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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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- The e-bike will deliver power proportional to how much you are putting in yourself.
Some go larger or smaller and both options have benefits and drawbacks. Larger wheels means a more comfortable ride but more bulk when folded away. Smaller wheels mean a more compact package but also a twitchier, harsher ride. This foldable e-bike from Vivi looks and feels like your regular mountain bike, but a clever design leads it to pack 500 watts and hidden details like dual suspension and a Shimano 21-speed transmission.
The futuristic-looking dash, displaying information across the handlebars, is just beautiful. Downloading the smartphone app will give you all the information you need on the go, and also the option to power the motor remotely. The geometry of the eelo is distinctive, with the wheelbase being a full 7.5 inches shorter than the Brompton. The Smart sensor, pedal-assist technology can be configured to kick in automatically when you need it, or adjusted manually.
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.
It also means you can take your battery somewhere convenient to charge it, while leaving your bike locked up or in the garage/bike shed. GoCycle has its own motor system that monitors speed and cadence to determine how much power assistance you need. The system is also combined with a 7-speed Shimano rear derailleur which will help you pedal uphill more easily and make better use of the battery. Finally, you have four-piston Magura hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant Schwalbe tires, and a fully-equipped setup to make life in the city safe and convenient.
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.
It doesn't have the range for a long touring holiday, but if you're looking for a folding e-bike for everyday riding, the MiRider One is the best around. The MiRider One is a very impressive folding e-bike – it packs down in under a minute, it's one of the lightest models around, and it's remarkably affordable. It's extremely comfortable to ride as well, and when we tested it, we were surprised at just how solid its magnesium alloy frame felt. There are no compromises; it doesn't feel like a folding bike at all. Most folding e-bikes use a 20-inch wheel, meaning they can pack down to a fairly compact size and will fit into a car trunk or can be carried onto a train. If you want an even smaller folded package, look for a bike with 16-inch wheels.
Folding mechanism
Pannier racks, a frame-mounted pump and integrated lights are all accessories that you can feel justified in expecting on higher-end models. If you want a wide spread of gears, a derailleur system is better, but less practical in the folding bike world. Weight penalty aside, this is one of the best folding bikes money can buy, you'll just require rather a lot. Having disc brakes at this price point is really impressive, although these are cable rather than the hydraulically actuated brakes which are featured on the significantly pricier Tern Verge X11. So don't assume that their stopping power will automatically outperform standard rim braking options.
There’s a torque sensor for smooth power delivery, and the motor has a choice of three riding modes that change how much rider input is needed before the assistance comes into play. Round it off with a smartphone app that acts as a dashboard and even allows you to design your own power delivery profiles and you have one of the most advanced electric folding bikes on the market. This 500W folding electric bike comes with a punchy motor with 5 levels of pedal assistance and a 500Wh battery that delivers up to 45 miles of range. Additionally, the XP 3.0 has 3″ wide CST tires, 180mm-rotor mechanical disc brakes, and shock-absorbing fork suspension. The portability of folding electric bikes is a significant part of their appeal to many riders.
Best folding electric bikes: our picks
The Lectric XP 3.0 is a striking e-folder with 3-inch-wide tires on 20-inch wheels and an industrial-styled forged-aluminum frame. The battery is integrated into the frame, which powers a 500-watt hub motor with 55Nm of torque. A seven-speed drivetrain provides gearing for varied terrain, and there’s a throttle to let you zip along pedal-free. It includes a 50mm travel suspension fork, as well as a large LCD screen. The bike ships as a Class 2 e-bike but can be upgraded to a Class 3, increasing its max speed to 28mph from 20mph. Those wheels also incorporate a 250W motor at the front and a three-speed Microshift hub gear at the rear.
Finally, this bike uses hydraulic disc brakes, plush 4″ tires, and is fully equipped with lights, a rack, and fenders. Finally, this e-bike is a joy to ride due to its plush, puncture-resistant fat tires, disc brakes, and comfort-focused geometry. Otherwise, you’ll be readjusting the dang thing every time you want to ride.
The frame is a masterclass in design, 750w electric bike folding down swiftly but feeling reassuringly sturdy when fully assembled. It's not feather-light, but Gocycle has pared 1kg off the weight through cunning use of different materials throughout the frame. This also results in a bike that's well balanced and easy to carry unfolded. Though it doesn't fold down as small as some bikes, Tern's HSD P9 remains unrivaled when hauling stuff. This Bosch mid-drive motor-equipped bike is purpose-built for running errands, carrying groceries, or ferrying your youngster or pupper (click for Corgi pic!) around town.