Help! Buying online help

Davetaff

Pedelecer
Jul 1, 2021
31
1
Hi all, I'd really appreciate your help. I'm looking to buy a ebike but don't know what to do for the best. I want it for commuting but I need to go up a big hill to get to work. I don't want to be all sweaty when I get in so would like something with power. The route is off road so I would like something with decent power. I've tried a 750watt bike which was ideal, but not sure about the legalities. 250 watt sounds quite low in comparison. I'm 6 ft 2 inch and looking to spend no more than £1.2k. This bike looks good but not sure if it is legit good or not. I'm so sick of looking I will literally buy what someone in the know sends me a link to! Please help.
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,182
6,319
it will do what you want and the right size frame make a £800 offer and cash on collection.
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,517
16,456
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
Is this a good deal? Quite close to me so could collect
it's not a good bike.
It has a heavy direct drive motor, exposed wiring, rides like a motorbike, is inefficient on hills because it lacks a reduction gearbox, hard to pedal without power because it lacks a clutch unit.
Direct drive motors are good for motoring fast on flat roads which is clearly illegal.
Another issue is which cells are in the battery.
Samsung and Panasonic cells are expensive for good reasons.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: flecc

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,182
6,319
why dont you make bikes with the bafang mid drive whoosh as there is a big market and you can fit 250w motors and then up to them to get the programming cable cant see it being a problem if you dont sell that item.

at the end of the day it is costing you a fortune in profit and it is not like anyone else gives a crap anymore just give the customer what they want and you will be rewarded.
 
  • :D
Reactions: Woosh

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,517
16,456
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
at the end of the day it is costing you a fortune in profit and it is not like anyone else gives a crap anymore just give the customer what they want and you will be rewarded.
You know very well that if something bad happens, the insurance companies will go after whoever can pay in their place. Too much hassle for a few sales and anyhow, I much prefer making e-bikes that can still be ridden without power.
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,182
6,319
yet halfords sell scooters for kids to use i can buy what i like on the internet martin can fit dongles and still honer the warranty ect ect.

i can buy a chain saw from b and q are they liable if i run down the road with it and chop ppls heads off no!

and get this i seen a Deliveroo rider on one of these with the box on there back pmsl fkn food will be stone cold!

 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,517
16,456
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
fitting a dongle is different. The bike has been used so there is no clear law regarding retrofitting any add-on such as dongle. When I make a bike, I supply certificate of conformity to EN15194, affix its sticker and have to have product liability insurance. Martin does not do any of this, he does not manufacture anything, he has no worries about product liability insurance.
Suppose the OP buys a 1000W bike from me, his brakes fail and he hurts himself. His lawyers will be onto me like a rash.
 
Last edited:

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,182
6,319
fitting a dongle is different. The bike has been used so there is no clear law regarding retrofitting any add-on such as dongle. When I make a bike, I supply certificate of conformity to EN15194, affix its sticker and have to have product liability insurance. Martin does not do any of this, he does not manufacture anything, he has no worries about product liability insurance.
Suppose the OP buys a 1000W bike from me, his brakes fail and he hurts himself. His lawyers will be onto me like a rash.
you buy parts from china and assemble them and put a sticker on it good for you but i will still be able to bypass the speed limit like every other bike bar mine cos i need a 3rd party dongle.

i get where you are coming from but it is costing you money at the end of the day im sure you could pump out 250w bafang mid drives out at 1500 quid per bike on mass just from the ppl wanting delivery ebikes and speedy service!
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,182
6,319
would anyone buy a ebike that was limited to 15.5mph ?

 

StuartsProjects

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 9, 2021
1,689
951
You know very well that if something bad happens, the insurance companies will go after whoever can pay in their place. Too much hassle for a few sales and anyhow, I much prefer making e-bikes that can still be ridden without power.
Not just the obvious insurance issue, imagine an accident caused by an illegal bike that a particular company had sold. It could be round social media in minutes and business ruined;

"Illegal bike sold by xxxxxxx causes serious accident".
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Woosh

wheeliepete

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 28, 2016
2,047
755
60
Devon
What do you suggest? I would go with the NCM Moscow because I can derestrict, but it is out of stock. I need a bike that matches my criteria and is in stock. If you have a recommendation, then please say.
Did you read post #41 on this thread? It pretty much tells you what you need to match your criteria.
 

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,986
Basildon
If you go the BBSHD route, a 48v set will cost about £1200. Don't skimp on the battery or you'll be buying another one very soon. You need one than can give 25 amps continuously. You'll also need the gear sensor to avoid smashing your derailleur and gears. I fitted a 52v version several years ago. Total cost was about £1300 direct from Hong Kong. You should look or a donor bike with a strong triangulated frame and hydraulic disc brakes - normally about £150 - £250 used or around £400 new. Try and get one with decent front suspension. It makes a big differnce when you go over 20 mph.

Personally, if I were going the kit route, I'd get a 48v 328 rpm Q128 and 20 amp KT controller and a suitable 48v battery. The total price would be about £700 to £800 and it gives a much more reliable and durable system with lower running costs and a better riding experience. You can fit that to a cheap MTB with cheap gears.
 

Davetaff

Pedelecer
Jul 1, 2021
31
1
If you go the BBSHD route,

Personally, if I were going the kit route, I'd get a 48v 328 rpm Q128 and 20 amp KT controller
Okay, so I've googled what all the acronyms etc mean... :confused:, and it seems you are advocating getting a rear wheel drive rather than a mid-drive motor..?

I've found some local custom ebike build shops so I'm going to email them to ask if they can build me a bike to those specs.

"ebike with a 48v 328 rpm Q128 and 20 amp KT controller and a suitable 48v battery, with a strong triangulated frame and hydraulic disc brakes and decent front suspension for a 6'2 rider".

Does all that sound okay (as you've already guessed, I'm a complete novice with bikes)

Seems some of the shops I can claim on my 'ride to work scheme' so will get it at a bit of a discount hopefully.

Thanks for you help
 

Davetaff

Pedelecer
Jul 1, 2021
31
1
Personally, if I were going the kit route, I'd get a 48v 328 rpm Q128 and 20 amp KT controller and a suitable 48v battery. The total price would be about £700 to £800 and it gives a much more reliable and durable system with lower running costs and a better riding experience. You can fit that to a cheap MTB with cheap gears.
Does this not fit the bill?
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
52,803
30,375
Does this not fit the bill?
No, read again what VFR400 posted on this link

and two of us agreed with. He's right, that sort of direct drive motor is good for speed but not for climbing and you'll soon fall out of love with the way it works.
.
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
16,182
6,319