Well, I couldn't replace the other video, so this is a new upload.
It's an electric bicycle. I got an older version of the bike. The new version actually has an infomercial that I didn't even see. Mine I can say is infomercial-free. I found the bike and got it on my own.
Mine doesn't have the folding pedals, and the neck folding lever is a twist-off lock instead of a lever. Also most obvious is mine has a transparent chainguard vs the new one has a black chainwheel guard only.
I find the infomercial kinda odd. It's pieced together from different filmed sources, complete with pretend customers...
My brief review of the bike:
Its most important point is it's a folding bike. It fits in smaller spaces. This means though that the wheels are smaller and the wheelbase (distance from wheel to wheel) is smaller.
The other point is that it has an electric motor in the form of a rear wheel hub. This also means that there is a battery pack -which is a Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) pack of 2 batteries each about 9-lbs, so that's almost 20-lbs in batteries. Some replacement batteries I've found are 8-lbs, also it may be possible in the future to upgrade the batteries to NiMH or Lithium -for much higher cost, but weighing less, or better yet, increase the range.
Verdict:
I wanted to see for myself if an electric motor can really propel a human being, and the answer is - YES! This bike does very well. It is not set up for high torque, but it has longevity. So far I've ridden it twice for as long as an hour each time and the charge indicator lights never showed low.
As far as a bike, it's a mixed bag. Again, I have an older version of the bike- it is more of a compromise. If it weren't a folding bike, then it wouldn't have the issues nor the benefits of a folding bike. There are many other non-folding electric bikes, so if you want one, there are plenty to choose from ($299 to $2,999 range). I got mine for less than $400, but a good folding electric bike I would recommend is $1,200. For less than $400 I am very happy! I laugh- "Mwhu ha ha hahah ah ah ah..."
Compromises:
Mine is pretty heavy at around 65-lbs. The new one is listed at 53-lbs with battery. I would recommend a test ride if you are tall- the seating and handlebar positions are compromised because it's a folding bike. I'm not a bike expert, but I feel I want more gearing. I want to pedal more. This has a motor, so you don't need to pedal, but I like to pedal. The gearing is set to assist in hillclimbing, so there you go.
Summary:
This is a great bike in a city that is bike-friendly, with bike lanes and bike routes. Also great for the park, for camping, for the beach -recreational biking. Easier to transport or store because it folds, but not so good for in-city commuting on the subway or bus because of the weight. It works almost like a moped.
Possible modifications:
Use 1/2 a battery pack to save some weight. Upgrade batteries. Increase voltage to motor for more power! (Can it be done?) Change the chainwheel with one with more teeth (would also need new chain). Or add a front derailleur with 2 or 3 chainwheels (will require a hanger to take up the chain slack) -add the gear changer on the left handle, or an old style lever on the frame somewhere. (Will not require a cassette hub in my opinion since it has a motor to cover the missing speeds.)
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How do you like the single gear? Also, how does it handle hills?
bloodygeno 3 years ago