Dahon Ciao (or similar Step-thru folding bike) conversion

BisterMungle

Finding my (electric) wheels
Mar 14, 2020
9
0
I designed the block adapter sometime ago, based on this one:


I am redoing it at the moment to reduce the 3D printing cost, having a bit of time on my hand this week.


Here are the details of the frog battery:

https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?batteries#smallfrog

The steel metal clip is replaced by a 3D printed piece.
The kit adds about 5kgs to the Brompton.


Another question I meant to ask earlier on...Woosh will also supply appropriate cables for outlets in Germany, correct? I just was a bit uncertain based on what was written on the website. I only saw mention of a UK plug.
 

harrys

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 1, 2016
294
64
73
Chicago, USA
I've converted three 20" folders and one minivello. None of these were intended to be carried around or folded regularly. The smaller bikes were just more convenient to carry to far away places in my car, and my wife like their handling. A Q100H is a little less than 2.3Kg (5 pounds).
Q100H_motor.jpg

I've used the Q100H from BMSbattery.com, and the Aikema 100 from topbikekit.com. No VAT tax in the USA, so a motor is $120 USD shipped. I bought rims and laced them myself. About $200USD for a complete wheel. I had a problem with the Aikema coming in at 138mm O.L.D. with a 7 speed freewheel and my last frame was 135mm and too stiff to be sprung even 3 mm. I do not know if the motor was any different. but the BMSbattery print says their O.L.D. is 134 mm. I was forced to use a 6 speed freewheel on the Aikema . I woudn't get another unless I knew the frame could take it.

I find a 17A or 20A KT controller/display is nice. The square wave models are noisy. Whirrrr.

Two of the bikes run on small 36V10AH bottle batteries. I have managed to do 30 mile rides on them on flat ground, but we rarely go more than 20 miles.
PA210014.JPG

The others use various softsided 36V packs, some custom made and others purchased, which are kept in bags.

I generally used entry level folders as donor bikes. WOuld be nice to have Dahon quality,
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,476
16,421
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
I only saw mention of a UK plug.
you mean the charger's plug?
it's fitted with UK plug, you will need to use an adapter plug or cut it off and fit in a new plug.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BisterMungle

MikelBikel

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 6, 2017
591
285
Ireland
They don't do their own Ciao mid motor conversion any more, but a Mariner instead. Trouble is it starts at 19kg & £1350 with 4Ah Bosch battery.
DSC00508_m.jpeg