What Is The Best Folding Bike For Your Sailboat?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- Full article: www.practical-...
This week we explore what the best folding bike is to keep on your sailboat and compare the time honored Dahon Folding Bike with the new Dahon K-One electric folding bike, and the new Jack Rabbit folding bike. Which folding bike fits better on your boat? Which folding bike is lighter? Lasts longer? Which electric folding bike has more range for your cruising boat provisioning trips? Electric folding bicycles may just change the way you travel from your sailboat on land.
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Absolutely, let’s see that race! And maybe even a tour of Bacon Sails!!! 👍
I think as sailors we don’t get enough exercise, so peddling is a welcome change to just walking, I like the Paratrooper
Dinghy’s would be a good subject to consider. Every thing from inflatable Taka cat to handmade wooden two part nesting versions and any thing in between.
I would make sure the batteries are LiFe anot the liihium ion as they are too flamible for use on a boat. I won't have anything bigger than a single 26650 cell in li ion. Bafang mid drives are a great option throttle control huge power and the ability to build your own battery packs with known cells.
Great information piece! We've been cruising during the summer (and RVing across the States during the winter) for three years with our Envo Lynx's- 20 inch wheels/batteries in the seat post/8 speed/ electric throttle/dfront and rear disc brakes/lights/luggage racks- about 42 lbs. Canadian firm- Envo. Tough as nails-Great range and speed and a North American dealer network if required (we haven't). This level of capability for distance, speed and cargo turns these from 'recreational' toys into a credible portable urban transportation alternative. And when you go 10 miles against a strong headwind or hit a 3 mile upward hill, it feels like the angels are gently goosing you....
Excellent relevant presentation. I lean towards the 'Jack Rabbit' with an extra battery(or two).
Great video, Tim!
I lean towards the folding escooters instead, bc they're lighter and easier to get in and out of a tender. However, I would like to know the distance point where the bigger wheels of a folding ebike would be preferred. OFC, the ultimate solution would be to have both on board, to cover the range of possibilities. But, one also cannot have everything, bc where would you put it? 🙂
First pls excuse the essay, but it is PS, not LK! May I suggest that a good folding e-scoot, with a proper seat, is far better than any bike for most uses? Also 100% for people who can't really ride a bike [like me]. So I converted to one & I swear it's truly amazing. Folds nicely & carries easily too. It's 1000W, range is 35km & cruises at 30-40kmh. Scoots with a seat also carry much, much more than than any bike. For eg, my scoot had 2x cases of beer on the floor, plus my backpack of groceries & another bag on the handlebars.
_...based on some 850km of scooting: 1. Range? Assume 2/3 the claim irl. Mine claimed 50km, irl 35km. 2. Highly recommend pneumatic tyres, dual coil suspension & a sprung seat with dampener. 3. Pick a scoot with a wide floor for loads [mine's rated to 150kg gross]. 4. Scoots can easily be stowed in a bag on deck when you're below if fire risk is the concern (eg when you're at ⚓). But that's any e-bike too. 5. Buy a scoot with proper LED running lights for safety. Don't just get one with a cheap headlamp & tail lamp, I don't think it's safe. 6. Really steep hills you just push with your feet to help a bit. Tbh feels like back when you were a kid, easy & fun. Thank-you & happy scooting lol!_
Total carrying capacity is something to consider. I'm 190 (on a good day), and +60 lbs of groceries often exceeds the limits of smaller bikes. The jackrabbit maximum is 240. You, the bike, batteries, accessories, groceries etc. need to be taken into account.
Nikki and Jason Wynn showcased (uncompensated) their new Carbo bikes on a recent video. The model they chose uses a belt rather than a chain with derailleur eliminating the corrosion they feared and that you mentioned. A bit pricey, but very light and compact.
Hi Tim, I think I would stick with Dahon K1 Electric. Because, if you run out of juice, you still have your legs to do the work/exercise. I watched a TH-cam channel called "Gone with the Wynns", Jason's electric bike ran out of juice and over heated. Anything could happen. Good thing they could still peddle it.
Did someone say "RACE"? yeah baby! Happy Racing ⛵.
While the Jackrabbit has many pluses remember that range "estimate" does not include a fat guy(me) going uphill with many # of groceries, parts, jerry cans, ect. I feel better about still having pedals.
Not me.
I use folding escooters and when they go dead, I have to push, the same as the Jackrabbit. But that seldom happens and when it does, I find walking alongside to be not a big deal. I suppose if one has the tendency to ignore one's range limitations and just drive til one's vehicle dies, that could be a lot bigger deal. Mine has only died on the way back and near home, so a little pushing was pretty easy. And both times the screen claimed plenty of range to make it back. It just didn't estimate correctly. IMO, one relies upon computer models and projections at one's own peril.
Remember the old programmer's adage: "Garbage in equals garbage out". Despite the widespread belief that computers are infallible, they screw up regularly. I prefer the estimates that come from my own brain and experience. At least mine aren't off by orders of magnitude, like computers' often are. Knowing how to do quick estimates in one's head gets one close enough to catch such "computer errors" before they get the chance to kill one!
My idea for a race would be between a folding ebike and an escooter. But it would have to be starting from the deck, to some 'grail' object to retrieve from a distance away, ashore. Whoever gets back on deck with the 'grail' object and gets their vehicle stowed first, wins. This way the quicker loading and folding of the stand up scooter would get a chance to make up for the scooter's slower speed and rougher ride.
I'd find it interesting to learn just how far away said object would have to be to make it an even race. My guess is about a mile. Nearer would give the advantage to the scooter, and further away should give it to the bike. But it would be nice to KNOW that break even point, instead of just guessing... If your boss is up for it! What's really needed here is, if you like bikes, is an opponent that's in love with scooters. Or, vice-versa... 🙂
For an ultra small lightweight option check out the electric kick start scooter s
I can't deal with bikes that aren't real bikes. I went with a Montague Paratrooper Pro. 26 inch tires.
And I have a Bafang mid frame conversion kit.
I have a couple of GoCycle GXs. They work great but seem a bit heavy / bulky to put on the boat. I’d have to store them in the aft cabin. It would be good to get a Practical Sailor review of them.
Go use a torque sensor bike, they're so much better, it feels natural. Also, you can set the assist level so your barely doing any work. And ya, having a throttle is ideal, for sure. Also, that jackrabbit is illegal in the EU, and they're strict about it. It's illegal in many places in the States too, it's considered to be an electric moped.
I was just thinking about this topic
I would recommend the bigger Jackrabbit, especially in any area with hills. I tested out the 300 and it’s great when it’s flat, but struggled a bit on inclines. Would love to try the 500, seems like it would be perfect.
Keep in mind that with no pedals the jackrabbit is actually a motorcycle under many laws in the US. That means you need a motorcycle license, liscence plate and current DMV registration. Police around here have been enforcing that standard due to the increase in ebikes mixing with traffic...
Where are you located? Unless the power of a Jack Rabbit is about 50CC, and you can reach at least 40 MPH, I don't think it's considered an "electric-powered" motorcycle anywhere!
@@bjn68 not true. Texas, for one, doesn’t care how fast it goes or how many cc it is, if it’s motorized it’s considered a motor vehicle
@@bjn68 I think Florida is about the only place I have seen that this would be legal.
@@MonkeywrenchmotorcyclesI don't believe that is correct. As far as I can understand It, this jack rabbit would be considered a class 2 electric bicycle under texas law. Therefore, it requires no license or registration.
This reply is not meant to provide legal advice. Please consult an attorney before committing any possible crimes. 😊
@@coryjohnson7025 there’s a big gray area in the law concerning electric bicycles but I was mainly replying to the post about under 50cc not needing registered as a motor vehicle which isn’t correct in Texas, even the little 49cc scooters need tags, registration, and insurance here.
A jackrabbit with pedals and simple gears (that way you can always pedal yourself to were your going and electric yourself back)
A bike with pedals and 5 to 10 miles radius batter life that does not weight a ton (20 pounds into dingy and out of dingy can be tricky if your not young or in great shape)
Sun short 3. Three speed with coaster break. With a Burley trailer
I bought the Aniioki A7 and it been great! Weighs about 70.lbs and and has an easy 20-30 miles range in is steep mountain terrain down by the sea mostly flat about 70 miles it alao has a back seat that's a little awkward to balance with a second person, but it's totally doable to get into town for dinner or something like that
Are you fitting that in a dinghy?
Take a look at Bike Friday. The Tikit especially is slick. Made in the USA.
I think this review begs a follow up review of collapsible bike trailers for when you have to haul something bulkier than what would fit in a backpack.
Yes!!
A foldable bike or two on a boat wouldn't take up THAT much extra room and a foldable trailer... yes. I know that these are not really cheap but for the necessary excursions around town, very beneficial. I'm not a cruiser, but I watch many such channels. Many of them really do have enough money for foldable bikes. So why don't they have them? The channels that also feature SCUBA diving... yeah, that is extra gear too. Everything is a tradeoff.
Yes, let's see a racing comparison!
The jackrabit style "bike" would not be street-legal over here, same with bikes going faster than 24km/h or having an engine delivering more than 350W. So I guess where your going should be on your list to when you select your bike.
You need to pay close attention to bikes with throttles and no throttles that may change their classification in some countries. May change the requirements for licensing and insurance..
Top speed of the bike can also change their classification. Probably not a big issue in most remote sailor destinations, but if using within the US may cause you issues
Folding Costco wagon! Gotta have one.
Yes, but not road legal in Europe or the U.K. at present.
I just purchased a Zizzo Marino for my boat. The company claims it’s almost entirely rust resistant. If I’m in a hurry I’ll take my Meepo AWD Pro eboard 😁
And half the price.😀
They also have the zizzo forte with higher load limit if you are carrying a lot of supplies.
They also have the zizzo forte with higher load limit if you are carrying a lot of supplies.
The burley folding trailer will solve the load capacity issues
@@jennifermazat1127 If you have enough room on a boat and dinghy, a lot of things are possible. A lot of money would be really great.😀
I think this is less of a review of folding bikes than the title eludes to and more of a comparison of two e-bikes. There are a lot more choices out there than this!!! What about charging them? will you have enough solar to charge your bikes AND have enough for your other loads like the refrigeration? I think E-bikes are more for those at the dock than at anchor. I have a manual Brompton, which I love, no worries about charging, running out of juice AND I get the EXERCISE I need. The Bromptons are exceptionally well made in England, and have the smallest folding dimensions and if you really want that E-assist, Brompton has an E-model too.
I am an avid cyclist and not a sailor. I’ve always thought that if I went sailing, a major benefit would be to transport me to interesting places to cycle. I evaluate prospective boats on their capacity to store bicycles.
Personally, I think the Jackrabbit looks terrible. Throttles do not belong on bicycles because it completely changes the experience to a scooter (or an electric wheelchair), while torque sensitive peddle assist is a seamless extension to bicycles. Needed exercise is part of the point of cycling.
While agree that I want pedals for so many reasons, I disagree with you about throttles. I did an ebike conversion to my MTB 7 years ago and I consider the throttle an essential safety feature. If you have to get out of the way of a car/truck quickly, the throttle is your savior. If you are at a dead stop and need to get through an intersection quickly, the throttle is your friend. I wouldn't want to ride a bike in a city without a throttle. Yes, it's not your main mode of usage, but a must have IMHO.
@@marklong8608 Fair enough. The safety derived from throttles is not something I’ve considered much. I’ve figured the throttle more of a complication to decision making. The torque activated assist enhances previous biking capabilities, which I had already deemed safe enough. If you are in the correct gear, then you can draw nearly the full acceleration from your motor through peddling anyway.
Be careful to get the Dehon Mariner D8 and not the MU D8 for less money but not made for the salt water.
A folding BIKE! Yes. Electric? Maybe not. A peddle bike can be very light and a folding one won't take up that much extra space. A folding trailer for such would also be great for those provisioning runs and other necessary excursions.
I've watched several channels where the people walk long distances or take Ubers or whatever. After some Uber rides, that would pay for a bike or two.
Tradeoffs...
When the Jackrabbit's dead, it's dead... No way to pedal back. That's a deal killer for me.
Carry an extra (charged) spare battery in your backpack... just in case the main one dies.
Brompton beats them all
Surprising that he missed that, especially now that the copyright has lapsed and you can get excellent copies from Asia (Pikes seem better made than 360). Perhaps however they are not as suitable for marine environments though with that steel frame
I see that the Dahon Mariner has steel forks 🫤
What else did you check to come up these best-of?
We love our Dahon Mariners, but word to the wise: be careful! With wheels smaller than standard bikes, they can get trapped in drainage grates or potholes more easily than full size bikes. I ended up in the emergency room when my front wheel got trapped in a storm drain grate at 10 mph and I was suddenly over the handlebars and on the ground. Thankfully the emergency room was 2 blocks away and a good samaritan stopped to help me. Oh, and always wear your helmet! As long as you're cognizant of this issue, you should be fine.
No electric folding bike for me. Zizzo is nice and I don’t have to charge it!
I have been considering a stand up scooter with a seat option. With this set up I believe I could even carry a 5 gallon jug in front of me on the foot deck?
Thoughts???
Be aware that with the seat installed, most escooters will no longer fold up.
Come to think of it, that might not matter. You could always bring the scooter and the seat separately in the dinghy and then assemble it ashore. And then disassemble it again for the return trip. That would be a bit of a pain in the old rear area, but well worth if if that jug is full of diesel or water that is sorely needed aboard!
I would haved liked some info on the potential drain on my electrical system. Will i need 300W solar? Will it be usable every day. Great topic that you've just scratched the surface of!
Whatever the size of a bike or battery pack, or solar array(or absence thereof), one can estimate the current by just knowing two simple rules. Whatever electricity that is used out of a battery pack, it must be put back when charging... PLUS apx 25%. So no solar array is needed. One can charge whatever off of the house battery(s). The solar array comes in when the sun is shining, and it then charges your house batteries back up, replacing the current that was consumed charging up the vehicle... or laptop or whatever. The trick is to balance one's solar array with one's power needs. Some need none at all... but others need thousands of watts.
So, for example, if you run a 300 watt motor for an hour, that will, in theory, consume apx. 300 watt hours of that pack's charge. Add 25 percent to that for losses in conversion and it will take about 375 watts to replace the 300 that was used and bring that pack back to full charge. In practice, I round that up to 400, bc so many other factors also enter into the mix.
I also round all claims to an electric vehicles range DOWN by 25 percent. So a claimed 20 mile range I take to be 15 miles, and so on. In my experience, no electric vehicle lives up to their range claims in the real world. Remember, electric ranges are listed as: "UP TO"... x amount of range. The words; "up to" give birth to the words; "your mileage may vary!" 🙂
@knlazar08 that is useful information, thanks!
@@newfiescreech7328 Glad to be able to help.
@@newfiescreech7328 Glad I could help. You can also estimate by the size of the battery pack. Volts times amps equals watts, so in theory a 48 volt, 10 amp/hour battery pack will hold 480 watt-hours of electricity. So if it's dead, 480 plus 25% for losses means it will need about 600 watts of energy to charge it back up again.
Unfortunately, if the pack isn't completely dead, then one has to estimate how much is left to figure out the charge time. And even the vehicle's computer doesn't know that!
I find it better to just estimate about how far it has traveled, and then use that figure.
So if my scooter has a 20 miles range one(that I use 15 miles for instead), and I've driven it for 7 and a half miles, I used 50 percent. So in that scenario, 300 watts should charge it back up.
These figures aren't perfect, but they'll come close. In the case of my 450 watt scooter, it has a 36V, 7.5 amp battery. So from dead, about 340 watts to charge(36x7.5=260 watt hours plus that 25%=337.5 watt hours). Its charger is 2.4 amps and it takes just about 3 hours to charge. Theory says 2.4x36= 86.4 watts per hour into the pack. 86.4 watts per hour times 3 hours would be 259 watt hours in 3 hours. So mine does a bit more, a bit quicker, than the theory. Pretty close tho.
And, my 25% discount and 25% for losses are a little high. I always try to err on the conservative side. I'd rather have some extra than run short. 🙂
Is anyone using an electric scooter instead?
I prefer an e kick scooter
That would be me. Too lazy to assemble and disassemble a bike. Too much quicker to fold the handlebars up and down. Plus scooters fit in a rib better than a folding bike. I think, even better than a jackrabbit, although I haven't had one (yet). Escooters still fold up quicker though.
@@shredderhater can you share success and challenges of the kick scooter. I can see where it would be better. How far do you travel comfortably? What's a typical load back to the dinghy?
Edit: I just saw the e(lectric) in your reply. That's what I meant at the beginning but maybe no e is better. What do you think?
@@artsmith103 They are so comfortable, you could ride all day til it runs out of battery life, some have xtra batteries, backpack for carrying things, fold up, take in stores with
me , not good on hills
@@artsmith103 fun too , like slalom water skiing on the road
Electric carbon folding is light
Electric scooters are the way to go.
Walk. Too much junk onboard.
Agreed. Too much junk. In fact, why bother to have a tender at all? Just swim back and forth to shore. Let's get rid of all the useless crap that we don't need! 🙂
I have no cartilage in my right ankle, which severely limits my walking range, before the pain really sets in. A bicycle eliminates my range limitation.