Which Lightweight folding e-bike?
 

I am a senior woman and want to buy a lightweight folding e-bike. The bike will need to fit into an awkward garage space in my motorhome. I will have to lift it and turn it on its side to fit into the space. I tried a 22kg but too heavy and when folded the wheels flapped about. I'm in UK and would prefer to see/try before buying. I like 20" wheels, will mount a basket on the front, a 'step through' and with suspension.Any suggestions? Thank you for any help - I'm exhausted searching the internet:foo:

I would suggest Brompton, but their bikes are not suspended and probably at your weight limit. You may need to find the lightest bike possible (Tern?) and convert it with something like a Leeds PBJ kit (seven pounds). Since you're in the UK, also ask at pedelecs.co.uk.

If you know someone planning a trip to the US (or you feel like taking a vacation) I highly recommend the Bike Friday pakiT. It is custom sized and configured. I am 69 years old, female, and also have issues with lifting. I configured mine so I could easily carry it up and down steps to our transit stations - my bike is just at 19lbs right now, including saddle and pedals but not including electric parts. That's with 8 speeds. You can go up or down on weight by adjusting your component selection/component costs and you can also get internal hub gearing if you prefer. But the cost of ordering and shipping to the UK (what's up with Brexit?) may be prohibitive, thus I suggest finding a traveler to pack it in a suitcase (easily done) and bring it as a "used" bike. Their electric bike option is certified for airplane travel, the batteries split into acceptable sizes. It adds about 10 pounds for the electric setup. For myself, I prefer using a friction drive (not much rain here) as it only adds around 5 lbs to the overall weight of the bike. I believe you have Add-e in Austria and Velospeed as wel over there. Hub motors are heavier.

Thank you 2old and linberl

What a quick response! I think you're all far more advanced than me in this bike-world so some of what you suggested was over my head (re covert etc) - I'll try to learn. I'm really looking for something I can 'buy off the shelf' . The bike I tried was Alpine Compact - lovely bike with securing wheel magnets, but too heavy. I also tried Volt compact which was slightly better but very unwieldy to lift and place. I've been looking at 'Wallet' by Cyclocity. Any good? I'll look at Tern and the others you suggest. Sounds like there are better options in USA but don't have anyone to assist - pity.

Check out Vello bikes from Austria.

Thanks for suggestions. Have just contacted Woosh but Woosh Gallego is discontinued. Looked at GoCycle but its over my budget. Thanks again

I'm finding lots of reviews - some good, some bad for Vello+, and a lot of campaign raising but no UK company that have them in stock to buy or see?

bespoke builds
 

Bike Friday does eBikes too .. functionally a Step Thru, too

Diamond 24 is their heavy rider bike , Mid Drive conversions will get you up mountains..

want suspension ? add a mid drive BB mount motor to a Moulton ..

Local bike shop has been fitting motors on MTB for Hunters .. for years..


Bike Friday is represented in UK in Bath.., last I read..


Brompton sells an electric front hub driven Folding Bike,
Made in London UK ..






....

https://www.cyclerepublic.com/bikes/...base-pack.html

36 lbs and you can probably drop it a bit by putting on a super light saddle and pedals and handlebar.

The GOCycle is beautifully designed and executed if it's within your cost range. I've seen both the expensive and less expensive models and both look excellent.

Vello is a beautiful bike, but their claims that you can ride w/o ever charging it stretches the truth and I refuse to believe anything else they say.

The wheels pop off the gocycle. If that's worth $20 every time you have to lift it into your motorhome, in two years with one ride per week, it's paid for the higher price My folders (electric) only travel inside a minivan for a few weeks in the winter. They're still quite bulky even though they're under 35 pounds with battery removed.

Wow there is a huge range out there these days i was getting lost in all the choice myself. I did find this little site though that seems to focus on folding electric bikes. Seems like a cheaper range of brands reviewed. If anything it may help you narrow down the choices,

It did have some reviews that meet your requirements (The 20" wheel size, basket, step through frame, suspension). Not sure if you could test ride one though would need to check if your local bike shop stocks any of them.

Sorry Stebo but thats an ad for some cheap Chinese machines.

Bicycles.com has an article with a top ten that actually lists OK bikes.

-SP

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...01639ab4ce.png

thats strange, all i see on the front page is this....

Heres your link Stebo. It was the second one down using google.

https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear...lding-e-bikes/

The Carbo folding ebike looks promising at 13 kg. It's an Indiegogo project, so you should probably wait for user reviews before purchasing. It's also less expensive than Vello.

I've been in the market for a lightweight folding ebike as well. Here are some that caught my eye:

• Ahooga Folding Bike
  • multiple battery size options
  • in Europe but not in UK yet (their website says coming to UK soon)
  • 15 kgs
• Furo X
  • this was a crowdfunded bike on Indiegogo in 2017 but seems to be on the market now
  • from London
  • 15 kgs
• Carbo (already mentioned)
• GoCycle GX (already mentioned)
• Vello Bike+ (already mentioned)

I really like the Vello but I'm not sure if the max speed can be adjusted for US standards, so I'll probably go with the Furo or Carbo.

(I tried adding links but I guess I'm too new!)

You might want to add Oragami Firefly. It is similar to Furo but a mid drive, which is big advantage. There is not a lot of information on the sight but the owner sometimes answers posts for information in the the Folding Group.

I considered the Origami Firefly as well (www.origamibicycles.com/product/firefly/) but I haven't been able to find additional information such as who makes the motors.

P.S. Schwinnsta , it looks like you may have linked to the wrong thing by accident ;)

UPDATE. Thanks to all who replied. I finally chose a Juicy Folding Compact Plus. Light enough to lift and fits in the garage space of motorhome. 20" wheels and very easy to fold. Also added a 'Buddy' dog carrier which locks onto the rear wheel carrier with a wired dome to protect my little passenger. Thank you for all the advice.