What is the ideal UK bike-train-bike commuter bike?

Dawicz

New member
Local time
5:36 AM
Joined
May 12, 2024
Messages
1
Location
Sussex
So UK rail transport during peak times requires a folded bike. But the distance between the gate and the train doors can be a hike and my stations won’t let you push it up. It has to fold first. So…

I am looking for an e-bike folder that can cover the following:-

1. Wheel along vs carry when folded (I have sciatica and big lifts are a trigger)

2. 20 wheels and strong performance with up to 15% hills (just my local geography)… so probably geared but maybe not?

3. Ideally not a complete nightmare to service / get spares

4. Budget wise with all bells and whistles I need to keep sub £2k

Any personal / indirect experience or recommendations?

Have looked at the Wisper806 but no idea if it meets the first criterion above
 
I'm not sure the ones I'd recommend are available in the UK.

However, since you're taking a train for probably the bulk of your commute and since you have back issues, I would recommend a folding bike that is NOT electric. Even the lightest folding eBike is 46 lbs. and doesn't roll when folded. (Lectric XP Lite) Even moving that one around a crowded train would be a chore.

You can find a non electric folding bike that will weigh 10-15 lbs. less. I believe Bromptons roll when folded, and are made in the UK. They fold quick & easy, too:

Dahons are pretty well-known, but I feel they're a bit expensive for what they are. I had a Curve D2 years ago, and its wheels were not well made. They were thicker near the seam, which caused the brakes to pulsate dangerously. I have an older single speed Boardwalk model now that is OK in this regard:

Can you get the Priority Folder in the UK?
For a folding bike, a belt drive makes a LOT of sense. You will be constantly fighting chain grease on your clothes otherwise. I have a Priority Apollo 11, which I love. (even though the IGH makes it slower than it would be if it were chain-driven)
 
I should add that I took a folding (non-electric) bike on trains for awhile here. It was heavy and unwieldy, but the train I was on had several steps up. I believe your "tube" trains are level with the floors, which makes it easier.

The bike had to be in a bag, so it would be considered "Luggage" rather than a bicycle at that time.

Can you get a fold-up, low speed electric scooter? That would probably be a lot more portable...
 
So UK rail transport during peak times requires a folded bike. But the distance between the gate and the train doors can be a hike and my stations won’t let you push it up. It has to fold first. So…

I am looking for an e-bike folder that can cover the following:-

1. Wheel along vs carry when folded (I have sciatica and big lifts are a trigger)

2. 20 wheels and strong performance with up to 15% hills (just my local geography)… so probably geared but maybe not?

3. Ideally not a complete nightmare to service / get spares

4. Budget wise with all bells and whistles I need to keep sub £2k

Any personal / indirect experience or recommendations?

Have looked at the Wisper806 but no idea if it meets the first criterion above
Hi, have you checked out Electroheads on YouTube? They are based in England and constantly review commuter bikes that adhere to the British laws. They just had a segment on the Ado Air, made from carbon fiber and weighs in at 12.5 kg. It has no roll around wheels but you could always put it on a suitcase trolley. They have episodes on lots of London foldies. Most bikes here in the states are going to have much bigger motors then you are allowed.
 
Back
Top