I need a folding e-bike to keep on our boat. Mainly urban and local rural use, doesn't need to be off-road, I don't need a huge range. I met a chap who was very pleased with his Dahon Vitesse which proved very corrosion resistant on his boat (now superseded by the Mariner) but I've decided this has to be an e-bike and Dahon don't yet do e-bikes. I would prefer Bosch batteries because I have received advice from a large boating forum safety group that these appear to have a low risk of fire. Any ideas?

I weigh 70kg, I'm 5'9", in my seventies, reasonably fit.

Edited March 15Mar 15 by MCatPG

If you go for Bosch batteries you have to have a complete Bosch electrical system. The batteries are tied by proprietary protocol to the rest of the electrical system. Almost all ebike batteries are very safe as long as you observe proper charging rules. If you do go for a Bosch system be aware than any work on them and any spare parts (especially batteries) are likely to come pretty expensive.

 

You could consider a conversion if there is a particular folder you like. There are downsides, but front wheel hub motor is likely to be easiest to install. A good example from an excellent firm would be https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits#xf07kit, but if you decide to go the conversion route ask more questions here first.

 

Another important detail to consider is how hilly the areas are where you expect to be riding.

Are there Bosch motored folding ebikes? Not their core market.

 

Handling from land to boat can be awkward, depending on the type of boat. Light weight helpful in that. I'd be tempted to look at eBrompton or conversion to achieve that. Your weight, fitness and short range need all fit.

 

Some good conversion stories on here as a guide.

 

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/ebrompton-build.45098/

Are there Bosch motored folding ebikes?

https://www.ternbicycles.com/fi/bikes/473/vektron-s10

 

https://www.ternbicycles.com/uk/bikes/474/vektron-p5i

 

https://www.ternbicycles.com/uk/bikes/473/vektron-q9

 

https://vansprint.co.uk/hercules-rob-fold-sl-r5-2026-electric-folding-bike-bosch-belt-drive-coaster-brake-white

https://vansprint.co.uk/hercules-rob-fold-suv-2026-electric-folding-bike-20-inch-bosch-mid-drive-copper

https://www.monsterbikeshop.com/bikes/electric-bikes/cube-fold-sport-hybrid-500-electric-bike-in-flash-grey__6529

https://www.theelectricbikeshop.co.uk/shop/bikes/sub/electric-folding/2026-cube-fold-hybrid-comfort-545-electric-folding-bike-with-belt-drive-hub-gears-in-sea-grey-reflex-34716/option/

https://vansprint.co.uk/wanderer-2024-e-fold-f5-electric-folding-bike-20-inch-belt-drive

Edited March 15Mar 15 by lenny

I need a folding e-bike to keep on our boat. Mainly urban and local rural use, doesn't need to be off-road, I don't need a huge range. I met a chap who was very pleased with his Dahon Vitesse which proved very corrosion resistant on his boat (now superseded by the Mariner) but I've decided this has to be an e-bike and Dahon don't yet do e-bikes. I would prefer Bosch batteries because I have received advice from a large boating forum safety group that these appear to have a low risk of fire. Any ideas?

I weigh 70kg, I'm 5'9", in my seventies, reasonably fit.

Most of us have not been using Bosch batteries and we've been happily riding our ebikes for very many years without them catching fire.

 

If I wanted such a bike for my boat, I'd get one of those Chinese ones with 16" wheels, that fold so small that you can keep it dry in a sail bag. Is your boat on freshwater or saltwater?

Dahon don't yet do e-bikes.

 

They do, but they don't seem to be available in the UK. I was surprised to see a TSDZ2 Dahon Ciao conversion by CH White and/or Son last week. Uses 4Ah 36V Bosch tool batteries, which should be ok for short range on flat ground. If safe to connect five or so in parallel (battery experts might advise), that should get you up inclines without the motor cutting out due to voltage sag. Or you could buy a larger capacity generic rack battery made using decent cells.

 

https://foldingbike.biz/epages/7665e38c-067c-4fa0-9037-afac2266f927.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/7665e38c-067c-4fa0-9037-afac2266f927/Products/DAHECIAOI7SPMOON%5B1%5D

 

 

 

 

I doubt it'd be waterproof, because it's a TSDZ2, but there are TSDZ2 enthusiasts on the forum who might advise. I'd deffo make a rain hood for the display using self-amalgamating rubber tape and a thick clear plastic bag, here's mine:

 

 

 

 

If the Dahon Ciao doesn't float your boat, you could possibly request a custom build of some other model. I don't know if CH White or his son will do custom electric builds to order, but I do know they have so many Dahon frames and spare parts, even CH White and/or his son don't precisely know(s) what their warehouse contains.

Edited March 15Mar 15 by guerney

Thanks everyone. Answers to your questions:

• I wouldn't do a conversion myself because I need the bike soon and I haven't any spare time at the moment - however a ready-built conversion from a reputable supplier would be OK.
  
• Our boat is almost always in saltwater.
  
• There will be hills because, no surprise, estuaries and harbours are at sea level so I'll usually be climbing for the first part of any journey. I don't mind assisting and as I said I'm reasonably fit but I don't have much stamina these days. On the other hand most journeys will be short, for example from the landing stage at Malpas to the Tesco in Truro is a 5 mile round trip, Itchenor to the nearest supermarket is about a 7.5 mile round trip.
  
• Size and weight when folded are important. There's a reasonable amount of space on the boat but our tender is only 3.1m (see photo). There will only be one bike, for when I'm on my own, my wife isn't having one, and I can lash it safely, but even so it does have to be compact when folded. I'd love a Brompton but I'm not sure our budget will run to it, we are about to do our annual lift-out and there's some big expenses this year. Corrosion resistance is hugely important, friends of ours have had Bromptons for years, first pedal-only, now e-bikes, and they've never had a problem.
  

Thanks for the suggested models, I'm going to look at all of them.

I'm always intrigued by the dyu d3f. No gears, pedal assist either off or on, decent battery (360Wh), ip54 rated, light weight 17kg, £350. I wouldn't want to do a lot of long journeys on it, but it seems surprisingly capable

 

I'm always intrigued by the dyu d3f. No gears, pedal assist either off or on, decent battery (360Wh), ip54 rated, light weight 17kg, £350. I wouldn't want to do a lot of long journeys on it, but it seems surprisingly capable

 

Those bikes with small wheels don't need gears. You get plenty of torque from the motor for the steepest of hills. That's the sort of bike I'd get if I still had my boat. With the bars folded down and the pedals folded, they go flat against a wall, so take very little space. The bikes that fold in half are surprisingly wide. It helps to get them in a car boot, but not so good for a flat or similar.

https://uk.fiido.com/products/fiido-d3-pro-mini-electric-bike

 

Greenride50 to take £50 off, to take it below £400

 

Slightly smaller battery, but 3 assist levels

 

And this one looks quite popular - possibly would be my choice

 

 

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EyAJRI4

 

Edited March 16Mar 16 by Peter.Bridge

Thanks again everyone. I ordered the Fiido D3. I'll try and remember to post a review.

8 hours ago, MCatPG said:

Thanks again everyone. I ordered the Fiido D3. I'll try and remember to post a review.

Please do - be interesting how you get along with it

IVE GOT THE DYU A5, AND I'VE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS AND DONE 1500KM ON IT. IVE HAD 1 PUNCTURE IN 2 YEARS. THATS IT! I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WANTING A CHEAP RELIABLE EBIKE