Looking for a bit of advice

chris301up

Pedelecer
Sep 22, 2009
228
14
My old electric bike is now getting close to the end of its life so was thinking of getting another. I don't have a great deal to spend so have been looking at a E-Life La Grande Platinum folding bike. I notice electric bikes no longer have a separate throttle like my old bike, which is a real shame as this is very useful. I have been trying to find some information on these bikes but don't seem to be getting anywhere. Are these now a discontinued make? Does anyone have any information or reviews on this please?
 

KirstinS

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 5, 2011
3,224
899
Brighton
Hi Chris. Is it the bike or the battery that is ending its life ?

All the same can you advise your budget , however small and your weight and what sort of rising you do ie road, mtb, pootling to the shops etc

I'm sure we can help

Throttles are a greyish area - legal on conversions and illegal on shop bought (but this is simplistic to say the least (

Take a look a woosh for bikes and Brighton ebike for conversions. Woosh also do conversions but major in their own bikes at sensible prices with good customer support. Brighton ebikes are conversion kit specialists. Also with excellent customer supprt
 

chris301up

Pedelecer
Sep 22, 2009
228
14
Hi Kirsten

Well. The bike I currently have is a Chinese one I purchased way back in 2007. Very similar to a Whisper. I've added a rear rack with integral 36 volt battery. It works absolutely fine really but the charge doesn't last very long now. I only use it for the odd trip to the shops and down the pub a couple of nights per week, although I have just sold my motorcycle so may use it a bit more now? I just thought I'd try to find one that is more modern, perhaps a lot lighter and the charge will last longer.
 

chris301up

Pedelecer
Sep 22, 2009
228
14
Thanks Wicky

I only replaced the battery with integral rear rack around 10 - 12 months ago so didn't wish to spend more money on quite an old bike. Hence the reason for my initial question. I could probably sell this on to someone once I get another bike.I just need to know more about E-Life bikes? Whether they are still in business etc..?
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
52,803
30,376
I just need to know more about E-Life bikes? Whether they are still in business etc..?
Chinese e-bikes from the first decade of this millennium were sold by all sorts of outfits under English names they conjured up, cashing in on the growing sales of them.

All but a tiny number of those firms no longer exist and I haven't heard of E-Life in many years.

It's best to start from scratch now with some trial rides. Today's pedelecs are much improved in over a decade and some are much more powerful. In general they are not much lighter though, but with more power that doesn't matter so much.

As Wicky says, let us know your location and budget for us to help with practical suggestions.
.
 

chris301up

Pedelecer
Sep 22, 2009
228
14
Thanks for the info

I'd guessed that E-Life were no longer in business so may give their bikes a miss. I was just looking on the internet for some tips. I have a new(ish) battery so was wondering whether it may be a good idea to maybe get some newer wheels and maybe a better controller, and then modify my existing bike? Something to do over the cold winter months
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
20,126
8,226
60
West Sx RH
E Life is a brand name used and sold on the shopping channel on T.V/Web by Ideal world tv also Ebikes direct.
How about an idea of a budget.
 
  • Informative
Reactions: flecc

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,986
Basildon
Chinese e-bikes from the first decade of this millennium were sold by all sorts of outfits under English names they conjured up, cashing in on the growing sales of them.

All but a tiny number of those firms no longer exist and I haven't heard of E-Life in many years.

It's best to start from scratch now with some trial rides. Today's pedelecs are much improved in over a decade and some are much more powerful. In general they are not much lighter though, but with more power that doesn't matter so much.

As Wicky says, let us know your location and budget for us to help with practical suggestions.
.
E-life bikes are still thriving. I see them on the TV selling channels. They look good value, and the TV channels let you send them back if you don't like them. It looks like E-bikesdirect get their returns.
 
  • Informative
Reactions: flecc

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
52,803
30,376
E-life bikes are still thriving. I see them on the TV selling channels. They look good value, and the TV channels let you send them back if you don't like them. It looks like E-bikesdirect get their returns.
Thanks for the info. I never watch that sort of TV so not surprising I hadn't seen them other than second hand.
.
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,521
16,460
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
E-life bikes are still thriving. I see them on the TV selling channels. They look good value, and the TV channels let you send them back if you don't like them. It looks like E-bikesdirect get their returns.
idealworld.tv don't have them anymore.
Amazon don't have them anymore.
It seems that they don't have assembly in the UK, necessary since the EU imposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese e-bikes.
 

chris301up

Pedelecer
Sep 22, 2009
228
14
Right guys & gals

I have decided to strip down my old bike, repaint and replace the wheels and possibly the motor? In the long run I think this may be my best course of action? Thanks all
 

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,986
Basildon
Right guys & gals

I have decided to strip down my old bike, repaint and replace the wheels and possibly the motor? In the long run I think this may be my best course of action? Thanks all
if you're any good with electrics, a modern controller will absolutely transform your bike for about £70.