Kell
Veteran
- Location
- High Wycombe/London
Demo bikes at The Prudential Ride London event this weekend.
and given Brompton's preference for in-house designed componentry for its bikes, I think it's a bit of a slight to suggest it's cheap Chinese electronics. Unless there's some evidence I've not seen, in which case I'm happy to be corrected.We have partnered with Williams Advanced Engineering to develop a compact and smart motor which responds to the riders needs.
I'm just trying to work out (from their marketing) who this e-Brompton is for. Everyone in the video looks fit and able. It's people who are less fit and able (oh, and rich) who might be interested in this. I for one could be very interested as my arthritis progresses but I cannot imagine the e-Brompton to be any lighter than the standard Brompton, which is borderline too heavy as it is. So that's me out, then!
Apart from the way it folds it's no better than what QVC are flogging for £900... and their's is lighter too!
http://www.qvcuk.com/Cyclotricity-Wallet-250W-8Ah-Folding-eBike-with-Lights.product.508237.html
It's a lot for what is essentially a basic off-the-shelf hub motor conversion of a standard bike.
Upgrade would be very involved, new front frame, wiring in the crank torque sensor etc, so unlikely. There's a lot more engineering gone into it than say the Nano, not knocking the Nano, it's a brilliantly realised system, but the Brompton system is designed into the bike from the ground up, not bolted on top of an existing bikeHere's the email announcement, with a link to a longer promotional video and more details at https://www.brompton.com/Brompton-electric?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Find out more&utm_campaign=Launch 4: Charge, unfold, GO&utm_term=Find out more
http://email.brompton.com/q/1f1copJKesYs0DE3WOLiTmQ/wv
It looks as if there will be a £1000 or so premium for the motor, which is integrated into the front wheel, and the battery pack is housed in a bag which attaches as regular front luggage - either standalone or inside a bigger luggage bag.
Quite neat, and presumably one day they'll offer a standalone upgrade to an ordinary Brommie.
If you go by the video, people who live in flats in Brighton (or perhaps somewhere else on the south coast) - because they have to cope with hills. Either that, or people who ride to meetings and don't want to arrive sweaty. Which counts me out - I just ride more slowly.who this e-Brompton is for