Our New Folding - Micro Light Cargo eBike!

 

We are very proud to announce the new Tailwind 806 will be launched at the Camping Show on Tuesday next week. We have worked long and hard on this bike, moving the battery from the original in-frame design to behind the seat post and finally realising that the best place for an easy access low step through folding bike is in the rear rack.

 

The rack on this little bike is longer, stronger and higher than on the old model enabling our customers to fit panniers, child seats etc without obstructing pedal rotation.

 

And it's a folder so no cheap copies coming in from China!

 

The blue bike shown has the Venture pack fitted, Schwalbe 365 all weather tyres, Tanus run flat inserts and a front rack.

 

360Wh and 720Wh Eve Celled batteries with smart BMS.

 

Here area few sneak peek images.

 

We have the first 500 on the way from Taiwan for April and May and have sold more than half on preorders.

 

From £1,599 to £2,499 for the fully loaded version,

 

All the best, David

 

 

 

 

 

Five x Torque Sensor settings and one Cadence Sensor only setting on the Encore model

 

 

 

Edited February 14, 20251 yr by Wisper Bikes

It's great to see a handle near the fold, often overlooked necessity is handles on folding bikes - my Dahon Helios folding bike doesn't need a handgrip, because the tubing of the reinforcement bar over the hinge which splits to form a handle when the bike is folded, is thick enough to not cause pain when lifting. Unless this new bike weighs rather less than 10kg, I suggest a thicker handgrip would provide greater handling comfort when heaving it about. Silicone handgrips don't cost much, I use these for my extremely heavy shopping bags, I double them up because they're a bit thin:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LWWV57R

 

There's bound to be something more suitable for your new bike on far eastern online souks. A 25mm(?) diameter nylon cylinder with a split along it, which the handle clips into?

Edited February 14, 20251 yr by guerney

Great design David. I'm a firm fan of rear hub motor with rear battery and rack and don't understand the rear weight objections with smaller wheel folders. The years with my own Ezee derived adapted Q bike proved the usefulness of such long wheelbase small cargo bikes for weight carrying and even towing.

.

My gripe would be panniers sitting over top of the battery , personaly I would prefer the panniers to be as low as possible even with small wheels.

Nothing wrong with a behind the seat battery placement for abike like this.

https://www.hercules-bikes.de/gb-en/produkt/hercules-futura-compact-f8-20-zoll-2023-kompakt?FARB=FARB_C6EY3X93&AKLW=AKLW_5cc42026&RHOE=RHOE_47

I found these models a long time ago and bookmarked them, although I will never afford one. With a front hub motor the price would come down a lot. It has a 'normal' steering setup and comfortable bars. Hub gears and front rack mounting on the steerer tube, to avoid all that swaying about. Also, a steering stabiliser spring. Central battery to keep the weight in the right place. I realise the Wisper frame is longer, but that all can be sorted at the design stage. I don't think I have suggested anything that would cost a lot. As I say, it's all in the design. I've tried to be constructive, not critical.

My gripe would be panniers sitting over top of the battery , personaly I would prefer the panniers to be as low as possible even with small wheels.

 

I've got that battery arrangement on my 20" wheeled folder, and balance was only a problem when I stopped at lights and the bike lent over while I was carrying about 20kg+ of veg in the pannier bags, had to keep a firm hold to stop the bike toppling over, and it needed heaving over to get straight to start off again. Apart from gold bars, it'd be tough getting 20kg of anything into the small bags on this bike, so I don't reckon balance be much of a similar issue. My cheapo pannier bags have substantially larger volume, and are tapered on one side at the bottom, so my heels don't kick them as I pedal. Those bags simply look short and narrow. A cargo bike should have bags more suitable for cargo. Those things are deffo too diddy.

Edited February 14, 20251 yr by guerney

https://www.hercules-bikes.de/gb-en/produkt/hercules-futura-compact-f8-20-zoll-2023-kompakt?FARB=FARB_C6EY3X93&AKLW=AKLW_5cc42026&RHOE=RHOE_47

I found these models a long time ago and bookmarked them, although I will never afford one. With a front hub motor the price would come down a lot. It has a 'normal' steering setup and comfortable bars. Hub gears and front rack mounting on the steerer tube, to avoid all that swaying about. Also, a steering stabiliser spring. Central battery to keep the weight in the right place. I realise the Wisper frame is longer, but that all can be sorted at the design stage. I don't think I have suggested anything that would cost a lot. As I say, it's all in the design. I've tried to be constructive, not critical.

https://www.hercules-bikes.de/gb-en/produkt/hercules-rob-fold-r8-2024-faltrahmen?FARB=FARB_YGZ3RWSG&AKLW=AKLW_5cc42026&RHOE=RHOE_50

I think I posted the wrong machine. This one is closer.

For a proper cargo bike with small wheels , I envisage a smaller version of my Kona Ute and having a longer wheel base beyond the seatpost to accomodate more cargo. Such as being able to mount four rear panniers if a larger all in one bespoke model isn't available.

Edited February 14, 20251 yr by Nealh

How long is this bike? Legs of kids grow alarmingly quickly. A longer rack would also accommodate kids of all ages with longer legs. Can foot rests be installed for the passenger(s)? An opportunity missed if not.

Does this bike have a thru axle at the back? That'd be useful for hauling very heavy trailers. QR axles can be yanked out by hitches:

 

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/heaviest-haul-with-the-homcom-trailer-so-far.43921/#post-661817

 

Is there demand for lightweight cargo bikes? I imagine when people shop for a ready-made cargo bike, cargo carrying capability is the foremost consideration: heavy and voluminous shopping , pets, rapidly growing obese children etc. Utility beyond light shopping and the nursery run might be more useful to buyers?

 

I'd like to see fat tyred 20" wheels, long wheelbase, a longer and stronger rack, passenger footrest option, powerful mid-drive, large and capable batttery, thru axles on the Tailwind Cargo 807, prettier and more powerful than this:

 

https://engwe-bikes-uk.com/products/le20

Edited February 16, 20251 yr by guerney

Does this bike have a thru axle at the back? That'd be useful for hauling very heavy trailers. QR axles can be yanked out by hitches:

 

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/heaviest-haul-with-the-homcom-trailer-so-far.43921/#post-661817

 

Is there demand for lightweight cargo bikes? I imagine when people shop for a ready-made cargo bike, cargo carrying capability is the foremost consideration: heavy and voluminous shopping , pets, rapidly growing obese children etc. Utility beyond light shopping and the nursery run might be more useful to buyers?

 

I'd like to see fat tyred 20" wheels, long wheelbase, a longer and stronger rack, passenger footrest option, powerful mid-drive, large and capable batttery, thru axles on the Tailwind Cargo 807, prettier and more powerful than this:

 

https://engwe-bikes-uk.com/products/le20

I think there is a market for doublehingedultralongwheelbase folding cargo bikes that weigh less than a Brompton and fold as small.

Edited February 16, 20251 yr by matthewslack

Does this bike have a thru axle at the back? That'd be useful for hauling very heavy trailers. QR axles can be yanked out by hitches:

 

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/heaviest-haul-with-the-homcom-trailer-so-far.43921/#post-661817

 

Is there demand for lightweight cargo bikes? I imagine when people shop for a ready-made cargo bike, cargo carrying capability is the foremost consideration: heavy and voluminous shopping , pets, rapidly growing obese children etc. Utility beyond light shopping and the nursery run might be more useful to buyers?

 

I'd like to see fat tyred 20" wheels, long wheelbase, a longer and stronger rack, passenger footrest option, powerful mid-drive, large and capable batttery, thru axles on the Tailwind Cargo 807, prettier and more powerful than this:

 

https://engwe-bikes-uk.com/products/le20

 

All good points.

 

Our bike is a micro, light weight, folding cargo. It’s aimed at those with Motorhomes, Caravans etc and others who need a small light folding bike but use it to go shopping. It had to be as short a wheel base as our existing 806, but with more load carrying capability. It’s only 7kg front and 25kg rear, it has not been designed to be a full load carrying cargo.

 

The rack has been designed to be high enough to fit panniers without big feet fouling rotation which is an issue with most small wheeled folders including our existing 806.

 

The kids seat will comfortably take the largest Thule seat, again without fouling the pedals. Bigger kids may be an issue! I’ll check it out for you.

 

I should repeat that we have already sold out of the first 40’ high cube container. Not bad in Dec and Jan during our worst trading year for Ebikes ever.

 

All the best, David

Edited February 16, 20251 yr by Wisper Bikes

A cargo bike should have bags more suitable for cargo.

 

Like mine:

 

I think there's a market for longwheelbasedoublehingedfolders that weigh l

 

I think there is a market for doublehingedultralongwheelbase folding cargo bikes that weigh less than a Brompton and fold as small.

 

A Brompton (patent expired)-similar double fold would rule out a mid-drive, couldn't be front hub motored either. Bloody powerful rear hub motor, 30A controller and a damned huge capable battery it is then. Also, hinges which don't collapse. Could be done with the Brompton-like Dahon Curl because some have 135mm rear dropouts, if it wasn't such a terrible bike. And it doesn't have thru axles.

Like mine:

 

[ATTACH=full]62067[/ATTACH]

 

Exactly. You could fit at least 60 12" frozen pizzas into those, perfect for rapidly inflating obese children with yet more fat and carbs. Heavily padded round children are hurt less falling off and rolling away? Cargo bikes should be built to bear the travails of our stubbornly greasy and unapologetically fat new world. Certainly a lot to apologise for IMO.

Edited February 16, 20251 yr by guerney

Credit where it's due - Wisper is the only UK firm I've seen to offer a utility/cargo bike. I was going to point out that this is a lightweight model, but Mr Wisper has just made that clear! There are loads on Alibaba to choose from, and they have been there a long time, but no UK dealers seem interested. We have a Radrunner, which is really well-made and has carried a lot of weight, but it's not as comfortable as my old original, so is not used as often. I did improve things a bit: https://odysee.com/@Groucho:9/Radrunner-handlebar-mod:c A good design was by Tora Harris, who went on to run Juiced bikes, and that has just been sold off. Radpower moved back to the USA, so choice is limited.

It's great to see a handle near the fold, often overlooked necessity is handles on folding bikes - my Dahon Helios folding bike doesn't need a handgrip, because the tubing of the reinforcement bar over the hinge which splits to form a handle when the bike is folded, is thick enough to not cause pain when lifting.

 

Hi Guerney,

 

you are seeing the side of an elongated circle shaped extrusion. It’s actually 3 x wider than the side view so quite comfortable. It’s slightly clearer in this shot if you zoom in.

 

All the best, David

 

I've just looked at the Juicy Bikes site and they have a cargo/utility bike in their range. I stand corrected.

Any dealers thinking of adding a cargo/utility bike to their range, my ideas for a frame are here: https://odysee.com/@Groucho:9

However long the frame, the principles are the same. I know things are difficult financially, but if people are getting poorer, perhaps the market will change for ebikes to transport things. These people have lots, and that is just one supplier: https://jobo.en.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-800882892/Electric_Cargo_Bike.html?spm=a2700.shop_oth.88.15.9b8a3f58scoP0S

Do cargo bikes sell well in the UK? Is it a case of customers not knowing what they want until you show them? I carry stuff using a folding bike conversion and a folding trailer, because like many people I don't have room for a freaking huge cargo bike - if I did, I'd go for a Mike Burrows 8freight, or something like. The as yet unavailable Wisper Folding Cargo Tailwind 807 could have a longer frame, longer rack, double height tubing around the beefy double sized hinge situated near the bottom of the frame, 48V 30A controller, similarly wider tubing further up to accommodate a larger capacity battery, huge capacity auxiliary battery verticalisque situated behind the seatpost option for greater range, attachment points for passenger footrests, custom large pannier bags, removable passenger seating etc. etc. Of course it'd be heavier, but at least it'd fold away. Would it sell? Dunno. I'd photoshop a Frankenstein mockup, but I can't be bothered to switch on my graphics work PC.

Edited February 16, 20251 yr by guerney

Room indeed is the main issue with storing a proper cargo bike safely /securely and in the dry.

I store my Ute in the attached garage where room is at a premium as I we have years of clutter kept.

Indeed in my mind a poper cargo bike is one of a LWB design , the Ute is over 2.1m and is a trekking style cargo bike rather than a haevy loade for bulky loads. Though it is excellant for towing a heavily loaded trailer .

Mike Burows 8 freight is a superb design using a more traditional rider placing rather then those bikes with a large bin at the front for shoving the kids in. To me placement of cargo is much preferred behind the rider then in front.

 

But that is my view point , every one who uses a cargo bike set up has differing uses for them and will have their preference for carrying dogs, kiddies or general cargo loads..

Has anyone got a double-decker cargo ebike?

The Circe Helios is a tandem 20" but it is clever as one can add a rear cargo deck in place of the second rider position.

Like any cargo bike they are not cheap , they have a lowish step over and battery placement isn't an issue.

Any dealers thinking of adding a cargo/utility bike to their range, my ideas for a frame are here: https://odysee.com/@Groucho:9

However long the frame, the principles are the same. I know things are difficult financially, but if people are getting poorer, perhaps the market will change for ebikes to transport things. These people have lots, and that is just one supplier: https://jobo.en.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-800882892/Electric_Cargo_Bike.html?spm=a2700.shop_oth.88.15.9b8a3f58scoP0S

 

I know the guys at Jobo very well, they used to supply me when I was at FreeGo. They are nice people and their products although not world class are OK. Indeed I once modeled for them! If anyone would like an intro please let me know.

 

All the best, David

 

Edited February 17, 20251 yr by Wisper Bikes

I know the guys at Jobo very well, they used to supply me when I was at FreeGo. They are nice people and their products although not world class are OK. Indeed I was once a model for them! If anyone would like an into please let me know.

 

All the best, David

 

[ATTACH type=full" alt="62071]62071[/ATTACH]

There are still plenty of Freego bikes around here. (They were based in Southampton I think). We have a lady in our SITP group who is 83 this year, and still rides hers. The man from Juicy Bikes supplied me with a frame a while ago. I think that was from Jobo, and it was very well finished. I built the bike but did not have room in the end.