Travel blog: I built my own electric Brompton

I have just read your newsletter and with reference to the Tern Elektron and eagerly awaited Brompton electric folding bicycle, I thought you may be interested in the two bikes I have built.

To my mind, Tern have lost out; both ours fold considerably smaller than the Elektron.

One is a highly modified Brompton, which folds in the same way as the standard version but is 1 cm wider. It has v brakes and an eight-speed hub gear. It weighs 14.9 kg and the battery takes it 25 miles with an output about twice that of the Tern Elektron.

The second bike is another eight-speed hub gear with v brakes, the same electric drive and battery as our Brompton, and a folded size of 73 x 56 x 34 cm; a bit larger than the Brompton, but considerably smaller than the Tern. It weighs a more at 17.3 kg, but considering the eight-speed hub gear, it is light.

Both bikes have the motor in the front wheel, the battery goes in a Brompton bag at the front, and with a small amount of pedalling will go 25 miles.

You can see examples of the type of electric motor kits fitted to both bikes at nanoelectricbikes.co.uk

Submitted by ETA member Derek, Loughborough

The iconic Brompton folding bicycle is the epitome of practicality – comfortable, durable, and easily stowed at home, in a car or on public transport – and we have one to give away, along with three months’ free ETA Cycle Insurance.

It's easy - just email yourself a quote for any ETA insurance product and you'll be entered into our prize draw.

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