 3 speed work fine on very steep hills? Or would I need to buy a (second hand) six speed?

A new, electric Brompton is probably out of the question because of price.

Finally, how about luggage. I currently have a big bag attached to the front block, but, as I understand it, that space is required for batteries on any kind of electric Brompton. What is the solution to this? Two pannier bags attached to a rear rack? I assume that a rear rack is relatively easy to fit. Is that right?

Thanks for your help

Brompton work OK with a front motor because of their long low design shape. Also, they have steel forks. Any small motor will be OK because you get huge torque from the mechanical advantage of the small wheel. I had a Q85 motor in mine, which would be quite weak in a 26" wheel, but it could climb my 14% test hill without pedalling with my 100kg on board using a 15 amp controller.