Dahon Jetstream P8

[galactico]

evening all!

i've been roaming the forum for a few days now trying to research a conversion for my jetstream p8. i am suffering from information overload and i am still no nearer finding a suitable solution. the bionx system ticks most boxes as it can accommodate my 8 speed gearing(switch to freewheel required though) and the system looks mighty impressive but is just too expensive. i've read that a front wheel motor is not good for the forks on this bike with the suspension but i have found a converted bike done this way by ch whites below

Dahon Jetstream P24

would a front wheel motor be ok and can anyone recommend a kit that will fit? i dont want to be taking a hack saw to the bike to make things fit as its brand new. i really want to pedal as a normal bike but some help up the hills is all i want.

i appreciate any help

regards

paul

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Why not just buy a ready-made electric bike and keep (or sell) your Dahon. IMHO you don't need such a high spec bike when it's electric, so you could get one like this, which costs less than most kits. Somebody on this forum bought one and gave it quite a good review:
New QBP-MK220 20" 6 Speed Electric Folding Bike/Bicycle on eBay (end time 01-Apr-11 14:26:42 BST)
Have a look at this, but I think there has to be a better solution if you want an electric bike:
Endless-sphere.com • View topic - Dahon Jetstream P8, Phoenix Racer, Ping 48v 20ah V2 !!!

 

[NRG]

250w motors in front forks are OK especially if you fit a torque arm to stop the motor axle from spinning in the dropouts. Problems can occur if you go mad and use the more powerful motors where a rear wheel fit would probably be better.

I'm not convinced by the Bionx system, many like it but I think the price is outrageous and I think you get better value and good quality for far less, although maybe not as feature rich. The Sunlova kits have had some good feedback on the forum but there have been some issues with pedelec sensors, for a bit more the Alien has a deservedly good kit for legal road use and perhaps the best overall for choice and quality is the EZee kits. All depends on your price and whatnfeatures you need....

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Paul,

The Dahon Jetsream is a beautiful folding bike, I had one myself for a while, lots of people rave about Bromptons, but for me the wheels are just too small.
Firstly, the Bionx kit can only be fitted to a rear wheel and it is very expensive.

The critical thing about fitting a front wheel motor is the distance between the dropouts and I can understand your reluctance to making irreversible modifications.
Personally, I would recommend an eZee kit, but you would need 100mm between the dropouts and to the best of my recollection they are less than that. A tape measure will confirm this.

Have you also considered a rear motor as shown in the photo below of a Dahon with a rear wheel eZee kit fitted.

​

 

[galactico]

thanks for the replies so far. the front wheel 250w hub sounds a good option but the forks are only about 75mm wide dropouts i think. i really love the bike though and that is more important than the electric assist for me at the moment so i wont be selling and swapping. i will try and research a narrow front motor

 

[Deleted member 4366]

thanks for the replies so far. the front wheel 250w hub sounds a good option but the forks are only about 75mm wide dropouts i think. i really love the bike though and that is more important than the electric assist for me at the moment so i wont be selling and swapping. i will try and research a narrow front motor

BMSbattery sell the Cute motor that's 83mm wide. It should be no problem to spring the forks 8mm to make it fit.
Front Driving - BMSBATTERY
or here's the whole kit. should be less than £150 for the whole kit less the battery inc, shipping:
Q85 250W Front Driving V-Brake E-Bike Kit - BMSBATTERY
When you order, you tell them what wheel size you want. Normally takes 4 - 8 weeks.