Re:Folding bicycle small enough to fit in hand luggage
by bambax on Tuesday March 22, 2022 @07:19PM
(#30772872)
Yes, a motor + battery kit. It's really simple -- depending on the bike. For a folding bike you need to think ahead of where the engine and battery are going to go when folded. Mid-drive motors are much preferable, if possible (at the center of the bike, between the cranks).
There are two Chinese brands for the engines: Bafang and Tongsheng. Bafang has a better reputation; I used a Bafang for my first conversion (a regular MTB). But Tongshengs, in addition to being a little more affordable, are true pedal assist: power is proportional to the force you put on the pedals. It's a different experience from Bafang, but pedal assist feels better on a small folding bike, IMHO.
You can buy them on Aliexpress; look for vendors who have inventory in your country, which allows for faster shipping.
There are two Chinese brands for the engines: Bafang and Tongsheng. Bafang has a better reputation; I used a Bafang for my first conversion (a regular MTB). But Tongshengs, in addition to being a little more affordable, are true pedal assist: power is proportional to the force you put on the pedals. It's a different experience from Bafang, but pedal assist feels better on a small folding bike, IMHO.
You can buy them on Aliexpress; look for vendors who have inventory in your country, which allows for faster shipping.
Here's the final build:
https://i.imgur.com/TBHHOc1.jpeg
... and on the road in Marseilles:
https://imgur.com/a/B2mJ17E.jpeg