Boost vs Brompton Electric
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Boost - Electrify your Brompton
We were asked by Boost if we would do a review on their electric kit for the Brompton folding bike
When it first arrived we weren't at all sure that it was a good idea - and asked if they would prefer that we wait until it was ready
They wanted it now - so here we compare it against the Brompton Electric
Thank you for sharing this brutally honest opinion based on facts! I was so close to pushing the order button for the super early deal on the Boost Brompton kit. After this review, I’m really, really glad I didn’t. I bought my first Brompton in 1999, and sold it after 20 years. I will now buy the Brompton Electric as I am a bit older and need the extra push for going uphill. Thanks again for your work with sharing Brompton ideas. 🚲
Phew! Let us know if you have any questions on the electric at all!
Thanks for watching!
Filed under "brutally honest"
Thank you for watching! It was actually really tough to make!
@brilliantbikes you may have pioneered the category of Brompton related investigative journalism.
@@odess4sd4d There's Pam and Gilbert of 2bikes4adventure too for all the sciency bits!
@@phoneyaccountI am a Pam fan! And Gilbert's animated graphics are truly superb.
Very good, clear, and on point review. I applaud your approach to this. There are, it seems, at least a couple of manufacturers attempting to do conversions such as this, and the high additional costs make me wonder why one wouldn't just settle for the tried and tested (and warranted) original.
Thanks so much for watching! To be honest it was tough to make!
There are some conversions out there which people seem pretty happy with including the ARCC and Nano systems, amongst others... you can certainly see a use case for them although when you factor in buying new, there often isn't much of a cost saving. The Boost system here on paper seems to hit a gap in the market for something small but makes too many compromises for me. Other systems do have advantages such as the ability to use industry standard batteries or use the normal luggage block.
At least there is plenty of choice out there regardless if you have something new, old or you haven't even bought one yet! Good honest assessment (hard to call this a review given the product isn't finished yet but then again, you can pay money to order it).
I appreciate the honest review.
Boost approached me to do a review on the product and I had to say no because they only offered it on a test bike. I said that I couldn't do a fair review without including the installation process, once I said this they never got back to me. Obviously because they know I would have struggled to install this on any other Brompton.
Many thanks!!! We really struggled with making the video and nearly did not publish it, but then toned it down from our first version… and went for it as we felt people needed to know!
They're just worried about you making an electric M-Line if they lent you a kit!
@@brilliantbikesindeed especially with the cost of the whole unit and the issue with warranty.
You did a great job and gave a clear disclaimer at the front that you offered to revisit the bike when it’s maybe worked out the 101 faults.
@@codak29lmao not going to lie it was one of the reason I wanted the built it yourself kit but by the sound of its range it would only get you 1/3 up the mountain.
Expanding the frame or fork on some mods is a non starter for me. Great review.
We agree! Thanks for watching!
Been riding a swytch conversion on my old 6 speed for the last two years. It’s been fine and helps with the hills now I’m getting on in years. So far it’s just done what it says on the tin.
So glad to hear this! It’s nice to know
Thanks for watching!
Can you do swytch?
I feel I’m gonna have to figure an electric system so my wife can do overseas cycling
Many thanks for watching! We really only did Boost as we were asked. So maybe.
Boost makes it clear on their website that mudguards are absolutely possible on the brompton before, during and after their adaptation. They state that no fork will be stretched or maltreated in whatever possible way. Do you say that this is a lie? I'm using a Brompton for many years now, next to a full electric travel bike, and some mountain bikes. They all were bought in (Belgian) bikeshops, and I cannot stress enough the importance of the (local) bike-expert and his shop whenever one considers buying a new or secondhand bike. I'm certain that you are one of these experts. But please stop denigrating competitors or new kids on the block and for all never do this with faulty arguments.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts
We thought long and hard before posting the video - we were actually hoping it would be good as an cheaper alternative to a Brompton Electric that could be used by many who already had a Brompton
We asked Boost if they would like us to wait until after it was ready - but they were happy to get any review out there
So we went kind on them with this one
Well done Hannah! Tough to do such a review - BUT very useful for Brompton bikers out there watching, thinking about an e-Brompton one day. I hope Boost use the feedback positively and get their offering more sorted 👍
Thank you so much for watching! It was a tough one to make and so nearly not made, then we felt we should make it….
I have ordered a Boost kit and have been advised I will not lose the mudguard or have the triangle extended. The review is not comparing like for like as I have a Brompton that is 10 years old and wish to upgrade and prefer the idea of a rear wheel drive. If I didn’t already have one then I would be buying an electric Brompton.
Ooohhh let us know how you get on! I hope it has been improved a lot since Boost gave it to us to review!!! Fingers crossed!!!
@5:05 The Brompton Electric's motor is 250 watt, not 300 watt to adhere to UK law. The BATTERY is 300 watt hour. Some unintentional numbers swapping there. Haha
Whoops! Thank you so much!
Interesting, what about some more comparisons say with ARCC and Swytch? these kits are solutions for those who dont need a whole new bike too, rather than spending 3k on a electric brommie?
Many thanks for watching! It was a tough one to make! We will make some more if we get asked.
I got the ARCC over the original If ARCC doesn’t ask I have a brand new P line for you to test and review I am confident it will blow your socks off it would be wonderful for you to visit ARCC in Cambridge they are amazing and Brampton smart!! By the way flying with an ARCC is a breeze!!! Even with an extra battery
I heard swytch is the best but would like more opinions
@@SingaporeUntold if I was not in the Uk And purchasing the Brompton new, and didn’t want to fly. I would take the Brompton electric if I was in the UK, whether or not, I wanted to fly new or already had a Brompton I would choose the ARCC as this is only available in the UK, it is hands-down, far superior to any other third-party add-on, and it is superior to the Bromton electric
@@Trump2024TheOrangeHouseI have an ARCC conversion- it is brilliant!
As a "Rainy Dane" I never leave Home without my - Mudguards! So that alone makes it a No No!! (Not to ruin the bike it is possible to buy an - extra Triangle for use with the Engine!)
My very first "Folding Bike" was an 18 volt bike, using 2 Makita Tool Batteries - ½ folding and Very Heavy Makita with a limited range, so I doubt I will ever invest in an Electric Version again?
My now - much less than "SuperlightM6LXBrompton" is just for my own fun and - very close in its weight to an original T-line (+Mudguards!), and still with 6 gears!
As a now Pensioner I don't need it to go to work or the like and with a lot of "Free, Tuff Exercise" from the heavy rolling, small wheel bike I don't need to waste my money in a "Fitness Center", without moving to anywhere (Just looking at a screen eventually!)!!
And I'm pleased to see that you have also added a "grown man" to the film! (Never trust a man below 100 kilo😁!!!).
Finn. Denmark 😉😇
Many thanks for watching! Can we ask for a list of your light weight tips?
I too just smile like a child every time I use my Brompton Electric!
They are so awesome! Me too weeeeeeee!
Thanks for watching!
So do I... I have still ridden less than a hundred miles on it, but intend to train for one of next year’s London to Brighton rides to raise money for the EDS Support charity.
I'm sure the ptoducers of the Boost will address any shortcomings and refine it to be better.
Rome wasn't built in a day......
Very true. It’s just not ready yet!
@@brilliantbikes perhaps a collaboration with Kinetics for a bespoke rear triangle...
Yes, the cost would increase, but a less stressed triangle.
Harsh, but I'm quite pleased at the conclusion, since I own a Brompton electric.
I think the Boost is supposed to be quite a bit cheaper if you already own a normal Brompton though.
Don't like the idea of on/off power, though. The Brompton's power is delivered pretty smoothly, tailing off gently as you hit 15.5 mph.
PS I love my Brompton electric and ride it most days. I only rode my normal bike relatively rarely, since I don't like cycling up hills.
So despite the electric being less effort, I end up getting far more exercise on it.
We really found it hard to make! But felt we should! Glad you enjoy your electric! Thanks for watching!
Boost obviously doesn't know what to do with the PAS signal in the motor, he can't tell the difference in signal between the forward and reverse pedals. This obviously makes sense to someone buying a stolen motor. He might want to go to his motor supplier and controller supplier and ask why. This is not even a prototype but he is openly selling on his web page, which I think he lacks the minimum respect for a real "product".
Many thanks for watching and for your comment!
Not a good review. Entirely missing the point.
A Brompton electric bike will cost £2500. A boost kit £600.
If you already own a Brompton electric ( which you do ) you are not going to buy a boost kit.
If you already own a non-electric Brompton and you don’t have a spare £2500 then you might consider a boost kit.
I am pleased you like you electric Brompton but your review comes across as very prejudicial.
Thanks for watching! Sorry you feel we missed the point, we did not, we felt Boost was / is a good idea, it is just very badly delivered. We tried to like it, but there was so much wrong with that bike, we simply could not! So we were honest!
This review seems a little bias. Why did they only weigh one bike? The Brompton Electric is much heavier. It also didn’t mention how incredibly front heavy the Brompton Electric is and how it completely changes the handling. You also loose front storage space and can’t use your normal bag, which you don’t on the Boost kit. The main HUGE benefit is you can’t retrofit a Brompton Electric kit, so you have to ditch your current beloved Brompton and buy a new one. I want to upgrade my trusty steed, not ditch her for a very expensive new one.
I've been fortunate to test ride a Boost Kit for a Brompton and had no problems folding it, carrying it or riding it. It was a different colour bike, so maybe this blue one was a bit beaten up. I really liked the Boost kit as handles A LOT BETTER and didn't completely transform the feel of the bike. I'm a heavy dude (90kg) and the boost kit whizzed me about just fine. It’s a really smart looking piece of kit and very discreet. As with most commutes I need to carry my bike upstairs at train stations etc, so weight is a big factor. I liked it so much i've ordered one, I can’t wait.
Many thanks for watching, we did not bias it at all, just maybe missed the weight of the Brompton Electric as we have covered this before a couple of times :) glad you enjoyed the Boost bike that's great to hear, it just was not for us at the moment - too may things that need to be improved.
Brompton electric every time. Properly developed.
😀. Thanks for watching!
Me and my 20 year old Brompton 6 speed are happy with my Nano conversion that lets you use original Brompton bags and the 36v 10ah battery still gives 25 to 30 Mile range after 8 years or 10 to 16 for a 4ah bosch battery. And its many other replacement/upgrades (thanks to services of Brilliant bike).
Many thanks for watching and choosing to use us, we really appreciate it! Nice to hear the Nano is going well!
Firstly I think that I should have a refund as there were no outtakes!
Brutal but fair review though. I can't imagine you being on the Boost Xmas card list. The internet needs more tough/honest reviews like this. Maybe it stung Boost, but at least it may give them a push in the right direction.
I really do hope it does help them in the right direction! We struggled to make it, the first version was a bit harsh, so toned it down and felt we should publish it! Thanks for watching and for your comment!
I kept watching only because your outfit is so stinking cute. I love the boots, tights and skirt!!! Where can I get them? :)
Many thanks for watching!
Clothes as follows:
Leggings and zipped jumper - Lululemon
Skirt - Desigual
Boots - Sorel
😀
Think I’ll stick to leg power but a larger Chain ring on like a 52 or 54 .carbon seat post it will do me good 😅😅😅😅Go like a rocket my 3 speed .
Totally agree!
Thanks for watching!
Going forward pedaling backwards, wet bottom, this is another very informative and funny video 😂❤
Thanks so much for watching! It was really hard to make!
I just ordered a Brompton Electric with the intent to get myself back into cycling, and stumbled across your channel. Been a 10 year (regular Brompton) owner but have not been riding recently.
I was considering a Swytch kit for my old Brompton but I saw that there was interest free financing so I went for the full Brompton Electric instead.
Great information in this video! Wow, as soon as you said they stretched the rear triangle....I gasped. I agree, the Boost kit really doesn't seem sorted out and I'm glad you were honest about it.
Thank you so much for watching! It was a tough video to make!
The Brompton Electric is absolutely brilliant!!!
We totally agree, every time I ride it I smile! Thanks for watching!
Right at the rear fork comparison I made my decision. But I watched the video anyway 🙂
Thanks for watching! It was a tough video to make!
Be great for a bigger type bike but not the Brompton seen one that might be great though .agree with what you are saying be great on a different type bike though .
Thanks for watching! I think that was part of the issue, not designed for the Brompton, I understand they are working on it….
What about other electrical ⚡️ add-ons to a Brompton. Surly there must be several more electric kits for a Brompton, worth reviewing. Like the Zehus 🇮🇹 brand.
The best, IMO, is the ARCC kit. It uses Bosch batteries that are available worldwide.
We were armed by Boost to review this bike, so we did. It was tough to make. Thanks for watching!!
@@brilliantbikes ‘Armed’ or strong-armed?
@@TR4zest That's only thing they have going for it. They don't sell the kit, they sell the conversion service. Not to mention you also have to give up on the standard bag mount.
Sounds like an early prototype and if so one is left wondering - what the hell were they thinking off asking for a commercial review!
We asked them if they’d like to come back when it’s ready, and if they would like to take an electric for a ride to come them selves but they were happy for us to review it now. It was tough!
Thanks for watching!
The Brompton electric looks exactly like what it is, an afterthought. If they're serious about making an electric bike please design one and don't just tack something on that's easy. As for the Boost, pay for some positive reviews like the rest of the industry.
The Boost conversion kit is (currently) priced between 799 - 1000GBP and their website intimates that those prices may go up due to "factors outside of their control". Even with all the issues mentioned in this great little video, I may have considered the Boost upgrade if the prices were more reflective of where this company is currently at. Boost are differently NOT F1 players (more like Formula 4), therefore said prices are 3 x above where they should be. This e-kit in this under developed guise is worth 300GBP to me, in which case it would be a 5 star product.. even if I had to warp the frame a little.
Thank you for watching! It was a a tough video to make! We really wanted to like it, but the more time we spent with it the more issues we found!
There’s only one way to boost … buy a standard Brommie and get fit doing so. 💪🏻
😀, fab!!! Totally agree!
Thanks for watching!
i has always want bike to backpedal and go forwards. its four me.
I honestly laughed so much when I looked out the window and saw Lee pedalling backwards, but going forwards! I just could not believe it! Thanks for watching, a painful video!
Interesting. I have an Alfine 11 conversion by Tiller cycles which has a stretched rear triangle. I’m not sure how much, but I can put a normal mudguard and rear rack on it. It folds normally but is heavier than my 6 speed but clearly has a greater range of gearing. In terms of the electric, having a battery that can be removed is both a blessing and a curse. Yes more flexible as the battery can be taken off for charging, however if there is a weakness, it is in the connection between the battery and the socket it plugs into. It has been improved by Brompton but for example mine stopped yesterday en route to work. It was the connection at fault and I hadn’t been over any particular bumps. Thanks as always for your film. I’d be interested to see what you think of the ARRC conversion. Thanks
Thanks for watching! It was a difficult one to make as we wanted to like it, but just felt it was too early for it!
What 52kilo only!?! You are slim. It is not that awful, at least it will make your bottom wet ;)
Thanks for watching! And thankfully we missed the rain.
I can't wait to see a full review of the Boost conversion kit. Seems stupid to add weight on a T-Line but why not? 🤣
Thanks for watching! I’d not go near it for the T line!
@@brilliantbikes You saved me from a huge mistake !!! I'll keep the T-Line analog, just as nature intended. Thank you !!! 🙏🏼
Have you guys looked at the widely advertised Swytch Bike conversion for the Brompton? That has a dropin replacement front wheel with a battery pack in a handlebar mounted bag.
We really only did this review as we were asked by Boost, so maybe if we get asked in the future. Thanks for watching!
I had one, it's not bad at all, but I sold my old B and the Swytch kit separately (more cash back that way!) and bought a Brompton Electric, it's way way better, am so glad I did.
Just picked up the
Giant Fathom E+ 2 Pro 2022 Electric Bike,
I am keeping my beloved Explorer six speed Brompton completely standard .
Oohhh sounds fun! Thank you for watching!
@@brilliantbikes
Thanks for your reply,
We just love bikes.
🚴🏼🚴🏼♀️🚴♂️
I am sure they will refine it. and make it more affordable than buying an electric brompton. My Brompton C line cost me around £1250 last year new. A new C line electric are advertised for £2900! Why? A hub motor, battery and a bag for £1650! It costs more than my bike. Why. It's a rip off. I bet the Brompton CEO doesn't live in a council house and go to Scarborough for holidays.
Thank you for video Hannah! Feedback and continuous improvement is something we embrace. The battery pack on this bike is pretty much the production version, 3D printed by our motorsport partner; and yes, it's smaller than the Brompton one so will have shorter range, but more than enough for most Brompton use cases. The motor featured here is not the production version - the production motor we supply next year is an entirely new design that's being made at the moment and it will require zero modification or stretching to the frame. / Nick Bailey
Thanks for watching, we do appreciate it. We actually found it a tough video to make! So no worries on making a follow up
People don't realize just how powerful that little Brompton Motor is, for all its early problems. I'm well over the brompton's weight limit and the brompton electric gives some 500W motors a run for its money going up hills. I've never ridden a 250W hub drive with quite as much oomph.
It really is amazing! Thanks for watching!
I have a A line Brompton and I have developed a knee complaint so to keep using it I have to get some kind of artificial help. I looked at the Swytch and read too many reviews about the battery being not as described and failing sooner than expected. Boost adds weight to the rear so that is a no-go. Kirbebike looked very promising but there are so few reviews about it and Trustpilot reviews are very suspicious. Others are at silly prices IMHO. So, I have to choose in time for Spring. I understand why Brompton does not sell electric kits but it does not stop me from wishing they did. You know you'll get a quality product from them. First World problems eh!
What do you think of the PENDIX-System?
Many thanks for watching! Unfortunately not had a chance to review it, so can’t really say yet
Have you tried or reviewed the Swytch Kit before?
No sorry our first review…. It was actually difficult as we wanted to like it. Just felt it was soo early for it!
@@brilliantbikes gotcha. Swytch looks like a simpler version but it’s always been sold out! Thank you for all your reviews. I enjoy them so much.
I think tahts a bit of a marketing ploy, one i think is a bit dodge!! still getting emails about them from me clicking on a black friday link!@@paulr8423
I love Brompton ,but I can’t justify the costs. I know they are the Roll’s Royce of bikes but just can’t bring myself to spend that much.
Can you do an update to see how the final version performs? I got my kit a couple of days ago and it is clear that many of the issues you raise have now been fixed. I'd be interested to hear whether your opinion has changed at all. Thanks.
A masterclass in how not to deliver a new product.. in oh so so many, varied and awful ways 😂…The engineer in me winced at the inevitable rear deformation to the bushing planes of the triangle and the effect on premature wear and performance.. Well done and thanks for the HEADS UP ..
Thanks for watching! It was a really tough one to film and produce! The more time I spent with the bike the more i was amazed at how bad it was!!!
Cant you retrofit a Brompton motor onto an existing Brompton? Never the mind - Brompton explained why it can’t back in 2020…be safe guys - the Brompton is safe don’t make it unsafe
Many thanks for watching!!
Boost should stick to chocolate bars.
lol! Very nice chocolate bars!
Thanks for watching
There are other discrepancies but Brompton hve not broken the law governing the maximum uk motor wattage of 250, so not the 300 stated here.
But thank you again.
Take care, best regards Colin
Sorry for the error! Thanks for watching!
Nowt like ripping the crap out your rivals
It really did not mean to be like that, we wanted to like it, it just found so many issues with it! It was really difficult to make. Thanks for watching!
Fantastic! Hilarious! haha. Was surprised to see this video on the channel actually, and I've never heard of them, only Swytch, which is a different setup. Love how at the start of the video it seems like you're trying to give it the benefit of the doubt and then it's just all downhill. So many fundamental design problems. Even just one - the physical size of the battery - there is no way it can match the capacity of the Brompton Electric. Love mine, and particularly in level 3 taking off from the lights and most of the time beating the cars to the other side :)
Many thanks for watching! It was a tough one to make!
No mudguards? Not even the flexi ones? 😅 that alone would make me choose "original " before "aftermarket" and then the test. I'll guess boost shot them self into the foot with this one.
The flexi ones should fit! We just did not have the time to fit them.
Thanks for watching!
Your so witty and honest, a beautiful gift.
Thanks for much! And thank you for watching! It was a tough one to make!
I wouldn't want a battery fixed to the bike. With all these new conversion kits coming out, I'm hoping one day Brompton can lighten the battery and offer eBrompton owners some upgrades.
Many thanks for watching, and a great suggestion
I haven't ridden a Boost. However , over the last 22 years, I have ridden tens of thousands of miles on all sortes of Bromptons, including their "Electric" and 3 after market conversions. The best have four common features: no alteration to the frame geometry which protects the world class fold performance; the added weight of the battery and motor is forward which improves the longitudinal stability of an already twitchy bike, the battery is removed for the fold process (it's in the luggage) and the remaining bike is light enough to carry; the bike continues to use the carefully designed rear hub gearing - essential to get the right acceleration and torque down on the road when effort is required; and most importantly, the bike rides effortlessly without electric assist if you want to, or need to. In addition, the Brompton is a mucky cow! With all the important bits so close to the ground, and with all round year use the rear of the bike quickly gets covered in salty crud, particularly the hub, chain and gears. Personally, I wouldn't touch a bike that has had the rear frame bent to accommodate a hub not originally designed for the Brompton because the frame is very carefully designed to meet the requirements of the fold geometry, structural and performance loads. I would name the Brompton Electric and, for those wishing to convert an existing bike, the Brompton Nano as the best and safest options. I am not sponsored by anyone. I am an enthusiast and very happy to hear from Boost.
Many thanks for watching and for your comment - I'm sure Boost will be in contact with you. the bike seems to have been doing the review rounds :)
sounded a bit/lot biased but I agree with the "early prototype" statement at the end
Biased? How do you get that this was biased? They were asked for an opinion and gave it. You have not ordered one, have you?
Many thanks both for watching! It was not biased at all, we wanted to like it, but right now it’s a great idea, but just not ready for the consumer- our opinion.
Stretched triangles, no! Just look at the brilliant expert modifiers, Kinetics and Eerdermetaal, they fabricate new triangles to accommodate Rohloff and Alfine hubs.
They did a side by side weight comparison and even a side by side start from zero race. Biased would be complaining something is biased even when facts and tests are laid out in front of you.
I use since nearly 2 yrs the set-up from velogical in Germany. Works very well; comes with one battery but I use simply 22 V. batteries (from China) which are used by model airplanes regularly. and I can charge them with the charger delivered with the electrical set-up. One can have it installed in a few hours or DIY, not complicated. A big plus is when you do not want to use electric assistance, it takes both motors completely off the rims of the bike, so you have your original bike back. One can adjust the electrical boost via potentiometer from 25 to 100%. One has to paddle or it switches off. The motors are so small that most people even don't notice them: they think it is part of the rear wheel brakes right next to them.
Sounds interesting! Thanks for watching!
Thank you H. I was seriously considering the Boost system. But now it has to be a P line electric. 😊
The P line electric is amazing! Come ride our demo 😀
Thanks for watching!
If you don’t want to fly and you’re not in the UK the Brampton electric is great if you’re lucky enough to live in the UK and you want to fly or even if you don’t want to fly hands down the ARCC is the best option
thank you for being so honest. I watched a similar review from electroheads but their video was pretty toxicly positive about it
Thanks for watching! It was tough to make!!!
Ugh, I was really hoping this could be good alternative. That’s a shame. Rear hub seemed very appealing hence OG electric is very front heavy and can’t share other bike bags. Oh and clean look of not having those cable looms, mmm. Super tiny non removable battery though seemed bit questionable though… Oh well, if they are serious then perhaps v2 right?! One would hope.
Yes let’s hope V2 is nearer the intended use! The hanks for watching - out toughest video to make!
Thanks Hannah and Lee. Now that the Brompton motor reliability issues are seemingly getting sorted, it seems that the actual Brompton Electric may still be the best option.
Thanks for watching!
It is the one I’d go for!
You are my favorite person on UA-cam :)
Thank you for making me smile! And for watching!
Rear triangle “stretched” - meaning, in this instance, widened or opened out laterally using brute force? I don’t like this idea... I am guessing, might this weaken the welded or brazed joints of the triangle frame?
Yes we assume it has been attached outwards, and that it will weaken the rear triangle! Thanks for watching!
Would love if you reviewed the arcc system.
Many thanks for watching, we were asked by Boost to make this review so if we get asked we would love too.
Thanks for watching!
Wow... can't see why anybody would retro fit an electric kit to a Brompton.... odd that the Boost guys asked you to review this.... clearly it's not fit for purpose.....good to see an accurate, honest review with justifications for the criticisms..... enjoyed the video.
Many thanks for watching! It was a tough video to make, we wanted to like it, but just could not be anything other than honest.
Great review as always, although no outtakes!! I electrified my old Brompton with the Cytronex electric conversion fitted by them in Winchester. It is a very good modification, five levels of assistance, an easily removeable battery for charging, and I went for lights as well which are very powerful. This cost c£1,000 against at least £2,500 for the genuine electric Brompton and so in my opinion is good value for money (I doubt I would have got more than £500 for the existing bike given its age). I think the Cytronex conversions are regarded as the best aftermarket ones.
Sorry some of the outtakes actually made it in…. We kind of found it so hard to make we did not feel the outtakes belonged!
It’s great to hear good things about conversion kits!
Thank you for watching!
Many thanks for this honest review. Now if only Brompton did a kit to convert my 6 speed 2023 Brompton that would be good
Thanks for watching!
Dare I say you should try the Cytronex conversion which is British made and is first rate!
So good to hear that it’s a good conversion kit!
Thank you for watching!
Not for me thanks, there are too many "red flags" with this mod. I think that fitting a Boost kit would be a waste of a perfectly good Brompton. Thanks for the review: clearly it wasn't sponsored! 😉🙂
Hmmm you guessed right. It was difficult to make! Thanks for watching!
I’ve met many in life that’s got a heavy back end but let’s not go there thank goodness, sounds a bit of a rubbish kit , I could be wrong of course.
lol! We thought it was a great idea, just a bit of a prototype!
Thanks for watching!
That was a good review. Thank you On the first videos it sounded quite compelling, but the range was a bit odd and the removal of the hub shifter was really nothing one can use in a hilly area. But stretching the rear triangle is really not great, specifically as one puts more torque through it. Most conversions add to the front wheel, which makes me question the durability. On a brompton electric it really bothered me that it‘ll take away the standard carrier block, rendering all bags of the acoustic brompton useless.
After looking for a while I decided to go with a Pendix Kit which adds a motor to the non drive side gets a battery on the top tube. So you have a mid motor with proper torque sensing on the brompton. I was able to install it neatly, although I am a master of jank. And surprisingly it drives soo nice. It is whisper silent, maybe not as responsive as other mid motor big bikes but sufficient. And at least I love it. Plus you get 500wh - which makes for a great range
Many thanks for your comments and for watching!
As always a brilliant video, but in this case, a "how not to...."
I'm amazed you have agreed to review it, it sounds awful, but as usual created with the typically brilliant bikes honest style.
I'm guessing all cyclists, like me, get these ads saying make your bike an e-bike for a few hundred quid, but as you have proved, it may be cheaper than buying a Brompton e-bike, or any e-bike, but people need to think carefully about it. As you say one day they may well be in a position to do a really good version, but that definitely isn't it.
I've seen a few people ask why Brompton don't do a retro kit, but the answer is quite simple really, they don't know what type, or age, of the Brompton, (like in this case) that is going to be converted, the riders history on the bike with defects, modifications. They'd potentially give themselves a massive headache as and when issues arise.
I have a mate who bought a kit and his bike shop did it and he says it's great, but I'm sure the people at Boost think theirs is great, but it patently isn't.
Thanks again
It was tough to make! We wanted to like it, just so many issues!
Thanks for watching!
@@brilliantbikes hopefully they'll listen and make a lot of adjustments to improve it, before selling it, although maybe it's just not suitable for a Brompton and would work on other bikes, if so they should have sent sent one that works on the model they sent you.
EB is not reliable at all but it is still the best electric choice !
Many thanks for watching! We so far have found ours good. But when they do go wrong Brompton support is great!
@@brilliantbikes I have 2 of them at home.
The first had 4 defective motors under warranty, 1 defective controler under warranty, 1 defective battery under warranty.
The second had 1 defective battery from scratch + 1 defective controler after 20 km.
A friend of mine bought one because of me and had 2 defective motor the first year.
Wow i was hesitating. And I finally ordered an Electric P Line and I m very happy with it ! TKS for this cool video !
Many thanks for watching! We too love the electric!
I would think it should be possible to fit the lightweight Brompton mudguards..,..
Yes I think it would be, we just wanted to fit the traditional ones
Thanks for watching.
Thanks! Very honest and useful video.
Many thanks for watching! One of the hardest videos we have made!
Glad you can be so honest. A great review of what seems to be a very poor electric conversion kit. It sounds as if the Boost motor is too small.
You know what it, it hurt! Thanks for watching!
An excellent review showing what happens when a company rushes a product out. It’s just not good enough.
Thanks so much for watching! We found it a video that was tough to make and we nearly did not publish it!
Stretching the rear triangle. Soubds like a death trap. No mudguards and the wire on the non drive side sticking out doesn't fill me with confidence either. No thank you!
It was a difficult video to make but we felt it had to be published! Thanks for watching!
@brilliantbikes I can understand why it was difficult. But we'll done for highlighting the potential hazards 🫶🏼
Great video, as always. When you mentioned a customer with a fork problem, was this on a Swytch kit? Brompton should offer a conversion procedure themselves, I know many people who want to upgrade and feel a bit stuck….(or don’t want to go through the hassle of selling a functioning bike and buy a new electric).
Many thanks for watching! It’s happened a couple of times, I can’t actually remember which kits. Sorry.
On the subject of Brompton offering an upgrade kit I think it's highly unlikely. The B Electric incorporates a number of changes, its not like adding a Swytch kit which is simple - I know I did it on my old P6R. For one thing the front forks are different. So a kit would require a set that would fit the older frames plus all the other bits so it would not be cheap.
I have upgraded, I sold my old P6R on ebay after removing the swytch kit. I sold them separately and raised 2/3rds the cost of my new M6L electric a few months ago. ITS BRILLIANT, way way better than my old B with Swytch kit on it. Yes it's not perfect but it is damn good. Yes j have to use an old phone for a display but it works really well. So my summary is simple, if you want an electric Brompton, sell your old B and invest in a new one. I know it's not cheap but they really are very good, Hannah is so right!
Excellent review and it's nice you were willing to review a prototype, plus offered to re-review it when it was finished.
I always wonder why folks prefer to to buy a nonelectric bike (of whatever brand) with the plan of adding an ekit to it, when the cost of adding the ekit is about the same as the difference of getting the stock bike vs ebike in the first place.
Also, any kit which requires stretching or reaming out the bike frame is most likely compromising the structural integrity of the very bike section the motor will be stressing. I like that Brompton beefed up some sections to account for added stresses to which ebikes are subjected.
That doesn't mean the Brompton ebike is perfect...lack of a lever or button to change pedal assist without removing your hand from the handlebar is a dangerous oversite. Forcing folks to use their expensive phone as a bike LCD screen is stupid...just include a simple LCD screen like almost every other ebike maker OR add ANT+ and let somethimg like the Garmin Explorer 2 (bike computer slanted toward ebike users) take care of the software programing using the ANT+ information.
That said, the first gen Brompton electric has a lot of good features; hopefully they will address the safety and convenience issues above. But the Boost ekit just needs serious work; personally, I don't want more broken bones so would not trust a stretched frame.
Edit...thumb typos.
Many thanks for your comments! And for watching!
I converted a brand new P-Line with the Arc conversion kit as they use a Bosch drill battery which can be taken on a plane. I believe the Brompton electric battery is not allowed on board any flights. I'm very happy with the Arc conversion although it was about £2200
Boost website indicated that No stretch of the rear frame is required. Maybe it was a fake news until anybody have the installation ķit on hand and installed it in person.
The presenter just claim the stretch assumption but didn't try to proof it by measuring the bike. It was a damage to others reputation without evidence
Hi - thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
The rear frame was definitely widened - we showed in the video by comparing against a standard rear frame
The bike also wouldn't fold easily doe to the effect that had had on the rear hinge
It could of course be that they have modified the design - as stated - this was an early version and we asked if they wanted us to wait
We have no interest in reputation - they just asked us to share our thoughts, so we did
Yeah... There are other kits on the market with an experience much closer the Brompton electric. Not exactly cheap, but still "cheaPER" than buying a new Brompton Electric.
It was surprisingly difficult to make this video! But we felt we should.
Thanks so much for watching!
@@brilliantbikes By the way, let me thank you for all the very detailed info you put on the product descriptions in your online store. It's essentially public service. Even though I can't buy from you because of Brexit, I still visit your shop for info on parts for my Brompton.
Price difference is huge so I would go for the Boost. Stretching the frame some millimeters is no big deal been working with bikes my whole life.
Thanks for watching! Fingers crossed they make the production version better!
Precisamente: Boost is shite
Thank you for watching!
Must be serious as there are no out takes at the end of the video!
Some of the outtakes made it in the video! We did have our mechanics laughing in the background but felt it should not go in! It was a tough one to make TBH!
Thanks for watching!
BROMPTON ELECTRIC. "THE WORLDS MOST UNRELIABLE BIKE ?".. Both of my Electric Brompton"s continuously keep braking down. The poor quality bearings & electronics keep failing. Brompton knows about this. But just keeps replacing them with same the parts. Buy yourself several Chines copies for the same price. Or better still a Honda CBR 125cc motorcycle for the same price. Feel less disappointed & save yourself a fortune. PS keep shopping at Brilliant Bikes. They're the bees knees. Do you sell Honda parts ?
Read more
Sorry you have had issues, we have found Brompton’s support brilliant! Sorry no Honda parts yet!
Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for this video. Quite interesting! Does anyone have experiences with Swytch bike conversions? Cheers --- Martin
Many thanks for watching! We would also be interested to hear about other upgrades.
Yes, I had a Swytch kit on my P6R, it wasn't bad, a bit flakey though and a couple of parts failed while in warranty leaving me not very confident with it. So I removed the kit, and sold both it and the P6R which gave me 2/3 the cash needed for a new Brompton Electric which is simply superb. Hannah is so right, it's so good, it's not perfect but damn good!
@@terryc8164 Thanks for your answer. I was wondering if this stuff is good quality or just very good marketing... I will continue riding my 2016 M6R in Racing Green. I'm happy with my Brompton. Greetings from Germany --- Martin
@martinneumann7783 it's reasonable quality, I believe the nano kit is better regarded, and then there is the factory Brompton E, having had one for some 8 months now I know my preference for sure 😂
You don't have to stretch the frame to install and you can have mudguards...
That's good news - thanks for letting is know - is that a final production version that you have?
@@brilliantbikes
Yes, full production version fitted to a 2 speed. I love it. I commute about 13 miles a day and have to carry bike up a few flights of stairs so being lighter than the Brompton electric is a big bonus.
Great review Ms Brill thank you 🙏🏽
It was tough to record! Thank you for watching!
You’ve just saved me £599. Thanks for the honest review. I watched another review saying how great the conversion is but your back to back comparison is very illuminating.
Many thanks for watching, we thought it was a great idea, jus not ready yet, we kind of struggled to actually make this, but kind of felt we had too!
Very honest review 👏 👌 👍
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the honest review
It was tough to make! Thanks for watching!
Hell no. Awful.
Errrr…. That’s what we felt, so were torn on making it! We should not as it’s not ready, versus people need to know….
Thanks for watching!
"...it is awful". Thanks.
It was a difficult video to make! We did not want to publish it, then felt we should!
Thanks for watching!
Very glad that you did from my part, because like me many people who have bromptons may have wanted a detailed and fair comparison. I'd like to know what the thoughts of the ARCC conversion was like too one day, because whenever I've ridden it at the NEC shows before COVID, I thought their programming was amazing. That's funny being coupled to the Bosch powertool batteries makes it a really good e-bike in my opinion.
About 15 months ago somebody I knew was clearing a house before the owner downsized, and everything was for sale. Knowing me, he called me because there was a Brompton in the garage.
It turned out that it had an electric conversion. The owner was convinced that the £800 he had spent on the conversion should add £800 to the price of the bike. I considered that it either added no value whatsoever, or possibly detracted from the value.
I walked away. Aftermarket conversions don't add any value to a Brompton.
Many thanks for your comments and for watching!