After weighing all the options we decided on a buying folding e-bike that has a long range, that we can keep secure in the boot, with some all terrain capability and also easy for Trish to ride. Our new toy is an ET-Cycle fat tyre folding E-Bike. It seems to meet all our needs with the trade off being weight. At 33 kilos with the battery it is no lightweight but has a 120k range.
For a test ride Steven took the bike out towards the new suburb of North Harbour near Morayfield and unexpectedly came across the North Harbour Mountain Bike Trail next to the Caboolture River in the North Harbour Heritage Park.
Well Steven has never ridden on a mountain bike trail, or any off road trail before so it seemed as good a time as any to see how the new toy goes off road.
The trail is a short 5.25 km out and back trail that follows the Caboolture River with a gentle gradient and smooth surface. Some obstacles such as roots, logs and rocks. Suitable for beginner mountain bikers with basic mountain-bike skills and off-road bikes.
This trail is classified as easy which I guess is just as well for the first on a bike that may be off road capable but certainly no mountain bike!
North Harbour Mountain Bike Trail 
Caboolture River
The trail is quite flat with just a few rises and descents. For more skilled/intermediate riders the trail also features several (optional) obstacles, as well as a more difficult trail offshoot which has moderate gradients, a variable surface and obstacles. In the wrong gear and not enough momentum Steven only failed to get up one short steeper rise.
There is even a bench and rest area to stop at along the way.
Memorial
Unfortunately on the way back the left pedal came off!! Attempted to screw it back in however it seems it was cross threaded on assembly and proved to be impossible to reattach by hand. Difficult to ride with one pedal! Fortunately this is an e-bike and the last kilometre of the trail and the 6 km ride home was completed using the electric motor only. Lesson learned – always carry a basic tool kit (especially on the first test rides!).
The shop offered to fix the bike immediately however we are now in Covid lockdown and with the right tools fixing the pedal was quick and easy.
We are now back home in South Australia and in 14 days quarantine so no going outside the yard or riding for a while.
NCM ET.CYCLE F720 FAT FOLDING EBIKE
A new fat tyre folding e-bike. Powered by the latest generation Das-Kit e-bike 48V 15AH batteries, motors and components, that provides a longer range and fewer charges. Two folding options allow us to take ET.Cycle with us and keep it securely in the boot of the car or motorhome rather than on an external bike rack.
For those interested the Specifications:
Motor Battery Charger Controller Display Frame Fork Brakes Crank Front / Saddle Tires Range Weight
25km/h 20″
Das-Kit, integrated rim rear hub motor, G20, 48V 250W Das-Kit, B1M-4815, 48V 15AH, 720WH, with USB port Das-Kit, DC483US, 48V 3A
Das-Kit, CT6-FB, 48V 22A
Rear Derailleur
Das-Kit, C7, LCD, 6 levels
Alu. 6061, 415mm, 20″ fat wheels
RST, Guide-T-20, with suspension
F/R: Tektro, MD-M280 mechanical disc brake system with left brake sensor Das-Kit, CF52A, 52T
L-TWOO, RD-V5008-M-2, 8 speed
Selle Royal, JUSTEK: 6534UEN
CST, CTC06, 20″*4.0
Up to 70 km when using throttle, up to 150 km with pedal assist
Total weight: 33 kg | without battery: 28 kg
Can’t wait until the next ride as soon as we are out of Quarantine!!