Best folding ebikes for a lady novice rider (1 Viewer)

Jan 11, 2018
1,156
1,337
Malvern Link, Malvern, UK
Funster No
51,943
MH
Chausson Welcome 85
Exp
Since 2018
My SIL is looking for a folding ebike.
She has a PVC (central walkway at the rear) and does not want an external rack.
But she needs one that folds up small and neat.
She has tried my brothers folding ebike but fell off a few times at the step off stage.
This is due to many of the Chinese systems waiting a few rotations of the wheels before bringing in the emotor.
This surge just as you are maybe in a "too high prior to power" gear is what does the damage for her.

She would be far better with a pedelec where the power is instant and proportional crank torque applied.

Cost is not a problem.

I'm thinking of an electric Brompton for her or possibly a Go-Cycle.

Would experts kindly suggest any that meet the above criteria.

Thank you.
 
Nov 24, 2017
600
3,106
Greater London
Funster No
51,461
MH
2021 Burstner TD680G
Exp
Camping , caravanning, campervaning for 10 years
Did your SIL find the riding/ seating geometry to her liking as a novice as your hands are almost directly over the front wheel so it makes the feel of the folding bikes different to a no folding bike.....
 

AndyB57

Free Member
Dec 11, 2016
90
154
North Yorkshire, UK
Funster No
46,438
MH
Consort Kite PVC
Exp
Since 2016
My SIL is looking for a folding ebike.
She has a PVC (central walkway at the rear) and does not want an external rack.
But she needs one that folds up small and neat.
She has tried my brothers folding ebike but fell off a few times at the step off stage.
This is due to many of the Chinese systems waiting a few rotations of the wheels before bringing in the emotor.
This surge just as you are maybe in a "too high prior to power" gear is what does the damage for her.

She would be far better with a pedelec where the power is instant and proportional crank torque applied.

Cost is not a problem.

I'm thinking of an electric Brompton for her or possibly a Go-Cycle.

Would experts kindly suggest any that meet the above criteria.

Thank you.
We bought a couple of Decathlon BTWIN Tilt 500 electric folding bikes a couple of years ago and whilst not as cool and desirable (or expensive!) as an electric Brompton they’ve been absolutely brilliant. They can be ridden with the motor on or off which helps to conserve battery power if you’re just cycling on the flat (or fancy a good workout!)


Cheers,

Andy

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Riverbankannie

LIFE MEMBER
Mar 11, 2016
10,432
60,972
Bristol
Funster No
41,967
MH
IH 630 RL PVC
Exp
12
I have an electric Bromptons but aftermarket conversion with a twist grip throttle so can get the motor going early. It does take some getting used to after a normal bike. However it folds up so neatly and so is good for storage. Quite heavy even with the battery removed.
She would need to give them a good try out.
Have a google search for electric bike sellers near you who should let you take out a bike to try. The Electric Bike company in Bristol let me take one out on the roads for an hour.
 

Nanniemate

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 1, 2019
5,931
41,972
Wales
Funster No
64,882
MH
IH
Exp
Still dropping clangers and making it up as I go along
most good ecycle specialist will all the bike to be trialled maybe arrange a day out to one to try out a number of bikes for the best fit I have been looking at juicy for a while as they do some very light bikes so easier to lift on/into the van

<Broken link removed>
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
4,901
4,560
West Midlands
Funster No
17,624
MH
A-Class Fiat
Brompton bikes are nice. Not cheap, but should hold their value, and fold up really compactly (get a folding pedal).
The official Brompton electric requires the battery to be held separately in the front bag but I believe there is a better alternative that has the battery fixed to the frame. Whilst it folds small, the folding and unfolding process can be a bit of a fiddle for some.
She may prefer a Riese and Muller Tinker. It's a much nicer ride with more controlled power to the rear wheel but does not collapse as small (indeed, it's not really a folder). I think there is a number of gear options, from which I'd choose the continuously variable Nuvinci one. The bike is very adaptable and be easy to sell-on.
I have no experience of Go-Cycle, so cannot advise on that (the name would put me off).
Do take her to try some out. A 'proper' shop should have several to contrast and compare. If she's not comfortably confident on it, it's not going to go anywhere.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Feb 14, 2009
1,367
3,315
Chandlers Ford, Hampshire
Funster No
5,630
MH
Burstner TD700 H L
Exp
Since 2008
We bought a couple of Decathlon BTWIN Tilt 500 electric folding bikes a couple of years ago and whilst not as cool and desirable (or expensive!) as an electric Brompton they’ve been absolutely brilliant. They can be ridden with the motor on or off which helps to conserve battery power if you’re just cycling on the flat (or fancy a good workout!)


Cheers,

Andy
As Andy says , we also have two of these and they do the job well, we just fold the stem/handle bars down and slide into garage....they were £649 each when we bought them !
 

Cal54

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 25, 2014
3,778
61,435
Southport, UK
Funster No
31,130
MH
Leisuredrive Renoir
Exp
Since 1996
From experience I would definitely say ‘try before you buy’. I bought a 14” wheel folder for my PVC and it was ok. However I soon realised that I wasn’t as competent as I thought and the small wheels gave me stability issues! Thankfully I sold for the same price I paid and have now bought one with 20” wheels. This summer will be the first real test, and who knows I might yet be selling another !!!

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
OP
OP
Jake Royd
Jan 11, 2018
1,156
1,337
Malvern Link, Malvern, UK
Funster No
51,943
MH
Chausson Welcome 85
Exp
Since 2018
Thank you all.
I had concluded a 20" wheel is the smallest commensurate with comfort and stability even though I know I mentioned Bromptons at 16" I think.
Checking , Go-Cycles are pedelecs so you get power as soon as you depress a pedal.
 
Jan 13, 2014
3,547
11,376
Leeds - Yorkshire
Funster No
29,678
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
40+
The OP’s main criteria appears to be size when folded as his SiL has a central walkway,the smallest folding bike is a Brompton and quick to fold once you get the knack,it might also fit in the underseat storage.
 

I2C

Feb 2, 2015
257
610
Northamptonshire
Funster No
34,984
MH
Low Profile
Exp
Since 2000
Having only ever ridden rode bikes I was worried about the 16" but didn't have any issues, we both find them very stable, even on gravel. Like others, suggest your SIL tries various sized wheels, can't beat a Brompton for folded size, that's why we bought them so we could store them inside the MH.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Apr 21, 2008
816
2,043
bedford
Funster No
2,239
MH
A class
Exp
1995
I have a whisper folding bike. Just as you put pressure on the pedal you twist the throttle and the motor kicks in gently to help you on your way.
If you are going to theThetford bash I could show it to you
 

jako999

Free Member
Mar 21, 2021
304
785
Halesowen
Funster No
79,921
MH
Niesmann Bischoff
Exp
2000
My wife has a fast4ward Edge it’s 10 years old now and still going strong but depending how stable you are remember most folding bikes have 20” wheels which makes them unstable compared to a 26” wheel.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

jako999

Free Member
Mar 21, 2021
304
785
Halesowen
Funster No
79,921
MH
Niesmann Bischoff
Exp
2000
That’s correct, because my wife’s is now old that wasn’t the law back then you can just twist and go which is great because she’s disabled and can’t really pedal very far. It gave her a new lease when she got it we can go to the local town, a cafe or pub by the site😁
I believe there are mods to make some of the bikes twist and go but if your not pedalling it will eat the range on a fairly flat route she gets around 8 miles but her back won’t stand any more then 3 or 4 miles at a time.
 
Sep 17, 2017
5,334
9,942
Birmingham, UK
Funster No
50,575
MH
A-Class
Exp
2017
We have a pair of Bromptons that we squeezed into the back of the 5.4m van we used to have and spent 6 months in Europe. Mine is a standard as I'm an avid cyclist. But my wife hadn't ridden in years. I got her a Brompton Electric and she loves it. She calls it her "brave little Brompton" and it enabled us to do so many things together that we wouldn't have otherwise managed. Note: If you try one, don't bother playing with the power settings, just leave it on max assistance and it rides seamlessly. Medium and low are a bit dithery for some reason.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Feb 2, 2019
1,059
2,503
Norfolk
Funster No
58,334
MH
Pilote G740C
Exp
2018
Can highly recommend these:


We got ours online from a company down in Sussex who were well-priced and offered great service.
 
Apr 17, 2013
42
35
Bedworth
Funster No
25,588
MH
A Class Hymer Excis-
Exp
About 5 years now
And if she keeps on falling off, we have a folding electric trike - Jorvik - not cheap, but its stability is the key - and it tows the doggy hut!
 
Jun 29, 2020
45
119
Paulton
Funster No
72,418
MH
Roller Team 685
Exp
Since 2012, Tugger for previous 20 odd years
We bought an EZEGO Fold 2019 for my wife. It is easy to ride even without electric but with she zooms by me on the hills, having small wheels she cant go as fast on the flat though. Rrp about a £1000 and, in her opinion, well worth it. Battery life is great too -better than 3 times my Freego Hawk.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
May 7, 2016
7,187
11,611
West Sussex
Funster No
42,951
MH
Carthago Compactline
Exp
Since 2003
I'm thinking of an electric Brompton for her or possibly a Go-Cycle.
My wife was a very hesitant cyclist but immediately felt comfortable and safe on a GoCycle. There is no power surge, the power comes in gently and it changes gear automatically. When you stop it always changes to first gear ready for the next start which is very useful for cautious cyclists. There is throttle boost on a twist grip but to be legal you have to be pedalling for this to work. If cost is not an issue then the storage case for keeping inside her PVC may be useful. Very light and easy to lift in and out and with all the mechanicals covered up in the casing no greasy bits to damage furnishings or clothes.

We have one each and both think they were an excellent purchase, despite the cost.
 
Apr 8, 2015
321
292
Lincoln
Funster No
35,754
MH
coachbuilt
Exp
15 years
Look at anything with Bosch drive. Raleigh Kompact is expensive but good £2500
 
Nov 27, 2020
29
38
Devon, UK
Funster No
78,163
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Since 2018
We find with our e Bike that it pays to turn the power to minimum on completion of a ride that way you do not take off at max speed, it works for us anyway. Both are Italian step through with compact removable batteries.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Jul 9, 2013
9
19
Fareham
Funster No
26,860
MH
Elnagh Marlin 5
Exp
I'm a newbie
Electric bike world in Southampton do a folding bike which has a throttle start. This means you can power away from stationary and then start pedeling. My wife had the same issues because of weak knees but has loved the EBW bike. We have been using them for 3 years and taken them around Scotland and Spain. For lifting remember to take the battery out first.
 

paddimac

Free Member
May 23, 2021
1
1
Funster No
81,416
MH
Toyota Duo Hiace
We purchased a folding Electric Trike for out disabled daughter from

ASBikes <contact@asbikes.co.uk>​

The rear wheels fold in (Parallel) so we can get it in the rear galley of our Toyota Hiace small camper. Very sturdy £2000
 

Bobby-gg

LIFE MEMBER
Feb 28, 2020
1,036
2,358
Northumberland
Funster No
69,066
MH
Ducato IH pvc
Exp
Since 2010
We've got a pvc, and I bought my other half, who is not a confident cyclist, a go-cycle. She absolutely loves it.
I managed to pick up the wheeled storage bag for it, so whilst travelling it sits at the back between the sofa's, and on site whilst not in use, it fit's between the front seats when they are swiveled around.
My bike is a 16" wheeled dahon that fits in the drivers footwell when parked up

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Clive Mott

Funster
Nov 12, 2012
280
456
New Milton
Funster No
23,657
MH
Concorde Charisma
Exp
Since 1972
I have converted my own full sized bike to leccy and one of the bits that came with the kit was a thumb throttle. I find this invaluable when starting off with only one properly working leg. A good friend has just converted two Bromptons to leccy using the Nano conversion. Firstly for his wife then for him as he could not keep up with her. These also have the option of an additional thumb throttle. I would not expect an original Brompton leccy bike to include this thumb throttle option as EU rules banned it several years back. But pick up a second hand Brompton and do the same.
 

Shevaun

Free Member
Jun 20, 2020
16
11
Funster No
71,979
MH
Buying soon .looking
Exp
Newbie
we have 2 folding ebike s bought recently... my OH loves his Go cycle ... I went for a more traditional looking one the Hercules because the handlebar height & tilt adjustment suits me. We love them. They fold easily into the garage if our Burstner Lyseo 736. Not cheap but worth it.
 
Jul 27, 2013
823
3,883
Wilts/Oxon border
Funster No
27,149
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
Since childhood!
I have a folding ebike which carry inside my VW campervan. As a few people have said, I DEFINITELY recommend having a bike bag or wrap. Apart from protecting the interior of the van, it also makes it easier to move the bike around inside, and makes the bike less obvious to anyone who may peer in. When in transit, I strap mine to the rear seatbelts with a leather strap, as I don't fancy an electric bike being thrown forward in an accident.
Others have commented on the power so I won't repeat what's been said. I WOULD say though that if your SIL is a novice cyclist I would discount the Bromptons. They are excellent bikes and very compact to stow, but they have the smallest wheels, which inherently makes a bike slightly less stable. I would recommend going for a bike with 20" wheels. She will have better stability and road holding and they still fold up pretty well.
This is mine, to show the 20" wheels, and also the wrap I use which is hanging from the van's mirror. I would also recommend buying an ebike with a rack you can secure a bag on, as you'll need a sturdy lock if she stops off when out on it, or to secure it to the van when on site. I lock mine to the nearside front alloy.
All that said, although my folder is great for use in the van, I still prefer riding my 'standard' bike, a rather old Trek hybrid!
20180525-_DSC7261-lo_res.jpg

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top