Which electric bike shall I buy?

[Lightning]

I agree the Brompton is less stable, I think this is more to do with the compromised geometry and small wheels than the front wheel drive though.

 

[soulstyledevon]

I agree the Brompton is less stable, I think this is more to do with the compromised geometry and small wheels than the front wheel drive though.

Possibly.
However I ride a Cube Compact with 16s and haven’t had any falls as of yet.
Again, this is a mid drive. Possibly helps the frame is one piece and thus more rigid than a Brompton.
I also ride with a medium amount of air in the tyres which helps with bumps and pot-holes.

 

[Calimili]

Possibly.
However I ride a Cube Compact with 16s and haven’t had any falls as of yet.
Again, this is a mid drive. Possibly helps the frame is one piece and thus more rigid than a Brompton.
I also ride with a medium amount of air in the tyres which helps with bumps and pot-holes.

View attachment 78730

those are 20" wheels. I know because since you posted pics of your bike I fell in love and researched them extensively.
The tires makes also a difference as in the Bromptons they need a very high pressure, while with your 2,4" wide tyres you require a lot less pressure , improving comfort and grip.
Certainly the weight distribution is a lot better than the Electric Brompton which has both motor and battery in the front as opposed to the middle.
But the Brompton packs very tiny and I think it's the lightest e-bike for the money.

 

[Calimili]

Buying a Brompton appears to be a bit like buying a Cali. First reaction is how much ! I'm not paying that for a bike, especially as it's only got 16" Wheels. As you do your research you realise, owners love them because it's a package that works. Yes they are expensive like a Cali, but should we not like them, the residuals are pretty good like a Cali. There's also a long waiting list for some models.

I do get why a normal Brompton costs so much. It is like a Cali, fair comparison.
But I can't justify 2K € more for the electric one. It's not a new bike. It's pretty much the same bike with a front wheel motor and a battery pack plus a sensor.
I do like the fact that they are very light and pack as small as the standard Brompton, but the extra 2K are a bit too much.

 

[Lightning]

I do get why a normal Brompton costs so much. It is like a Cali, fair comparison.
But I can't justify 2K € more for the electric one. It's not a new bike. It's pretty much the same bike with a front wheel motor and a battery pack plus a sensor.
I do like the fact that they are very light and pack as small as the standard Brompton, but the extra 2K are a bit too much.

There is just something about a Brompton. They have some sort of X factor which I have never felt with another bike. They do come with a 7 year warranty, and they ride like a normal Brompton with battery removed. The fold is really very small elegant. If you don’t really need the small and light fold, most bikes with bigger wheels will ride better. I see it as a lifetime purchase, and the price is pretty competitive for an ebike. Even though I had problems with mine, its replacement has made me very happy.

My N+1 is now a Brompton Superlight.

 

[Calimili]

There is just something about a Brompton. They have some sort of X factor which I have never felt with another bike. They do come with a 7 year warranty, and they ride like a normal Brompton with battery removed. The fold is really very small elegant. If you don’t really need the small and light fold, most bikes with bigger wheels will ride better. I see it as a lifetime purchase, and the price is pretty competitive for an ebike. Even though I had problems with mine, its replacement has made me very happy.

My N+1 is now a Brompton Superlight.

I agree with you with your remarks on a standard Brompton.
It is the price differential of an electric Brompton that I can't justify.
It's 2k € more for the electric Bromptons. Within 2K € you can buy an entire rear motor e-bike. And let's face it, the electric motor/battery on the Brompton electric isn't particularly advanced or complex.

 

[Lightning]

I agree with you with your remarks on a standard Brompton.
It is the price differential of an electric Brompton that I can't justify.
It's 2k € more for the electric Bromptons. Within 2K € you can buy an entire rear motor e-bike. And let's face it, the electric motor/battery on the Brompton electric isn't particularly advanced or complex.

It was developed by the Williams F1 team, and it’s all bespoke to Brompton, so it probably reflects the development costs. It’s actually very well implemented and works extremely well, the power delivery is progressive and natural, it’s lovely to ride on my new bike. It has been really well thought through to not adversely impact the original Brompton design. I think it’s good value for money, but it’s not cheap.

 

[Calimili]

It was developed by the Williams F1 team, and it’s all bespoke to Brompton, so it probably reflects the development costs. It’s actually very well implemented and works extremely well, the power delivery is progressive and natural, it’s lovely to ride on my new bike. It has been really well thought through to not adversely impact the original Brompton design. I think it’s good value for money, but it’s not cheap.

I find the 17kg weight very attractive. can bring up and down the stairs with ease. I love it even at 3k €. But I'd need to do a bit of light "offroad" and the tires are just not right, size, pressure, thread. Of course bigger tires means also heavier.
If they would put a lock with a key to prevent the battery from being stolen, than it would be perfect, as sometimes I wouldn't want to carry the little bag with me. Of course it depends on the personal use. I watched every video on youtube on the Brompton electric but I 'm still not convinced. it's on my personal top 3 choices though.

 

[Lightning]

I find the 17kg weight very attractive. can bring up and down the stairs with ease. I love it even at 3k €. But I'd need to do a bit of light "offroad" and the tires are just not right, size, pressure, thread. Of course bigger tires means also heavier.
If they would put a lock with a key to prevent the battery from being stolen, than it would be perfect, as sometimes I wouldn't want to carry the little bag with me. Of course it depends on the personal use. I watched every video on youtube on the Brompton electric but I 'm still not convinced. it's on my personal top 3 choices though.

It’s not great off road, I have done a bit, it’s possible if it’s not muddy. This was the biggest compromise for me.
A fundamental benefit is that you never have to lock it up as you take it with you everywhere. In shopping trolly mode, the battery remains attached and you roll it like luggage, you don’t need to pick it up unless going upstairs. I take mine with me everywhere. Shops, cafes etc.
Bikmo also do comprehensive Brompton specific insurance, which is cheaper than for other ebikes.

 

[soulstyledevon]

those are 20" wheels. I know because since you posted pics of your bike I fell in love and researched them extensively.
The tires makes also a difference as in the Bromptons they need a very high pressure, while with your 2,4" wide tyres you require a lot less pressure , improving comfort and grip.
Certainly the weight distribution is a lot better than the Electric Brompton which has both motor and battery in the front as opposed to the middle.
But the Brompton packs very tiny and I think it's the lightest e-bike for the money.

You’re right @Calimili.
I’m thinking about my 5 year olds bike with the 16s...

 

[Calimili]

You’re right @Calimili.
I’m thinking about my 5 year olds bike with the 16s...

the problem is when you go buy online spare tubes to carry on holiday, and when needed (touch wood), just to find out they are the wrong size !

 

[Karlos]

Has anyone any experience of the aftermarket conversion kits. We have 2 perfectly good bikes but I wouldn't mind a bit of assistance on hills and if Mrs K has assistance I won't have to keep waiting for her.

 

[golfie]

Has anyone tried leccy bikes from other manufactures. I was thinking of Decathlon or Aldi who currently offering e-bikes on line

 

[soulstyledevon]

Has anyone tried leccy bikes from other manufactures. I was thinking of Decathlon or Aldi who currently offering e-bikes on line

You need to be mindful of aftersales service and support.
Unlike regular bikes that anyone can fix. E-bikes are a bit more specialist. Personally, I would stick to a LBS that have been around for a long time and sell quality products.

 

[golfie]

Thanks soulstyledevon for the Suggestion

 

[Calimili]

Possibly.
However I ride a Cube Compact with 16s and haven’t had any falls as of yet.
Again, this is a mid drive. Possibly helps the frame is one piece and thus more rigid than a Brompton.
I also ride with a medium amount of air in the tyres which helps with bumps and pot-holes.

View attachment 78730

Can I ask you please, how easy or difficult it is to carry it up and down the stairs ? Because of that "handle" at the bottom of the frame above the motor, I would assume it should be easier than carrying a full size bike . it looks also pretty balanced front/back with the battery and motor in the middle. Probably a couple of kilos saved by removing the battery too..?

 

[Moose]

I do get why a normal Brompton costs so much. It is like a Cali, fair comparison.
But I can't justify 2K € more for the electric one. It's not a new bike. It's pretty much the same bike with a front wheel motor and a battery pack plus a sensor.
I do like the fact that they are very light and pack as small as the standard Brompton, but the extra 2K are a bit too much.

Buy a good condition used Brompton or new and get a Swytch conversion kit fitted,
We purchased 2 for here both as new and I fitted both with Switch kits not cheap but very very good and a lot cheaper the the electric Brompton.
‘Now just need to work out how to charge them when not on EHU.

 

[Moose]

Has anyone any experience of the aftermarket conversion kits. We have 2 perfectly good bikes but I wouldn't mind a bit of assistance on hills and if Mrs K has assistance I won't have to keep waiting for her.

Switch conversion kit are great

 

[Lightning]

Buy a good condition used Brompton or new and get a Swytch conversion kit fitted,
We purchased 2 for here both as new and I fitted both with Switch kits not cheap but very very good and a lot cheaper the the electric Brompton.
‘Now just need to work out how to charge them when not on EHU.

The electric bronpton can be charged through the factory inverter with the Brompton fast charger. Solar on a sunny day, engine idle on a rainy day.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Can I ask you please, how easy or difficult it is to carry it up and down the stairs ? Because of that "handle" at the bottom of the frame above the motor, I would assume it should be easier than carrying a full size bike . it looks also pretty balanced front/back with the battery and motor in the middle. Probably a couple of kilos saved by removing the battery too..?

Yes you can pick it up at that point.
However, like most e-bikes it’s heavy. I can’t remember the exact weight, but must be about 25kg.

Ive actually never removed the battery...
So far, I’ve not had a reason to take it off the bike. It can easily removed and charged off the bike if required.

 

[Trevor Brown]

After a lot of research and serious thought, I have purchased 2 Tern Vektron S10’s for my wife and I. Initial impressions are very favourable. It is a heavy bike, and it doesn’t fold as small as the Brompton, but it is supremely stable, and beautifully sturdily constructed.
I will report further when I have put more miles up!

 

[Karlos]

Switch conversion kit are great

Yes, they look like a good option but have been out of stock for months.

 

[Magic Bus]

My wife’s just been looking at the Swytch conversion kit, and says they appear to be in stock and for sale on EBay, but you have to pay the full price of £900. It’s starting to look a bit expensive at that price. She’s also been looking at a Ribble CGR Al e, around £2300 depending on which groupset you have with it.

 

[WelshGas]

Has anyone any experience of the aftermarket conversion kits. We have 2 perfectly good bikes but I wouldn't mind a bit of assistance on hills and if Mrs K has assistance I won't have to keep waiting for her.

Look at Dillenger. I converted my standard Hybrid, still going strong after 7 yrs. Australian company who sell in UK and USA, UK hq near Heathrow.

E-Bike Conversion Kits

dillengerelectricbikes.co.uk

 

[audio2]

Look at Dillenger. I converted my standard Hybrid, still going strong after 7 yrs. Australian company who sell in UK and USA, UK hq near Heathrow.

E-Bike Conversion Kits

dillengerelectricbikes.co.uk