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We have for some time now been of the opinion that what the two wheel market needed is a quality folding Electric Bike that can be used without a licence, Road tax or Insurance on the road. Four years have passed and we are still building these Dahon conversions, the reason - simply that there is nothing quite like them on the market. It makes sense that when considering an electric combination you (a) start with a bike that rides well on both the road and paths, (b) choose one that folds easily and is reasonably portable when folded, (c) are confident the bike is suitable for the majority of riders of all sizes   and  (d) ensure that the bike has suitable gearing, bearing in mind that the motor can take you up to 15 mph. (c and d are areas where scores of Chinese imports fall down miserably).  Dahon have learned and evolved the art of manufacturing a folding bike with precision over 25 years. That’s why we use Dahon bikes at the core of our conversions.

We have fully taken on board in considering the electric folding market, that there must be a balance between being a marvellous showpiece of engineering and prohibitively expensive on the one hand, and on the other, deliberately pitching the price down to a level where the quality suffers seriously.   We therefore arrived at producing what we consider to be ideal combinations. We present these Dahon Models as ‘mid range’ in terms of the components, which for the average person, represents a very good standard of engineering, and are confident that the models we offer can be broadly termed ‘quality folding electric bikes’

This has involved us in choosing appropriate comfortable and respected bikes, for this conversion we have chosen the hub-geared Dahon Ciao D5  which is well suited to the type of rider that  invests in an electric bike. It benefits from the lowest step-through frame on the market and is suitable for both Ladies and Gents to ride.  The Ciao having an extremely low step-thru is  popular with  riders who have difficulty getting on and off of a normal bike.  We have also sourced quiet, intelligent brushless motors, battery units etc. that when fitted in our workshop are both pleasing to the eye and unobtrusive.  When pedalling with the motor switched off on relatively level ground you would not realize that you are riding an electric bike, since the front wheel hub motors spin so freely.

The  price of this model is £1399.99 including delivery. This also includes lights, mudguards, stand, Smart digital wireless computer, and a special rear carrier that houses and includes the battery pack, but still leaves the rear carrier free for luggage or to install bags.   The intelligent charger is also included.

The battery packs that we are now using have Lithium Panasonic Cells which are now widely accepted as being a very reliable, stable, and safe option. We have also noted in our product testing a vaste improvement  since the earlier days of Lithium batteries, (when we rejected them and used NiMh batteries instead) concerning both the range and currently their more predictable behaviour, as they gradually become exhausted and ready for the next charge.  Another bonus is that these batteries have a recharge expectancy of 700 - 1000 cycles, though of course we only have this figure from the manufacturer. We have not ridden a test model for 30,000 miles to find out yet !!

Specifications of Dahon Ciao D5 Electric

• Colour:  Slate
• Speeds: 5
• Frame Sizes: 1
• Gear Inches: 39"-87"
• Distance: Seatpost to Handlebar:Min: 640 mm (25") Max: 680 mm (26.5")
• Distance: Saddle to Pedal:Min: 650 mm (25.4") Max: 950 mm (37")
• Folding Size:34 x 74 x 66 cm (13.3" x 28.9" x 25.7")
• Folding Time:15 sec
• Weight:22.3 kg (17.3kg battery removed)
• Suggested Rider Height:142 - 193 cm (4'8" - 6'4")
• Max Rider Weight:105 kg (230 lb)
• Frame: LA Series, 7005 butted aluminum alloy, custom-drawn Sonus tubing, Lattice forged hinge, patented Fusion and V-Clamp technologies
• Fork:  Integrated, patented Fusion technology
• Handlepost:  Radius V Telescope, adjustable, patented Fusion and V-Clamp technologies, forged aluminum
• Handlebar: BioLogic Crescent, 6061 aluminum
• Headset: Zero stack, cartridge bearings
• Grip/Bars Tape:  BioLogic Ergo, single density
• Saddle: BioLogic Como
• Seatpost:  BioLogic PostPump, 34 x 580 mm
• Seat Clamp: Dahon Covert, high leverage design
• Front Brake: ProMax V, aluminum, linear spring
• Rear Brake:  ProMax V, aluminum, linear spring
• Brake Levers:  ProMax V, aluminum bracket/aluminum lever
• Brake Cable & Housing: Anti-compression housing, Slick cables
• Front Hub: 36v motor unit
• Rear Hub:  Dahon special edition Sturmey-Archer 5, freewheel, forged 6061 hub body
• Spokes:  18/8 stainless steel, brass nipples
• Rims:  Aluminum, ground sidewalls, anodized
• Tyres: Upgraded to Panaracer Crosstown 20 x 1.50 Puncture resistant tyres
• Shifter(s): Sturmey-Archer 5
• Crankset: Cold-forged 6061 aluminum crank arms, hand-polished
• Bottom Bracket:  Upgraded to sealed Unit
• Chain: KMC Z410 or SRAM
• Pedals:  Suntour folding, non-slip
• Cable & Housing: Anti-compression housing, Slick cable
• Chainguard:  Full chainguard
• Kickstand: Dahon Double stand
• Clip System: Magnetix system
• RACK Aluminium  with lockable Battery housing
• Luggage Bracket: Luggage Socket, frame integrated
• Accessory: Wheel Reflectors
• Front & Rear Reflectors: Yes

Front brushless hub motor and Rear mounted LiMn Battery for more balanced weight distribution.   The Vitesse and Ciao Electric bikes are a joy to ride mainly thanks to the expertise of Dahon who manufacture the standard model and have 25 yrs of experience in the folding bike market. Our electric model is also easy to push along on it’s wheels when folded. This is achieved by leaving the saddle extended, tilting the folded bike to the point of balance, and it then requires very little effort to manoeuvre it around. The front and rear half of the bike are held together when folded by the Dahon Magnetix system.

The motor responds progressively as the speed controller is turned around the handlebar up to the maximum permitted speed of 15 miles per hour. Both brake levers as a safety feature have switches to cut the motor immediately you brake regardless of the speed controller position. The big advantage of these systems is that when on the level you can ride the bike unassisted with the switch turned off and there is no drag from the motor The best policy is to inflate the tyres to at least 60 PSI to keep the rolling resistance to a minimum.

It is of course possible to ride without pedalling at all, but this will reduce the milage considerably that the battery has to offer. The really great thing about electric bikes for those of you who need some help, is that it takes all the sweat and struggle out of climbing normal hills, and puts the fun back into cycling.

The Dahon Ciao D5 has the lowest step-thru of any folding electric bike available on the market, so it’s extremely easy to get on and off the bike, even if you are not as flexible as you used to be.

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The Electric motor kits are professionally fitted by ourselves in our workshop. The Battery is locked into the carrier with a key. The Battery can be removed for charging, or left in situ. if there is a powerpoint suitably positioned.

An intelligent charger is supplied with the bike which takes 4 - 6 hours to recharge the battery if it’s exhausted.

In the pedelec mode there are three settings the highest of which will maintain your riding pace at 15mph (the speed will obviously drop a little as the battery depletes). On the open road this makes for easy cycling without the need to hold a finger on the speed controller, choosing the medium setting will increase the distance achieved per charge.  We do however recommend that the speed controller mode is selected when in town, and in close proximity to traffic, as you can then adjust your speed more precisely.

For those of you who prefer a more personal service, we are always very happy to discuss the advantages of the various models to help quide you towards a bike that is suitable for your requirements and within your budget.  We have a passion for folding bikes and their place in todays society for both the commuter and leisure cyclist alike. Please ring us if you need help or advice on 01666 822330

All Folding Bikes are thoroughly prepared and checked in the workshop (unless we state otherwise on Sale models) in order to validate the warranties, this involves a thorough setup and adjustment of spokes, bearings, brakes, gears (stops and cable adjustment). The chainset and crank, handlebars and all nuts and bolts are checked for tightness and the pedals fitted. Finally the tyre pressures are set and the folding joints and all quick releases are lubricated and adjusted. After a brief test ride (mainly indoor) they are then carefully packed back into the original boxes using appropriate packaging, this means that the bikes when received and unfolded are ‘ready to ride’ .  All 26” wheel Dahon bikes arrive in the UK in boxes with the frame unfolded but the bike partially dismantled. We have taken the decision that in order to properly achieve our highest aim and that of the responsible manufacturers with whom we liase, that we therefore, properly prepare then fold the completed bike with only the handlebar removed, it is therefore necessary for us to repackage the bike accordingly on account of it’s larger size when assembled.

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ITEMS ARE NORMALLY DESPATCHED THE NEXT DAY, UNLESS AT THE WEEKEND, LARGER OBJECTS THEN TAKE 1 or 2 DAYS FOR DELIVERY IN THE UK. SMALL ITEMS ARE DESPATCHED NORMALLY VIA 1st Class Post

©2012 CH White & Son. All prices include Vat and this page was updated 10/04/2012. Online payment using secure server. (you will see the sign at far right when you come to pay)      Most credit and debit cards are accepted.

CH White & Son, 51 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9AG, United Kingdom
 Tel/Fax. (01666) 822330   e-mail   chwhite@btinternet.com