Is this Bike Convertible?

[e5p3r]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010RH6X4C/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1W6FFIBXHB164

Just a cheap, single speed folding bike. I'm on a budget and this looks like a great place to start. I want a light folding bike that I can convert but I don't have a ton of money to put into it. $200 for this light thing seems like a great deal.

It does have coaster brakes. I assume I'll need to replace those. To what, though?

I don't care what kind if motor it is as long as it can still be folded. Looking for something cheap, but that can take me around 25+ mph. I believe the legal limit is 28 mph here (California) so maybe 1000 watt? 750? I'm not sure.

My budget is around $800 - $900 depending, though this may be unrealistic. I'd just like to know what my cheapest option is for this and if that bike is even suitable. Links and suggestions for kits and what type of brakes I'll need would be great too. Thanks!

 

[LewTwo]

Found a short review of the bike: http://www.foldingbikeguy.com/vilano-urbana-folding-bike-review/
In theory you could put a Bafang mid drive in it if it has a standard British BB ... but never assume. Also the mid drive and good battery are going to strain your budget limits.

Note that the wheel size is 20 inches with 28 spokes (if I correctly counted them). So if you go with a hub motor then you likely looking at a new wheel. It has a rigid fork with fender eyelets so a front hub motor (Q100 or Q128) should work fairly easily. With a battery hung under the front half of the down tube you could reduce all you wiring to one section of the folder (and keep the CG low as well). Keep the coaster brake and add a dual pivot front rim brake.

I happen to like front hub motors but that makes me the exception.


Last but not least read this thread: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=66302

 

[d8veh]

It's not suitable. You can't put a rear or middle motor in because of the coaster brake. It doesn't look like it has a front brake at all unless it's been Photoshopped out.

I would leave that one. See if you can find one with disc brakes, which are much better for an electric bike.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Shimano-speed-Brakes-carrier/dp/B01GW4RNS4/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1476274446&sr=1-2&keywords=folding+bike+disc+brakes

 

[LewTwo]

It's not suitable. You can't put a rear or middle motor in because of the coaster brake. It doesn't look like it has a front brake at all unless it's been Photoshopped out.

I would leave that one. See if you can find one with disc brakes, which are much better for an electric bike.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Shimano-speed-Brakes-carrier/dp/B01GW4RNS4/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1476274446&sr=1-2&keywords=folding+bike+disc+brakes

If I remember correctly the OLD for a coaster brake is 120mm or 128mm which could also be problematic for a rear hub ... but then I don't consider that a disadvantage. I have also personally ridden a bike with a rear coaster brake, front rim brake and a heavy GM front hub kit. I did not have any braking problems ... but I do not ride in the snow, mud or rain. Also the highest grade around here is where a street passes over a canal ... maybe a six foot rise in two blocks.

 

[Ykick]

Coaster brakes? They're great until you have a chain hop off. No front brake? No thanks...

And I wouldn't consider ANY folding bike using a hinge in the middle of the frame. Higher quality bikes (Dahon, Brompton, etc) may mask inherent shortcomings of that design but remember an electric bikes will multiply both speeds travelled along with weight carried. Plus those offerings tend to use really weird component choices. Strange hub widths, funny cranksets, etc.

There's only one folding bike worth converting to electric IMO. Xootr Swift folder. Check one of my links in sig.

 

[999zip999]

Welcome to E.S. Good you for advice before purchase. Smart. It's end of year and some dealers are having deals.

 

[dogman dan]

BTW, there are a slew of really good folding electric bikes hitting the market these days, leading the charge is Damon. Grin Technology is the place to get a folding bike kit, the motor with the narrow axle.