IzzyB

I currently have an Abus steel-O-flex lock, which was great for my previous bike, but my new Freego has smaller wheels and the spokes are much closer together which makes it quite a fiddle to use as it only works on a couple of parts of the wheel where there's a slightly bigger space between the spokes. So I'm thinking of switching to a D-lock (gold security level15 - I need something pretty secure as I'm in Lodon) such as the Abus granit 53 or 54 plus a long strong cable 9Abus or kryptonite) to link in the wheels, battery etc. But my main problem is whether it will fit to the frame anywhere as they come with 2 different types of fixings - obviously there is no crossbar and the location of the battery would prevent using the back post. Of course I could just carry it on the bike rack, but if anyone has any bright ideas I'd like to hear from you. Happy New Year and Happy e-biking! Izzy

It seems that it was the 1st two chargers that were faulty. This one seems to work, and I have just been out for a lovely ride with my fully charged battery - so fingers crossed all is well now thanks, though I'm hoping that perhaps Freego will start my warranty from now - as I've not really had a fully work bike since I bought it in August 2011. Izzy

Hi, Yes, my bike is still going on 2 bars- I rode it yesterday (showing on the handlebar indicator when static) and I expect to continue until it runs out which is what happened with the last one, but the problem is it won't recharge - it is acting as if it is already full (lights on battery show full) and won't accept the charge. I am attempting to recharge before if runs out completely as I need to test whether the replacement battery & charger sent to me by Freego are working. Thanks for your suggestion, I will see if someone can lend me a testing meter, but to be honest I don't expect to be having to do these kinds of test on a brand new battery & charger when I've paid alot of money for the bike. Fortunately I have already had a reply from Freego and they will be trying to sort out the problem when they're back after the Xmas break. IzzyB

Hi JuicyBike, Yes I did try that and it didn't work. Would you believe it Freego have replaced the battery and charger but i'm still having the same problem. I am unable to recharge this battery either, the charger is showing green immediately. So I'm beginning to think the problem is a design fault with the batteries. The charge indicators on the bike handlebars have now gone down to only 2 lights showing, but the indicator lights on the actual battery are still showing full, so communicate with the charger that its still got a full charge. Looks as though I'm going to have to contact Freego again. But it's rather worrying that the exact same fault has occurred on both batteries they've supplied. Any other Freego owners having similar problems? IzzyB

Giant LaFree Twist pedal-assisted electric bicycle £200 I have upgraded to a more powerful folding Freego so am offering this one for sale. It has a step-through silver frame, with 26" wheels, 3 speed gears, back wheel lock, kick stand, dynamo lights, rack, all in very good condition, 2002 model originally purchased in 2005. I am its 2nd owner and bought it in 2007. It is powered by a 24v NiMH rechargeable battery (charger included). The bike has only had very light usage so far as it was not really powerful enough for my disability needs. If you'd like to give it a test ride, you're welcome to come and try it out on the hill near me in South East London. Isobel Bennett

Can anyone explain what is the best way to condition a new battery. Freego have replaced my faulty battery & charger, but the instruction manual is not very clear. It is a 10 ah Li-Ion battery. Am I right in thinking I should run it down completely 3 times beofre just topping up? Thanks, Izzy

Thanks. It wasn't qiute the same problem - the red light came on so it seemed as though it was working, but it never went green and didn't deliver any charge to the battery. It seems the fault is with the battery (tested fuses which were OK). Freego have now contacted me directly and things seem to be moving a bit quicker now. They're delivering a new battery and charger tomorrow, so fingers crossed... I think in future I'll contact Freego directly (though hopefully I won't need to!).

I think this charger must be different from yours, according to ebikes direct this one stays red while charging, and then goes green when charged, even though the label on the charger says R/G. V. confusing. I'm beginning to wish that I'd bought my bike from the e-bike direct shop rather than online as I could have just taken the whole lot in and got it tested sorted sooner. It turns out the charger is OK so I'm now waiting for them to send that back to me and arrange to exchange my battery, as it looks as though the problem may be with the battery. Service is very slow - I've now been nearly 3 weeks without use of my new bike.

That's good to hear Steve. I spoke to Ebikes direct yesterday and they've asked me to send the charger back, so we'll see what happens. Do you find the 'Chinglish' User's Manual for the Freego very unhelpful - it says something different to what is written on the actual charge, with regards to the colour of light that should be showing when the battery is charging? And it doesn't give the info need for explaining the different key positions on the battery, how to take the battery out etc. And it seems to be a joint manual for several bikes including some called Currie bikes. V confusing - had to work it out for myself! I had much better instructions with my Giant. Would be a good idea if the suppliers over here could provide some more understandable instructions.

Hi, I bought a folding Freego a month or so ago and have discovered when I tried to recharge the battery for the first time that the charger is not working. A red light is coming on, but it should then show red/green when it's charging and the green when it's charged. I tried it for six hours and the battery did not accept any charge, and unfortunately it happened while I was away in the New Forest and so rather spoilt my trip as I ran out of power. Obviously I will contact the supplier, Ebikes Direct, for a replacement, but it looks as though something has slipped past the quality control. I don't whether the fault is with the battery or the charger. Has this happened to anyone else, or does anyone else have experience of this company? I ordered the bike online, after having tested it at their shop in Battersea, and it is advertised as coming fully-assembled, but I had to call someone out as it wasn't.

Thanks RoadieRoger, I'll still be using my old lock, a good Abus one. I contacted ETA again and they said if I didn't have the receipt for the lock, I could either take photos of the bike with the lock or get a Replacement Value Certificate for the bike + lock from any bike shop. The Lidl one sounds good, but I wonder if it would be acceptable, the insurance companies are quite specific about what security rating lock you use in relation to the value of the bike. IzzyB

I've had an online quote from ETA for £58 - there seems to be quite a good discount (40%)for folding bikes which mine is. I don't know if that means the bike has to be kept in a folded or partially folded state for it to be valid against theft. They also say when making a claim that you need the original receipt for your padlock, which I don't have. I have a good Abus lock with a Code Card & number - I will be contacting them to see if that is acceptable, otherwise I'd have to buy a new lock to be covered. Izzy

Ah yes, now I see the whole picture it is just like mine! Paula, I believe there is a way of sending private messages to other members, but I'm not sure how to do it. When I 've worked it out I'll contact you privately, or if you work it out first.... I had intended to do an ad in the classified section of the forum but have had a couple of queries already. Izzy

Thanks, Roadie Roger, I'll check out B&Q. What is a shed hasp & staple? IzzyB

I already had my old bike in the communal area, and another resident parks his mobility scooter there, so shouldn't be a problem. Re insurance I think alot of companies cover ordinary bikes as part of contents insurance, but not an electric bike. Did you specify that it was an electric bike Geoff?

PS But not the same as the one in Flecc photo, mine is a ladies model with step through frame: Giant LaFree Twist Lite. Can send you photos if you like. IzzyB

Dear Paulak, You may have noticed a few days ago that I was talking about selling my Giant LaFree Twist (look at the thread entitled "replacement battery for Giant LaFree Twist", which is the one Flecc describes. I'm 5ft 4ins and the seat is currently at 34 ins, but there is room for it to go down another 3 inches at least. Another member has already expressed an interest, but please contact me privately for more details. IzzyB

I've recently bought a new electric bike and was wondering whether anyone can recommend a good insurance company - my home insurance doesn't cover it. It's for a Freego folding ebike which has full throttle. At the moment it's in my flat but I'm hoping eventually to keep it in the communal hallway, but at the moment there is nothing to fix the lock to. I was wondering if anyone knows if you can get some kind of secure wall fixing that I can attach a padlock to? I have a picture in my mind - just a metal ring or something like that - but no idea what it is called or where to buy such a thing. Is there something specific for this purpose or would it be a question of DIY? Thanks, IzzyB

Oh good that's helpful. I was wondering if there was anyway of telling what capacity a battery has other than by guestimate. I'll see if anyone from my ME support group is intereasted, if not I may advertise on this website or ebay. Many thanks, Izzy

Thanks, it's the 3 speed one. It doesn't actually need a new battery yet - it's probably only had 50-100 charges at the most, but obviously may do at some point. I think the original price was around £900.

Thanks Flecc, That's good news. Are you able to suggest a guide price? Light use from 2 careful owners, was thinking £200-£300? IzzyB

Hi, I'm looking to sell on my Giant La Free Twist Lite, 2002 model, bought in 2005 as i've bought a more powerful folder, the Freego, which I'm very pleased with so far - sailing up hills! Although it's only had very light use and is in excellent condition but I just want to check that replacement batteries are still available, as this will influence how much I can expect to sell it for - it'a 24v NiMH battery. I've not had much luck with Giant, put me on endless expensive hold, and no obvious email contact address either. No mention of electric bikes at all on their website. Any suggestions, thanks, IzzyB

Greenedge Blackstar 2 Dear Bode, Thanks for your review of the Greenedge Blackstar 2. Can this bike be used with full throttle, i.e. no pedalling? This is important to me as I have limited leg power, and want to upgrade from a pedelec to a bike with full throttle capacity. Are you still happy with yours? thanks, IzzyB

Hi, I wonder if anyone has any experience of the Green Edge black Star 2 electric folding bike? I need something that will go in the boot of my car easily It's available at Electric Bikes direct in Battersea which would be accessible for me, and has a couple of good reviews on their site. Basically I need to check that it's a proper full throttle bike, as my existing pedelec is not powerful enough for me on hills (as I have a disability). And that it's fairly easy to dismantle, and how small does it fold down to? I know nothing is really as easy & compact as a Brompton, but a Bromptom + electric kit sounds a bit complicated to me! Many thanks if anyone has any good recommendations for a lightweight electric folding bike. best wishes, Isobel

Thanks for the link - very interesting as they are based not too far from me, so would be able to try one. Izzy