FAQ
Answers to common questions we get asked a lot
Will the NANO Motor™ fit any Bike?
We fit our NANO motor™ to 90% of all bikes. A NANO bike cannot be fitted to bikes with brake discs or solid spokes for instance. If you have any doubt just call us on +44 845 094 2735.
Can I buy a bike with a motor fitted directly from you?
We are not a bike dealer however we have teamed up with some Brompton dealers and between us we can provide you a complete electric Brompton. We can do the same for some full sized bikes as well.
What is the maximum speed of a NANO motor™?
A nano Brompton™ can effortlessly get up to speeds of 15mph without any additional pedaling. A NANO motor™ fitted to a 26” wheel can go up to 20mph, where legal, or slightly more for larger wheels. Both motors are designed to reach the legal maximum of 15 mph.
What is NANO’s performance up hills?
If you weigh 85kg or less, then you should find the following is the minimum that you should expect out of your NANO motor™:
- 10% hill ~ 7mph / 11Kph, unassisted
- 12% hill ~ some assistance in 2nd gear
- 14% hill ~ some assistance in 1st gear
What range can I expect from the NANO motor™?
On a fully charged battery, based on an average male (70kg) cycling in normal conditions, then you can expect a range of between 21 miles (no pedaling at all), 42 miles unenthusiastic pedaling and up to 48 miles as tested by A to B magazine in June 2008.
What weight of passenger can the NANO motor™ comfortably take?
Obviously the lighter the person/bike the better the motor will perform. For a 85kg man, the NANO motor™ can comfortably do 15mph on level ground and easily go up hills with no assistance.
What weight can the NANO comfortably pull?
As reviewed in A to B magazine in May 2008, the NANO motor™ can comfortably pull along a children’s tag along with a child on it, or a children’s trailer with 2 small children in it.
When can I use the power assistance?
When you like! You can use the throttle from a standing start or a hill start. Although, it is better to pedal once or twice for the smoothest start.
How do I cut the motor off?
Either release the grip on the twist throttle, (as it’s spring loaded it will automatically turn off) or squeeze the lever brakes which will cut the motor out.
What are the running costs of a NANO motor™?
The only running cost is the cost of electricity to charge the battery. It costs pence not pounds to fully recharge the battery, and A to B magazine managed a range of 48 miles out of a single charge.
What if I get a puncture?
The NANO motor™ is located in the front wheel which is also one of the easiest to remove of any ebike. We have fitted special waterproof connectors at critical points; one is by the motor so it is easy to take the wheel off and repair the puncture as normal.
Is the NANO motor™ and other components completely waterproof?
The motor is sealed, we use special waterproof connectors and the battery is enclosed in a waterproof casing. We have tested a bike outside all year and have not had any problems. However, we would advise that the battery would benefit from being in a waterproof bag or pannier to further protect it.
Is the NANO legal?
Yes. The main legal requirements in the EU regarding electrically assisted bikes are the following: The bike (including the battery) must not weigh more than 40kg in total The motor must not have a continuous motor rating of more than 250W output Power assisted speed must not exceed 25kph (15 mph) EU countries require a pedal sensor, although the UK does not Riders must be 14 years old or more to ride the bike legally on the road. We offer a pedal sensor option on our product menu specifically for our EU friends. We are obliged by EU law to add that to your order if we are delivering to an EU country.
Do I have to have a license or road tax to ride NANO ebike on the roads?
In Europe, Australia and most states in America you do not need a license, a test, road tax or MOT to ride an electric bike.
Is the motor and other elements waterproof completely?
We leave one of our bikes outside all year to give it plenty of abuse and have not had any serious problems. The motor is sealed and the battery needs to be in a waterproof bag or pannier.
Can I put the NANO hub motor onto a rear wheel?
The NANO doesn't work well in rear wheels, there is not enough axle to take the gears and fit correctly into the frame. The NANO will fit very well on the front wheel though!
Can I use the bike like an ordinary bike?
Yes. If you do not use the throttle at all, then the front wheel free wheels just like a normal bike. Or you can pedal as well as using the motor which gives you greater speed and uses less of the battery’s motor, enabling you to go further.
Can I convert a NANO bike back to a normal bike?
No problem at all, but we doubt you’ll want to!
Which throttle does the NANO conversion kit include?
You choose when buying the conversion kit for you. There is no difference in price between the twist or thumb throttle depending upon your preference/existing gear changer.
How long does it take for a battery to recharge?
Our 10a/hr battery Lithium Polymer battery takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to recharge fully from flat - if only half the charge has been used - it takes half that time.. We do offer the opportunity to buy a spare battery in case you need a shorter recharge time.
How do you attach a battery?
On a Brompton, the battery fgoes into a Brompton bag which then fits to the front luggage block.It is a really neat feature of the NANO that it can be connected without any unsightly wiring. On any other bike we put the battery in a saddle bag that is connect under the seat.
Does the battery come with a suitable mounting bracket to attach it to the frame tube of the bicycle?
OUr battery for other bikes is supplied in a case which slots onto a fitting mounted on the seat post.
Can I leave the battery on the bike?
For safety reasons it is advisable not to leave the battery on the bike connected for an extended period.
Does the NANO motor™ kit include some kind of fuel gauge to show how much charge is left in the battery?
We include a 3 LED indicator on the throttle which indicates what level of power is remaining.
Do you ship overseas?
We have shipped to most countries in worldwide (but unfortunately we cannot currently supply customers in the USA). As a rule of thumb if DHL or Fed Ex will ship there we can ship you a kit! Any overseas delivery will be charged in addition to the kit. Please ring us on: +44 845 094 2735 or email: sales@electricwheel.co.uk, for a quote.
