Electric Bikes are growing in popularity with every passing year. Their specifications and builds are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Folding electric bikes continue to be a popular choice, with a lot of new models coming onto the market.
These models are ideal for those individuals that want a portable commuter Personal Electric Vehicle (PEV). Because they fold up, it makes it easier to take them on public transport.
They can also be stored in work environments, or in cramped apartments more easily, without the worry of them potentially being stolen if left chained up outside.
They will fit easily in the trunk of a car, and they can offer a lot of versatility for the user.
Because foldable ebikes are growing so much in popularity, it means there is a lot of competition.
It can be hard to whittle down which ones are offering true value for money, particularly if you are new to the world of electric bikes.
Our article aims to provide you with some suggested models that would be worth considering, although with their pros and cons.
Best Folding Electric Bikes Comparison
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How We Classified These as the Best Folding Bikes
The folding bike model that will work best for you will depend on a number of factors.
You will, of course, need to consider budget, where and how you plan to use the bike and your riding style.
If you want something for zippy commutes, and hopping on and off public transport, you will want something powerful and lightweight.
You might not be so concerned, however, about having a long mileage range.
If you have a longer commute and you are a heavier rider, you may want something with generous maximum weight capacity and a powerful battery.
Some riders may have to tackle a lot of hills or bumpy road conditions, and in this case, full suspension, tires and a powerful motor will be key.
Be Aware of the Electric Bike Classes
Don’t forget to check the Class of the bike you are considering too. The laws vary depending on the country you are in.
Sometimes models that are being advertised as traditional electric bikes that have a heavier weight capacity turn out to be ones that do speeds above 28mph.
This means they are not generally going to be road legal.
Check out the People For Bikes website, which is a handy resource for gaining a better understanding of these, sometimes nuanced, regulations.
In general, the Classes are broken down as follows within the United States:
Class 1 e-bikes
- Max speed of 20 mph
- Pedal-assist motor only
- In some areas, the motor can be no bigger than 250 w
- Generally no restrictions on where they can be used in the US
Class 2 e-bikes
- Max speed of 20 mph
- Pedal-assist mode or thumb throttle function
- Motor no greater than 750 w
Class 3 e-bikes
- Max speed 28 mph (often referred to as speed pedelecs)
- Pedal-assist function only
- Motor no greater than 750 w
- There are restrictions in certain States on where these can be used – always check
Best Folding Electric Bike Reviews
Specs
Type of Bike | Class 2 (Pedal-Assist and Throttle on Demand) |
Motor | 250 watt motor |
Battery | 13.5Ah, 22V, Approximately 300 Wh Lithium-Ion |
Charging Time | 7 hours |
Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Front and Rear |
Max Speed | 20 mph |
Max Distance | 40 miles |
Bike Weight | 36.13 lbs |
Max Weight Capacity | 220 lbs |
What We Loved
While GoCycle is one of the more expensive folding e-bike brands, you know you are getting a model that is well built, sleek and reliable.
A lot of folding bikes can look a little less streamlined and rather clunky. The GoCycle design is pretty elegant and slick.
In terms of portability, it is one of the best too. It is one of the lightest folding bikes, and this makes it much easier to lift it on and off public transport, into the trunk of a car and up a flight of stairs.
The magnesium collapsible frame is incredibly robust. A lot of folding bikes have slightly shoddy builds, and they start to have problems folding down.
Once you have mastered the art of getting it to fold down, it is easy, and there are no problems with the mechanics. Just be aware that the kickstand can be tough to pull out.
Although this model only has one frame size, it is nice that it has an adjustable seat fork. This means that even taller riders can get a more comfortable seating position.
Although it is a little more expensive, you do get a lot for your money. A lot of folding bikes sacrifice on higher specification features – not the Gocycle.
It has responsive hydraulic brakes which give you extra confidence when tackling hills and riding at top speeds.
It also has suspension and wider, high-quality tires which means that get a more comfortable riding experience, even if you are tackling rougher road surfaces.
Because it is lighter, it makes it easier to ride if you are pedaling without any power-assist too.
Why it Might Not Work For You
As mentioned, the GoCycle is one of the more expensive folding electric bike models. This means it might be a stretch for those on a budget.
The battery takes a whopping 7 hours to reach full charge. If you have a long commute to work, it could be a challenge getting it fully charged again before you have to head back home.
This bike is not suited to heavier riders. The maximum weight capacity is the least generous of any of those we reviewed, at just 220 lbs.
Overall Verdict
If you are looking for a reliable folding electric bike that offers a comfortable riding experience and is very lightweight, the GoCycle could be for you.
Only if you don’t mind splashing out on a more expensive model.
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Specs
Type of Bike | Class 3 (Speed Pedelec) |
Motor | 500 w rear hub motor |
Battery | 48 volt 13 ah (624wh) Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese (Li-NCM) |
Charging Time | 6 hours |
Brakes | Tektro Front and Rear Mechanical Disc |
Max Speed | 22 mph |
Max Distance | 30 miles |
Bike Weight | 55 lbs |
Max Weight Capacity | 242 lbs |
What We Loved
A lot of folding bikes focus on weight and functionality, but they are not particularly powerful, with most having just 250-watt motors.
The Magnum stands out from the crowd with a more powerful 500-watt motor and a 48v battery. This means it has good acceleration and can hit generous top speeds of 22 mph without too much difficulty.
The tires are also slightly smaller than average, and this means it is more compact than some other bike models, making it easier to store.
The slightly smaller tires may be a concern for those looking for a smooth ride. But, this model has a decent suspension fork, suspension in the adjustable-height seat post and a very comfortable, wide gel saddle.
It is nice that the battery can be charged on or off the frame.
This is a distinct advantage if you want to charge up while at work, as you can bring the battery to sit under your desk or to another easy access charging point. The charger is compact and lightweight too.
Why it Might Not Work For You
Compared to the GoCycle model, this bike is on the heavier side. It is not as portable, and if you have to do a lot of hopping on and off public transport, this could be more of a challenge.
Once folded down this bike can sometimes start to unfold slightly and it means it can get jammed in a tight spot on the bus or train more easily. It can also make more noise as it flaps around.
Overall Verdict
The Magnum Premium Folding Electric Bike offers a lot of good features for the price point, not least a more powerful motor.
This makes it a good choice for those that want to maintain high speeds or tackle more hills.
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Specs
Type of Bike | Class 3 Speed Pedelec |
Motor | 500 w hub motor |
Battery | Li-ion 48V 13Ah |
Charging Time | 7 hours |
Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
Max Speed | 30 mph |
Max Distance | 30 miles |
Bike Weight | 57 lbs |
Max Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
What We Loved
This is another powerful folding electric bike, with unusually high speed capabilities. It has a 20 mph throttle assist mode, and it can be programmed to a top speed of up to 30 mph for off-road use.
Of course, you will need to check the regulations and rules about use at high speed for your state to ensure that you stay legal.
Given it has such an affordable price point, it really has a lot to offer. It is powerful, but it is also capable of handling some off-roading too, which is unusual for a folding bike.
It has responsive hydraulic brakes (surprising, given the price) and the 48v battery helps to give it some extra accelerative oomph too. Perfect if you live in a hilly region.
The extra-wide Kenda tires (unusual for a folding bike), front suspension and extra-wide gel saddle all help to give you an extremely comfortable riding experience.
With a maximum capacity of 300 lbs, it is a good choice for heavier riders, especially given it also has a more powerful motor too.
Why it Might Not Work For You
This is another pretty hefty model. It means it is not such a good choice if you plan to use it for hopping on and off public transport in between rides.
Not everyone will like the very low step-thru frame. Plus it only comes in one size, so it means tall riders may not get such a comfortable riding position.
The retro-style appearance of this bike may not appeal to everyone. It doesn’t look as sleek as the likes of the Gocycle model.
Overall Verdict
This is an affordable option for those that want a comfortable ride, even on rougher terrain. It can also manage impressive top speeds.
The frame design may not appeal to everyone though, and it is not as lightweight as some folding models.
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Specs
Type of Bike | Class 2 (throttle on demand) |
Motor | 350 W rear-hub motor |
Battery | 36v, 11ah Samsung Lithium-Ion |
Charging Time | 4 hours |
Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Brakes |
Max Speed | 20 mph |
Max Distance | 55 miles |
Bike Weight | 49 lbs |
Max Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
What We Loved
The Blix will appeal to people that like a classy, slick and almost retro look to their electric bikes. It has a very low step-thru frame, but it is very stable and well-built.
What sets this model apart most from the others we have reviewed is its maximum range capacity.
It can reach up to 50 miles on a single charge, depending on your riding style, and this is more generous than your average folding bike.
It makes it an appealing choice for those that may have a longer commute.
The fact that the battery charges in just 4 hours is also a bonus if you do need to top up in between rides.
Although it only comes in one frame size, it does have an adjustable seat post to help you work out the most comfortable riding position.
The bike folds down very easily, and it is held in place securely with magnetic fixings.
Why it Might Not Work For You
There is no suspension on this bike (although it does have a sprung saddle), the tires are not wide, and the brakes are mechanical rather than hydraulic.
This means that you don’t get as comfortable or responsive a ride as some of the other models we have reviewed.
It also means it will not handle as well on less smooth terrain, and it is certainly not designed to handle any proper off-roading.
Not everyone will enjoy biking on such a low-step through aluminum frame or with such narrow handlebars.
It is best designed for smooth road surfaces and not always as robust as a diamond frame.
Plus this type of frame is often mistakenly associated as just being for women, and some macho men may think it damages their street cred!
Overall Verdict
If you are looking for a model that can carry you further distances than the average folding electric bike, then this Blix model could be for you.
It doesn’t have an as high specification as some of the other models around the same price that we have reviewed though and is not suited to riding on rougher terrain.
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Specs
Type of Bike | Class 2 (throttle on demand) |
Motor | 250 w motor |
Battery | 36V 8AH lithium Ion battery |
Charging Time | 6 hours |
Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
Max Speed | 15 mph |
Max Distance | 30 miles |
Bike Weight | 50.5 lbs |
Max Weight Capacity | 330 lbs |
What We Loved
Ancheer is well known for producing surprisingly reliable and robust electric bikes at a fraction of the cost of your average model. Their folding model is no exception.
The frame is robust and, considering the price, well made. It also caters well for heavier riders, with a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs.
The most generous of all those we reviewed, and very impressive for a folding model.
They have upgraded their battery from lead-acid to lithium-ion, and that makes a big difference in terms of longevity and power.
Despite the price, this still has a robust rear rack and because this bike can handle a heavier load, this is perfect for transporting supplies.
Why it Might Not Work For You
This really is an entry-level model or for those on a very tight budget. It has no suspension, and the rigid frame does not offer a particularly smooth riding experience.
The mechanical brakes are not as responsive as the hydraulic disc brakes that most of the other models we reviewed had.
The 250-watt motor is adequate for smooth road riding, but it struggles on hills, especially if it is carrying a heavier rider.
You shouldn’t expect the longevity or performance of some of the higher specification models we reviewed.
Overall Verdict
For someone new to electric bikes and on a tight budget that needs a folding option for commuting or just general leisure riding, this could work.
It does offer good value for money, but just don’t expect it to be the smoothest or most powerful of riding experiences. For more experienced riders, this is likely to prove to be too limiting.
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Specs
Type of Bike | Class 2 (Twist Throttle on Demand) |
Motor | 180 w motor |
Battery | 36 V Lithium battery |
Charging Time | 5 hours |
Brakes | Front V-Brake, Rear Drum Brake |
Max Speed | 20 mph |
Max Distance | 20 miles |
Bike Weight | 35 lbs |
Max Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
What We Loved
If your focus is on finding something that is as portable and lightweight as possible, then the e-Mazing Innovations bob could be a perfect choice.
It is one of the lightest folding electric bikes around, with the aluminum alloy frame coming in at just 35lbs.
Comparing this to the 57lb Bagibike model, for example, this makes a huge difference in terms of portability.
For riders that have to hop on and off public transport or lug their bike up flights of stairs, it really is one of the easiest to do this with.
It is also very compact, especially when folded down and this makes it easier to store on a bus or train, or in a tight space in the office or small apartment.
It is easy to fold down too, so you won’t be struggling to try to master the technique.
Another bonus is that it is one of the most affordable folding models. Great for those on a tight budget, or wanting to test out commuting on an e-bike without investing too much up front.
Why it Might Not Work For You
If you are looking for power, comfort and a rangy model, this is not the one for you. It only has a 180w motor.
If you are a heavier rider or have to tackle a lot of hills, it is not going to give you much oomph, and you will likely find it limiting.
If you want to look cool while riding, don’t select the Bob. It has a very basic design and the tiny wheels, and low step-thru frame doesn’t scream style or sophistication.
This really is only designed for short journeys. It has a maximum range capacity of 20 miles, and it will be less with heavier riders or when trying to push the bike up to top speeds.
There is no suspension, and it has small tires. It means you are going to feel every crack and bump on the road — not the most comfortable riding experience.
Overall Verdict
If having a very lightweight, compact, portable and affordable folding electric bike is your top priority, then Bob could be perfect.
For any other riding requirements, you need to be aware that this is limited. It lacks power, sophistication, comfort, and style when you compare it to some of the other models reviewed.
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