Electric bikes

[Just us on Tour]

Hi All
We are considering purchasing a couple of folding electric bikes . Has anyone got any experience of them and recommendations please . We are looking for portability , range and quick charging time . Don’t want much do we lol
Thanks guys

 

[Sidders]

The only recommendation I have is the security of them…seeing more and more of the below.
Her bikes were covered at the time and locked to the van/bike holder;

 

[Parrot Face]

Had Brompton fold up bikes for over 25 years. I believe they are the best and easiest fold ups, but are expensive. About 4 years ago we got the Switch system and made them electric. These work great for us but again probably a more expensive option. Brompton do make the electric fold ups to order. I think what i'm saying is that if you are going to be around for a while and want a quality fold up bike that fits nicely in a motorhome garage and you have a bit of spare cash ...get a Brompton.

 

[stevewagner]

My advice would be whatever you choose make sure they have a minimum of front suspension. I don’t think you’ll find quick charging

 

[PlacidoD]

Not cheap but I have a MiRider GB3:

MiRiDER One GB3 Folding eBike 7ah

The MiRiDER One GB3 with 3 speed gearbox and carbon belt drive. Designed to be the ultimate 16 inch folding ebike including hydraulic brakes, CNC pedals, Selle Royal saddle.

mirider.co.uk

3 gears with no Derailleur to damage and 5 levels of power assitst.
Carbon fibre belt drive so no oily chain
Hydraulic disk brakes
Rear suspension
Folding pedals

It actually fits in my garage without folding apart from the pedals. I just put the battery in the glove compartment to reduce weight aft of the rear axle.
When not in use with the MoHo it folds into the car boot e.g when dropping the car off for service.

P.S 3 hours to charge.

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[Jev88]

I am awaiting a Swytch delivery to electrify our existing bikes that we like.
They supply battery, controller, sensor and new matching front wheel with motor in hub.

 

[PaulW2]

Bought a couple of these. Crowd based near Heathrow and were willing to give us demos and long test rides. Definitely worth a look - they do all repairs on the premises too if required, which is a plus.

Pedibal Navigata® Folding Electric Bike - Long Range Lightweight Compact

eBike with a Twist. Instant throttle acceleration, Pedibal Assist 15.5mph. Powerful 250W motor with hidden 9.6Ah battery. 7 speed Shimano gear. Swift Magnetic Folding in seconds Healthy, eco-friendly, low-cost riding. Perfect for City Commute, Motor Home and Leisure. Small footprint for easy...

pedibal.com

 

[Minxy]

Bought a couple of these. Crowd based near Heathrow and were willing to give us demos and long test rides. Definitely worth a look - they do all repairs on the premises too if required, which is a plus.

Pedibal Navigata® Folding Electric Bike - Long Range Lightweight Compact

eBike with a Twist. Instant throttle acceleration, Pedibal Assist 15.5mph. Powerful 250W motor with hidden 9.6Ah battery. 7 speed Shimano gear. Swift Magnetic Folding in seconds Healthy, eco-friendly, low-cost riding. Perfect for City Commute, Motor Home and Leisure. Small footprint for easy...

pedibal.com

Despite the DVSA reference they are illegal as you are not permitted to use them just with the throttle.

 

[PaulW2]

Despite the DVSA reference they are illegal as you are not permitted to use them just with the throttle.

Individually certified, each provided with DVSA documentation. Perfectly legal

 

[Minxy]

Having had a few folding/small wheel ebikes (and non-electric ones too) you really need to ride them to see what suits you as they have different riding characteristics and positions. One thing to watch for on small wheel ones is the size of the chainring as some are small so you can end up having to pedal furiously to keep up with the assist and even more when wanting to use them without assist.

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[Minxy]

Individually certified, each provided with DVSA documentation. Perfectly legal

I disagree, the would only be approved for use within the law with the restricted throttle, not with it being able to be used on its own.

Are electric bikes legal? UK law explained (March 2024 update)

Electric bikes are classified as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’, or EAPCs so are perfectly legal to ride as long your ebike meets the DVLA's EAPC rules. The key ones to obey are: The pedals must be in motion for electric assistance to be provided A maximum power output of 250W No electric...

electroheads.com

 

[PaulW2]

I disagree, the would only be approved for use within the law with the restricted throttle, not with it being able to be used on its own.

Are electric bikes legal? UK law explained (March 2024 update)

Electric bikes are classified as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’, or EAPCs so are perfectly legal to ride as long your ebike meets the DVLA's EAPC rules. The key ones to obey are: The pedals must be in motion for electric assistance to be provided A maximum power output of 250W No electric...

electroheads.com

I have individual "British National Type Approval" certificates issued for each cycle by the DVSA with the serial number given. Each individual cycle is presented to the DVSA in Yeading for approval and sold on that basis.

I'll take my chances: if I were ever to be stopped that's all that I will show. And I will happily see them in court too.

 

[TerryReis]

Legality aside I tend to stick to one of the bigger manufacturers (Giant/Trek/Specialised/Canondale/Focus). There are so many incidents of batteries igniting, Google it. Even so I tend to place the bikes away from the motor home when charging. If it went up in the MH that would be game over. Not aware of any of the big boys having these problems.

 

[PaulW2]

Legality aside I tend to stick to one of the bigger manufacturers (Giant/Trek/Specialised/Canondale/Focus). There are so many incidents of batteries igniting, Google it. Even so I tend to place the bikes away from the motor home when charging. If it went up in the MH that would be game over. Not aware of any of the big boys having these problems.

It is certainly a worry, I agree. I suppose it's worth checking the 'credentials' of the battery manufacturer. Most of these cycle brands are not battery manufacturers in their own right but buy the components in from a manufacturer. As I understand it often Panasonic (eg in the case of Giant), Sony, Samsung, LG.

The Pedibal has an LG battery. As I understand it, LG is in the top tier of battery cell manufacturers.

But, as they say, it's important to do one's own research

 

[TerryReis]

You are correct the manufacture of the battery and charger is the most important factor. Avoid cheap unspecified types, there are a lot of these on the market at tempting prices.

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[Andy MacD]

Bought a couple of Bromptons on eBay a few years ago on the basis I could sell them again easily if I didn’t like them. Got on great and fitted a Swytch to them a couple of years ago, never regretted it.

 

[PaulW2]

Bought a couple of Bromptons on eBay a few years ago on the basis I could sell them again easily if I didn’t like them. Got on great and fitted a Swytch to them a couple of years ago, never regretted it.

Excellent bikes of course. And they make electric versions.

In addition to the normal consideration of pros and cons (and they do go in both directions even with a quality product like a Brompton) I had to think about … price!

2 cycles for £ 2,400 or … about £ 7,000? Well, let me have a think…

 

[Andy MacD]

Or approx £700 each for used on eBay, then sell for roughly the same if you decide to upgrade.

 

[JMCotswolds]

Hi All
We are considering purchasing a couple of folding electric bikes . Has anyone got any experience of them and recommendations please . We are looking for portability , range and quick charging time . Don’t want much do we lol
Thanks guys

We have an eStali 20.7" folding ebike, with lights and panier on the back as standard and an eoVolt Afternoon, a french bike. Both with 20" wheels as they felt more secure, stable and useable over longer distances than bikes with 16" wheels.

The eStali is a lovely little bike, we got it for about £1k on ebay, used just once before we got it, with a transport cover.

A few months ago we got the eoVolt Afternoon on eBay with 300 miles on the clock, it's an older model they don't do now with front suspension. I suspect that's a rare option for folding ebikes. I don't know if that makes a difference but the wider tyres, different gearings and motor makes the eoVote the better bike by far, much easier to use, faster and more relaxing than the eStali. We found a cheap bike cover on Amazon for £40 as we carry the bikes inside the van.

We went for a cycle in Yorkshire in one of the forests, got a bit lost and came back to the van with 1 bar showing on each bike after 17.5 miles of cycling (although the final 4 miles were pretty easy). They both did well as there was a lot of steep climbs up hills as we got lost. We then charged one when we got back to the van, I don't remember how long it took. It was a sunny day and we have solar and a 460ah lithium batteries so it wasn't a concern charging the bike.

I'm not sure we'd buy them new as the cost is so high so it was just luck to get a decent deals on ebay.

 

[BrochMike]

I have individual "British National Type Approval" certificates issued for each cycle by the DVSA with the serial number given. Each individual cycle is presented to the DVSA in Yeading for approval and sold on that basis.

Wasn't aware that was even a possibility now.

I used to own a old Wisper bike with throttle but that was produced prior to the e-bike legislation explicitly excluding the use of a throttle (and therefore exempt).

Doesn't that mean insurance is compulsory (akin to a moped)?
How much does that cost you?

I'll take my chances: if I were ever to be stopped that's all that I will show. And I will happily see them in court too.

Don't forget the old adages - 'ignorance is no defence' & 'buyer beware'

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[BrochMike]

Bought a couple of these. Crowd based near Heathrow and were willing to give us demos and long test rides. Definitely worth a look - they do all repairs on the premises too if required, which is a plus.

Pedibal Navigata® Folding Electric Bike - Long Range Lightweight Compact

eBike with a Twist. Instant throttle acceleration, Pedibal Assist 15.5mph. Powerful 250W motor with hidden 9.6Ah battery. 7 speed Shimano gear. Swift Magnetic Folding in seconds Healthy, eco-friendly, low-cost riding. Perfect for City Commute, Motor Home and Leisure. Small footprint for easy...

pedibal.com

Pedibal's FAQ quote about legislation
"The UK law regarding electric bikes is slightly different to EU laws, you can check the full UK laws if you want some more information"

Then goes on to say:
"the bike must have pedals that can be used to propel it"

However, the UK Legislation is actually
"The pedals must be in motion for electric assistance to be provided"

So, while I appreciate the chance of being 'caught' is low, the company is misleading it's potential clientele.

For me, "Barge pole" springs to mind...

 

[PaulW2]

Well, if the DVSA act in ignorance they will just have to explain it to the court!

 

[scotzsue]

Have just passed my at least 13 yo AS bike to John, still going strong, it is the large size and has never been folded.
Have got myself a new bike, which i thought was lighter than the AS, it is not, but I like it, different levels of E assist. I am only 5' but am unable to balance on small wheels so consideration was for an ES frame. Time will tell how it works out, will miss my, now disabled, throttle.

 

[BrochMike]

Well, if the DVSA act in ignorance they will just have to explain it to the court!

Good to know that 'exceptions' (via type approval route) are still possible.

Edit: Are you restricted to 6km/h on throttle?

Otherwise rules state that "any electrically assisted vehicle that falls outside of this category must be registered, taxed and requires a licence"

So might be worth checking.

 

[gus-lopez]

Individually certified, each provided with DVSA documentation. Perfectly legal

no they aren't nor were they ever.. & totally illegal anywhere in europe even if they were legal in the UK. So if you are in Portugal & using one it isn't legal.

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/why-were-full-throttles-banned-in-2016.46139/

Well, if the DVSA act in ignorance they will just have to explain it to the court!

as per the above link .It is not illegal to sll them using any info.It is the end users problem to beaaware that they cannot be used legally

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[PaulW2]

no they aren't nor were they ever.. & totally illegal anywhere in europe even if they were legal in the UK. So if you are in Portugal & using one it isn't legal.

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/why-were-full-throttles-banned-in-2016.46139/


as per the above link .It is not illegal to sll them using any info.It is the end users problem to beaaware that they cannot be used legally

Approval means approved for use. The relevant DVSA document does exactly that. That’s the entire point of it.

 

[Bryden]

Wisper 806 Folding Electric Bike

Our Wisper 806 folding electric bike is perfect for avid campers, caravanners and boating enthusiasts. 0% Finance Available. Shop your folding e-bike now!

wisperbikes.com

I agree with minxy about needing to try out them before you buy as we are all different heights and sizes. I have had a wisper folding bike for about 4 years and have been very happy with it. It copes with gravel tracks ok but not very rough ground, the tyres are slightly wider. Dissadvantage of a folder is the wheel size is smaller. I had my battery fail last year but that was because we didnt travel due to covid and I hadn’t kept it charged regularly. But it was easily, if expensive, to replace. The battery size is important if you want to go long distances or think you wont be able to charge for awhile

 

[Puddleduck]

Try before you buy. What suits one person will not suit another.

 

[Ratcatcher]

I have a Woosh gran Camino, bought last feb, it has the ability to be driven with only pedalling to start off then continue with a thumb throttle. Sold as being legal.

 

[PlacidoD]

Having had a few folding/small wheel ebikes (and non-electric ones too) you really need to ride them to see what suits you as they have different riding characteristics and positions. One thing to watch for on small wheel ones is the size of the chainring as some are small so you can end up having to pedal furiously to keep up with the assist and even more when wanting to use them without assist.

That is what is unique about MiRider GB3s. They have a gear box built into the crank case. In operation it is much like the old Sturmey Archer 3/4 speed. You don't have to be pedalling to change gear - a godsend when you are doing 15.5 mph and have to do a crash stop as traffic lights change to red!!

P.S. All small wheel cycles are slightly less stable than 26" wheel models. So having the battery down low is essential.