I am undecided whether to go for folding electric bicycles or the non folding. Does anyone have strong opinions either way. We already have normal electric bikes bikes but feel they are getting too cumbersome and heavy for the motorhome garage plus we are downsizing the a smaller van( still big garage on the Weinsberg cars compact 600 meg). Thanks
Electric Bicycles, folding v normal
- Thread starter Twizzlefrillypants
- Start date
MisterB
LIFE MEMBER
- Feb 25, 2018
- 8,103
- 20,360
- Funster No
- 52,564
- MH
- Adria 670 SLT
- Exp
- enough to know i shouldnt touch things i know nothing about ....
We carry full sized e bikes on a chassis mounted cycle carrier, works perfectly for us. We did have to lift them into a rack on the back at one point, but decided to make it easier for us ....!
We had a pair of Bromptons vertically slotted in under the bed/garage in our previous PVC. They also squeeze in the lockers of our current a-class. Mine is manual, hers is electric. Bromptons are much smaller than pretty much every other folding bike. We wouldn't have fitted in any other model because everything else seems to be considerably less compact. They are great for locations where you're camped a few miles out of town.
Had both neither your posh expensive type but if you have the physical space non folding are easier to load unload..and both take up about the same volume ...just a differen shape..the 2 we just sold were aluminium folding,we folded the handlebars and pushed the seat down ...they then sat across the van with a shelf above leaving around 3' headroom...
- Oct 19, 2023
- 84
- 84
- Funster No
- 99,428
- MH
- Chausson 530
We have a pair of Brompton M6L’s with Swytch e-bike conversion kits. Done lots of miles with them over the last 7 years and very happy with them. Occasionally we would prefer full size bike wheels for rougher terrain but overall the compromise is well worth it for us as the pack size is so small. The Swytch kits are now 5 years old and we still get 30-40 miles range.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
We had manual Bromptons in our PVC, but now we have a MH with a large garage, we have bought full sized eMTB’s, which are amazing, but big.
The problem is fitting all the other stuff around the bikes in the garage now, but that is a price worth paying for the fun, range and exploration possibilities of the eMTB’s that were impossible with the Bromptons.
We’re going to put our Bromptons up for sale.
The problem is fitting all the other stuff around the bikes in the garage now, but that is a price worth paying for the fun, range and exploration possibilities of the eMTB’s that were impossible with the Bromptons.
We’re going to put our Bromptons up for sale.
We have a pair of Whoosh Rambletta folders. Great little bikes for what we use them for, but my god they're heavy when trying to lift them into an a class garage. They also don't lock in any meaningful way in the folded position, so when you pick them up they start to unfurl, making it even harder to lift them in and out.
Given my time again, I would probably still go for the folders as they do take up much less space, but I would definitely spend more on lighter weight ones!
Given my time again, I would probably still go for the folders as they do take up much less space, but I would definitely spend more on lighter weight ones!
Just the reason I said non folders are easier to load...ours (folders)were aluminium and with the battery packs removed weren't that heavy but still awkward..and they don't take up much if any less volume just a different shaped space
We had Wisper 806SE folders - (still have them but now only use one.) But we store them/it “whole” - they fit in better. In current van the ease of folding down the handlebars and saddle pillar helps getting into the garage.
Yes our 2 fitted in the space with the seats and bars down but would not go in the same space fully folded.With the last vanwe had 2 X 26" wheel non folding MTB 1000w ebikes in the back 2 standard folding would not go in in any format...so it's all about the shape of the space
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
- Apr 30, 2018
- 2,414
- 6,732
- Funster No
- 53,655
- MH
- Adria Matrix 670DC
- Exp
- Motorhoming since 2018.
I have a folding e-bike, Mrs W has a non folding full size wheel e-bike. She found her original folding e-bike with small wheels very unstable.
I must admit the larger wheels are better.
I must admit the larger wheels are better.
- Oct 18, 2021
- 2,840
- 8,509
- Funster No
- 84,940
- MH
- Adria Compact SC
- Exp
- Camping since 1954, MoHo 2022
Recently purchased two Cube Kathmandu Hybrid full sized tourers to compliment our non-electric versions. These have the latest Bosch CX drive unit and 800Wh batteries with inbuilt alarm, immobilisation and tracking features. We’ve previously had a Thule tow bar mounted carrier that was rock solid in all situations, including off-road on a 4x4, so have upgraded to a Thule EasyFold version. New bikes are a breeze to load as the carrier has a clever folding ramp that packs away securely and unseen.
- May 26, 2016
- 1,772
- 6,699
- Funster No
- 43,304
- MH
- low profile Elddis
- Exp
- 40 years on and off
I bought a folding e-bike purely because it can be carried in the van rather than have a permanent rack fitted to the back.
Spot on Jumar!.Depends if you are a cyclist who has a motorhome...that's us..
Or you are a motorhomer who occasionally rides a bike..
Are folding eBikes lighter than rigid, are small wheels better than full size..
It is not always about fitting your space in or on the van - it is about what you intend to do whilst cycling.....
I wouldn't like to ride the 60 plus miles that we usually cover exploring from our van on small wheeled and possibly under powered folders. But then again if I only ever wanted to "pop to the shop", then a folder may be the right choice.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
Last edited:
Rollingwheels
LIFE MEMBER
Similar to Jumar with us, if you opt for folding try them first as the small wheels can make handling sketchy and gravel tracks very interesting, there are 16” 20” and 24” wheel sizes the bigger the wheels the more stable they are.
Take a look at the MiRider 24. It is a sort of semi-folding bike
mirider.co.uk
The handlebars fold down as do the pedals. So the package is quite slim but you keep the advantage of bigger wheels. Pull out the seat post and you have a compact package for a MoHo garage
Here is a review:
I have a MiRider16 GB3 and I highly recommend the GB3 crank case gearbox - 3 speed only but combined with the power options that is plenty. You also then get a carbon fibre belt so no oily chain AND you lose the vulnerable derailleur hanging off the rear.
The completely folding 16 suits me better as it will fit in my car boot when dropping the car off for service etc,etc. but if buying now I would seriously consider the MiRider24 and just take a taxi at car service time (and could try fitting the GB24 in the footwell of my car!)
MiRiDER 24 GB3 Compact Step Through Electric Bike
The MiRiDER 24 GB3 compact step through electric bike. A game changer for ebikes with a three-speed gearbox with a Gates drive belt system. Join the fold.
mirider.co.uk
The handlebars fold down as do the pedals. So the package is quite slim but you keep the advantage of bigger wheels. Pull out the seat post and you have a compact package for a MoHo garage
Here is a review:
I have a MiRider16 GB3 and I highly recommend the GB3 crank case gearbox - 3 speed only but combined with the power options that is plenty. You also then get a carbon fibre belt so no oily chain AND you lose the vulnerable derailleur hanging off the rear.
The completely folding 16 suits me better as it will fit in my car boot when dropping the car off for service etc,etc. but if buying now I would seriously consider the MiRider24 and just take a taxi at car service time (and could try fitting the GB24 in the footwell of my car!)
Carpmart
LIFE MEMBER
Our bike journey has been, MiRiders, to Raleigh StowAway’s to proper ‘full size’ Koga ebikes! The easy of riding and quality of bikes is night and day between folding anything and proper high end bikes. We ride way more than ever now, so it’s been a fantastic facilitator to more enjoyable cycling!
I have both 20" wheel folders and full size MTBs in electric.
You only go for folders if you cant fit the large wheel full size bikes in, as they wont do the terrain or hills a full size bike will do.
You only go for folders if you cant fit the large wheel full size bikes in, as they wont do the terrain or hills a full size bike will do.
Definitely agree with the above our 1000w 26" wheel MTB s were far more versatile and easier to load than the 16" folders
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
We have a Weinsberg Cara Compact 640 Meg MB. The garage door size is 80x115cm vs your 80x110, so 5cm difference in height.
The primary consideration we had for a MH was could we fit our 2x Fat Tyre e-bikes, 1 a step through, other a step over in the garage, yes we can.
We have the fat tyre (26 x 4) e-bikes for a few reasons:
1 they are supremely comfortable to ride with the tyres providing stability and suspension primarily, together with front fork suspension.
2 they go anywhere with ease. Especially on uneven, soft ground like gravel, sand and snow.
3 they have powerful motors and many assist levels from walk through to break the speed limit.
4 in built rear rack for panniers.
5 mud guards.
6 in built lights front and rear.
7 in built horn.
8 throttle where allowed. Twist grip on the step through model for Mrs P, thumb lever on the step over for Mr P.
9 good range.
10 easily charged in the MH garage.
Yes, they are solidly built and heavy, but they have a motor on them and you don't get older if you don't get wiser!
Mr P has a folding e-bike with 20" wheels primarily for commuting to train station, fold and board, disembark and cycle to the office. Not anywhere near as stable on rough, loose and soft ground, deffo not on beaches. It can fold into a bag for taking on the bus.
In terms of putting in the MH garage, with the large soft tyres (only run at 20psi) they are easy to roll in, we do drop the handle bars for ease. We use a toast rack type cycle rack for each rear wheel, load 1 front in, the second rear in, together with a false crossbar from decathlon to link the 2 seat posts and provide a stable platform. Then bungee to the tie down eyes in the garage rails.
There is further info/discussion here:
Cycle storage inside, any suggestions of models to consider?
Looking for some help in our search for suitable motorhomes, either coachbuilt or PVC. Our requirements are: 2 berth minimum I'm 1.86m (6'1") tall, so bed needs to be reasonably long less than 7m overall length Secure internal storage for 2x road bikes, not folding bikes, so need about...
www.motorhomefun.co.uk
If the toast rack solution is good enough for Mr porky Gareth and Phil to use with there super dooper e-bikes in their mahoosive Morelo, it'll be good enough for the rest of us
Here on Weston Super Mud beach at sunset after 15 miles one evening:
We used small straps to restrain our cycles in their folded position.
If you a trying to fit full size bikes in a garage one option is to fit folding pedals. That and rotating the handlebars can help getting them in and out. E bikes are generally heavier even with removable batteries. You pay more for a lightweight frame but it's worth considering.
If I'm doing some countryside exploring and getting muddy in the woods, I'll take the gravel bike. If I'm throwing myself down some rocky descents and up gnarly climbs, I'll take the mountain bike. If I'm doing city breaks or staying at a site near a town and my wife wants to ride too, or I'm going to be doing some shopping runs, I'll pack the Bromptons. The Brompton is extremely good at what it does. And it's great for security because I can squeeze it inside the van. But it isn't efficient at long distances or anything heavier than well manicured cinder tracks.Depends if you are a cyclist who has a motorhome...that's us..
Or you are a motorhomer who occasionally rides a bike..
Are folding eBikes lighter than rigid, are small wheels better than full size..
- May 26, 2016
- 1,772
- 6,699
- Funster No
- 43,304
- MH
- low profile Elddis
- Exp
- 40 years on and off
You might also want to consider your own personal weight when choosing an electric bike. A lightweight person will make more progress on an electric bike then a heavyweight person will. The heavier you are the more powerful - and more expensive- the bike that you would need.
Subscribers do not see these advertisements
Another thing to be aware of is the legality of motor size and thumb/ twist throttles...many ignore these laws,but have an accident or a plod that hates cyclists and you are driving an uninsured,non approved vehicle etc etc,may be bye bye driving licence.(I was one that ignored the rules (1000 w with twist throttle ...and got away with it) but decided not to risk it any longer...too much to lose...ebikes sold ..125 scooter bought.
Carpmart
LIFE MEMBER
- Apr 11, 2015
- 6,387
- 69,391
- Funster No
- 35,812
- MH
- Laika Ecovip 300
- Exp
- since 1988 with breaks until 2009
Find this interesting as I now have to replace my stolen ebike, so glad I didn't spend a lot on it.
Finding it difficult to find one which suits a 5'er has large wheels doesn't weigh a ton or cost a fortune
Finding it difficult to find one which suits a 5'er has large wheels doesn't weigh a ton or cost a fortune
I am definitely in the motorhomer who occasionally rides a bike group. Have a chassis mounted carrier.Depends if you are a cyclist who has a motorhome...that's us..
Or you are a motorhomer who occasionally rides a bike..
Are folding eBikes lighter than rigid, are small wheels better than full size..
The concern of theft was a major part of why we sold our 2 efolders... hopefully the scoot being bigger and heavier will be less likely to get nicked( I also got one that is considered by dee boys to be not cool)
- Apr 11, 2015
- 6,387
- 69,391
- Funster No
- 35,812
- MH
- Laika Ecovip 300
- Exp
- since 1988 with breaks until 2009
Mine was a right 'girly' looking one, motorbike may be a lot more desirable
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.