Electric's do 'exactly what is says on the tin' i.e will climb moderate hills (1:7) in 1st/2nd gear as if on a level ground. On level roads the 'constant tail wind' effect works nicely.
Range probably better than billed. Do about 20 miles per charge and have yet to see the 1st battery level indicator go out.
Looks nice. Have had genuinely complimentary comments from several passing teenagers.
Weaknesses:
Peripheral equipment, I suspect fitted for the western market, of low quality. Mud guards cheap plastic I suspect designed for another model. Front guard had bracket in the wrong place (reworked). Rear guard not same radius as wheel so reflector pointing skyward. Paint can be scraped off the plastic parts with a finger nail !
6 speed derailure arm collapsed after two weeks. Replacement was only £10 but, comparing it with the original, I suspect that the former was a counterfeit part.
Battery + charger do not behave as described in manual. However with a bit of experimentation (like plugging things in when already switched on) can be made to work.
Summary:
I am reasonably happy with the product but I am a competent electro-mechanical bodger and am viewing it as an interesting hobby, a means of exercise and an alternative to the car for fair weather days .
If you are prepared to take it on under these terms it can provide a lot of fun.
If you want an effortless form of transport electrical propulsion is not there yet ... buy a moped.
If you are a 'greeny' with no practically skills but a belief that you are somehow going to 'save the planet' this not for you, Either it will get dumped and forgoten in the shed or you will end up demanding a refund.
Overall Rating:
(7/10)
The opinions expressed are those of the authors/reviewers only. They do not represent the views of www.pedelecs.co.uk
Comments
Comment #1
(Posted by Ben Essada) Rating
Something I forgot in my original review … early models of this bike were single speed. As of 5/2007 there were still a few around being sold at discount. Make sure you get the model you expect.
Also on re-reading my review was a little harsh. If they can get the QA problems with peripheral components sorted out this has the potential to be a very nice, and cheap, little folder.
Comment #2
(Posted by pat kirby) Rating
Great review Ben. To be fair, the cost of this folding e-bike is (at1/08) just 399 sterling, and for this specification (21kg weight, 18 speed, clever battery & controller housing, F&R suspension etc) this really is outstanding value.
The cost of a Golden motor kit alone is likely to exceed this. I think i've just talked myself into buying one!
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