I need a folding all-terrain ebike for a particular use case
Posted by maggyneverforget@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 31 comments
I know this particular type of ebike isn't recommended for the majority of people because they've got smaller tires and are heavy as shit, et cetera, but I have a particular need for this type of monstrosity.
And that being road/trail scouting in remote locations while camping and road tripping, going down forest and desert roads, et cetera, to make sure that I am not bringing my vehicle down roads that it can't handle.
I have limited amount of space and can't hitch mount it so this is basically my only option. I'll just put it folded into a bin to make it easier to load and unload.
Anyway, just wondering if people had any particular recommendations. I hear that these are exactly the types of ebikes that people end up selling because they're not very good for their needs, so maybe I am better off trying to find a good deal on a used one.
DJKaito@reddit
Brompton G-Line
JeremyFromKenosha@reddit
Good call, but these are four KiloBucks!
DJKaito@reddit
Very nice.
Worried_Document8668@reddit
don't do it. There are no quality electric folders on the market that are off-road capable.
when exploring trails you don't want miniature wheels with how badly they clear obstacles, you don't want an overweight bike because that makes clearing obstacles even worse, and you certainly don't want a cheap frame with a big joint that can brake apart, when entering terrain that might be too harsh for your car.
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
what is the alternative
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
Get the right kind of car for your adventures then build it up to handle more extreme stuff.
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
I love how you guys just avoid the question and try to tell me to live my life differently lmao
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
I gave you a solid recommendation and you haven't even acknowledged it.
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
yeah i wasnt including you in that. Thx.
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
I love how you are trying to use the wrong tools for the job and keep arguing anytime someone gives you sound advice that conflicts with what you want. Honestly why the fuck did you bother asking in the first place if you’re just going to be a dumbass other than to advertise that that is what you are.
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
It's not the wrong tool for the job, though. It's literally the exact type of tool for this particular niche case. It just doesn't fit your annoying fixed preconceptions of the only way to ride a bike because you're in an obnoxious enthusiast community that prioritizes premium experience instead of a normal person.
PreferenceAny3920@reddit
Good luck with all that.
Intrepid_Writing7078@reddit
The Heybike brand makes a 24"-wheeled, fat tired, full suspension, step-through folder called the Horizon. With those 4 wide tires aired down to, idk, 10 psi, i'm sure it would feel nice & squsihy for your offroad exploration at careful speeds
Worried_Document8668@reddit
either find a space for some kind of mtb or get good at walking
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
Or i could just, you know, get one of the many folding ebikes and use them. I can't invent space that doesn't exist in this situation.
Worried_Document8668@reddit
then by all means, you do you. Just remember you are pickig a very subpar tool for the job
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
it's the difference between picking a subpar tool and not having a tool
I have about 48" of length that I max out at. Theoretically I might be able to find a non-folder that could reach that length if I removed the front tire.
Worried_Document8668@reddit
you have a tool that suita the job very well and is very off-road capable. it's called legs.
and yes, something like a 27.5" mtb with shorter wheelbase and quick release on the front would make way more sense than a fat folder
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
yeah I think I am gonna look into a small framed mountainbike which will probably work better and fits considering I am short myself
JeremyFromKenosha@reddit
I disagree. He's not talking about rugged single track. He's talking about roads that might get sketchy.
Aventon Sinch was one, and they're discontinued now, but I bet you can still find one, either at a stocking local dealer or online through upway.co.
https://www.aventon.com/products/sinch-2-5-ebike?variant=44077120291011
On the cheaper end are a couple of Lectric models: the XP4 and XP Lite 2.0. The XP4 is "heavy as shit" (like the Sinch), but has power, multiple speeds and 3" wide tires that are a good compromise for dirt roads. The XP Lite 2.0 has 2.2" wide tires and is a single speed, but weighs 15 lbs. less.
I'm not sure you'd find a tote that would fit a Sinch or XP4, but my XP Lite fits in one. In this pic, I only had one tote, and my Vektron is in it. Daughter is waiting with her XP Lite. For reference, they both fit in the back of my CR-V with the rear seats folded down. One fits back there without seats folded down.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Worried believes if it doesn't have a mid-drive, it isnt worth riding. No surprise he would dismiss anything short of a Levo 4 S-Works for riding offroad.
The Horizon with 24" wheels will perform far better than the XP for this use case.
maggyneverforget@reddit (OP)
Thank you. You get it. I'm not trying to do extreme mountain biking or even do trails as much as I just want to scout out a sketchy forest road to make sure I do not physically damage an expensive vehicle trying to go down it (or even if the road seems fine but there might not be a turnout). And I could theoretically take it real slow. So it's not like I'm taking it out for 50 mile trips or anything. Seems pretty low risk.
Bizmarck4@reddit
i dunno i took my little foldable 16 inch wheel threw some serious dirt bike trials kinda fun
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
You can get a full suspension Heybike Horizon folding bike with 24" wheels. It's on sale for $1400. Will tackle terrain much better than 20" wheels. Heavy though at 79lbs.
Horizon Full Suspension Ebike | Fat Tire Ebike | Heybike
JeremyFromKenosha@reddit
heybike are junk. Screeching brakes and no customer service to speak of. My first eBike was a heybike Ranger. I suppose to be fair, only the brakes were junk. They worked but were super-loud, no matter what. Like nails on a chalkboard. Customer service gave me the run-around when I tried to get it fixed. Sold that dog and bought my Aventon.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
This one has hydraulic brakes. There are a number of YouTube reviews on it. The one from TailHappy shows it stops just fine.
It's the best recommendation thus far for the use case.
geoffpz1@reddit
I have a puckypuppy foldable that I use for this exact purpose, Fly fishing and marinas out west though. The folding thing is overrated. It is not a smooth thing that can fit in a box. It is a large thing that has weird pointy things sticking out of it that makes packing anything else in your car/truck a pain in the ass. I just did this, and without the bike in the back My jeep GC could have fit 2-3 more black and yellow tubs. I would have been better off putting it on the roof, but it is frigging heavy and cumbersome. I normally just strap it to the boat trailer and IMHO, It works fine on normal logging and nat park trails..
michaelhannigan2@reddit
I would check out the Walkee H8 Ultra.
FaithLessRooster@reddit
This is one of the 'decent' brands where I'm from, and they have this folder in their lineup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7x09RyYN4o&t=103s
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
I wouldn't characterize this as decent.
Recall plan revealed for Fiido X e-bikes that can suddenly break in half
Lazy_Football_511@reddit
I have taken my folder on some unpaved roads. I think any road you are going to take a camper on a folding bike can handle as well, and if the road is not good for one, it is likely not good for either. I would just make sure the tires on the bike are decent and not speed down whatever route that fast.