Best folding electric bikes 2023 | Top-rated folding ebikes for commuting and…

Best folding electric bikes 2023 | Top-rated folding ebikes for commuting and city riding

With smaller wheels and frames, the best folding electric bikes deliver the benefits of riding an electric bike in a more compact package, which makes for easy storage at home. These electrified folding bikes mean you can get on and off trains and buses easily. Most transport companies will let you take the bike without booking, even on peak-time services.

Foldable ebikes aren’t just for cycling to work. They can make cycling for leisure or riding an electric bike for fitness more convenient, too. Keep scrolling to see our pick of the best folding electric bikes. For more information on what to look for when buying an electric folding bike, check out our full buyer’s guide at the end of this article.

• Best for rough terrain:GoCycle G4
• Best value for money:MiRider One
• Best for commuting:MiRider One GB3
• Best ebike conversion kit for Bromptons:Cytronex

Best folding electric bikes 2023

Best folding electric bike for rough terrain

With a unique single-sided frame and carbon fork, the GoCycle G4 delivers a Smart design and smooth ride.

The relatively long wheelbase and relaxed head tube angle mean the G4 is far removed from the twitchiness often associated with small-wheeled folding bikes. Despite the long wheelbase, the bike still folds up small and can fit in the boot of a small car.

GoCycle has its own motor system that monitors speed and cadence to determine how much power assistance you need. However, there’s also a button on the handlebar to override this.

We found the motor and bike to be nippier than some of the best electric bikes and well suited to city rides. But, due to the chunky tyres, suspension and traction control, it can also tackle rougher terrain.

The only thing holding the G4 back is its high price.

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Best value for money electric folding bike

The MiRider One is a well-styled folding bike with electric assistance. Warren Rossiter / Immediate Media

• £1,300 as tested
• Range up to 35 miles
• Boost button to add extra assistance
• Singlespeed only

With a quick fold via a central hinge, the MiRider One pairs funky looks with a fun, practical ride. Handy features such as a skate wheel to help you push its 18.7kg weight around when folded also help make this a winner.

You only get a singlespeed gear on the MiRider One, but with the added electric assistance, that’s enough to tackle most hills around town.

Hit the ‘boost’ button and you’ll get a turbo charge to help you get away from the lights and up steeper gradients. Cable disc brakes help you stop safely and the keen price is appealing, too.

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Best folding electric bike for commuting

MiRider’s One GB3 folding commuter ebike is a refined version of the original MiRider One. David Caudery / Our Media

While the previous MiRider One is still available, MiRider has refined the design and improved the specification to create the One GB3.

The magnesium alloy frame has an air-filled shock absorber for comfort and enough adjustability to fit tall and short riders.

The folding ebike has a rear-hub motor powered by a 7Ah/252Wh battery with a claimed range of 45 miles, which is more than ample for the short distances you’ll likely ride on this bike.

The bike has a maintenance-free belt drive and three gears that, along with the motor, helped our tester get over a 14 per cent climb.

It’s fun to ride and feels stable at speed. The short wheelbase and small wheels make weaving through traffic a breeze.

With an easy-to-fold design, hydraulic disc brakes, comfortable saddle and a kickstand, the bike is well-considered and, ultimately, better value than some of its better-known rivals.

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Best ebike conversion kit for Bromptons

The Cytronex kit enables you to convert a non-assisted Brompton into an electric bike. Russell Burton / Immediate Media

• £1,295 as tested (Cytronex conversion kit only), Brompton sold separately
• Convert a standard Brompton to an electric folding bike
• Lightweight system with smooth power delivery
• 29 miles of range with 300m ascent in testing

This one’s an outlier because it’s an electric folding bike comprised of a standard Brompton and an ebike conversion kit from British company Cytronex.

However, if you’re already a Brompton owner, or want to choose a different model than the foldable ebikes on offer as standard, then this is a Smart choice. It’s worth noting that fitting the kit will invalidate your Brompton’s warranty though.

The kit contains a new front wheel with e-motor hub, battery pack, charger, wiring loom and bottle-cage style mount. The price also covers fitting and, rather than using the strap-on battery mount, Cytronex will add bottle bosses to the frame for a neat and secure fit.

The battery can remain in place when folding and adds only a couple of kilograms to the overall weight.

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.

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Also consider…

These electric folding bikes scored fewer than 4 out of 5 stars in our reviews, but are still worth considering.

Brompton Electric H2L 2-Speed

Brompton’s Electric H2L bike is the result of a partnership with the company behind the Williams Formula 1 team. Russell Burton / Immediate Media

• £2,725 as tested
• Powerful assistance and clever battery system
• Would benefit from a bar-mounted control
• Claimed range of 20-45 miles from 300Wh battery

Brompton partnered with Williams Advanced Engineering (of Formula 1 and Formula E fame) to develop a bespoke system for its electric folding bike. It’s made up of a front-hub motor and a Smart-looking battery, housed in a Cordura bag. The total bike weight is 17.43kg, compared to a claimed 11.35kg for a standard Brompton.

The system is operated by two buttons on the battery, but we’d prefer a bar-mounted control, or the ability to use Brompton’s app (and a phone mount) to cycle between settings.

Brompton’s motor provides a punchy ride, but it does feel like overkill in some situations, even if it’s fun to get a head start on other riders at traffic lights. The middle of the three settings provides the best balance of power and range.

You need to remove the battery before folding, but that’s simple enough, and the charger is nice and compact.

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Eelo 1885 Disc Explorer Pro

• £1,499 as tested
• Packs down neatly
• Won’t fit tall riders
• Fixed battery

The Eelo 1885 Explorer Disc Pro is a decent electric folding bike now with mechanical disc brakes in place of V-brakes.

For nipping on and off a train, the 1885 is ideal because it’s easy to carry in folded form. There’s a rear rack but the wheels are too small to attach panniers.

The Eelo 1885 Explorer Disc Pro falls short of its claimed range and you can’t remove the battery to recharge.

The 1885’s short wheelbase will probably make taller riders will unstable.

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Emu Mini

The Emu Mini folding electric bike makes for a good city commuter. Warren Rossiter / Immediate Media

• £999 as tested
• Well priced and compact size
• Three speeds and disc brakes
• Not so good for taller riders

For £1,000, the Emu Mini packs a punch above its diminutive size.

It’s light for an ebike at 17.7kg, and its 16in wheels come with chunky tyres, so it can handle more than just city streets. The 3-speed gearing helps you get around fast, and you get disc brakes for reliable stopping.

The range is a bit limited: we got just 13 miles, although there’s a £100 battery upgrade that will improve on that. Otherwise, this is a bike for short commutes.

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.

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Engwe Engine Pro 750W

The Engwe Engine Pro 750W bucks the trend for electric folding bikes, packing a lot of power and weighing 35kg.

In addition to the punchy motor and fairly good range, the Engwe Engine’s brakes, display and control function well.

Although the Engwe Engine Pro 750W is fun to ride, our reviewer thought the front and rear suspension are unnecessary and only add to the bike’s excessive weight.

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Tern Vektron

The Tern Vektron is a rugged folding ebike, capable of carrying plenty of luggage. Oli Woodman / Immediate Media

Powered by a mid-mounted Bosch motor, the Tern Vektron has the same three-step fold as Tern’s pedal-powered bikes. Its wheels are a tad larger than a Brompton’s at 20 inches, rather than 16 inches.

The Vektron includes hydraulic disc brakes, providing a step up in power from mechanical disc brakes. Three build options are available in all.

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Buyer’s guide: what to look for in a folding electric bike

Folding electric bike motor systems

Brompton’s removable battery packs are held at the front of the bike. Oliver Woodman / Immediate Media

The most common electric bike motor for powering folding ebikes is a hub motor either in the front or the rear wheel, powered by a battery that’s often built into the frame. That has the advantage of a tidy, weatherproof package, but may limit the battery size and hence range, and add weight.

Another option for the battery is to make it removable. That’s the way Brompton has gone, with a pack that clips to the front of the bike so it can be carried separately. 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.

Some internal batteries are removable too; that’s how the battery works in the GoCycle GX and GXi.

Electric bike laws in the UK and EU stipulate that the motor in a standard electric bike has to provide no more than 250 watts of power output, and most ebike motors, including those in folders, will provide up to this level of assistance.

Folding electric bike gearing

Some folding ebikes will only have a single-gear ratio. With the assistance from the motor to start you off, that may well be enough if you have a shortish, flat commute.

For longer, hillier rides, or for leisure use, you may want some extra gears. Hub gears are popular because they’re out of the way and less likely to get damaged than a derailleur system when carrying or moving the folder.

Our guide to electric bike maintenance has more tips on how to look after electric bikes. You’re unlikely to leave an electric folding bike unattended, but electric bike insurance is still advisable.

Hub gears may range from a simple 2- or 3-speed system, up to eight or more gears. Adding gearing also adds weight, and the cabling for the shifters adds complexity to the design.

Wheel size

A folding ebike will have small wheels, to make for a compact bundle once it’s folded. The classic Brompton has 16in wheels, a size used by many other folders.

Other brands, such as Tern and GoCycle, use 20in wheels. Their larger size helps a bit with rolling resistance and they’ll ride more smoothly over road imperfections, in compensation for increased weight and a larger folded size.

Folded size

Folded size and ease of folding are other things to think about. If you’re planning a commute that also includes public transport, you’ll want a folding ebike that packs up as small as possible, so you can get it onto busy trains or up awkward steps on buses.

That’s where a design with an integrated battery comes in handy because it won’t get in the way of the fold. Brompton’s solution of a separate battery pack also works here. Although there’s a second piece of kit to carry around, the folding mechanism and compact folded size aren’t compromised.

Another option, used by GoCycle and others, is to enable you to part-fold the bike, so you get a package that you can push or pull around using the seat as a handle. It’ll take up more space than a fully folded machine, but has the advantage that you don’t need to fully lug around the bike’s often substantial weight.

MiRider’s clever design, meanwhile, has a skate wheel on the bottom of the bike, to make manoeuvring the folded package much easier.

What other electric bikes are there?

The electric bike market continues to see huge growth, with a whole plethora of ebikes available for all kinds of riding.

Our guide to the best electric bikes takes you through everything you need to know about motor-assisted bicycles and provides more advice on choosing the right type of bike for your riding.

Should you want to go further and faster, take a look at our lists of the best electric road bikes and the best electric gravel bikes. We’ve also curated a list of the best electric mountain bikes for motor assistance on the trails.

And if you prefer flat bars for town riding and to experience the benefits of cycling to work, head to our selection of the best electric hybrid bikes.

If you would rather not splash out on a new bike, the best electric bike conversion kits will transform your old one into an ebike.

Best Folding Electric Bikes 2023

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Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

So far, 2023 brought us new innovations, a barrage of new electric bike companies, and plenty of fresh e-bikes for consumers to choose from.

But which are the best electric bikes of the bunch?

The team at Electric Bike Report put our heads together and chose 14 e-bikes we’ve deemed the Best Electric Bikes of 2023. Some of these bikes are new for this year, but some are old standbys that are tried, tested and still hold true as the best in their class.

As with every list of best e-bikes, ours has some nuance as to why a specific bike was picked — ranging from value, componentry to overall ride feel. We’ve also leaned heavily on e-bikes we’ve tested in-house, though there are a few bikes here that were picked based on merit and reputation alone.

Whether you’re looking for the best e-bike for older riders, the best commuter e-bike or the best electric beach cruiser, this list will point you towards what we think are the best in each category.

How we picked the best electric bikes

In a fast-growing sea of products, how did we make our picks for the best e-bikes? The answer to this question varies depending on the bike and category. But in every case, these e-bikes were picked through consensus among our team of expert e-bike testers.

Some bikes, such as the Aventon Aventure electric fat bike, leapt out as obvious frontrunners during testing. While others, like the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon and Diamondback Union 2, were sleeper contenders chosen for very specific reasons. But in all cases, we evaluated the bikes based on a few key criteria, mainly:

• Value: How much e-bike are you getting for your dollar? The e-bike market has grown flush with overpriced and under-spec’d electric bikes that don’t offer much value. Every bike on this list we’d call fairly priced.
• Components and extras: What else comes with the e-bike? Does it come with racks, bags, lights and fenders, and do those accessories make sense? Is there anything else that should be included but isn’t?
• Does it offer something unique?: In a market chock-full of options, what’s unique about this bike that sets it apart from the competition? There are many categories of e-bike — particularly at the more affordable end of the spectrum — that are flush with copycat brands and e-bikes that just aren’t that special. We’re looking for the ones that are.
• What does the manufacturer say it was built for?: What was this bike designed to do, and how well does it execute that purpose? Of course you can choose to use your bike however you’d like, but we want to make sure the e-bikes on this list function as advertised.
• How does it actually ride?: Last but not least, the most important question: Does the e-bike ride well? Most of these e-bikes we know intimately through rigorous testing.

Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5

Best Class II Folding Electric Bike, 2023

Rad Power Bikes’ Rad Expand 5 is our choice for best Class 2 [20 mph limit] folding e-bike in 2023. When choosing a folding e-bike, product longevity is important to consider. Rad began building folding e-bikes in 2015, and the Expand 5 is their fifth iteration of this model, so they have a lot of experience in designing, building and selling folding e-bikes.

Power is delivered from the proof-tested 750-watt [750w] motor that dishes out predictable doses of acceleration that never surprises you, nor makes you feel like the bike is out of control. The 14 amp-hour/672 watt-hour battery [14Ah/672Wh], provides enough energy to power the motor for up to 40 miles between charges.

Part of the allure of having a folding e-bike, is the ability to take this bike almost anywhere to explore. The Expand 5 enables you to explore dirt roads as well as pavement and gravel, with its 20” x 4” fat tires – a key feature not always found on other folding electric e-bikes. Smooth, reliable shifting is delivered to the 14-tooth to 34-tooth rear cassette [14-34T] gearing and MicroShift 7-speed mechanical shift unit.

One of the new changes we welcome are the wider 660 mm handlebars and 6.9” rise now featured on the Expand 5. This provides better control and creates more stable handling. The power comes from Rad’s historically reliable rear hub motor, which safely accelerates at predictable levels. And the LED display is easy to use and easy to see in the sunlight. There’s even an LCD display upgrade available.

Here at EBR, we prefer hydraulic disc brakes for stopping power, but the mechanical brakes on the Expand 5 performed better than the average. The benefits of having mechanical brakes include easy maintenance and lower costs for repairs and replacement parts. The rigid suspension makes off-roading a bit more rough compared to folding e-bikes with suspension, but it’s sturdy and reliable.

Considering Rad’s reputation with customer service, and the Expand 5’s simple construction, sturdy build and history of performance and reliability, you get a lot of value here from a bike that’s priced in what we consider the affordable tier – making it worthy of our list of best folding e-bikes. You can buy this e-bike online and have it shipped directly to your door.

Pro’s

• Reliable and powerful 750w motor.
• New 680mm handlebar improves control over narrower bars from before.
• Easy to fold and store for camping, traveling or just putting in the trunk of your car.
• Great stopping power from the mechanical brakes.
• 14-amp controller distributes the motor power evenly – and safely – at each PAS level.
• LED display is easy to use and easy to read when riding.
• Rad has a lot of engineering know-how, going back to their first e-bikes in 2011.
• Rad’s customer service has a good reputation.

Con’s

• The velcro strap for securing the folded bike should be replaced with something stronger and harder to lose.
• Some riders will be sad to see the suspension fork of the precious model is no longer offered, although the fat tires still make it mostly a comfy ride.

Lectric XP 3.0

Best Do-It-All Folding Electric Bike, 2023

Earning our vote as the best Do-it-All Folding E-Bike is Lectric’s XP 3.0 model, Building on the success of the earlier XP 2.0 model, Lectric now offers a more powerful 500w motor that boosts the peak 1000w, and 55nm. The power output really showed in our performance tests compared to the earlier model XP 2.0. The controller manages a five-level PAS, and this marvel of an e-bike also has a throttle for quick acceleration, or for when you’re tired of pedaling. The 10.4Ah battery offers a range of between 25 to 50 miles, and the charger will get you back up and running in six hours.

Using a Shimano Tourney 7-speed for gearing, Lectric decided to switch to a 11-28T cassette. This eliminates the ghost pedaling issue of the past, while increasing the top speed for effective pedaling from 18 to 20 mph. Providing positive handling and control are 50 mm travel coil spring suspension forks and 20” x 3” tires to keep you safely rolling. When testing on gravel roads, we found these tires hold their own and still offer a fun ride.

Lectric still installs mechanical brakes on this e-bike, but they switched from 160mm rotors to 180mm rotors, and our brake test revealed greater stopping power than the XP 2.0. Rear rack capacity increased from 75 lbs to 150 lbs, enabling you to carry a heavier passenger. But parents beware, the heavier weight doesn’t mean you should try carrying more than one passenger. Max capacity increased to 330 lbs. The e-bikes Passenger Mode adjusts the motor performance to accommodate your passenger, while also keeping the bike at a safe maximum speed of 10 mph.

At 65 lbs, the XP 3.0 is heavy as a folding bike, but the solid construction, off-road potential and overall reliability are fair trade-offs for this e-bikes weight. If the bike’s weight is not an issue for you, and you want to extend the bike’s range another 15-20 miles, you can fit it with the 14 amp-hour battery, for an additional pound and a half of weight.

Lectric is no newcomer to the e-bike world. Their engineering design team has a lot of experience in creating solid and reliable e-bikes that perform well and leave a lot of riders with smiles on their face. Residing in the 1000 range, this e-bike gives you a lot of value for your money – arguably the most value of any bike on this list of best electric folding bikes.

You can buy this e-bike online and have it shipped directly to your door, and since it folds down neatly, you just unfold it and it’s fully assembled and ready to ride!

Pro’s

• Better acceleration from the powerful new 500w motor (1000w peak) and 55 Nm of torque.
• Higher speed ghost pedaling from the previous model is eliminated by the new 11-28T gearing.
• Better at hill climbing thanks to the new motor and gearing.
• Larger 180mm rotors provide greater stopping power.
• 50mm travel on new fork give smoother ride, better handling.
• New 150 lb rear rack enables you to transport a heavier passenger than before.
• Standard 10.4Ah battery provides power to go up to 50 miles on a single charge.

Con’s

• Would like to see a change where riders can remove the battery key when riding,
• Would like to see better grips for improved control and a more enjoyable ride (easily swapped though).

Aventon Sinch Step-Thru

Best Class III Folding Electric Bike, 2023

Aventon Sinch earned our nod for the Best Class 3 [28 mph limit] folding e-bike. Granted, it comes as class 2, but we enjoyed the ride feel when going a little faster into speeds in the low 20s.

Redesigning the frame, and lowering the bottom tube, this e-bike is more conducive to riders who have physical limitations. They also re-designed the clamp and hinge for folding the bike, making it stronger and easier to lock in place. The new design also eliminates the flexing problem we encountered on the previous model, as there was no more sideways flexing by the bike when we did our test rides.

This bike features a peppy 500w motor that offered great acceleration at each of the five PAS levels we tested it on. It also includes a thumb throttle for when you need quick bursts, or when you need to maintain the same speed while taking a break from pedaling. When doing the throttle-only portion of the hill climb test, this bike posted the second-fastest time of all the Aventons we had tested to that point.

The Sinch’s clean and stylish look hides the fact that this is a folding e-bike. Giving the rider a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge, the frame-integrated 48v 14 Ah battery recharges in under six hours.

Transferring the motor’s power to the wheels using a Shimano Altus 7-speed, with a 11-32T steel cassette, and 170 mm 52T crankset, this bike rides nice at any speed, and it never felt like it was trying to excuse the rider from pedaling. Stopping power was superb thanks to the Tektro mechanical disc brakes and 180 mm rotors. Softening the rough roads with its 45mm travel RST Guide front forks, the improved suspension was noticeable, especially when compared to the rigid frame folding e-bikes we rode.

The controller still uses a cadence and speed sensor for managing the motor engagement in the PAS modes, but it worked well for most riding conditions. Weighing in at 68 lbs, which was about average compared to similar e-bikes, the Sinch can carry a rider weighing up to 300 lbs, and can carry up to 55 lbs of cargo on the rear rack.

All in all, this bike can do a lot and offers a lot, especially when you consider it’s priced well around 1500.

Pro’s

• Stronger hinge and clamp to fold and lock frame for storage after riding.
• 500-watt motor has greater climbing ability than the previous version.
• 14 Ah battery holds enough juice to take you up to 60 miles.
• 45 mm travel RST forks help absorb the bumps and provide smoother travel.
• Better than average stopping power from the Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
• Color LCD display is great for riding on bright days and dark evenings.
• 300 lbs rider limit, and 55 lbs for cargo, enable this bike to meet many needs.

Con’s

• We would like to see a mechanism on-board for keeping the bike folded.
• Slight delay in motor engagement after starting pedaling after braking.

Blix Vika Flex

Best Modular Folding Electric Bike, 2023

Some e-bikes are better than others when it comes to customizing them to suit specific tastes or meet specific needs. Blix’s Vika Flex features a slew of options earning its spot as the best modular folding e-bike for 2023.

Depending on your riding needs the Vika Flex is able to carry up to 110 lbs of cargo, and offers a unique customizable modular racking system. You have over 30 options to choose from, including different types and sizes of racks, boards, bags, posts, and more to make your Blix unique and able to accommodate your specific needs.

This e-bike gets around quite well with its 500w rear hub motor. Our test bike had no problem taking our 180 lb rider around at all of the PAS levels. The throttle had no trouble getting us up to 20 mph without pedaling.And when it came to climbing hills, this Blix was able to reach the top of our famed Hell Hole Trail on throttle alone, something similar e-bikes couldn’t do.

The 48v 12.8 Ah battery feeds the motor enough power to ride 45 miles on one charge, and can be recharged in 6 hours. Blix replaced the earlier mechanical brakes with Tektro’s 160mm rotor hydraulic brakes. With the help of the bike’s light frame, these brakes performed remarkably well in our brake test. Confidence in control came courtesy of the CST BMX 20” x 2.4” CST tires. The stiffer sidewall and road tread offered great handling.

Because of its compact design, this bike might seem a little small for larger riders. Also, when folding and unfolding the bike we found the hardware to be tight and somewhat difficult for folding, unfolding, and locking into place. But it’s light 55 lb. weight makes it easier to maneuver and zip around tight spots, and we appreciate the magnets that help it stay folded toether. The light weight is also good for lifting into a car trunk or SUV, or carrying upstairs or rolling onto public transport.

When considering all the features this e-bike offers, we find the Blix Vika Flex is a good deal for for the money. For more information on how to get your hands on a Blix Vika Flex, please click the red button below.

Pro’s

• 500w rear hub motor offers great speed at all PAS levels; throttles up to 20 mph.
• 48v 12.8 Ah battery provides enough to ride up to 45 miles on one charge.
• Great handling from its short wheel base and CST 20” x 4” road tread tires.
• Easily folds and is very compact for carrying and storing.
• 55 lbs weight makes it light enough to carry upstairs or roll onto public transport.
• Great stopping ability from Tektro’s 160mm rotor hydraulic brakes.
• Better than average hill climbing ability.

Con’s

• The cockpit is a little cramped for taller riders.
• Folding bracket’s hinge and pin are tight making it difficult to fold, unfold lock the frame.

Lectric XP Lite

Best Ultra Affordable Folding Electric Bike, 2023

Here at EBR we’ve been telling people that 1000 is the entry point for buying a decent quality e-bike, then came Lectric XP Lite. Listed at around 800, this little sister to the popular XP 2.0 not only lowered the bar on price, but they did it by being a well-established company offering a quality e-bike for less than 1000.

Before you get too excited and think this is all you’ll ever need, you need to consider the trade-off in what this ebike doesn’t feature, like suspension, gearing, and a big battery. But at 46 lbs, this single-speed is easy to fold up, throw in your car trunk and take it almost anywhere for a good ride.

Part of what makes this bike less expensive and lighter rests with its 350w motor [750w peak]. It feels underpowered when using PAS 1 and 2 but comes to life at PAS 3. When riding this e-bike at PAS 5, we got close to topping out at 20 mph, which is the limit for being a Class 2 e-bike.

The battery is smaller than most, at 7.8 Ah [374 Wh], but with the smaller motor and lighter frame, it still has energy to take you up to 40 miles when pedaling. The small but mighty 350W motor makes efficient use of the battery. We reached 16 miles in our max PAS range test and still got 35 miles out of a range test don at PAS 3. The key here is pedaling – the XP Lite will do more for you if you do more for it.

Another benefit of the compact design is the ease in which you can maneuver this bike around town, and around obstacles. The XP Lite’s nimble handling makes it easier to scoot around pedestrians and slow bikes on the path. Helping you keep control are the 20” x 2.6” tires that provide positive traction.

Using 160mm rotors, front and back, the small wheels didn’t take away the braking system’s ability to safely stop us during our brake test.

Before we rode the XP Lite, we didn’t realistically believe decent folding e-bikes could be sold for under 1000, but the folks at Lectric surprised us again. If you want fat tires for off-roading, a powerful motor to race past your friends, and ride over 50 miles on a single charge, then you’re not going to get that with the XP Lite and you’d be better stepping up to the XP 3.0. But if you want a good quality, affordable folding e-bike that won’t empty your bank account, then you should consider Lectric’s XP Lite as it’s the most affordable bike found on our list of the best folding e-bikes.

Pro’s

• Cost – this is the best folding e-bike you will find, and the only e-bike we recommend in the 800 range.
• Weight – at just 46 lbs it’s easy to carry and easy to ride.
• Handling – the compact design paired with the 20” wheels provide great control.
• 275-lb. payload capacity is awesome for a sub-50 lb. e-bike.
• Easy maintenance – thanks to its simple design and no-frills components.
• Great starter e-bike for just about anyone.

Con’s

• While the motor punches above it’s weightclass, the smaller motor and lack of gearing will be somewhat limiting on the steepest hills.

GoCycle G4

Best Premium Folding Electric Bike, 2023

Electric bike options have literally exploded onto the market in recent years, including folding e-bike frame selections. There are e-bikes you can fold, and there are folding e-bikes. GoCycle’s G4 not only resides in the latter of the two, but is by far the easiest e-bike to fold of all the folding e-bikes we’ve tested.

Add this to its super light 38 lb weight and you get one of the easiest e-bikes to fold, carry and store. Packing a powerful 500w motor that even climbs hills, mag wheels and a drivetrain that’s years ahead of the competition, and at a price under 4000 and you have an e-bike that earns our nod as the Best Premium Folding Electric Bike.

Combining the aluminum front frame to the carbon composite rear frame, GoCycle give’s you a very light bike that’s easy to carry but still built strong. Rolling atop a set 20” x 2.25” wheels, this smartly designed bike makes handling and controlling the G4 a breeze, and the adjustable frame and bars can provide a home to riders ranging in height from 5’4” to 6’2”.

The G4 features GoCycle’s unique proprietary Cleandrive enclosed drive system, to keep your hands clean from the greasy chain and sprocket, and a motor that delivers up to 800w of peak power and cruises comfortably at 15 mph. The futuristic looking single-sided fork and rear swingarm make changing tires and fixing flats easier than you’ve ever imagined. Adding to the list of conveniences includes no chain, sprocket or greasy mess, as well as the optional mudguards, lights, integrated lock holster, panniers, and travel and storage systems.

The only thing we thought could be better on this bike was the LED display. On its own you can’t do much with it. That’s because it is most effective when coordinated with the rider’s smartphone, adding lots of images and data to help enhance the overall riding experience. If you’re a rider who likes to ignore your phone when riding, you’ll be a little disappointed about that.

But overall, the GoCycle G4 leads the pack in it’s design and construction, and it has a lot of innovative features that other e-bike companies will likely imitate in a few years. GoCycle also offers a service plan, featuring bike mechanics who are specifically trained to fix GoCycle e-bikes. So if you want a folding e-bike that features leading innovation to enhance your riding experience, then you should consider the GoCycle G4.

Pro’s

• Easiest e-bike we’ve ever folded.
• 500w motor delivers, making hill climbing easier.
• Weight – super light 38 lbs, feels more like a regular bike.
• Small frame also fits taller riders.
• Easy gearing via a uniquely designed swingarm, housing a Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal gear hub.
• Single-sided fork and rear swingarm simplify fixing flat tires.
• Spot-on handling provides comfortable and predictable agility.

Con’s

Tern Vektron

Best Folding Electric Bike For Cargo, 2023

With its patented folding frame design, demonstrated strength, ease at folding and unfolding, and range of options for carrying cargo, Tern’s Vektron earns its place as the 2023 best folding electric bike for Cargo.

At 39 lbs, this bike is one of the easiest to fold, unfold and carry around for the commuter and/or traveler. It’s powered by a high performance Bosch 250w motor, generating 65 Nm of torque, and an energy management system [EMS] that efficiently distributes energy from the battery to the motor, thus maximizing the bike’s range.

Rolling atop 20” road tires, the rear hub channels the bike’s speed using the Shimano Deore 10-speed gearing, a step up in quality compared to most e-bikes. Riders ranging in height from 4’10” to 6’5 can easily adjust the bike’s tool-free stem and quick release seat post. Brakes are handled by a hydraulic disc system and 160mm rotors.

The rear rack is integrated into the frame, and allows for various child seats to me mounted so you can take your little one with you.

Since we only had a chance to check out this e-bike at a recent expo we weren’t able to do our normal slew of performance and safety tests, nor were we able to ride the usual 100 to 175 miles we normally ride on test bikes. But honestly, we were enamored with the bike’s ride quality, and the reputation it carries as an innovation leader make it a simple choice as one of the years best electric folding bikes.

Pro’s

• Patented design folding frame is only 39 lbs, stiff, strong, easy-to-carry, serviceable.
• 250w, 65Nm Bosch high performance mid-drive motor efficiently delivers power.
• Bosch energy management system [EMS] uses battery energy efficiently.
• Tool-free adjustable stem and quick release seat post quickly fits riders between 4’10” to 6’5”.
• High performance sifting gearing with the Shimano Deore 10-speed.
• Bicycle child seat can be mounted on the frame-integrated rear rack.
• Brakes are hydraulic discs and 160mm rotors.

Con’s

• 20″ wheels and a rigid work make the handling great, but if you travel over bump roads on the regular you’ll feel it a bit more on this bike than others.

MOD City

Another Great Class 3 Folding Electric Bike, 2023

Okay, so we ran out of awards on this one as we’re rolling with “Another great Class 3 Folding Electric Bike,” but hey, this bike impressed in the tests and we’d be remiss to not have included it amongst the list of the best folding bikes.

Inspired by the portable folding Welbike motorcycle used by the British Army during World War II, the folks at Mod designed their City in the same spirit: it easily folds into a portable 65 lb unit; durable; and offers a respectable range of up to 50 miles on a single charge. Fortunately, MOD made this folding e-bike for fun, not for war.

Power is distributed from the surprisingly powerful 500w rear hub motor. In our Circuit Test, this bike easily cruised at 24 mph, and completed our hill climb test with better-than-expected results. Mounted to at the rear of the seat tube, the Samsung 48v 12.8 Ah, 614 Wh battery, provided enough energy for us to ride 25 miles using PAS 5 the whole time, and 50 miles casually pedaling at PAS 2.

Bike gear shifting is through the Shimano Altus 7-speed, with a 11-32T cassette and 52T chainring. This worked great with the motor output because we had no “ghost pedaling” issues (something more common with rear hub motors), and pedaling uphill in 1st gear was easy-peasy. This bike has great stopping power, thanks to the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, featuring dual-piston calipers, 160mm rotors and a motor shut off to keep the motor from pushing you forward when you really mean to stop.

This bike provided one of the more comfortable sitting experiences, with its wide Selle Royal gel saddle cushioning our behinds. Adding to the soft ride are the Moo coil spring suspension fork, with 50mm travel, and the EXAForm suspension seatpost. Improved traction and handling are offered by the Kenda 20”x3” tires, which enabled us to do some light off-roading as well. Protecting us from splattered mud and puddles are the stock wheel fenders.

The City folds neatly to a mere dimension of 42” x 15” x 26.5”, making it convenient to store. However, chances are Mod wasn’t planning to have the City pushed out of an airplane with paratroopers. That’s because the one thing this bike misses is having a good strap or clamp to lock the bike in place when it’s folded. Our City e-bike unfolded easily – and unexpectedly – on its own after we folded it for storage. We used bungee cords to solve that. So, there’s something for the MOD team to work on improving.

With a riding capacity of 265 lbs, 65 lbs for carrying cargo on the rear, this folding e-bike is made for almost anyone to ride. MOD even offers a child seat, with a backrest, and a seat tube-mounted handlebar so your little one can feel more connected to the ride. So, all in all, if you’re looking for Class 3 folding e-bike, the MOD City might be just what you’re looking for.

Pro’s

• Excellent Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors.
• It’s available in a high step and low step
• 500w 60nm rear hub motor delivers ample power.
• Easily cruises at 24 mph and better-than-average at climbing hills.
• Wide Selle Royal gel saddle is one of the more comfortable ones for longer rides.
• The 12Ah/576Wh battery delivers respectable range that should get you anywhere you need to go.
• Moo suspension fork 50mm travel
• EXA Form suspension seatpost

Con’s

• Folding this e-bike can be cumbersome.
• Need a bracket, clamp or strap to keep bike folded when storing – opens up easy.

Lectric XPremium

Best Dual Battery Folding Electric Bike, 2023

The Lectric XPremium is the “Big Kahuna” in the folding e-bike world: it can do a lot because it has a lot. Holding two batteries instead of one, the XPremium will likely take you further than any of the other folding e-bikes available. Lectric claims this bike will take you up to 100 miles, yet we managed to take our model seven miles beyond that before the batteries quit for the day.

Many of the folding e-bikes we rode are also better suited for pavement. The XPremium felt at home everywhere we rode it: paved streets, bike paths, gravel roads and dirt trails. The torque sensor worked great with the controller in getting the motor to engage with our pedaling. For most of our test rides, its 500w mid-drive motor felt like it had the same power as a 750w rear hub motor. The XPremium did not leave us clamoring for more power.

Lectric designed the frame from scratch, instead of trying to incorporate their new ideas on an existing frame. The XPremium’s wheelbase is the longest of all the folding e-bikes we’ve tested, and was most noticeable in tight turns and dips. Softening the ride is the combination suspension forks, with 80mm of wheel travel, suspension seat post, and comfy gel saddle.

Rolling on a set of Kenda 20” x 4” fat tires, the XPremium had great traction on all surfaces. Even with the longer wheelbase than its cousin, the XP 3.0, this bike still provided a fun time on the off-road course. An unexpected reward was the XPremium’s stopping ability. Using Zoom hydraulic disc brakes, with dual-piston calipers, this bike’s brake test results were better than what we were expecting from 160mm rotors and the bike’s above-average weight of 79 lbs.

Chances are, when riding a longer range e-bike, like the XPremium with its 330 lbs weight limit, you’re not going to start and stop as often as you would on smaller e-bikes. And with the heavier weight, you also get a heavy duty hinge and lock for safely folding the bike for storage, and unfolding the bike to ride. You can fit a host of accessories to customize your ride, including installing a seat on the rear rack so you can transport your child when you ride.

So, if you’re looking for a folding e-bike that can take you 100 miles, carry cargo, and rides comfortably on all surfaces, then the Lectric XPremium could be right up your alley. For more information on the Lectric XPremium, and where to get it, please click the “Check Best Price” button below.

Pro’s

• Efficient power output from the 500-watt mid-drive motor.
• Up to 100-mile range from dual batteries.
• Better motor engagement through the torque sensor.
• Strong stopping power from Zoom hydraulic disc brakes 160mm rotors.
• Good traction and control from the 20” x 4” fat tires
• Smooth ride 80mm wheel travel through the hydraulic forks.
• Comfortable ride thanks to the suspension seat post and gel saddle.
• 330 lbs capacity gives you more hauling ability.

Con’s

• High torque mid-drive motors tend to wear out chains and cassettes more quickly.
• 79 lb weight makes this heavier than most folding e-bikes.

Evelo Dash

Best Mid-Tier Folding Electric Bike, 2023

The saying, “Have your cake and eat it, too,” comes to mind when thinking about the Eveloo Dash folding e-bike. The design and components on the Dash make it look like it’s more expensive than its price tag says. Selling for a price between 2000 and 3000, The Evelo Dash gets our nod as the Best Mid-Tier Folding Electric Bike.

The more you look at this e-bike, the more you will see things that are normally found on more expensive e-bikes. We applaud the engineering and design team at Evelo for really thinking outside the box with the Dash. This e-bike does a lot, and with less. Looking at its unique, European-like features, it’s hard to say which one we like best: belt drive, mid-drive motor, internal gear hub, and lightweight frame.

Evelo’s choice of putting a belt drive and internal gear hub was not only a great way to eliminate greasy messes when handling this bike, but it’s also the most efficient way to transmit power to the rear wheel, and increase the possible range this bike can travel. Folding and unfolding the bike was very easy, the hardware locked into place firmly, and the bike rides like its frame is one piece, not two. Rating this as a folding e-bike, the Evelo Dash checks the most important boxes on the list.

Three hundred fifty watts might not seem like a lot on an e-bike, but when you consider it’s a mid-drive motor on a bike weighing less than 50 lbs, then you understand how this bike is designed to have a full time pedaling commitment from its rider. This e-bike is ideal for the rider who needs to transport the bike on a bus or commuter train to complete the final leg to and from work; or for the traveler who needs an alternative to walking, public transit and rental cars. The more you consider how and where to use this folding e-bike, and compare that to other folding e-bikes, the Dash’s benefits become more clear.

An important note about this e-bike’s limitations: since it’s designed to be easy to fold and transport, it has a smaller battery, which means a range of 40 miles, or less if you’re using the higher PAS levels and not pedaling as much. Also, suspension would increase the weight (and cost), so you’ll want to limit your off-roading to flat dirt roads. And finally, the internal gear hub shifts differently than derailleurs – you will need to briefly pause pedaling when you downshift and only change one gear at a time.

So, if you’re looking for lightweight folding e-bike that’s easy to fold, unfold, lift, carry and transport, and will give you more when you put more effort into the ride, and features unique bike technology, then the Evelo Dash might be the bike for you. To learn more about and places to get yourself a Dash, please click the “Check Best Price” button below.

Pro’s

• Unique lightweight folding frame design increases options for transporting, storing and where to take it.
• Clean, low maintenance internal gear hub and belt drive.
• Smooth, efficient power from the mid-drive motor and torque sensor.
• Up to 40-mile range with plenty of assistance.
• Throttle assistance provides quick acceleration when you need it.
• 4-year warranty – customer service will be there to help with any issues.

Con’s

• One size frame limits shorter and taller riders from using.
• Shifting on the Sturmeny-Archer internal gear hub might confuse new riders.

Bottom line: Your folding e-bike should make sense and match your needs

It’s not always obvious why someone is attracted to the idea of a bike that folds. Some people want them because they save space; others want them because they make great commuters; and some people just like them because of the novelty and unique look.

Whatever your reason for buying a folding bike, make sure you think long and hard about what you want to do with it, because not all folders are created equal. Just like other realms of the cycling world, there are subsets of bikes inside the folding e-bike category that are designed for different uses. A lightweight commuter folding e-bike won’t perform well off-road, and a heavy all-terrain folder would be tough to carry up a set of stairs. So make sure you’re getting the right bike for you. Also, think hard about whether a folding bike is the right choice for your needs. Folding bikes often ride much differently than their full-sized counterparts, so keep in mind you might be trading ride quality for compactness. But, after all that thinking, if you’re still looking for an e-bike that packs down small but is still capable, you’ve come to the right place.

If you want to explore other categories of e-bikes, we’ve got some great e-bike reviews that look in-depth at virtually any type of e-bike you can think of. Or, if you’re new to the world of e-bikes, we’ve got a handy e-bike buyers’ guide that’ll help you get started.

Best folding electric bikes of 2023: Get a boost on your commute

The best folding electric bikes are a new take on the best folding bikes, which have been a staple of the urban commuter for years.

The electric motor gives you a boost on your ride, so you can get to the station or to work quicker, while the ability to fold the bike means that you’re not barred from taking your machine on peak-time public transport.

But the allure of the best folding electric bikes extends beyond the 9 to 5; they’re a great option for leisure rides too. You can fold them up easily to travel with in your car or camper without taking up too much space, giving you an active transport option when you reach your destination.

A folding electric bike is also great if you’ve got limited storage space either at home or at work and its portability makes it a lot easier to get around with than even the best electric bikes that don’t fold down.

Below are our picks of the best folding electric bikes and, at the bottom of the page, our buyer’s guide to what to look for in a folding electric bike.

Best folding electric bikes: our picks

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Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Reasons to avoid

To many, Brompton is the market-leading folding bike brand. Its tried and tested folding bike platform has remained largely unchanged since its inception and still remains one of the best available today.

Converting the Brompton folding bike package to pedal assistance is a 250-watt front hub motor, powered by a detachable battery pouch that lives in a handlebar bag. This system is supplied by Swytch. makers of one of the best electric bike conversion kits.

There are plenty of things that put the Brompton Electric among the best folding electric bikes, such as its excellent array of luggage options, powerful brakes, crisp shifting and impressive Brompton ride quality, but it’s still not perfect. The mode controls are positioned on the battery, which is an awkward reach when riding, and the brake levers need to be positioned slightly awkwardly so they aren’t in the way when folded, and they don’t cut the motor when pulled so you can be caught out in traffic, as explained in more detail in our Brompton Electric review.

Alongside the original Brompton Electric C Line, there’s now an Electric P Line bike, which has fewer gears and uses lighter materials to cut the bike’s claimed weight from 17.4kg to 15.6kg.

Reasons to avoid

If you want a lightweight folding e-bike, this is a great option. The Hummingbird features carbon fibre components, which might seem superfluous on an e-bike, but it does help reduce overall mass.

Why is a lightweight folding electric bike important? When you need to carry it upstairs or lift it into stowage compartments on a train, you’ll come to appreciate the reduction in weight.

The trussed rear end looks like a stylish application of industrial design and helps keep overall mass down. So, how much does it weigh? Only 10.3kg.

Drawing energy from a 158Wh battery, the Hummingbird folding e-bike uses a 250W rear hub motor, which is paired with a large 48T front chainring. It only spins a single 12T cog at the rear, so you might be slightly over-geared if your commute includes steep gradients.

Reasons to avoid

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. There’s a carbon fork, magnesium alloy rear frame and, instead of Chromoly, it has an injected-moulded composite centre. if you upgrade to the G4i you’ll see carbon fibre in this portion of the frame instead.

Rolling on larger-than-most 20in wheels, the Gocycle rides better and smoothes out the jarring influence of road surface imperfections, but it does mean the overall folded size is larger.

Its drive front hub drive unit was upgraded in 2021, with a more potent 500W motor option for specific markets. This should give you all the urge to conquer any sequence of steep streets in an urban environment, even with the drivetrain only having three speeds, courtesy of Shimano’s Nexus hub and Microshift grip shifting. The drivetrain is neatly housed within GoCycle’s CleanDrive. effectively keeping it hermetically sealed from dirt and water ingress.

Disc brakes ensure secure stopping, even if your active commute is in the rain. The Gocycle G4’s LED status display also warrants mention, being integrated into the handlebar. If there is one model that shows where folding e-bikes could be in 2030, this is it.

Reasons to avoid

The Vektron S10 might not be a superlight folding e-bike, but it does have a broad reach of appeal. Tern has attempted to combine many ‘big bike’ features into the folding frame concept with this Vektron S10. The result is a heavy package, at 22.1kg, but you get a large capacity battery pack, boosting range.

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, you’ll feel entirely safe using the Vektron S10’s pedal assistance in wet conditions.

Frequency of use can make life tough for a folding e-bike, so to combat this, a corrosion coating has been applied to the Vektron S10’s chain to help delay its wear rate. By configuring the Vektron S10 with a mid-drive motor, Tern’s designers have optimised weight distribution, giving this folding e-bike fantastically balanced agility.

Reasons to avoid

Although most folding electric bikes are targeted at a distinctly urban audience rolling on quality commuting infrastructure, what about a mixed terrain option?

If you are going to cross some gravel, or have to negotiate crumbling roads and unpredictable shortcuts in your active commute, tiny wheels and skinny tyres aren’t ideal. The solution is something with a much larger tyre casing and grippier tread pattern.

This is where the Lectric XP comes into its own. It might be a very heavy folding e-bike, at 28kg, but you get a potent 500W motor and large 20x3in tyres.

With those big tyres, you’ll never have an issue taking the ‘alternative’ route anywhere. Road surface imperfections are of no consequence to the Lectric XP’s ride quality.

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. With a standard battery,

Lectric says that you can expect up to 45 miles range, but there’s a long range battery option that increases that to a claimed 65 miles. It’s a US class 1, 2 and 3 design, so you can ride throttle-only if you want.

Reasons to avoid

The Raleigh folding e-bike blends classic commuter styling, with the stability of 20in wheels and an appropriate battery specification.

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 20in wheels, the Raleigh should do a fair job of calming some road surface buzz.

The frame is alloy but there is a steel fork up front, and despite the now-old-fashioned vertically mounted battery pack, Raleigh has done well with the bike’s overall design, as well as including an integrated rear cargo rack, which will be of use to active commuters.

Not outrageously heavy for a 20in wheeled folding electric bike, at 20kg, this is a very neatly integrated bike that should offer up to 50km of assistance. Its seven-speed drivetrain offers a good spread of ratios to conserve battery life and power you up steep urban inclines without bother.

How to choose the best folding electric bike for you

Any bike is invariably a big purchase and worthy of much deliberation. Given folding electric bikes are a niche genre that can be expensive, you’ve probably got some questions. In our eternal bid to help you buy the right product, we’ve attempted to answer as many of those questions as possible below.

Are folding electric bikes light?

As with any broad question the answer is, to some degree, ‘it varies’. They will however be noticeably heavier than those without a battery and motor.

Weight won’t make a great deal of difference while you’re riding and is compensated for by the motor, but for getting a bike on and off public transport and up flights of stairs a weighty bike can soon become tiring.

If you get to your desk with a dead arm and are unable to even lift a coffee to your lips from lugging your new bike upstairs you’re going to quickly look for an alternative.

How do I charge my electric folding bike?

Charging an electric bike means that you’re going to need to get your battery close enough to a power outlet to plug in your charger. Often, but not always, the battery is removable from an electric bike, so that you can carry it somewhere where you can plug it in easily.

A folding electric bike has a distinct advantage here, as you can potentially fold up your bike and charge it up somewhere convenient rather than needing to lock it and lug the battery around. Most chargers are quite heavy, so ideally you don’t want to have to carry one around with you when riding.

How fast can I go on a folding electric bike?

That depends on where you live.

In most countries support is limited to 25kph or below, with the motor cutting out above that speed. You can still pedal to go faster. In the US it’s more complicated, so it’s worth reading our piece on how fast is an electric bike to understand the options better.

In general, a folding electric bike will be slower to ride than the best electric bikes that don’t fold, but even then it can be faster than even the best road bikes that are pedal powered if there’s an incline.

Does my folding electric bike have to have small wheels?

Almost all folding bikes will be using a 16″ or 20″ wheel size, primarily as it drastically reduces the overall length of the bike when unfolded, and allows it to fold up into a much more compact size than would be possible with full size wheels.

An added benefit of such small wheels is increased manoeuvrability, which comes in handy when dodging potholes or someone stepping into the road while browsing Instagram on their phone. It does take a little bit of getting used to, and some riders can feel a little unsteady to begin with, but with a bit of practice you’ll soon adapt to the new handling.

The common nature of the wheel sizes also means tyres are also readily available, so don’t let that concern you, with eBike specific options available too, to cope with the higher speeds.

One downside to smaller wheels, however, is that they don’t roll over bumps so easily, so may be a little more jarring over rougher roads. If comfort is a concern then pay attention to the maximum tyre width.

How easy is it to fold a folding electric bike?

Like the best folding bikes without a motor, the best folding electric bikes have been engineered to make folding and unfolding quick and simple. The motor and battery are usually integral to the design and don’t get in the way.

In some cases, like the Brompton Electric, the battery pack may be clipped onto the bike and can be carried separately, which reduces the weight and size of the bike that needs to be carried around, but means that there’s another step needed to disconnect it when folding and reconnect it before riding.

It’s often possible to half-fold an electric folding bike and push or pull it around, usually using the extended seatpost, which avoids carrying it. The wheels are usually designed so that they line up to make it easy to manoeuvre.

How many gears do folding eBikes have?

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).

Unless you live somewhere hugely hilly the gear range will likely be ample on any of these options, but for those getting to work in San Francisco then it might be a factor to give a little more attention to, to avoid overworking the motor and components.

Do I need disc brakes?

Electric bikes tend to operate at a higher speed than their non-e siblings, and as such stopping power is important. The lighter models are served by rim brakes, but heavier models rightly opt for discs.

If you commute in the dry then a rim brake with decent pads should be perfectly adequate, but for urban riding where the ability to stop on a dime is a key factor and if you commute in the wet, then perhaps you’d be better served with some discs instead.

Are folding electric bikes worth it?

This really depends on how much you’re going to use it. Be honest about how many car or train journeys it’ll replace, and add some slippage for maintenance and factor in the cost of charging to give you a reasonable idea of how much money you’ll save on an annual basis.

Multiply this by how long you’re likely to use the bike for in years and you’ll have something approaching a total cost offset. This is very broad brush though, and doesn’t take into account non-financial considerations like the joy you may get from riding, the value you place on not being crowded into urban public transport or gridlocked in your car, or the fact you just really want one.

Electric Bikes from other brands are not allowed on airlines due to their batteries!

The manufacturer is re-designing as the world wide chip shortage has caused enough problems to motivate them to design a battery that is not reliant on those parts. The new LIGO batteries are expected early 2023.

This couple has arrived in Isreal ready for a bike adventure. They do not have electric assist on their bikes yet but we can retrofit their bikes any time and they will still pack into their suitcase.

The Battery: The LiGo by Grin Technology

Note: LiGo batteries not available until 2023 due to chip shortage

Yes, these batteries really can be carried on passenger aircraft in carry-on luggage. Both we and our customers have clocked hundreds and hundreds of flights with LiGo batteries going through security without any incidents. Aaron, from Grin, even caught on video what happens when LiGo batteries go through the scanning belt. We recommend removing the LiGo packs from your baggage and plugging the pair of Anderson connectors on each pack into each other so that there are no exposed terminals and each pack is clearly individually contained. Airport personnel has been well trained at looking for the watt-hour rating lithium batteries and seeing if they are compliant or not.

While most airlines do not have a firmly defined maximum number of batteries under 100 Wh that can be brought aboard, we’d suggest traveling with no more than 4-5 LiGo’s per person in order to avoid extra scrutiny. Grin has had customers travel by air with as many as 12 LiGo modules on them, but we wouldn’t recommend that as a matter of course.

Travel with the LiGo powered E-Bike Friday:

Bike Friday E-Bike packed and ready for travel photo: Ruth K.

Bike Friday E-Bike almost ready to ride photo: Ruth K.

Bike Friday E-Bike ready to ride after being unpacked photo: Ruth K.

Front Hub Drive:

The motor replaces the front hub in the front wheel with a specially designed Bafang motor which is optimized for our wheel size. It is the quietest front hub motor you can buy and works effortlessly.

– This system is compatible with all Bike Friday models –

• No motor resistance when coasting or without power and very quiet!
• Very light! Adds only ~ 10 lbs to your bike
• Fits both 20-inch wheel and 16-inch wheel Bike Fridays
• LiGo travel battery option makes for a light electric-assist bike that is legal to fly with.
• Easily add more Ligo Batteries to increase your range.
• Comes standard with pedal assist
• With a second front wheel and 3 minutes you can take off all but one lb of the weight (removing motor and battery) and have your light non-assisted bike ready to ride
• Disc brake compatible
• Balances weight of bike over both wheels.

Contact us and a bike design expert will help you with your questions and find the best electric system for your situation.

For retrofitting older Bike Fridays into E-Bikes with an electric assist there are additional steps. Contact us for details.

Folding Electric Bike KBO Flip

We rode them on flat bike trails and on the hilly streets in the neighborhood. After 75 miles, we have had no problems. They ride well. We were new to eBikes, so it does take some getting used to the PAS functions and slightly extra weight. We were long time regular comfort bike riders. These bikes have everything it takes to get us back to regular frequent riding. Especially at the campgrounds. My old knees like this bike too.

I think this is probably the best commuter bike at this price point that you can get. this is the best bang for your money. This has a fantastic top speed and range. The range on this is amazing.

I’m a bigger guy, about 265lbs and 6’ tall and have found that the motor is more than capable of getting me up some of the steeper sections without issue. When I asked, I highly recommend the KBO Breeze as a comfortable, powerful and reliable ebike and I’m super happy riding it around town.

This brightly colored commuter ebike has got some serious power without an overbearing and massive frame like other brands. it’s a full-size bike that can deliver d decent range and good hill climbing ability and doesn’t weigh a ton.this brightly colored commuter ebike has got some serious power without an overbearing and massive frame like other brands. it’s a full-size bike that can deliver d decent range and good hill climbing ability and doesn’t weigh a ton.

I absolutely love the orange frame. I get so many compliments riding this ebike around. It really pops and the company did an amazing job with the paint. If you have been following my channel, I review products that are unique and even make my cars different than everyone else’s so I was really happy when I saw orange as an option for this electric bike.

Specially Designed Built-in 15.6Ah Lithium-ion Battery

Folding electric bike KBO Flip is equipped with 15.6Ah battery which allows for 30 miles of pure electric ride on a single charge. The battery that powers the ebike is located just behind the seat and keeps the weight centralized and fairly low. It’s both lockable and removable, allowing charging either on or off the bike.

Powerful Sustained 500W Brushless Geared Hub Motor

500W sustained brushless geared motor ensures excellent performance, which makes road, beach and trail a piece of cake. The bike gets durable power from the motor that helps the ebike spin itself up to 20mph easily.

Sturdy Foldable Aluminum Frame

Features quick-release levers at key points to allow you to easily swing the frame in on itself and it takes only 3 simple steps to fold the frame. It folds at both the handlebars and the frame resulting in a tight little package that makes it easier to store it in your trunk, apartment hallways, or under your desk.

Upgraded CPSC Certified Headlight

Press and hold the “UP” button for 3 seconds to turn on the light.

Upgraded CPSC Certified Rear Light

Upgraded and stylish Rear light can easily penetrate the gloom or fog and provide excellent visibility when riding at night.

Shimano 7-speed Gear Derailleur

It’s designed for your riding experience and allows you to change the gears for adapting to different terrains on-demand.

Dual Front Suspension Fork

High-performance dual front suspension fork with good damping effect can easily adapt to various rough terrain and provides a comfortable ride.

Multifunctional LCD Display

Multi-functional backlight display shows information including speed, odometer, PAS and battery capacity, etc.

Enhanced Comfort Saddle

The extra-wide design makes extended and rough terrain rides more comfortable.

20″ 3″ CHAOYANG Tire

20″ x 3″ fat tires with wider tire surface for superior traction and stability make it easier to ride on all terrain.

Sturdy Integrated Rear Rack

The upgraded integrated rear rack design significantly improves the load capacity and stability of the bike and makes it more solid.

Smart Half Twist Throttle

Gently twist the throttle on your right to accelerate and the throttle makes it easy to cruise along effortlessly.

• 1.Total Length 65″
• 2. Handlebar Height 48″
• 3. Wheelbase 45″
• 4. Minimum Seat Height 22″
• 5. Maximum Seat Height 30″
• 6. Chainstay Length 18″

• 7. Stand Height 25″
• 8. Top Tube Length 22″
• 9. Wheel Diameter 21″
• 10. Head Tube Length 16″
• 11. Minimum Seat to Floor 32″

The KBO Flip offers not only an incredible electric bike under 1000 but also folds, making it extremely versatile and great for those who have a limited amount of storage space for bikes.

You wouldn’t want to miss out on the KBO Flip electric bike with its flip fold system to keep it portable and moveable. Folding e-bikes are less expensive and are great for outdoor use, including public commuting.

Customer Reviews

Purchased our first two ebike for traveling and camping while entering into our retirement life style and enjoying them. We had a minor shipping issue and needed the LCD display replaced and had a new display in hand within 8 days of reporting the issue and sending some pictures. The customer service was great and easy to work with. Currently my wife and I use the bikes more as bike and occasionally use the power assist to get around. Within the next month or so we be on and beach or path riding and sure we will get more uses of the power feature. The bikes are light enough for us to fold and secure in the our pickup. So far the purchase was a good choice for us and we are looking forward to many trips together.

So far I’m enjoying this bike, weather being difficult right now but when I do ride I like it.