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There are several different types of e-bikes on the market, including popular fat tire electric bikes and mountain e-bikes. If you regularly haul a traditional bike with your vehicle, then a bike rack is a great option. But, if you’re traveling with a bicycle once a month or less, a folding electric bike gives you the option of having something you can toss in the trunk of a car. This option saves money on buying a bike rack and, on the fuel efficiency hit a vehicle incurs while hauling an empty bike rack around during regular trips. If you live in a small apartment (hopefully with an elevator), a folding electric bike can be placed in a corner without impeding too much into your living space. The smaller wheels and compact size don't require the elaborate wall-mounted or hanging storage solutions that full-sized bicycles do.
- On the steepest grades near David’s home, he reached a top speed of 18 mph.
- The frame is a masterclass in design, folding down swiftly but feeling reassuringly sturdy when fully assembled.
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- Plus it only comes in one size, so it means tall riders may not get such a comfortable riding position.
- The e-bike will deliver power proportional to how much you are putting in yourself.
The 20in wheels and V-brakes may be of no particular brand, but the Mariner D8 gets an electric bike for adults eight-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, a great reliable and durable component, and a great find at this price point. Folding neatly in half and at the stem, this B'Twin is a very competitively priced folding bike from sports giant Decathlon's house brand. The Brompton range features bikes with different numbers of gears, with or without mudguards, and includes the Brompton Electric e-bike. Made of titanium and carbon fibre, the lightest build comes in at under 7.5kg. Still, with the battery located in the seatpost, it’s easy to take away for recharging, and the charger is compact enough to carry with you if you need a top-up at work before turning for home. The result is an efficient system that retains the lightweight handling of a standard Brompton, though you need to take care not to unweight the front wheel on steeper roads.
And because not every folding e-bike is easy to move once it’s folded, we also look at this element closely, paying particularly close attention to the weight. This is especially important for a folding e-bike, given how much the battery and motor add over a normal folding bike. It’s no good having a compact folding machine if it’s awkward to move around and difficult to lift. As you will be carrying a folded bike at some point the overall weight needs to be considered, too, especially for folding e-bikes, where the battery and motor create an additional load.
Best folding electric bikes of 2023: A compact option for city riders
Our side-by-side testing reveals the advantages and disadvantages of each model, while also providing quantitative and qualitative data used for scoring each product comparatively. After the last test is conducted, each performance metric is weighted according to its relevance to the general user, and overall scores are tallied. Below we discuss the key areas of performance we assessed these bikes across, highlighting stand-out models in each one.
Still, electric bikes are expensive, and if you want to pay significantly less than average while getting above-average performance, the Lectric XP 2.0 is our recommendation. The Aceshin is the lightest electric folding bike in this review and suitable for almost any terrain with its durable, aluminum 20-inch wheels, anti-slip Wanda King tires, and front carbon steel fork. The mechanical disc brakes bring the bike to a quick standstill in any weather conditions. Brompton Electric is one of the lightest folding electric bikes on the market.
With the option to add many accessories - such as fenders (mudguards), a front and rear pannier rack, integrated lights, lock holster and a travel case - the G4i is a solid choice for a commuter. So, as long as you give yourself time to adjust, you'll find maneuvering a little better with time and practice. If you're looking for a lightweight folding e-bike that's great for your daily (fairly short) commutes, this is a great option. To find out more, take a look at our guide to the testing process at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, read on for our pick of the best folding e-bikes you can buy today. If you need to commute in a city, one of the best folding e-bikes is a great alternative to a car or public transport.
Additionally, because you have a motor for power, the loss of performance and speed from suspension is almost canceled out. Duncan Niederlitz—who wrote the 2021 edition of this guide—worked for more than a decade as a professional bicycle mechanic, in Florida, Massachusetts, California, and England. He’s owned way too many bikes over the years, and he has commuted by bike most of his life in all kinds of locations and on all types of bikes. Amy also consulted with general bike expert Damon Strub, owner of the Queens, New York–based custom-bike shop Nomad Cycle; Strub answered technical questions about derailleurs and hubs. Our upgrade pick, which was called the S6L, is now called the C Line Explore. The Aventon Sinch takes the cake as the most capable off-road folding e-bike in this review.
The quality and components also vary greatly, with a big difference in battery life and motor strength. Depending on how you plan on using the bike, it’s important to select one that is suitable for your needs. The Vektron S10's ten-speed drivetrain ensures that you can work with its battery assistance most efficiently. Commuters can see a theoretical range of up to 106km, and with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, we think that you should feel entirely safe using the Vektron S10’s pedal assistance in wet conditions. A thoroughly futuristic design, the Gocycle G4 looks, unlike any other folding electric bike. Named for its position as the fourth generation of Gocycle's design, the G4's designer is a former McLaren employee, and that shows in the choice of materials and shapes.
Folding mechanism
Finally, even with all of these components, it still folds up quickly and neatly. The best folding electric bike will fold quickly and securely, be relatively lightweight, be comfortable to ride, and come fully equipped for urban commuting. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the differences we see between models. And none of them really ride quite as smoothly or comfortably as a good full-size bike. Although some electric folding bikes are bought to simply be flexible and convenient bikes for storing and transporting to pleasant cycling locations, many will see use in the rush hour. As such, there are certain points that make a bike more practical for commuting.
The good news is that you will still have some light exercise while enjoying a ride on this fantastic folding electric bike. Some other features worth mentioning are odometer, speedometer, trip time, and metal fenders. The only downside that needs to be addressed is the lack of disc brakes, which have become somewhat expected on electric folding bikes. You’ll get decent braking power with these V-brakes, and they also reduce the weight. EP-2 Pro comes fully equipped for commuting needs with a rear rack, fenders, and integrated lights.
Best folding electric bikes: our picks
It also comes with lockable fork suspension and 4″ puncture-resistant fat tires that provide comfort and performance both on and off-road. This folding bike folds into a neat package measuring 36″ x 21″ x 28.5″ to make it easier to transport. The relatively heavy weight of 55lb means it’s possible but challenging to carry. This bike boasts maximum practicality with a compact and easy-to-transport folding mechanism along with an efficient torque-sensing and throttle-controlled motor.
We also like that the battery is integrated into the frame, adding to the bike's good looks. Our team of e-bike testers is led by Jeremy Benson, our Senior Bike Review Editor at GearLab. Jeremy spends a large portion of his life atop two wheels, for work, fun, and training. Jeremy's vast experience building, fixing, and riding bicycles has produced a discerning eye and an uncanny ability to critically assess and highlight the differences in performance between models. An electric folding bike has the same construction as a conventional bicycle without electric power. The primary difference is that an electric bike has additional components to turn the rear wheel effectively.
None of the bikes in this list are designed to crest alpine peaks; urban mobility usually calls for a reduction in gear range to add durability. Some will have a hub gear, others a more traditional setup or even a single speed. In each case, your ability to get up inclines will be drastically improved by the addition of a motor (providing you remember to charge it). Bigger wheels bring more directional stability to the folding e-bike platform, although they do slightly reduce the bike’s overall compactness when folded. With its 20-inch wheels, we think that the Raleigh should do a fair job of calming some road surface buzz. If you are a keen camper or want a folding e-bike to use at that vacation venue, where the clubhouse and other amenities are just too far for a convenient walk, the Lectric XP’s robustness will appeal.