Seeking a Lighter Setup (currently have a Bionx conversion)

[slbowen]

I am seeking to get my current converted folding bike setup to be lighter. I am 66 and it is real hard to get the 44 lbs up the 4 stairs in my building lobby (lifting isn't an option, I have to roll/leverage it up the stairs). From my research the breakdown is this: the bike alone is 24 lb, the battery 8.4 lb, the motor 7.7 lb, my lock is 4 lb. Obviously the lock and ideally the battery could come off first (currently my battery is lashed on due to a broken bracket, but that is another story). I have a Bionx SL 350 HT Down Tube XL battery; the motor is built into the rear wheel. I have 24 gears which I need due to bad knees (also the reason for the e-bike conversion). Know too that I live in New York City and don't want to have to remove the battery every time I lock the bike somewhere.... meaning the velcro-on batteries wouldn't work.

Several questions: Can another (possibly lighter) battery be used with my Bionx motor (or the other way around)? Or can people recommend a new conversion kit that would gain me more than a pound or two in weight? Or a battery that locks on but is easily removable when getting up the stairs. Or a brand new e-bike that would work with a quite tall person and be less than 40 pounds.

I don't care that much about the range or speed of the battery; I do need it to be immediately responsive... it is taking off from standing still is when I am most likely to hurt my knees.

Thanks for any advice you could give.

 

[Marci jo]

I am seeking to get my current converted folding bike setup to be lighter. I am 66 and it is real hard to get the 44 lbs up the 4 stairs in my building lobby (lifting isn't an option, I have to roll/leverage it up the stairs). From my research the breakdown is this: the bike alone is 24 lb, the battery 8.4 lb, the motor 7.7 lb, my lock is 4 lb. Obviously the lock and ideally the battery could come off first (currently my battery is lashed on due to a broken bracket, but that is another story). I have a Bionx SL 350 HT Down Tube XL battery; the motor is built into the rear wheel. I have 24 gears which I need due to bad knees (also the reason for the e-bike conversion). Know too that I live in New York City and don't want to have to remove the battery every time I lock the bike somewhere.... meaning the velcro-on batteries wouldn't work.

Several questions: Can another (possibly lighter) battery be used with my Bionx motor (or the other way around)? Or can people recommend a new conversion kit that would gain me more than a pound or two in weight? Or a battery that locks on but is easily removable when getting up the stairs. Or a brand new e-bike that would work with a quite tall person and be less than 40 pounds.

I don't care that much about the range or speed of the battery; I do need it to be immediately responsive... it is taking off from standing still is when I am most likely to hurt my knees.

Thanks for any advice you could give.

Yes, wrestling these ebikes up some stairs is a big challenge. Do you prefer a folding bike? I'm not familiar with folding bikes but was at an ebike expo couple weeks ago. Cannondale Quick Neo weighs 40 lbs including the battery. But is regular size and not folding so that may or may not work wrestling it up some stairs. This forum should have some helpful info.

 

[harryS]

Bionx systems are designed such that you have to have both a Bionx motor and battery. You would have to replace both. DId you have it converted by a shop? They may be able to re-do it with a smaller motor and battery. I think you're overpowered there anyway.

Does your bike have a throttle? WIth a throttle, frowned upon in NYC especially if you're a delivery driver, starting off from a stop is effortless, and if your bike has pedal assist, the rest is easy. A very light application of throttle might even let you walk it up the stairs unfolded?

I converted a pair of 20" Downtube folders. The motors are under 5 pounds and will power the bikes at typical folding bike speeds. Max is about 18 mph. I use small batteries that fit in a larger bag under the seats. For longer rides, I'll put a bigger battery in a rack bag or carry a spare. The yellow one is 35 pounds, but our bikes aren't that much below your 44 pounds.

Grin EBikes www.ebikes.ca in Vancouver sells a variety of small motors. They also sell a kit for Bromptons although I think it's bulky. My conversions cost about $300 for motor/controls/electronics and batteries ranged from $50 to $400, but expect to spend at least $350 or more for a battery. Lunacycle.com sells a 52V6AH 28 cell battery that I also have, which can fit in a bag that they include. My wife's bike (blue) runs on a custom 30 cell 36V9Ah pack that cost me $250 and will give her over 30 miles.

I don't follow the commercial ebike folder market so I don't know whats light.

 

[slbowen]

Harry: Yes it was converted by a shop (which is now gone)... I think they didn't do a great job in placement of the battery (it sheered off). I do have a throttle; I've been scared to use it but maybe I should give it a shot. I've been looking a Grin components... anyway, thanks for your response. I'm still researching at this point.

 

[slbowen]

Haibike XDURO Superrace
39.4 lbs

Everly 202
37.0 lbs

Thanks Timpo... I'll check them out!

 

[harryS]

Good finds.

GoCycle is quite cool, with its wheels that pop off. Do that. Lock the. Two trips up those stairs.

Velomini is quite nice too and pretty reasonable on price. Might be a bit bouncy with 16" wheels.

If I ever go to NYC with my folders, I'll always be pedaling them in NYC. They''re still fining and confiscating throttle riders.

 

[slbowen]

Harry: GoCycle certainly is cool. Do you know if it works for a tall rider (I'm 6').

I've ridden power assist bikes for years in NYC... they only recently became legal. I never had any issues. I doubt anyone would notice my throttle since I never use it. But not sure how much they are fining the delivery guys who are the only people I see using throttle only bikes. And I virtually never see any other types of e-bikes.... they haven't become popular here.

 

[PDoz]

Are your stairs wide enough to walk the bike up, and if so have you tried using walk assist with an emtb?

I've only done it when staying at ski lodges mountain bike riding, but it is a LOT easier than carrying bikes!

 

[slbowen]

Thanks for the tip PDoz.

 

[slbowen]

Timpo or anyone... do you know whether these bikes are adjustable to allow for a tall rider? I'm 6' w/most length (I think) in my torso.