Folding ebike

STEE

Iam looking at buying a folding ebike but, Im torn between a few different makes like Blaupunkt Ducati and Jeep. Heres what I found https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/200485292_-fiete-500-blaupunkt.html?cto_pld=qoMqN4tmAADIATUs34ZM-g&utm_campaign=lowfunnel&utm_medium=display&utm_source=criteo https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/202071840_-mg20-schwarz-rot-ducati.html https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/201413374_-fold-fat-fr-7020-jeep-bicycles.html?cto_pld=t4wtqYtmAAB195oRwnlvtQ&utm_campaign=lowfunnel&utm_medium=display&utm_source=criteohttps://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/202774563_-fold-e-bike-ffr-7050-jeep-bicycles.html?cto_pld=ZmxLlotmAACnCta4S4oDJA&utm_campaign=lowfunnel&utm_medium=display&utm_source=criteo https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/201930227_-fr-6020-e-klapprad-jeep-bicycles.html What would you think would be the best ?

For everyone else's benefit. Here is the post formatted properly (thanks again, ChatGPT!)

"I'm looking at buying a folding e-bike, but I'm torn between a few different makes like Blaupunkt, Ducati, and Jeep. Here's what I've found:

1. Blaupunkt Fiete 500
2. Ducati MG20 (Schwarz/Rot)
3. Jeep Fold Fat FR 7020
4. Jeep Fold E-Bike FFR 7050
5. Jeep FR 6020 E-Klapprad

What do you think would be the best choice?"

And I asked ChatGPT what would its choice be and this was the best response it gave.

If I had to pick a folding e-bike from the options listed, I would probably choose the Jeep Fold E-Bike FFR 7050. Here are the reasons for this decision, especially considering no specific preferences were mentioned:

1. Jeep Fold E-Bike FFR 7050

• Reasoning: This model seems to strike a good balance between features, durability, and the rugged brand reputation of Jeep. While Jeep is more known for their vehicles, their e-bikes tend to be built with a focus on off-road capability, sturdiness, and performance.
• Advantages:
  • Off-road capability: Likely to have a solid frame, tires, and motor suited for different terrains.
  • Good motor power: Generally, Jeep bikes offer powerful motors that make climbing hills or rough terrain easier.
  • Brand reliability: Jeep products tend to be durable, and this model might offer great longevity for different riding conditions.
  • Design: It’s likely practical for both city commuting and occasional off-road adventures.

Why I Didn't Choose the Other Models:

1. Blaupunkt Fiete 500:
   • Reasoning: Blaupunkt is well-known for electronics, but their entry into e-bikes is relatively new. This could make it less of a sure bet in terms of long-term reliability or support compared to more established brands.
   • Advantages: Likely to be lighter and more city-oriented, but may not be as robust or powerful for off-road use.
2. Ducati MG20 (Schwarz/Rot):
   • Reasoning: Ducati is famous for its high-end motorcycles, but its e-bike model might be more focused on aesthetics and branding rather than practicality. This bike could be flashy but potentially pricier without offering more value in terms of performance compared to other options.
   • Advantages: Sleek design and likely higher-end components, but may not have the best price-to-performance ratio.
3. Jeep Fold Fat FR 7020:
   • Reasoning: Another solid choice, but "fat tire" bikes tend to be heavier and bulkier. If portability and ease of folding are important, this bike may be less convenient for daily commuting, though great for tougher terrains.
   • Advantages: Fat tires are excellent for off-road use and give good stability, but they can make the bike less portable or nimble.
4. Jeep FR 6020 E-Klapprad:
   • Reasoning: This model might be similar to the FFR 7050, but the folding mechanism or design could be more basic. It could be slightly less capable or modern compared to the FFR 7050.
   • Advantages: Likely to offer solid Jeep quality but may not have all the advanced features the FFR 7050 could provide.

Final Thoughts:

I’d lean toward the Jeep Fold E-Bike FFR 7050 as it combines off-road capability, folding convenience, and a trusted brand. It seems versatile enough to handle different scenarios, whether you're using it for city commuting or some light off-road adventure.

CantGetNoSleep

What do you want it for? Why do you need a bike to be folding?

magicbastarder

also, i don't recall seeing any of those in ireland before - which could raise concerns about parts or customer support.

the jeep recommended by chatGPT seems unncecessarily complex and i suspect the OP does not need off-road capability. and 'a trusted brand'? jeep don't make bikes…

HeidiHeidi

For some real world info, I had a Hercules Rob Fold 7 (there are subsequent models, a pal of mine has one) - it was a fantastic bike until some knackers broke in and stole it 😡

It had a damper spring on the front wheel which made it a lot less twitchy than other folding models I had tried (and which scared the hell out of me), and it was a really solid ride. The only downside was its weight - it was on my limits for folding and putting into the boot of my (very small) car, so I think I only did that twice in the time I owned it. But for storage in my (also very small) back garden, it was great.

I'd recommend it.

loyatemu

Blaupunkt - car stereos

Ducatti - sports cars

Jeep - jeeps

I'd go for a brand that specialises in bikes if it was me, & from a bike shop.

magicbastarder

based on the thumbnails, the blaupunkt and the ducati look like the same bike anyway. all just made in a factory in china probably and slapped with a sticker of whoever is paying for the latest batch.

STEE

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122556927#Comment_122556927

I want an e bike for the city that is 250w and has a max speed of 25kmh so I dont have to pay tax and insurance. I want it to be folding because I need to hop on the bus for some journeys. I really like the Ducati MG-20 but Im finding it hard to find a website online that has it in stock for the right price Theres only amazon.de but I dont know if I can get it delivered and how much it would cost me. Can anyone help me find a legit website selling the Ducati MG-20 please ?

fits

just get a Brompton.

SteM

OP, is it for cycling around Dublin?

magicbastarder

have you actually seen the ducati fold down?

a lot of those folding bikes fold for the purposes of easier storage at home, rather than to be portable; the claimed 20kg weight and 20" wheels on the ducati suggest it's not going to be easy to lug around and maybe too unwieldy to get on to a bus.

in short, don't just buy it off a website.

STEE

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122640463#Comment_122640463

Yes

SteM

Then just get a good folding bike like a Brompton unless you can't physically cycle. Dublin is flat, an electric folding bike will just be a hindrance in the long run.

magicbastarder

FWIW we have two (non electric) folding bikes with 20" wheels, which is the same size as the wheels on the ducati in question; and i wouldn't consider trying to get either of those onto a dublin bus unless i really really had to. let alone adding probably 5-8kg for battery and motors.

STEE

What do you guys think of the Raleigh stowaway folding bike https://coynecycles.ie/products/new-bikes/raleigh-bikes/folding-bikes-raleigh-bikes/stowaway/

SteM

Have you looked at the decathlon folding bikes with 16 inch wheels? I think they're lighter than that one.

STEE

I found another Jeep e-bike https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/203076922_-fold-fat-fr-7105-jeep-bicycles.html and another Ducati e-bike https://www.ducatiurbanemobility.com/electric-mobility/scr-e-gt/ Do you think these are better than the Ducati MG20 e-bike (given how much Im spending on it ) since the SCR-E GT and the Jeep Fold FAT FR7105 4xe has a suspension and better tyres

magicbastarder

i don't think anyone will be able to tell you here, most people here are wary of buying untested bikes from non-bike brands online.

you don't need suspension if it's for city riding.

Flinty997

I doubt you'll get anyone to fix a non bike brand bike.

The only way to test a folding bike folded is go find one, fold it and carry it.

getoutadodge

I'm currently investigating options for a foldable e bike too. Currently, I use a regular bike with an e conversion kit. From what see on the Dart and trains etc the Brompton seems to be popular. They now have an e version but obviously that ups the price and weight a good bit. Bit limited in range for me circa (20 K) but might suit others.

https://youtu.be/7KfLR-KfTVE

getoutadodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122641524#Comment_122641524

Is this the one ?

https://youtu.be/J5rEJ4viqrw

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122667970#Comment_122667970

Range = buy two batteries

traco

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122667970#Comment_122667970

I've a Brompton electric and my 11km commute on level one uses about 6% of the battery. To be honest its just a push away from standstill and once rolling I'm quickly up to and above the 25kph assist level so unless there are large hills or headwinds I use very little of the electric assist. The big benefit is on a day like last thursday with brutal wind and rain. On those odd days I back off on my own input levels and slow down to let the electric take more of the load and don't get sweaty in the wet gear.

If I was buying another I probably wouldn't bother with electric unless you have big hills. I use it without the battery some times and its a much nicer bike to ride being about 4kg lighter. Without the battery pack and with the rear rack and front hub motor its just over 15kg, the battery takes it over 19kg. I carry the battery on one hand and the bike in the other if I have to carry it but to be honest you are better off unfolding it and rolling as its so a quick process. On stairs when its unfolded just lift it up and put the nose of the saddle on your shoulder and ith will hang there happily balanced. You only want to carry it folded for very short distances and rolling it on the rack is a royal pain as it wanders and you have to go slow. It works but I prefer to carry it.

getoutadodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668923#Comment_122668923

Thanks for the readout. Having used the e version could you give me an idea of what you think the full range is of your model. Because of age and mobility issues reverting to a traditional bike is out of the question for me. But I'm getting fed up with restrictions trying to get e bikes onto trains etc. So looking for a solution….hence the interest.

traco

Its a very personal thing and hard to give an accurate answer. I think the official line is 30 to 60 KMS or something like that but it really depends on how much of the work you are able to do yourself, then throw in terrain and weather.

I don't know where you are based but the guys at Hollingsworth in Kilmacud are great and maybe they would lend or rent you an electric for you to test properly.

How far do you need to go? If commuting you could buy a second charger and charge while at work and also at home. The charger isn't that big and it would fit in my backpack with my laptop and stuff.

tomasrojo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668923#Comment_122668923

—

On stairs when its unfolded just lift it up and put the nose of the saddle on your shoulder and ith will hang there happily balanced.

—

I was only saying this to someone last night. They're so much easier to carry than normal bikes when unfolded.

STEE

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668039#Comment_122668039

Nah I was on about this one https://coynecycles.ie/products/new-bikes/raleigh-bikes/folding-bikes-raleigh-bikes/stowaway/

Flinty997

That is not an eBike.

You need to try folding one of these in person.