Electric Bikes

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Member of the Association of Cycle Traders

We have for some time now been of the opinion that what the two wheel market needs is a quality folding Electric Bike that can be used without a licence, Road tax or Insurance on the road. Until it was discontinued we stocked the Dahon Roo EL which sold for over £1,200.00. This was a very good machine but suffered from a few niggling problems at times mainly due to connections. The Sram Sparc system employed on the bike, being an internal 5 speed hub gear and motor combined was probably unnecessarily complicated for it’s own good and at only 16V it was not quite as powerful as many other motors now available, it came complete with a small NiMh battery pack which was very light but had limited capacity. The whole bike however was probably the lightest quality folding electric bike in the world.

On researching the market, and examining what is currently available we have turned away in mild disgust from the majority of folding electric bikes currently on the market, not primarily because of the electric motors or the associated electronic parts, but because they are such extremely poor bicycles with bottom of the range components, (despite the frequently observed claims in the advertising of such bikes to have ‘top of the range’ components). Let’s be clear about this, it is self evident that you cannot buy an electric bike with top of the range components for even £1000.00 . If you know anything about bicycles at all, you will realise that you have to part with many thousands of pounds to purchase a solely pedal powered bike that could accurately be spoken of as even approaching ‘top of the range’.

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 have therefore arrived at producing what we consider to be an ideal combination. We present these Dahon Models as ‘mid range’ in terms of the components, which for the average person, represents a 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 Dahon models, namely the Ciao P5 which is well suited to the type of rider that invests in an electric bike, it benefits from a very low step-through frame (the design was bike of the year in Holland during 2006) and is suitable for both Ladies and Gents to ride, and for the more serious and discerning the Dahon Impulse 24 which is a complete delight to ride, as it employs the Sram hub/derailleur giving you a huge range of gears. We have also sourced some quiet running 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 motor spins so freely.

The price points are £1029.99 including delivery and carrying bag on the Ciao and £1129.99 on the Impulse including delivery and carrying bag. This also includes on both models, lights, mudguards, stand, Cateye cordless computer, and a special rear carrier that houses and includes the battery pack, but still leaves room for panniers and top bag. The intelligent charger is also included.

The battery packs that we are now using are Lithium Manganese which are now widely accepted as being a very reliable, stable, and safe option out of the various Lithium types available. 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 !!


The rear carrier also houses the aluminium battery case which is locked in situ.

	The mudguards we fit are wider than the ones originally fitted to the Ciao and have flaps attached, together this provides extra protection in wet conditions.

		The Impulse does not originally have mudguards or rear carrier in the UK but we fit wide silver guards with flaps which blend in beautifully with the mix of black and aluminium coloured parts that exist already on the bike.

Line up of Electric Dahon Conversions from Left to Right Dawes Ace Electric (Dahon Built) Dahon Impulse P21 Dahon Ciao P5/P8 (they look the same) Dahon Impulse P24


	Specifications of Electrical parts

	Electric Motor: 24V 180W intelligent brushless motor Max Speed: 15MPH UK maximum permitted speed Max Distance per charge: Up to 35 Miles Depending on the terrain, wind conditions, the rider's weight and amount of pedal assistance given Battery: LiMn, 24V 8.5Ah fused and thermister protected, encased in Aluminium, and locks into the rear rack for security. Battery life is around 700 - 1000 recharge cycles. Charger: intelligent 24V 1.8A and charges battery in 4 - 6 Hours. Input voltage 190 - 260 V AC LiMn cells produced by a leading manufacturer in the Far East in cooperation with the Institute of Physics and Acadamy of Sciences. The factory also produces batteries for Hybrid Electric Cars


		Cateye cordless computer and Cateye EL510 front light now supplied as standard fitment

	The speed controller is fitted to the right hand side, so of necessity the Sram Dual Drive shifter has been transferred to the left-hand side so inevitably operates in reverse.

		The Impulse has a flat handlebar and not raised as in the picture on the right, which shows the Dahon Ciao P5. The controls, light and computer are the same.


		Specification of Impulse P24 with electric conversion

	COLOUR Fire Red SPEEDS 24 GEAR INCHES 21" - 114" DISTANCE: SEAT POST TO HANDLEBAR Min: 620mm(24.5") Max: 680mm(26.8") DISTANCE: SADDLE TO PEDAL Min: 730mm (28.7") Max: 970mm (38.2") FOLDED SIZE (15" x 26" x 29.5") WEIGHT 23.5 kg total weight complete with battery and all standard fittings FOLDING TIME 15 seconds SUGGESTED RIDER HEIGHT 142 cm - 193 cm (4'8" - 6'4") MAX RIDER WEIGHT 105 kg. (230 lbs.) FRAME Y Series, SuperLite 4130 chromoly, forged Lattice hinge, patented Re-Bar™ frame design, forged drop-outs FORK Integrated, patented Fusion technology HANDLEPOST Radius Telescope™ adjustable, patented Fusion™ technology, forged aluminum, patented InSide™ lock HANDLEBAR Ritchey, 6061-T6 aluminum, straight HEADSET Dahon Fusion, Zero stack, cartridge bearings GRIPS BBB Ergo grips secured with grub screws SADDLE BioLogic™ AirFlo, Mojo Groove design SEAT POST BioLogic™ PostPump SEAT CLAMP QR Dahon Turtleneck clamp BRAKES Kinetix SpeedStop V brakes, stainless flex noodle, stainless link and anchor bolt, “SilentGrip” ceramic brake pads BRAKE LEVER Aluminium with adjusters and switches to cut motor. CABLES AND HOUSING Dahon LiveWire, SIS housing, slick cables FRONT HUB Brushless 24V motor 180W 3Kg REAR WHEEL Kinetix Comp, 28H radial/2 cross lacing, Kinetix road hub, CNC machined doublewall rim REAR HUB SRAM DualDrive, 24/27 spd., 28H SPOKES 14G, stainless, brass nipples rear 12G front RIM rear Kinetix Comp, doublewall, CNC sidewalls, wear line indicator TYRES Schwalbe Big Apple, 20” x 2.0”, KevlarGuard puncture protection, 70 psi, Reflex SHIFTERS SRAM DualDrive, single- sided shifter, 24 speed fitted to LH side DERAILLEUR SRAM X7 CASSETTE Shimano HyperGlide 8 speed, 11-32T CRANKSET Sugino XD, cold-forged 6061 cranks, 2014-AL chainring BOTTOM BRACKET Cartridge, sealed bearings CHAIN KMC Z82 PEDALS Suntour folding, non-slip KICKSTAND Aluminum, Dacromet bolt CLIP SYSTEM Magnetix™ system FRONT LIGHT CATEYE EL510 COMPUTER Cateye Cordless RACK houses Aluminium battery case. MUDGUARDS Silver Chromoplastic LUGGAGE BRACKET KlickFix frame mount on head tube fits hundreds of KlickFix bags and baskets (Extra Klikfix frame mount required) ACCESSORY Reflective Trouser clip


	The Impulse does not originally have mudguards or rear carrier in the UK but we fit wide silver guards with flaps which blend in beautifully with the mix of black and aluminium coloured parts that exist already on the bike.


	The bike stands upright on it’s own when folded, but equally can be laid down in the boot of a vehicle. (Previous model shown above)

The Dahon Impulse P24 is very easy to fold and takes about 15 seconds only when you are used to it. As can be partly seen above, the handle is first rotated by releasing a quick release lever at the top of the handlebar stem. The handlebar complete is then lowered to avoid overstretching the brake cables and swung down after releasing a lever, the handlebar is then extended further downwards to its limit. The main joint is then released and the frame folds in half and is held by the Magnetix system, the seatpost is lowered and the folded bike stands upright without assistance by resting on the seatpost end stop and the two tyres at the other end.


		Panniers can also be fitted onto the rear rack,

	We can also supply your bike along with this quality Altura Transit Rack Pack. This rear bag has a landing strip which makes the installation and removal of the bag very easy. The bag also has side pockets which flap down forming side panniers and is supplied complete with a shoulder strap. When purchased with the bike there is a £10.00 saving below it’s normal price.

The motor responds progressively as the speed controller is twisted around 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, in fact far less than a hub dynamo that the Ciao’s were originally fitted with. The best policy is to inflate the Schwalbe puncture protected tyres on both models 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 Electric motor kits are professionally fitted by ourselves in our workshop. The wires into, and the aluminium control box itself, are sealed ourselves with silicon cement to prevent ingress of water. The Battery is locked into the carrier by a keyed switch that doubles as an on/off switch as well as the battery lock. 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.




	The Battery case is shown below, this slides out of the back of the carrier once the key has been turned to unlock it. The switch also turns in the opposite direction to turn the power on and off. The picture below shows the Dahon Built Dawes Ace. Pictured left is the current Dahon Impulse P24 Electric showing the Cateye AU100 British Standard Led Rear Light.

The bikes are sold with the usual warranty of one year on components and 5 years on the frame.

The Battery is excluded from this 1 year parts warranty in common with other manufacturers, and instead has a 3 month warranty as it’s life depends so much on how they are treated. If used correctly the normal expected life of LiMn batteries is around 700 - 1000 charges.


	We do of course have a demonstrator (Dahon Ciao P5) for those who wish to visit our High Street shop.


	A large range of front luggage carriage options are available for the Impulse to fit on the front frame lug from handlebar style bags with map pockets, to large bags or even baskets, as long as it has the common Rixen Kaul Klikfix mount it will attach.

These really are a brilliant bike, and we had to smile when we rode one for the first time after completing the conversion. Even the Dual control works a treat and operated with ease despite being fitted to the LH side. (you are of course free to swap sides with the speed controller if you prefer but we think it’s best as we provide it) What is more, a folding 20” wheel 24 speed electric bike is hard if not impossible to find elsewhere. The most complete electric folding touring package that you can buy for just over a grand - even the post pump is included on this model.


	In order to purchase a Dahon Impulse P24 Electric see the 2 options below


	Price £1129.99 including free delivery + free gift of a Ridgeback carrying bag (worth £29.99)


	Part no. DAHELIMPP24


	BUY NOW


	Price £1149.99 including free delivery + free gift of a Ridgeback carrying bag (worth £29.99) also supplied is an Atera Rear Rack Pack worth £29.99


	Part no. DAHELIMPP24BAG


	BUY NOW


		Specification of Ciao P5 with electric conversion

	COLOUR Chocolate, matte SPEEDS 5 WHEEL SIZE 20” GEAR INCHES 37" - 76" DISTANCE: SEAT POST TO HANDLEBAR Min: 610mm (24") Max: 670mm (26.25") DISTANCE: SADDLE TO PEDAL Min: 650mm (25.5") Max: 950mm (37.5") FOLDED SIZE 33 x 65 x 84 cm (13" x 25.5" x 33") WEIGHT 22.4 kg total weight complete with battery and all standard fittings FOLDING TIME 15 seconds SUGGESTED RIDER HEIGHT 142 cm - 193 cm (4'8" - 6'4") MAX RIDER WEIGHT 105 kg. (230 lbs.) FRAME L Series, 7005 aluminum alloy, custom-drawn Sonus tubing, forged Lattice hinge, EmBed and ViseGrip technology FORK Integrated, patented Fusion technology HANDLEPOST Radius ProLite, patented Fusion™ technology, forged aluminum, patented InSide™ lock HANDLEBAR 6061-T6 aluminum, riser HEADSET Dahon Fusion, Zero stack, cartridge, sealed GRIPS Ergo BBB secured with grub screws (Our choice -very comfortable) SADDLE Dahon Biologic SEAT POST BioLogic™ suspension seat post, 40mm travel, forged clamp FRONT BRAKE Kinetix SpeedStop V brakes, stainless flex noodle, stainless link and anchor bolt, "SilentGrip" ceramic brake pads BRAKE LEVER Aluminium with adjusters and switches to cut motor. CABLES AND HOUSING Dahon LiveWire, SIS housing, slick cable, LubeTube seal FRONT HUB Brushless 24V motor 180W 3Kg REAR HUB Sturmey-Archer 5 speed SPOKES 14G, stainless, brass nipples rear. 12G front wheel spokes RIM rear Kinetix Comp, doublewall, CNC machined sidewalls, wear line indicator TYRES Schwalbe Marathon Racer, 85 psi, Qualifier Compound casing, RaceGuard puncture protection SHIFTERS Sturmey-Archer 5 - Speed fitted to LH side CRANKSET Kinetix Wing, cold forged 6061 crank arms, hand-polished FREEWHEEL Dahon Special Edition, 13T BOTTOM BRACKET Cartridge, sealed bearings CHAIN KMC Z610RB, RustBuster PEDALS Folding CHAINGUARD Full chainguard KICKSTAND Aluminum, Dacromet bolt CLIP SYSTEM Magnetix™ system REAR LIGHT Hella Premium, SuperBright LED FRONT LIGHT CATEYE EL510 COMPUTER Cateye Cordless RACK houses Aluminium battery case. MUDGUARDS Silver Chromoplastic LUGGAGE BRACKET KlickFix frame mount on head tube fits hundreds of KlickFix bags and baskets (Extra Klikfix frame mount required) ACCESSORY Reflective Trouser clip




		Rear carrier and LiMn 24v battery is now as the pictures show above and below.

	The bike stands upright on it’s own when folded, but equally can be laid down in the boot of a vehicle. (Previous model shown above)

		The Dahon Ciao is very easy to fold and takes about 15 seconds only when you are used to it. As can be partly seen above, the handle is first rotated by releasing a quick release lever at the top of the handlebar stem. The handlebar complete is then folded down after releasing a lever and clipped into a bracket mounted to the right-hand side of the frame. The main joint is then released and the frame folds in half and is held by the Magnetix system, the seatpost is lowered and the folded bike stands upright without assistance by resting on the seatpost end stop and the two tyres at the other end.

The Basket shown is not supplied with the bike but is a useful addition to the bike. The Dahon frame on the Ciao has a welded lug on the headstock onto which you can fit a Rixen Kaul Klik fix mount and many options of bags and brackets, though the Klick fix Wicker basket shown is by far the most popular. It is an excellent basket, with an interwoven spring steel band that hooks/clicks onto the bracket. This is released by pressing a button and the whole basket can be carried with the handle around the shops. The complete outfit with all the brackets and adaptors required is £57.00 but if bought with the bike it adds just an extra £50.00




	In order to purchase a Ciao P5 Electric see the 4 options below


	Price £1029.99 including free delivery + free gift of a Ridgeback carrying bag (worth £29.99)