A compact e-bike with serious upgrades—the Haze hits the sweet spot.
Let’s get to the point: You’ll get two essential things from your Haze.
First, a sophisticated but solid ride. Speed — and delivery of it — is what you want it to be: Up to 15.5 mph using the throttle, cruise control, or motor-backed, pedal assist. Choose from 3 different levels of pedaling assistance depending on how much muscle power you want to put into your ride.
Second: a collection of add-ons and enhancements that makes e-bike ownership easy, including a built-in rear bike lock, companion tire pump (included), and a removable battery. Pop it out and bring it inside to charge wherever your wheels — and your whims — take you.
Ride comfortably and confidently.
You’ll feel the sureness of your bike on the road, thanks to the Haze’s 350-watt motor, substantial 16” tires, and beyond-basic magnesium alloy frame.
Fold, stow, and go.
Three-way folding allows for easy storage and stashing in the back of a car, so you can take your Haze on special destination rides.
Go the distance.
You’ll get up to 15 miles on a single battery charge (more if you pedal!). But you can double the length of your outing by traveling with a fully charged spare in your backpack.
VOLADOR
Folded Size: 32.6815.7526.38 in 1.Max Handlebar Height：43.50 in 2.Min Handlebar Height：37.99 in 3.Standover Height：21.85 in 4.Max Saddle Height：37.40 in 5.Min Saddle Height：30.31 in 6.Wheelbase：39.96 in 7.Reach ：17.72 in 8.Width：23.62 in
Shipment:Ship within 48 hours
Once your order is received, a confirmation will be sent by email or text, it takes us 48 hours to prepare your order, and you will be notified as soon as it ships.
Orders placed on weekend will be arranged on next business day.
Please obey the laws of your state. Ride safely, wear helmet
Miles
CUSTOMIZED QUALISPORTS MOTOR
Customized 350W high speed geared brushless motor with enough pulling power so you can effortlessly conquer an 18° climb. Brushless motors are smoother, more efficient and no magnetic drag when you ride the bike without any power.
SLEEK FOLDING FRAME
The VOLADOR frame and fork is made of industry-grade Aluminum Grade 6061. Our new design is sleek, light, and strong enough for a Cyclist weighing 220lbs to feel comfortable on it. Easily folds down to a compact size for easy storage and transportation.
RELIABLE Samsung BATTERY
The VOLADOR distinctive look is achieved through the work and dedication of our designers and engineers combined efforts to strategically place the Lithium battery within the seat-post, integrating functionality and design to power the e-bike.
Rated at 30 Miles Results can vary based on the road conditions (flat versus inclines) as well as weather conditions such as wind or light breeze and the actual Cyclist weight.
SHIMANO 7-SPEED GEARS
The Volador is equipped with a Shimano Tourney 7 speed mechanical gear system.
so every Qualibiker can experience a much more fantastic riding especially when you are hilling.
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery TypeSamsung Lithium-ion BatteryBattery Capacity36V 7AhCharging Time3.5 HrsMotor BrandQualisports USA Custom Manufactured 350WMotor Torque40 Newton metersMax. Speed20 mphEstimated Range30 miles (PAS)Display BrandKT-7 LCD Display with USB Chraing PortDrive ModeCadence Sensing Pedal Assist/Trigger Throttle (12 Magnet Sealed Sensor)/Normal Biking/Cruise/Walk Assist
Size58” x 38” x 44”Folded Size32.5 x 14.5 x 26.5Net Weight38 lbsMax. Load220 lbsFrame TypeMid-Step, FoldingGearing Details7 Speed 1×7 Shimano Tourney Derailleur, MF-TZ500-7 14-28 Tooth CassetteCranksProwheel Forged Alloy, 170mm Length, 52 Tooth Chainring with Plastic Guard
How far can Qualisports bikes go on a single charge?
Distance differs on the terrain, weight of the cyclist, and the power mode you are using (pedal only, full Throttle, or pedal assist).
The typical range on Volador is 20 to 30 miles on a single charge using primarily electric power. If you use the PAS, mileage can increase. Some riders can achieve over 30 miles when cycling in pedal-assist mode.
How to turn on/off the front headlight?Turn on the LCD display, hold the display’s UP button for 2-3 seconds, the headlight/LCD display background light will both be turned on. Hold the power button the same way to turn it off.
Is the bike pre-assembled?95% of the bikes are pre-assembled, with detailed installation videos for the front and rear fenders.
Review of Lectric Bikes
You no longer need to spend thousands of dollars to ride a dependable electric bicycle. Lectric Bikes have made this possible for 1,000.
This USA-based company set out to shake up the industry by introducing the Lectric XP model back in 2018.
Today, four years later, the revamped third-generation XP 3.0 e-bike is even better than before but just as affordable and fun.
Can you really get a reliable e-bike with all the necessary features and a few bells and whistles without breaking the bank? Let’s find out!
Lectric eBikes
Lectric Bikes was established in Phoenix, Arizona in 2018 by two best friends, Levi Conlow and Robby Deziel, who shared a common dream.
Having been lifelong friends, the duo split up after high school to go to college. Levi earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business entrepreneurship and leadership, whereas Robby earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. That proved to be the perfect combination of skills to start a successful e-bike company.
Lectric XP, their first model ever, was a huge hit with both customers and experts. It cost less than 1,000 and offered speed, fun, practicality, and portability in a good-looking package.
The brand also attributes its success to great customer service, free shipping, fully-assembled delivery, and a solid 1-year limited warranty.
If you want to hop on the e-bike bandwagon without breaking the bank and see what the e-fuss is all about, Lectric Bikes is a pretty good choice.
Lectric XP Trike
Lectric has expanded its product line with the release of the XP Trike, an affordable electric tricycle with Lectric’s signature design and feel.
The XP Trike features a durable aluminum frame and folding mechanism, just like Lectric’s iconic e-bikes. However, with the addition of a third wheel, the XP Trike provides greater stability and carrying capacity.
The XP Trike is an ideal choice for riders who have balance issues or lack confidence on two wheels, as it offers enhanced stability and security. Additionally, the trike has a carrying capacity of up to 110 lbs of cargo, with a total capacity of 415 lbs including the rider.
While the XP Trike has small 20″ wheels and 2.6″ tires, making it less comfortable on bumpy terrain, riders can add a seat with a backrest for 30 to turn it into a comfortable cruiser.
The XP Trike also features two hydraulic disc brakes, providing superior stopping power, as well as dual differential wheels powered by a 500W hub motor, which improves stability while turning.
In summary, the Lectric XP Trike is an excellent choice for individuals in search of an electric tricycle. It delivers stability, comfort, and convenience at a reasonable price of just 1,499.
Lectric XPedition
Finally, Lectric’s lineup now includes a superbly equipped cargo electric bike with a 450 lb payload capacity called XPedition. This means you can carry all your groceries in one go or use the XPedition as a delivery vehicle for your private business.
The XPedition is powered by a 750W (1310W peak) motor with 85 Nm of torque that definitely won’t have any problems hauling the extra weight. The bike has Class 1, 2, and 3 capabilities, which you can change in the settings.
Thanks to the dual-battery design, this electric cargo bike can carry two 672 Wh battery for a combined range of up to 150 miles. That’s more than enough for any user to ride without worrying about the range.
The rear rack is long, has a 330 lb maximum payload and can carry two child seats, two passenger seats, or a pair of panniers or cargo baskets. The front rack can carry up to 35 lb of weight, so you won’t lack carrying capacity.
Other thoughtful details include a rear wheel skirt, front and rear lights, a dual-leg kickstand, foldable handlebars and stem, fenders, hydraulic disc brakes, 20″ x 3″ tires, and a lot more.
If you’re thinking about ditching your car for a more environmentally friendly commuting solution, Lectric XPedition is a great choice, costing between 1,399 and 1,699.
XP 3.0
Lectric XP 3.0 is a foldable fat-tire electric bicycle with cargo-carrying capabilities and a very attractive price tag. It ships as a class 2 bicycle, but you can transform it into a class 3 e-bike by increasing the maximum assisted speed to 28 mph in the settings.
This bike has a compact mid-fold aluminum frame available in two colors (black and white) and two styles: step-over and step-through. The frame comes with a front oil suspension fork.
On to the most important features—electronics. XP 3.0 features a rear hub 500W motor with a 1000W peak power. It can be operated by a throttle or with one of the five pedal-assist levels.
The 48V is fully integrated into the top tube and provides you with either up to 45 miles of range or 65 miles of range (depending on the battery). You can keep track of all the important ride stats on the massive backlit LCD display.
What’s also characteristic about this bike is the 20″ x 3″ fat tires.
The competitive 1,299 price tag also includes a 7-speed rear derailleur and mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors. Keep in mind that these are entry-level components, so don’t expect anything fancy. However, they are more than good enough for riders who plan to commute, get around town, and just have fun.
XP 3.0 also boasts a heavy-duty rear rack, mounts for a front basket and a bike lock, a kickstand, front and rear lights, and comfortable wide handlebars.
All in all, while Lectric XP is not the fanciest e-bike out there, entry-level riders get everything they need with it and then some. You’d be hard-pressed to find more value for the same amount of money elsewhere.
XPremium
Lectric XPremium is the even newer and even more improved version of the XP. As the name suggests, this electric folding bike offers premium value.
Lectric XPremium features a mid-drive motor with 500W continuous power (800W peak). What makes this bike interesting, is that apart from sleeker design, it can accommodate two batteries.
So, when combined, the XPremium offers 1000Wh of power – it’s possible to ride up to 100 miles with one charge.
Components-wise, the XPremium is pretty similar to the Lectric XP. The 7-speeds along with 4″ tires can take you over every obstacle. The bike has been fitted with hydraulic disc brakes.
This bike weighs 75lbs, which is not exactly light, but it can carry up to 330lbs (including up to 55lbs on the rear rack).
The Upgraded version comes with an upgraded price tag – 1,999. This isn’t a small sum to offer for a bike, but you will get plenty of value with the Lectric XPremium.
All in all, the Lectric XPremium offers a premium ride – this bike is worth every cent.
XP Lite
The new and improved Lectric XP Lite offers exactly what the name promises. The bike weighs just 46lbs (18lbs lighter than the XP 3.0). The XP Lite also comes in significantly cheaper.
The 900 price tag is something you don’t see every day. Of course, there are some possible downsides – this model comes with no suspension, plus it’s only available with a single-speed drivetrain.
Lectric XP Lite folds into a 36x16x26 inch bundle, Lectric claims this makes it one of the smallest folding electric bikes in the industry. The bike is available in four different colors.
The 300W motor (peak 750W) and 48V battery provide more than enough power to get you through your commutes (with the up to 40-mile range).
The 20″x2.4″ tires are perfect for city roads. While the XP Lite comes without any suspension, unless you’re planning to go on some trails, it doesn’t really matter. The single-speed drivetrain offers smooth sailing.
Lectric XP Lite doesn’t lack when it comes to performance – it can carry up to 275 lbs, which includes the rear rack that can carry 55 lbs.
Ultimately, this is a perfect commuter for someone who’s looking for a bike to commute more.
Customizability
Lectric XP 3.0 is surprisingly well-equipped if you consider the entry-level price. However, you can take it up a notch by fitting a few additional custom-made accessories.
Namely, the company offers cargo and comfort packages that could make your rides more enjoyable and a lot more practical.
The comfort package consists of a large dual-spring seat and a suspension seat post with 40mm of travel. While this is a great addition, keep in mind that the minimum seat height will be raised by approximately 3 inches.
The cargo package gets you a front rack, a small basket, and a large basket. This will allow you to carry a lot more stuff with you everywhere you go.
You can also get a Lectric bike lock, mirrors, a premium headlight, water-resistant panniers, and a phone mount.
By choosing a combination of accessories that matches your needs, you can easily personalize your XP 3.0 and make it unique.
To see other folding bikes, see our reviews of the best folding bikes and the best electric folding bikes.
Free Shipping 1-Year Warranty
Lectric offers free shipping to all contiguous lower 48 states within the United States. Therefore, there are no hidden costs behind the price of the bike.
If you live in Canada, you will have to pay 200 for shipping, but the fee also covers all of the duties and taxes charged as a result of importing the bike, so you get good value for it.
In addition to free shipping, Lectric also offers a 1-year warranty that covers all mechanical and electric parts, including the frame and the fork. Compared to what bigger brands offer, a 1-year warranty is shorter, but still decent considering this is an entry-level bike.
FAQ
How fast does Lectric XP go?
Lectric XP 3.0 ships as a class 2 e-bike with a 20 mph top speed. However, you can increase the maximum speed to 28 mph, turning it into a class 3 e-bike. You can go even faster than that by pedaling on your own when the assistance shuts off.
Are Lectric Ebikes good?
Lectric makes entry-level e-bikes with great components for the money. Even though these bikes don’t have any high-end parts, they’re still durable and reliable, with beginners and casual riders in mind. Lectric is a good choice for commuting, leisure riding, and getting around town.
How much does a Lectric XP bike cost?
The Lectric XP 3.0 bike costs 1,099. This is a 100 increase compared to the previous version of the bike, but the newer version comes with numerous improvements. Money to value ratio considered you get a great bang for the buck for a low price with one of these bikes.
What class is a Lectric XP?
Lectric XP 3.0 ships as a class 2 e-bike with class 3 capabilities. You can transform it into a class 3 electric bicycle by changing the maximum speed to 28 mph in the settings. Before doing that, make sure that you understand your e-bike-related local laws.
Where is the Lectric E-bike made?
Like most bicycles nowadays, Lectric e-bikes are made overseas, in China. Manufacturing bikes in China allows companies to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining the same quality. This way, the price that customers pay for the final product is much lower as well.
Our Thoughts
The number of brands trying to offer fun and well-equipped e-bikes at a bargain price has been on the rise in recent years. However, none of them are as successful at achieving that as Lectric.
Lectric Bikes does a lot of things right, which makes its bikes an excellent value proposition.
Their XP 3.0 model is powerful, fast, good-looking, and equipped for comfort and practicality.
Most brands would find themselves between a rock and a hard place trying to compete with Lectric. While there are many more awe-inspiring e-bikes out there, none comes close to offering the same bang for the buck.
We definitely recommend Lectric Bikes and its products to anyone looking for an affordable foldable electric bike that’s attractive, fun to ride, portable, and decently practical.
The Best Electric Folding Bikes (Of 2023)
There’s an important reason why the number of folding electric bikes is on the rise on city streets—they work. A folding bike is functional as it gives you all the capabilities of a regular bicycle but makes transportation and storage a lot less of a hassle. Add a motor and a battery to it, and it becomes accessible to a lot of people out there who are looking for more efficient ways to commute.
So whether you’re interested in folding electric bicycles as a way to commute or you’re looking to save space in your home, we’ve found and reviewed the best folding electric bikes on the market.
But before that, here’s some important information on what to look out for when searching for a foldable electric bike to meet all of your needs.
Are Folding Electric Bikes Any Good?
Contrary to popular belief, folding electric bikes are fast, nimble, and practical. They can go as fast as regular bikes, squeeze through traffic jams, and they’re easy to store and transport. Plus, thanks to the motor, you can travel longer distances, without getting too tired.
Check out the list below, choose the one you like the most, and enjoy!
RadExpand 5
Winner! Best Overall Budget-Friendly Package
MSRP: 1,499 Wheels: 20″ x 4″ Features: Fenders, a kickstand, lights, 750W motor, 672Wh battery, disc brakes FULL REVIEW of Rad Power Bikes
Rad Power’s RadExpand is a versatile folding fat-tire electric bike that can conquer different types of terrain. You can use it equally well for city commutes as well as for off-road gravel and dirt detours.
It folds down quickly and in a few steps—its folded dimensions are 29″ x 25″ x 41″. However, it also comes with a 62.5 lbs. weight, so it takes some effort to carry it up a flight of stairs.
RadMini is equipped with a 750W geared rear hub motor, therefore, power will not be a problem. The range shouldn’t be either, considering the massive 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) battery. According to Rad, you can expect up to 45 miles on one charge.
RadMini is a Class 2 electric mini bike so it has both pedal-assistance and throttle. Its maximum assisted speed is limited to 20 MPH, which is more than enough for an efficient commute.
When it comes to the mechanical parts, this folding electric bike has a 7-speed MicroShift derailleur to make pedaling more efficient. This bike comes without suspension, but it shouldn’t make too much of a difference.
The package also includes fenders, a kickstand, battery-powered lights, puncture-resistant tires, and a few other perks.
Aventon Sinch ST
Second-best! Most Comfortable Folding Electric Bike
MSRP: 1,799 Wheels: 20″ Features: Powerful electric motor, Smart and simple folding design, Trigger Shifters, and small 20″ wheels. Full Review of Aventon Bikes
Aventon Sinch ST is a folding bike that offers good value for its price. You might want it for commuting or even riding with the family, whatever you need a Aventon is a great place to start. If you are short of space and looking for something small that still packs a punch, this is the bike for you.
The bike looks rugged, with its oversized tubing and reinforced cabling it isn’t going to let you down. With it’s disc brakes and front suspension it’s not just ready for the road but those trails too with those huge 4″ oversized tires.
Aventon Sinch is one of the best value for money folding bikes currently on the market and with all its accessories well worth a look into.
Aventon built the Sinch ST around a durable 6061 aluminum frame and also equipped it with a 7-speed drivetrain, powerful disc brakes, a powerful motor, and a kickstand.
Aventon Sinch has a top speed of 20mph, on a 500W motor, and it has a range of about 40 miles depending on how you ride it. If you are looking for a bike to take you anywhere with ease the Sinch ST is for you.
Engwe EP-2 Pro
Third Place! Folding E-Bike with Longest Range
MSRP: 1,400 Wheels: 20″ x 4″ Features: Fenders, a kickstand, lights, 750W motor, 615Wh battery, disc brakes, front suspension
Engwe EP-2 Pro is a solid choice both for urban commuters and off-roading enthusiasts.
This folding electric bike comes with 20 x 4″ wheels and tires that don’t provide the most stability on trails, but definitely don’t lack grip due to their width. Therefore, they’re best suited for bumpy city streets, but you can also take them onto light trails, gravel, and dirt roads.
We gave Engwe EP-2 Pro the podium place because it packs decent components in a good-looking package that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
When it comes to electronics, Engwe equipped EP-2 Pro with a 750W rear hub motor and a respectable 615 Wh battery. This setup translates to a 28 MPH top speed and a 50 mile maximum range. Ride it in one of the five PAS levels or use the throttle to get maximum power straight away.
What we also liked when reviewing this bike is all the accessories. You’ll get fenders, front and rear lights, a kickstand, and even a rear rack. That’s all you need to commute every day, no matter the time and weather conditions.
Folding the bike is easy as well, you just need to fold the frame in half and collapse the handlebars, which doesn’t take more than 20 seconds. After that, you can store or transport EP-2 Pro without any issues.
Aventon Sinch
Affordable Fat-Tire Foldable E-Bike with Suspension
MSRP: 1,499 Wheels: 20″ x 4″ Features: Wide tires, easy folding mechanism, disc brakes, powerful motor, wide and thin display, suspension
Aventon Sinch is one of the most affordable choices on our list. But don’t let that fool you, this folding e-bike hides some nice surprises that you’ll like when you take it for a ride.
Aventon Sinch is propelled by a 500W rear hub motor that’s powered by a huge 672Wh battery. You can control these electronics with a big backlit LCD display that resembles a smartphone in design and size.
This is a Class 2 e-bike with pedal-assistance, throttle, and a 20 MPH maximum assisted speed. It combines 4″ tires with a suspension fork to let you make off-road detours without second thoughts.
You also get a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes, so Sinch is ready to ride up steep hills and descend even steeper hills.
This bike offers five levels of assist, plus a throttle. If you use them smartly, you can get up to 40 miles of range out of the battery.
Though Aventon Sinch folds quickly and completely, the folded dimensions are not super compact because of the wide 4″ wheels—41″ L / 23″ W / 31″ H. Plus, the bike is not ultra-light at 68 lbs.
However, if you’re fine with the higher weight and larger dimensions, Sinch will save you money and do all the things more expensive folding e-bikes do.
Lectric XP 3.0
MSRP: 1,099 Wheels: 20″ Features: Rear hub motor, 460 Wh battery, fenders, mechanical disc brakes, lights, aluminum frame
Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the most popular entry-level folding electric bikes out there. It delivers good value for the money, has powerful electronics, and looks really good as well.
As a Class 3 foldable e-bike, XP 3.0 offers pedal assistance with a rear hub 500W motor and a 460Wh battery. The maximum assisted speed is 28 MPH and the expected range is up to 45 miles. This is enough power and enough range for everyday commutes and urban outings.
Lectric XP 3.0 is a folding electric bicycle that’s ideal for commuting year-round. It has fenders, lights, a rear rack, and mechanical disc brakes, so you can ride it day and night, come rain or shine.
The XP 3.0 is also equipped with a 1×7 Shimano drivetrain that provides quick and precise gear shifting, which will make riding uphill even easier for you.
This folding e-bike rolls on 20″ wheels and 3″ tires that are ideal for city streets. It folds down quickly in a matter of seconds into a small package that weighs 64 lbs. Therefore, carrying it should not be an issue for most riders.
Finally, two colors are available and the bike looks modern and attractive. If you commute regularly and want a bike that you can transport or store easily, Lectric XP 3.0 is a fool-proof choice.
Buzz Charter F
MSRP: 999 Wheels: 20″ x 1.75″ Features: 250W motor, 20″ tires, 7-speeds, aluminum frame, V-brakes
Buzz Charter F is an elegant folding electric bike ideal for fast city commutes. This folding electric bike looks good, performs even better, and costs just 999, which is among the cheapest on this list.
Charter F boasts a 250W geared rear hub motor with an integrated 36V battery. The battery is hidden inside the seat post, so it’s hard to tell this is a foldable e-bike until you see it speed across the city.
This is a budget bike, so it does come with some entry-level parts, like the basic 7-speed drivetrain and V-brakes. According to the company, it provides a range of up to 30 miles, which is pretty good.
Buzz Charter F has three levels of pedal assist that you can use to complete your commute faster, climb more easily, or extend your leisure weekend rides.
Charter F doesn’t have any accessories, so you’ll have to wear a backpack if you want to bring anything with you on a ride. It does have a kickstand, though, so you can make quick stops.
All in all, this is a good-looking e-bike that folds quickly into a 39” x 18” x 29” package and weighs just 35 lbs. We recommend it to budget-conscious riders with limited storage space.
Huffy Oslo
MSRP: 1,100 Wheels: 20″ Features: Quick folding mechanism, 7 speeds, aluminum frame, 36V battery
Huffy is one of the oldest manufacturers of bikes in the world. This authentic American company now makes folding electric bicycles as well, with a Smart design and 20″ wheels.
The tiny wheels on Huffy Oslo limit your choice of terrain, but they allow you to fold this e-bike really small and easily carry it around. The entire bike also doesn’t weigh too much thanks to its aluminum frame and minimalistic design.
When it comes to electronics, Huffy Oslo features a sleek rear hub motor and a 36V battery.
This bike offers a 20 mph top speed, which puts it into a Class 1 category and makes it ideal for daily commutes. The battery charges fully in just a few hours, so you can recharge it while making a coffee stop.
Huffy Olso also boasts a 7-speed drivetrain that will make it easier for you to climb hills and allow you to preserve the battery by being able to pedal more and use less assistance.
We recommend Huffy Oslo to city folks who combine different means of transportation during their commute and need a folding electric bike that’s light, compact, and easy to carry around.
Lectric XP Lite
MSRP: 900 Wheels: 20” x 2.4” Features: 300W motor (750W peak), 48V battery, folds neatly
Lectric XP Lite is a perfect electric commuter for people who want to enjoy riding to work or going to the store. As the name suggests, this bike is pretty lightweight — 46lbs, but it can hold up to 275lbs of weight.
XP Lite has pedal assistance and throttle, enabled by a 300W rear hub motor and a 48V integrated battery. The maximum speed is 20 MPH and you can get up to 40 miles of range if you use a low pedal-assist level.
This foldable e-bike does not have too many accessories, the good thing is, you can choose your favored accessories and purchase them with the bike. The bike comes with integrated front and rear lights to make you more visible at night.
The Lectric XP Lite also boasts mechanical disc brakes and a single-speed drivetrain. Though these are entry-level features, they perform well in the real world and give this bike an added layer of practicality.
What Should I Look For in a Folding Electric Bike?
You might have experience with buying bicycles, but purchasing a folding electric bike is a bit more challenging. In addition to all the standard features you need to consider, you should also think about the electric components and the folding mechanism.
The folded dimensions should be small enough to fit your car’s trunk or the storage space in your apartment. Most models nowadays have easy-to-use folding mechanisms, so that shouldn’t be an issue.
A good folding electric bike should be compact, light, practical, and easy to fold.
Next, you should think about the motor and the battery. If you live somewhere hilly or windy, you should get a more powerful motor and a bigger battery. Also, choose between a hub and a mid-drive motor. The former is cheaper, but the latter is more stable because of better weight distribution.
If it often rains in your area, consider better-quality hydraulic disc brakes as well.
We’d also recommend paying attention to the wheels and tires. Big wheels are more stable, but they increase the bike’s folded dimensions. If you plan to ride off-road, choose a folding fat-tire electric bike, such as RadMini or Aventon Sinch.
In the end, look for a bike that you will find practical to use every day and that will thus significantly improve the quality of your life.
Looking for different kinds of electric bikes? Take a look at our list of best electric bikes.
What to Keep in Mind About Motors?
For practical purposes, most folding e-bikes come with hub motors. However, there are some exceptions, including a few models on our list, that have mid-drive motors.
The reason why hub motors are the go-to choice for electric mini bikes compared to other types is the lack of space. Folding electric bicycles are small, compact, and need to remain that way to fold small. If you add a mid-drive motor, folding will not be impossible, but it takes more engineering to develop an efficient folding mechanism.
Hub motors can be placed in the front or in the rear wheel. But in most cases, you’ll see hub motors in the rear wheel, as this is a much better solution.
Front-wheel hub motors are cheaper to install, but they have a few disadvantages. Namely, they affect the bike’s handling and don’t offer as much traction.
When riding a bike, most of the rider’s weight is on the rear wheel, so the tire has plenty of grip and won’t skid if you apply a lot of torque. On the other hand, the front wheel might spin out if the motor is too powerful and there’s not enough weight keeping the tire in contact with the ground.
Of all the available options, mid-drive motors are usually the most powerful and offer the best riding experience. They provide assistance directly through the pedals, so you have a good feel of how much of your own power you need to apply.
But in addition to the motor placement, you also need to think about power—watts and torque.
Watts—Is There Such a Thing as Enough?
If we assume that Watts=Power is correct, we can conclude that the more Watts your foldable electric bike has, the better. But that’s not completely true for a folding electric bike. Due to smaller wheels, you don’t need that much power to feel like you’re getting somewhere. Too much power can even be dangerous as the small-diameter wheels are not as stable as larger ones.
The majority of bikes on our list have either 250W or 750W motors, but there are a few 500W models as well. The wattage depends on the amount of assistance you require, but it also depends on your country’s e-bike laws. For example, in the UK, e-bikes are allowed to have 250W; in the EU, e-bikes can have up to 500W motors; in the US, e-bikes are limited to 750W.
But wattage is not the only metric you should be worried about. You should also consider the torque. A 500W motor with 40Nm or 80Nm of torque is not the same. torque means that the motor will have more immediate power, climb better, and offer faster acceleration.
Keep in mind that more Watts and more torque does not translate to a higher maximum assisted speed. Most folding e-bikes are Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and are thus limited to between 15–20 MPH. The only exception is Class 3 e-bikes or speed-pedelecs, which can go up to 28 MPH. But these are rare in the folding world.
As a rule of thumb, if you are a heavier individual or you live somewhere hilly, you should look for a motor with more power. A 250W motor with little torque might struggle to pull you up a steep hill.
Which Wheel Size Is the Best?
Wheel size is one of the main considerations when choosing the best folding electric bike for you. The smaller the wheel, the more compact the bike will be when folded. However, small wheels come with some limitations, especially when it comes to the terrain they can conquer.
Most electric mini bikes have 20″ wheels, including the models on our list. This wheel size offers a good compromise between practicality, stability, and rolling efficiency.
If you want, you can go even smaller and choose 16″ wheels, but keep in mind that you’re limiting yourself to the choice of terrain you can ride on. Such small wheels won’t feel stable on pretty much anything but completely smooth city streets. Also, they don’t roll over bumps and rocks as easily, so comfort is affected as well.
Small wheels mean that you will have to pedal a bit more to reach a certain speed. But that is not a big problem considering you’ll be getting assistance from the motor.
Those who don’t want to compromise on speed and pedaling efficiency can choose a folding bike with full-size, 700C wheels. But keep in mind that such bikes don’t fold down as small as models with smaller wheels. Thus, storage and mobility become bigger challenges.
To sum, if you’re uncertain, go for 20″ wheels. They’re the gold standard when it comes to folding electric bicycles, as they combine the best of both worlds.
To learn more about electric bikes, see our guide on how to choose an electric bike.
Why Did We Select These Foldable Electric Bikes?
To put it in simple terms, we chose to include these bikes on our list because they provide the most value for the money.
We’ve thoroughly analyzed each of the bikes you see below and compared them to dozens of other choices to find the best buys.
While doing our research and compiling the list, we focused on the most important features, such as power, range, folded size, build quality, weight, and appearance.
The result is a list of the seven best folding electric bikes that should fit the needs of most types of cyclists out there.
FAQ
Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about folding electric bikes below.
What is the best folding electric bike?
The best folding electric bike is the one that meets your needs the best. If you need a model with fat tires, Rad Power RadMini is a good choice. If you want the lightest and the smallest folding e-bike, Brompton Electric is the logical choice. When choosing, make sure to consider their features and your needs.
What is the lightest folding electric bike?
Brompton Electric is one of the lightest folding electric bikes on the market. With the battery included, the 2-speed model weighs just 36.6 lbs. Without the battery, Brompton Electric weighs just 30 lbs. The 6-speed model is approximately 2 lbs. heavier, which is still very light.
Are folding e-bikes fast?
Most folding e-bikes are Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which means their maximum assisted speed is 20 mph. You can go faster than that by pedaling on your own, but electric mini bikes are not as fast as regular bikes due to small-diameter wheels. Still, they are far from slow and you can easily achieve a ~17 mph average speed.
Are folding e-bike worth it?
If you live in a big city or in a small house or apartment, a folding electric bike is an excellent choice. These are small bicycles that can squeeze through tight spaces, you can carry them on trains and buses, and you can easily store them in a corner of your home.
How do I choose an electric folding bike?
When choosing the best electric folding bike, you need to consider your needs and priorities. Consider how much power and range you need from the electric system, how tiny you want the folding bike to be, and whether or not you need any accessories.
How to fold an electric bike?
Folding an electric bike is a simple process, usually taking just a few seconds. However, different manufacturers have different designs and guidelines, so it’s better to see the manufacturer’s info first.
In general, folding bikes fold down from the frame, handlebars, and sometimes even the rear wheel. Pedals usually fold down too, and saddles can go down to make the bundle more compact.
However, as we said, manufacturers have a set of guidelines for folding down their bikes, so checking them should be the first step.
Can I take my folding electric bike on a plane?
Electric bikes are generally not allowed on planes because of the batteries. However, if the battery is removed, the bike is safe to be taken on a plane.
What are the disadvantages of folding bikes?
While folding bikes are a great option for commuters, they still come with some downsides. The most prominent being the weight of the bike and the weight limit. Smaller frames can usually not hold that much weight, and to turn things around, heavier electric folding bikes are heavier to carry around.
Another possible downside is control. While smaller wheels come in handy in most situations, they can be harder to control at times. Paired with narrow handlebars, it can be a struggle at times.
Final Words
When it comes to urban and multi-modal commuting, nothing beats a folding electric bike. They are easy to use, store, or carry around. Plus, the electric motor enables you to ride faster and go further, even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years.
However, choosing the right folding e-bike can be a daunting task for laymen, which is why we’ve created this guide. We comprised our list by including high-quality, tried, and true choices, so you won’t make a mistake whichever you choose.
Don’t fold up your tent when it comes to cycling until you’ve given folding electric bikes a chance!
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