I dont commute - it's just my main transport, if I drive I park and have to walk from where I parked (hopefully I'll apply and get a disabled badge soon)

I cycle everywhere most people drive or walk, dentist, doctor, shopping, visiting, work appts (tho I work from home) and generally life

 

I sometimes do 3 or 4 short 3-4 miles in a day

 

The longer is when I go away as where I camp I don't always have hook up, so I'd range is the problem - guess I don't travel so far when I go away - to enable me to have a life going forward doing my little short trips

 

(& I lied I'm 75kgs)

(& I lied I'm 75kgs)

 

Well that rules the Dahon Dove, Sweet Pea, and jury duty out... but not the Dahon Curve front hub conversion with a big battery, or big batteried BBS01B coversions of Piccolo or Presto Lite, with their 100kg - 105kg rider weight limits, or Bromptons. Bear in mind that the shorter frames may require you to step over the horizontally mounted high capacity 19.2Ah/691Wh downtube battery, making them not so low step over - but that's if you don't want to settle for a bike which doesn't have long range, of 40+ miles. It would certainly be easier and cheaper for you, if you could manage to heave about a somewhat rear heavy 20" wheeled 20kg bike, with about 20 mile range. Of course any bike with heavily filled pannier bags on the rear rack, will be rear heavy regardless of where it's unladen center of gravity is. Perticlularly if filled with cat litter, even the "lightweight" stuff.

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by guerney

Cafes and pubs are good for charging. Wetherspoons is a reliable backstop.

if you could manage to heave about a somewhat rear heavy 20" wheeled 20kg bike, with about 20 mile range.

if you were talking about the Rambletta, it's 20kg heavy but not rear heavy, the battery and the motor are roughly equal in weight (2.7-2.8kgs) and placed equidistant from the bottom bracket, the centre of gravity is pretty ideally placed, near the bottom bracket. It's more like an emtb and very unlike a bike with rack battery and rear hub motor like her old Crusa.

The 36V 12AH are made with 10S3P Samsung INR 18650-30E, 432WH. It should do 40 miles for an average rider, about 30 miles to be on the safe side. If the OP wants to consider the Rambletta, she would need to recharge at mid point to avoid range anxiety. There are two reasons why I am not keen to recommend the Rambletta to her, the 40 miles ride in a day and I am about to run out of stock anyway. The next batch is months away due to the current wave of selling offs by those who want to pull out of the market place.

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by Woosh

Katy we use our bikes in much the same way. I take mine out in all weathers but if you can avoid cold and high winds that'll reduce the weather factor and hence weight.

 

If you have to carry a charger (can't leave one at a destination) that's half a kilo. For light weight we should probably design around your everyday needs and you take an extra battery (spendy) when camping.

Cafes and pubs are good for charging. Wetherspoons is a reliable backstop.

Do they generally let you take the battery in or do you run a long extension through a window? I made one up with a tough sleeve for that. Do customers ever freak out and what do you say to them?

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by AntonyC

Katy we use our bikes in much the same way. I take mine out in all weathers but if you can avoid cold and high winds that'll reduce the weather factor and hence weight.

 

If you have to carry a charger (can't leave one at a destination) that's half a kilo. For light weight we should probably design around your everyday needs and you take an extra battery (spendy) when camping.

 

Do they generally let you take the battery in or do you run a long extension through a window? I made one up with a tough sleeve for that. Do customers ever freak out and what do you say to them?

On long, multiday trips, charging time is critical, so my gear is preorganised to get started asap. Most people won't need to go this far!

 

A four way short extension lead with my two chargers plugged in one side, and two USB-c chargers the other for camera and phone, all leads tidy and secured with velcro straps. 4.6A chargers, not the basic 1.8A. Time matters.

 

I carry in my two batteries, and the charger bundle, and ask for permission to 'charge while I have a meal and a pot of tea', never just 'can I charge, please'. There's a decent payout for them, which dwarfs the electricity cost.

 

My gear is all bonafide Shimano, clean, undamaged and with reassuring manufacturer's labelling. I have only been challenged once on safety grounds, and that was sufficient explanation as to why it was safe.

 

I only need charging in the 'winter' half of the year, and my riding is in the north and west, so I am not 'in the way' at busy times in busy places.

 

But the main key to success is accepting that 'no' is a perfectly reasonable answer, making that clear at the outset and just being polite. I have been charged for charging once, by a formidable Scottish cafe proprietor, but only had a refusal when no power point was available, or a junior staff member was unsure and the manager was not available.

 

Over time I have acquired local knowledge of charging locations on the routes I have used, and confidence that there is always an answer to be found.

 

 

Customers and indeed staff are generally interested or amazed at the very idea of an ebike on a journey of hundreds of miles, so helpful rather than worried.

That's exemplary... and I can imagine that having a great story to tell helps too!

I have only been challenged once on safety grounds, and that was sufficient explanation as to why it was safe.

I'm keen to hear how you deal with that. I could let lunch go cold talking tech, the skill is not to do that but to know what people want to hear.

 

Edit: I meant _need_ to hear factually, sorry, I wasn't being cynical.

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by AntonyC

Poor Katy. All she wants is a suitable bike. Her head is about to explode with all the mostly trash posted here. How does she know what's relevant? Much of what's been posted is ridiculous.

Poor Katy. All she wants is a suitable bike. Her head is about to explode with all the mostly trash posted here. How does she know what's relevant? Much of what's been posted is ridiculous.

 

If none of the pre-made bikes suit her, a conversion might. Best she try a few out.

I know what I don't want (I already have that)

 

I need a low step through, with shedloads of power to take me not very fast, everywhere, even up hills

 

I needs to be light, with big wheels, suspension, very sit up and beg

 

Take a look at the Woosh Santana3

 

https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?santana3

 

 

The Santana3 is smaller than the Crusa, very comfortable, stiffer frame, better brakes, 30% more power, 30% more range, easy pedalling and also a little lighter. This is a bike that you can ride 40 miles without stopping if you must.

We currently supply the Santana3 with free upgrade from 15AH to17AH battery.

Take a look at the Woosh Santana3

 

https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?santana3

 

 

The Santana3 is smaller than the Crusa, very comfortable, stiffer frame, better brakes, 30% more power, 30% more range, easy pedalling and also a little lighter. This is a bike that you can ride 40 miles without stopping if you must.

We currently supply the Santana3 with free upgrade from 15AH to17AH battery.

that's pretty average for a step through bike with 17AH or 20AH battery. The single tube step through frame is about 0.5kg heavier compared to the double tube Crusa frame, the high capacity battery is about 1kg heavier than the Crusa 13AH battery. You also have the NEX fork (2.7kgs) about 0.7kg heavier than the Crusa steel fork. The rest is about the same: propstand (about 1kg on its own), rack, mudguards, chainguard, lights, bell. If you want to make the bike lighter, you can replace the Suntour NEX fork (2.7kgs) with Rockshox Recon Silver TK Solo Air 2.16kgs) to save 0.5kg. Compared to the Crusa, what you gain is comfort, ride quality, power and range.

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by Woosh

that's pretty average for a step through bike with 17AH or 20AH battery. The sterp through frame is about 0.5kg heavier, you also have the NEX fork (2.7kgs), propstand (about 1kg on its own), rack, mudguards, chainguard, lights, bell. If you want to make the bike lighter, you can replace the Suntour NEX fork (2.7kgs) with Rockshox Recon Silver TK Solo Air 2.16kgs) to save 0.5kg.

The crusa is about 25kg

The crusa is too heavy and all the weight is at the back so it's unstable when I walk with it or load it on the train

The centre of gravity is a problem too

The centre of gravity: I agree that hasn't changed. If that's a big issue, a front basket would balance the weight. The issue with the Crusa is it's an American sized bike with wide handlebars, 28" wheels with ballon tyres. It can feel unwieldly if you are less than 6ft tall.

The Santana3 feels a lot more compact(front to rear about 1.7m, the battery is somewhat more tucked in), 68cm wide handlebars, 26" wheels, easily handled by 5ft2-6ft riders.

There are limits to what current technology can offer, even with a large budget. Katy needs a step-through frame, large wheels, large margin on range and a throttle in case she can't pedal normally, extra reliability because it will be her main transport. The Santana3 is really a big improvement over her old Crusa on power, range and manoeuvrability.

The disabled lady already has a heavy whoosh bike. The able bodied rarely understand disabilities.

 

You are most welcome to suggest something more suitable.

Lightweight EAPC in general for the masses don't exsist , let alone for soemone with some knd of dissability/impairment. It is worse when that dissability/impairment involves lack of muscle power, stamina or just weakness due to severe repiratory issuues.

The need for extra power and range to overcome the short comings that a dissabled/impaired rider requires all add weight .

 

Though lighter weight EAPC's do exist they are aimed at the fitter /lighter rider using lighter weight materials and components who need minimal assistance.

One main component is the battery that tends to be quite small cappcitiy wise and approx. 2kg -2.5kg lighter then most batteries. Also these bikes will be lighter by having no mud guards, heavy suspension , racks. Lighter rims and wheel sets will be used and skinny lighter tyres.

 

For an impaired person, weight such as carrying, lifting or manouvering heavy items doesn't practically go in hand as balance is often involved.

One reason why trikes or quad wheeled vehicles are used.

 

Any bike is going to need compromise , the issue is Katy still want's a big wheeled bike that alone makes manouvering a little more awkward then small wheels.

Problem is small wheels often means a bike is still heavier as other areas are stiffened up to compensate for size, safety & reliability.

The weight saving for large wheeled vs small wheeled is very little.

Edited March 13, 20242 yr by Nealh

If I ever manage to score a Dahon Presto SL (the SL has a derailleur), I'll throw on a BBS01B kit. Here's a fully loaded Presto Light at 11kg. Wheelbase is 3in shorter than my Helios, but longer than their newer bikes. If throttles become legal after the government consultation, it'll be a 11kg + 5.6kg BBS01B + 3.6kg 19.2Ah/691Wh battery = 20.2kg epic fast hill climbing folding commuter moped with 43+ mile range. Heavier with a derailleur by a bit, laughing in the face of the hideous green congealed snot coloured Rambletta frog bike with it's small low range battery and comparatively puny motor system.

 

https://foldingbike.biz/Dahon-Custom-Built-Prestolite/Yeah-D3-Brushed-Aluminium

 

Edited March 13, 20242 yr by guerney

I have a converted gravel bike thta comes in at 13.5kg , the kit in all is only 2.5kg approx. but it is wholly unsuitable for a dissabled/impaired rider.

A step thru bike simply doesn't exsist that is as light because of extra stiffening elsewhere to ensure the bike is safe and this adds to the weight. For the masses expensive and cheap don't go together and if any are found or made will be for a niche market.

This 17.5 kg Fiido looks intriguing, low step over, but tiny wheels. 7.8Ah/280.8Wh battery, so it's also low range:

 

https://uk.fiido.com/products/fiido-d3-pro-mini-electric-bike?sscid=31k8_e3qtb&

Edited March 13, 20242 yr by guerney

This 17.5 kg Fiido looks intriguing, low step over, but tiny wheels. Low range too:

 

https://uk.fiido.com/products/fiido-d3-pro-mini-electric-bike?sscid=31k8_e3qtb&

 

Exactly all the merits that Katy doesn't want , why she doesn't want small wheels to try and make life a bit easier we don't know but the main issue apart from the bike wheel size and type is range anxiety so the need for a heavier battery.

It matters not if a battery is 36v 10s 5p and of 11, 13, 15 or 17.5 ah , the battery weight will be exactly the same bar the odd gram. The only weight saved is a 200- 300 grams if 10s 4pis used.

Exactly all the merits that Katy doesn't want , why she doesn't want small wheels to try and make life a bit easier we don't know but the main issue apart from the bike wheel size and type is range anxiety so the need for a heavier battery.

It matters not if a battery is 36v 10s 5p and of 11, 13, 15 or 17.5 ah , the battery weight will be exactly the same bar the odd gram. The only weight saved is a 200- 300 grams if 10s 4pis used.

 

Oh well, maybe someone else will come up with something which ticks all of the boxes on her requirements list.

This 17.5 kg Fiido looks intriguing, low step over, but tiny wheels. 7.8Ah/280.8Wh battery, so it's also low range:

 

https://uk.fiido.com/products/fiido-d3-pro-mini-electric-bike?sscid=31k8_e3qtb&

 

It is a bit lighter , though with a tiddly 7.8ah/280wh battery a couple of kg have been saved, but the claimed range for said battery is nowhere good enough for an impaired rider who will be using it most likely at full power. It would likely get Katy as far as 15 miles before recharging is needed.

 

Although I have asthma , It doesn't affect me riding so I can get away with using very low power (PAS1) 13% power of 22a on flat terrain, I can manage 30 miles from a 6ah/260wh battery.

Sadly far from helping Katy in the most part sensible options aren't being suggested and replies certainly aren't taking in to account that the assistance she needs is pretty much max power to over come the lack of stamina/muscle input .

Weight wise there are few choices for big wheeled step thru bikes and most will be at least 22kg.

For 40 miles on mostly full power we will be looking at 15ah /540wh or 17.5ah/630ah batteries.

Sadly far from helping Katy in the most part sensible options aren't being suggested and replies certainly aren't taking in to account that the assistance she needs is pretty much max power to over come the lack of stamina/muscle input .

Weight wise there are few choices for big wheeled step thru bikes and most will be at least 22kg.

For 40 miles on mostly full power we will be looking at 15ah /540wh or 17.5ah/630ah batteries.

 

She did say a bike for short trips could be ok.

 

I sometimes do 3 or 4 short 3-4 miles in a day

 

The longer is when I go away as where I camp I don't always have hook up, so I'd range is the problem - guess I don't travel so far when I go away - to enable me to have a life going forward doing my little short trips

 

(& I lied I'm 75kgs)