Interesting.

[OxygenJames]

An article in the FT no less - about Brompton about to make an electric folder.

Things might be moving forward.......

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8b2bce62-bd1a-11e4-9902-00144feab7de.html?siteedition=uk#axzz3T1WlAphj

 

[shemozzle999]

Funded by TSB

http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/project/67501AC4-96CE-4635-BE9D-C093FF63035B

 

[Deleted member 4366]

How did they get to that figure of £198,795 for funding? Couldn't they have roundet it it to £200,000?

I'm sure if a few of us got together, and they gave us £200,000, we could come up with something pretty good. My next project will be a Brompton. The project parameters are: good assistance, light weight, reasonable range, fold not compromised, £500 cost. I'll start in about 4 weeks. How do I arrange the £200,000 funding. Should I try HSBC, or maybe RBS?

 

[shemozzle999]

Crowd fund it - you will get millions

 

[flecc]

Brompton have been promising a e-folder for years, so I won't hold my breath yet.
.

 

[shemozzle999]

I think this recent email confirms that:

Brompton Technical Support (Brompton Bicycle)

Jan 26, 12:16 PM

Hi xxxxxx
Thanks for getting in touch. I'm afraid that, although our long term goal is to launch an electric Brompton, this is not expected to hit the market for some time. Whilst we cannot prevent customers from using conversion kits in the meantime, we also cannot comment on their functionality. When considering a conversion kit please do be aware that it will in all likelihood void your warranty as the kit will all put stress on the frame that it was not designed for.

Sign up to our eBrompton mailing list to stay up to date with news and announcements, and all the best with finding the bike and kit of your choice.

Kind regards

Joseph

Technical Support Mechanic

 

[shemozzle999]

I was going to suggest a conversion into a 4 wheeled vehicle for 2016 with tractor / detachable trailer (2 wheel balance scooter) setup but I think I will put that on hold

 

[flecc]

Like A to B magazine, which incorporates "The Folder", I believe Brompton don't think a practical e-folder possible at present.

Weight is the main problem, with bulk also in play. A Brompton alone is compact enough but also as much weight as an average person would want to carry. Adding a few kilos of motor, battery and trimmings makes the weight unacceptable to most, also adds bulk and can compromise the fold.

A to B in conjunction with Tony Castles created the Nano-Brompton which was as near as they could get, but the small battery compromised range too much for many and it still amounted to a quite heavy two part package to carry. Not compact, convenient or even practical when someone needs to carry a laptop and personal items as well.
.

 

[shemozzle999]

I think if they could get this to market it could solve the motor problem, although one firm that tried is no long in business and AEG have gone quiet and another is also due for release:

http://dienatronic.imb2b.com/sell/index.php?itemid=38430

As you say the main problem is weight but if a crossbar battery with an integral carrying handle could by designed then it might make it easier to transport.

 

[RobF]

Like A to B magazine, which incorporates "The Folder", I believe Brompton don't think a practical e-folder possible at present.

Weight is the main problem, with bulk also in play. A Brompton alone is compact enough but also as much weight as an average person would want to carry. Adding a few kilos of motor, battery and trimmings makes the weight unacceptable to most, also adds bulk and can compromise the fold.

A to B in conjunction with Tony Castles created the Nano-Brompton which was as near as they could get, but the small battery compromised range too much for many and it still amounted to a quite heavy two part package to carry. Not compact, convenient or even practical when someone needs to carry a laptop and personal items as well.
.

As a Nano owner, I can confirm this is correct.

The weight of the motor and controller wrecks the carrying prospect of a Brompton, which is borderline anyway.

A 10ah battery is, of course, heavy, and it doesn't leave much room in even a big Brommie bag.

The Nano is very nicely engineered, particularly for a kit.

But the weight and bulk of motors and batteries makes an electric Brompton a very difficult problem to solve.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I think this recent email confirms that:

Brompton Technical Support (Brompton Bicycle)

Jan 26, 12:16
When considering a conversion kit please do be aware that it will in all likelihood void your warranty as the kit will all put stress on the frame that it was not designed for.
Kind regards

Joseph

Technical Support Mechanic

I guess that's what you get if you put a mechanic instead of an engineer in charge of technical support.