Folding e bike

[dave_b]

Our first long trip away taught us that we need bikes for mobility to and from the campsite.

So we are looking for folding e-bikes.
We’ve just looked at the EOVAULT range and we quite like them. 40Nm of torque, shimano hydro brakes and a tidy overall design. The brand is also French so there should be good support around Europe.

Do any of you use folding e-bikes? If so, which one?

 

[Sackmycook]

Do you intend to carry them in your van ?
If not, and you have a bike rack, compact non folders may give you better choice

 

[dave_b]

That’s a good point.
Got any links to some?

 

[DXX]

Many people buy good quality but old low value secondhand pedal bikes to put on their bike racks.
That way when some passing thief eventually takes them the loss isn’t too great.
Better to make the lock the weak point than have someone put a hacksaw through an expensive bike rack.

 

[Sackmycook]

That’s a good point.
Got any links to some?

Have a look at the Cannondale Neo Compact e-bike. Great size, well built and neat handlebar turn mechanism

Cannondale Compact Neo Smoke Black 2025 | Electric Bikes | Biketart

The Cannondale Compact Neo Smoke Black 2025 is a compact and lightweight electric bike that boasts convenient smart features, making it a fun and effortless option for transportation. With this bike, everything is easily accessible. This compact bike features a hidden, high-capacity 250Wh...

www.biketart.com

 

[dave_b]

I think folding will be what we choose so they can go in the van.

 

[DXX]

I think folding will be what we choose so they can go in the van.

When you are sleeping in the van?

 

[dave_b]

No, when travelling.
I have some super strong gold rated chains and locks for when camped.

 

[EAN]

We used to carry a couple of folding e-bikes inside our van. Worked for a while but really was just a stop gap until we had a towbar bike rack fitted. Now we can use our full size e-bikes. So much better.

 

[dave_b]

We don’t want full size. The wife doesn’t feel comfy on large bikes, so small folding is what we are looking at.

 

[EAN]

We don’t want full size. The wife doesn’t feel comfy on large bikes, so small folding is what we are looking at.

Definitely try before you buy. Our folding e-bikes were hub motor whereas our full size e-bikes are crank (mid drive).
We found the hub motors much more on or off and not as finessed: Not saying they weren’t functional but just felt more disconnected whilst riding, if that makes sense. Ours were FIIDO D4S (no longer available) and the electric assist was more speed oriented rather than power orientated and there was a slight delay in power coming on and also going off which took a bit of getting used to.
If I was looking again I’d get the lightest I could afford (probably carbon), crank (mid drive) and 20” wheels as a minimum.

 

[dave_b]

Cheers. We did try the EOVOLT Afternoon 20” today. We both like it.
I’m well versed in e-bikes, I’ve risen e mtb’s since they came out.
I agree with the on/off feeling of the hub drive, but it’s fine. The size was good, it folded up easily. The wife liked it.

 

[Jimer]

I have a Velovolt City also no longer available but it has been really useful to fold up and carry in the van. I would say for shorter journeys it's fine but as it's only single speed longer journeys can became a little tiresome.
If I was to buy another one I would go for a folding bike with gears although that adds to the weight and is a consideration for lifting in and out of the van. Bike racks are fine but it is more of a faff fitting to the van, securing the bike and folding and storing once removed from the van.

 

[EAN]

This is how I used to transport my folding e-bikes in the van

Thread 'Table / Internal Load Carrying platform'
Table / Internal Load Carrying platform

 

[dave_b]

The EOVOLT is 7 speed. 40Nm, ~400wh battery. Shimano hydro brakes. It has a good spec and can carry up to 35Kg on the rear pannier.

 

[Hgv1driver]

This is our set up, we have a Halfords 2 x bike rack and 2 e- Bikes fits on the towbar

 

[dave_b]

The more I think about it, the more I can see a need for a tow bar and bike rack.

 

[borat]

Resurrecting this thread as we are in the market for a folding e bike. Anyone have up to date recommendations? Ideally 20” and reasonable range as it’ll be used partly so the Mrs can accompany me on rides I do with pedal power and she can be lazy! So needs to be able to do 40-50 miles ideally

 

[Lubrown]

There’s a ‘top ten’ style review Here. These people have been reviewing e-bikes for a long time (been watching them on YouTube now and then) so should know what to look for.

I’d avoid most e-bikes sold on Amazon and the like - too much risk of burning your house down when charging them for my liking.

 

[Edinkombi]

Anyone bought a Hygge virum?