Whirlwind folding Ebike

[lightning]

This was one of the reasons l wanted folding Ebikes, less hassle

 

[Andy-Mat]

This was one of the reasons l wanted folding Ebikes, less hassle

A folding bike, due to the requirements of its design, has folding parts and hinges, that no matter how good they are made, are never as solid as good, solid/tubed metal.
They will over time, even if lubricated, wear and slowly get looser.
Their lubrication will get on your clothes and skin.
They also add weight!
Carrying shopping can be a trial with a folder, and certainly cannot compare with the amount of shopping my bike in two panniers and a rack, though I have not needed a basket up front till now.....
For me personally, there are no plus points in a folder.
On a normal bike, dropping the front wheel out, with a quick release, shortens it dramatically. Then turn the forks 180° and the handlebars 90°, and you have close to a folding bike length and width! Often with far less aggravation....
regards
Andy

 

[lightning]

An ordinary bike is still a bigger lump than a folder, even with both wheels off. My Kona takes up the whole boot space in a car(and you have to fold the seats down) The removed wheels need to be stored and they are large circles to find a home for.

With my friends folding bike it will fit in the boot with the seats up after about ten seconds to fold it....in fact a second bike would fit.

Also the folding bike is 16kg which makes it light enough for my wife to easily lift into the car, she would never take off or put on wheels (being careful not to press the brake levers while the wheels are off) and re thread a chain etc

So in that respect the folding bike is better. Also a folding bike can be easily taken on a bus, upstairs to my friends flat, into the office, or on the train.

Of course l prefer my "proper" bike but there's areas where the folding bike is just more convenient and given the option of a folding bike or no bike, l know which l would choose.

 

[Nealh]

Like any bike a folder is good if it suits yours needs, I see no benefit in saying they aren't good this or aren't good that etc,etc.
If the need for a bike is too be able to carry them upstairs, on public transport or pop in to a vehicle boot then they are ideal and practical.

 

[lightning]

l just need to choose one now !!

 

[Andy-Mat]

What nobody has mentioned up to now is that some full size bikes, fold in the middle so that you can swap out the battery. The early Stark that I bought does just this. I forget about that feature often!
This is the latest version of what I bought. You can see the clip that allows opening and folding and battery exchange. It takes only a few seconds to change a battery, 30 at the top!

Home :: Electric Bikes :: Stark Drive Advanced

starkdrive.bike

Its got a lot more stuff on it than mine, but is also more expensive. Here is the battery and fold clip:-

Enjoy
Andy

 

[lightning]

That's definitely worth a look, thank you!

Edit
Looks like they are only available in the USA?

 

[Andy-Mat]

That's definitely worth a look, thank you!

Edit
Looks like they are only available in the USA?

I bought mine in 2017, they were sold EVERYWHERE and as I am really happy, but I have'nt kept up with advances and changes - simply no need.
Drop them an email and simply ask.....
regards
Andy

 

[lightning]

Well, l've gone for the Mirider because it's actually for my wife, who tried it and liked it.

I rode it home today and am impressed with it, it's not got any gears but has a "boost" button on the right handlebar which engages the maximum assist, and it seems to work best in assist level 3 (from 5) and just press the boost button when you get to a steep hill.

It's surprisingly good on rough tracks and unmade roads. Although it seems to have lost the "Clarks" disc brakes in favour of no name ones.

The assist stops at around 16.5mph and to be honest you wouldn't want to go any faster as the single gear spins out at about 18mph. l had the shop fit some chunkier tyres which make it better off the tarmac.

The overall quality seems very good although it would be nice if the levers were adjustable for span. And the front end creaks from somewhere l think it's the quick release at the bottom of the stem.