panasonic system

[davidw]

I remember reading that you must not attempt to switch on the system whilst pedalling. Does that mean only whilst stationary? What about say a long level or even downhill road where power is not needed, but at the end there is a hill. Can you switch on whilst freewheeling?
On a similar them what about the level of assist. Is it OK to go from standard to boost on the fly - whilst freewheeling if necessary?

 

[musicbooks]

I remember reading that you must not attempt to switch on the system whilst pedalling. Does that mean only whilst stationary? What about say a long level or even downhill road where power is not needed, but at the end there is a hill. Can you switch on whilst freewheeling?
On a similar them what about the level of assist. Is it OK to go from standard to boost on the fly - whilst freewheeling if necessary?

It will switch on OK when moving /freewheeling etc (just don't pedal)
bw
musicbooks

 

[flecc]

Boost levels can be changed at any time without problems.

The only reason for stopping pedalling when switching on is to allow the self diagnostic test to complete. If pedalling is started during that test, the final power level delivered can be wrong and lower than normal.

When the full lights bank goes out, the test is completed and it's safe to switch on power for the best performance in any power mode.
.

 

[JohnInStockie]

I remember seeing a Panasonic folder with this system some time ago, but cant seem to find it now.

Do anyone know of these folders?

 

[jac]

hi biketec make folder using the panasonic system cost about £1600

jim

 

[flecc]

Here it is John. illustrated on BikeTech's UK agent's website, top row centre picture. Panasonic also make a folder and the original UK agent for it was 50cycles years ago, but it's no longer imported, very expensive. The folder versions of the Panasonic unit use a much smaller battery as you'll see, shorter range, and I'm fairly sure the connection system is incompatible with the later large batteries:

Vita Electric

BikeTech's folder is unusual in having two wheel sizes, 18" front and 20" rear.
.

 

[jac]

they seem to have discontinued that folder on vita elecric site and now do a more step through type bike with an 8 or 10 amph battery plus more power like kalkoff but a little more power if you google biketec ch you should get web site with translation

jim

 

[flecc]

they seem to have discontinued that folder on vita elecric site and now do a more step through type bike with an 8 or 10 amph battery plus more power like kalkoff but a little more power if you google biketec ch you should get web site with translation

jim

Yes, they do both diamond and step through full size frame bikes with their peculiar swan neck downtube, and have the same 1.3 times high power mode as Kalkhoff. They also do a C series model with a 1.5 times high power mode, but I'm assured they still do that folder, even though it might not be shown. One interesting point is that it only weighs 18 kilos, not many e-folders as light as that, but it does have a very short frame with saddle and handlebars too close for many.

When Giant discontinued the Lafree series, BikeTech were probably the only company left using the Panasonic unit which they've used for years.
.

 

[Tim]

We first sold this bike way back in 2004, when it was called the WiLL bike, under the Panasonic brand name, with orange/silver livery. We still have one in storage, and plan to check battery compatibility. I believe it was the first bike to go on sale anywhere with a Lithium-based battery.

Though arguably underpowered, they were incredibly reliable and well-liked bikes and we were very pleased to see the same system upgraded and used by Kalkhoff.

 

[davidw]

Boost levels can be changed at any time without problems.

The only reason for stopping pedalling when switching on is to allow the self diagnostic test to complete. If pedalling is started during that test, the final power level delivered can be wrong and lower than normal.

When the full lights bank goes out, the test is completed and it's safe to switch on power for the best performance in any power mode.
.

Thanks for the info. One more bit on this beginner's learning curve now mastered!

 

[JohnInStockie]

Thanks for the info guys, it occurs to me that the title of best electric folder is still available, and I am wondering if this panasonic drive version is a contender. Does anyone have any experience of this type of bike vs the brompton nano andthe like?

 

[davidw]

Thanks for the info. One more bit on this beginner's learning curve now mastered!

Next bit on my learning curve. The light started to flash on the last kilometre coming home this morning. Question: is that the time to give it it's first full recharge, or do I have to wait until there are no lights at all on the display?

 

[flecc]

That's the time David, though it's not at all critical and if you rode another couple of miles on it to get you home, that would also be fine. The main things are the conditioning of all the cell content, and also register the low point for the battery meter.
.

 

[davidw]

That's the time David, though it's not at all critical and if you rode another couple of miles on it to get you home, that would also be fine. The main things are the conditioning of all the cell content, and also register the low point for the battery meter.
.

Flecc
Thanks - as always. What would I, and so many others do without your wisdom and experience so freely passed on!
David