Brompton got an electric bike
Discussion
From the company that innovates at the same speed as its bikes lol. I really like it but it costs a small fortune. Seems like they could've packed in more battery in that box but I guess that would weigh more.
https://www.brompton.com/brompton-gbr/uk-store/Bro...
I would've preferred they got the weight down with exotic materials, if it was 6kg I'd probably never put it down. I use my current one so much that I had to get solid tyres for convenience, if it were lighter it would become a daily necessity.
https://www.brompton.com/brompton-gbr/uk-store/Bro...
I would've preferred they got the weight down with exotic materials, if it was 6kg I'd probably never put it down. I use my current one so much that I had to get solid tyres for convenience, if it were lighter it would become a daily necessity.
The price drew a sharp intake of breath but to be expected really. Good quality e-MTBs seem to be a similar premium over the same spec non-electric.
Neat design, and I like that they do a roughly S-bag sized version of the battery bag so you can carry some extra stuff - my Brompton rarely travels without it. Like the idea of USB charge ports in the bag too.
25-50 mile range is plenty, more would be extra weight for little benefit. Looks like the bike itself is around 2kg heavier for the motor, then 2.9kg for the smaller bag.
Neat design, and I like that they do a roughly S-bag sized version of the battery bag so you can carry some extra stuff - my Brompton rarely travels without it. Like the idea of USB charge ports in the bag too.
25-50 mile range is plenty, more would be extra weight for little benefit. Looks like the bike itself is around 2kg heavier for the motor, then 2.9kg for the smaller bag.
Stupeo said:
Interesting the motor is in the front hub, I guess that's the only way they could do it.
Do you have to carry the battery bag separately from the bike thought, when getting on the train etc? Seems a bit of a faff.
To fully fold it, I guess so. Familiar feeling for anyone who rides a regular Brompton with one of their bags though. Do you have to carry the battery bag separately from the bike thought, when getting on the train etc? Seems a bit of a faff.
I imagine the detachable battery bag future proofs the bike, as well as taking some weight from the bike frame which would have made it more awkward to carry. As battery tech improves you will no doubt be able to buy a smaller, lighter battery pack/bag.
Doubt the price will be a bit barrier to them. The limited number of early adopters who are getting specially looked after are effectively going to be extended test riders, though.
Doubt the price will be a bit barrier to them. The limited number of early adopters who are getting specially looked after are effectively going to be extended test riders, though.
ecs said:
I've put a deposit down for one - looking forward to having a test ride on one soon, at least I can make a proper decision on whether to go ahead and actually buy it!
Why are you getting the electric one over a normal one? My Brompton is two years old, does approximately 150 miles a month and is used every day in all weathers. I do want or a need an electric version.
What I would have liked would have been disc brakes and yes they are possible as someone manufacturers a kit to convert the front brake to disc.
I'd like to see optional lighter materials. There is a company making carbon M bars and selling them for £50 on Ebay. Same company also offer a carbon seat post.
Edit: £2700!! Most people think Bromptons are expensive, but I personally think that is way too much of a premium over a standard £1k Brompton.
Edited by bakerstreet on Wednesday 2nd August 13:38
fuzzymonkey said:
What about the Gocycle? Surely that out matches the Brompton and doesn't look as silly?
It doesn't fold like a Brompton though does it? Is that the one where you take the whole bike apart and put it in a case?Tern vektron might be a good competitor as it's a crank drive bosch battery powered folding bike.
Richyboy said:
It doesn't fold like a Brompton though does it? Is that the one where you take the whole bike apart and put it in a case?
Tern vektron might be a good competitor as it's a crank drive bosch battery powered folding bike.
Last electric bike that I'd want to trust is a Tern! Tern vektron might be a good competitor as it's a crank drive bosch battery powered folding bike.
This is a company who couldn't even weld a frame together!
I ran a Tern for a few months. Complete rubbish.
ecs said:
Jimboka said:
ecs said:
The Gocycle looks less ridiculous than the Brompton? Each to their own I guess!
Every other person in London rides a Brompton.Ridiculous? Nobody gives you a second look on one !
OrFrom The Suberbs & bRompton Bovver u?
Every Villlage etc ..
Managed to test ride one today:
This was the first e-bike I've ridden and I was pretty impressed! It takes about half a pedal stroke to get the motor to kick in from stationary and then it accelerates quite nicely.
This bike was the two speed, I think it'd be better as a three speed because it seems to top out quite quickly. I guess this keeps you in the assisted zone (since it's not allowed to give assistance above 15kmh), but I think I'll be speccing mine as a 6 speed when I come to order it (the only options are 2 speed or 6 speed).
I also found that the battery disengages if you ride it over big bumps which shuts the motor down - I found I had to power cycle the thing to get it running again. It can handle smaller bumps just fine though, just don't go jumping it over speed bumps or off kerbs!
This was the first e-bike I've ridden and I was pretty impressed! It takes about half a pedal stroke to get the motor to kick in from stationary and then it accelerates quite nicely.
This bike was the two speed, I think it'd be better as a three speed because it seems to top out quite quickly. I guess this keeps you in the assisted zone (since it's not allowed to give assistance above 15kmh), but I think I'll be speccing mine as a 6 speed when I come to order it (the only options are 2 speed or 6 speed).
I also found that the battery disengages if you ride it over big bumps which shuts the motor down - I found I had to power cycle the thing to get it running again. It can handle smaller bumps just fine though, just don't go jumping it over speed bumps or off kerbs!
ecs said:
Managed to test ride one today:
This was the first e-bike I've ridden and I was pretty impressed! It takes about half a pedal stroke to get the motor to kick in from stationary and then it accelerates quite nicely.
This bike was the two speed, I think it'd be better as a three speed because it seems to top out quite quickly. I guess this keeps you in the assisted zone (since it's not allowed to give assistance above 15kmh), but I think I'll be speccing mine as a 6 speed when I come to order it (the only options are 2 speed or 6 speed).
I also found that the battery disengages if you ride it over big bumps which shuts the motor down - I found I had to power cycle the thing to get it running again. It can handle smaller bumps just fine though, just don't go jumping it over speed bumps or off kerbs!
Why would you buy an electric bike over the normal one? This was the first e-bike I've ridden and I was pretty impressed! It takes about half a pedal stroke to get the motor to kick in from stationary and then it accelerates quite nicely.
This bike was the two speed, I think it'd be better as a three speed because it seems to top out quite quickly. I guess this keeps you in the assisted zone (since it's not allowed to give assistance above 15kmh), but I think I'll be speccing mine as a 6 speed when I come to order it (the only options are 2 speed or 6 speed).
I also found that the battery disengages if you ride it over big bumps which shuts the motor down - I found I had to power cycle the thing to get it running again. It can handle smaller bumps just fine though, just don't go jumping it over speed bumps or off kerbs!
bakerstreet said:
Why would you buy an electric bike over the normal one?
After 15 years of commuting on a CX I bought a Gocycle GS last week - very similar in many ways to the Brompton - powered front wheel - but it is not designed for daily folding - it’s more something you’d dismantle to put in the car for a weekend away.“Why electric” is a good question
It really comes into its own when grinding through city traffic which is a chore at the best of times - the electric boost is welcome for getting up to speed quickly after junctions and other hazards.
Also it’s fun!
I did think buying an electric bike was somehow “cheating” but it really isn’t - it just makes my commute and general nipping around town less stressful and more enjoyable.
bakerstreet said:
ecs said:
Managed to test ride one today:
This was the first e-bike I've ridden and I was pretty impressed! It takes about half a pedal stroke to get the motor to kick in from stationary and then it accelerates quite nicely.
This bike was the two speed, I think it'd be better as a three speed because it seems to top out quite quickly. I guess this keeps you in the assisted zone (since it's not allowed to give assistance above 15kmh), but I think I'll be speccing mine as a 6 speed when I come to order it (the only options are 2 speed or 6 speed).
I also found that the battery disengages if you ride it over big bumps which shuts the motor down - I found I had to power cycle the thing to get it running again. It can handle smaller bumps just fine though, just don't go jumping it over speed bumps or off kerbs!
Why would you buy an electric bike over the normal one? This was the first e-bike I've ridden and I was pretty impressed! It takes about half a pedal stroke to get the motor to kick in from stationary and then it accelerates quite nicely.
This bike was the two speed, I think it'd be better as a three speed because it seems to top out quite quickly. I guess this keeps you in the assisted zone (since it's not allowed to give assistance above 15kmh), but I think I'll be speccing mine as a 6 speed when I come to order it (the only options are 2 speed or 6 speed).
I also found that the battery disengages if you ride it over big bumps which shuts the motor down - I found I had to power cycle the thing to get it running again. It can handle smaller bumps just fine though, just don't go jumping it over speed bumps or off kerbs!
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