Any folding bikes out there?

[MikeFairbanks]

Not production.

I'm wondering if any of you have converted a folding bike to electric. Clearly weight would be a key issue. It would be interesting to see what people have done.

 

[pacamu]

hi
yes i have last week my tern swoop folder has a q85 on the front wheel
i should post a build page for it.
what a blast a e-folder is.
there are a few good pages here on e-folders where i got a lot of info to help me build mine
paul

 

[MattyCiii]

My mainstay bike is a folder, which started as a regular folding bike that I modified.

I like having a folding bike so much that my next build (Design/build from the ground up) will also be a folder. Folding a bike and putting it on a train, or in a trunk, is incredibly useful.

 

[rojitor]

My building has a tiny elevator, there's no way to use a regular bike so i got a montague x70 and i am very happy with it. In my case is not a light setup yet it is as strong as any other 26" bike.

 

[USAEBIKECO]

We used to sell a folding ebike, but most people would rather have something more solid and larger.

 

[MattyCiii]

Of course how could I forget to mention - Jeremy Harris posted a great thread about research into a good lightweight folder - which turned out to be an excellent build thread:
Lightweight folder - build thread

 

[Popstar]

I have a brief run through of all the parts used in my mxus dahon folder build thread:Popstar’s geared MXUS Dahon Folder

If true carrying while folded is a requirement, put even more thought into battery choice then other e-bikes. My headway 36V 12ah is as bulky as a A123 20ah so you really feel it moving it into a car or train. LIPO is ideal unless the reason you need an e-folder is due to urban use (would you sit next to a stranger with lipo on a train?) and apartment space. I bet a <4kg NCM pack on the rear rack like cell_man's latest would be a good compromise.

For folder conversions, keep in mind that they should be a convenience machine not a speed demon.

-Popstar

 

[23skidoo]

I have about 1000 miles on this $200 bike
http://www.amazon.com/Stowabike-Folding-Suspension-Mountain-Shimano/dp/B006JCUPJY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367287036&sr=8-2&keywords=stowabike

It has a crystalyte 3525 and a backpack battery.

I removed the front derailleur and installed a disc brake on the rear. The steel frame is heavy but easily modified.

The suspension is adequate and appreciated for 20mph on city streets.

The relatively high weight of this bike isn't much of a problem storing it in my office or riding on the train. It's easy to put in the car too. It's a cinch to fold and lock up.

It has a short wheelbase and it's not that comfortable to ride, but it's great for city transport where you want something modest to leave at the curb.

 

[d8veh]

I've got a Dahon Jetstream that I converted. It has a 24v Q100 motor in it that goes pretty well with 12S lipos and 18 amps. These frog batteries are easy to install, and keep it nice and tidy. You can buy just the empty case, and two zippy 8000maH 6s packs just fit inside, or you can buy a ready-made 36v one for a bit less speed/power.

 

[cwah]

My building has a tiny elevator, there's no way to use a regular bike so i got a montague x70 and i am very happy with it. In my case is not a light setup yet it is as strong as any other 26" bike.

Are you folding your montague bike everytime you takes the elevator? It doesn't look quick or easy to fold.

 

[Alan B]

He might only need to open the middle hinge rather than completely fold it to make it fit in the elevator.

The Zootr Swift that Jeremy eventually chose looks like a great choice for a folding ebike as it uses standard bicycle components rather than the special parts that the Dahon and many others use. It also supposedly rides like a fullsize bike instead of a small folding bike. I have one on my list.

That Frog battery case looks good, but BMSBattery charges $15 for the case and $57 for shipping. So is there a better place to get one?