Buying Guides

The best folding electric bikes

Interested in getting an electric folding bike but don’t know which one to choose? In this guide, we help you find the perfect one, without being fooled!

Electric folding bikes are everywhere. Sales have exploded again last year and there are now hundreds of different models on the market. Not all of these models are equal. Indeed, it is in the folding electric bikes that you’ll find the most low-end products. We’ve created this guide to help you avoid a few mistakes and give you all the information you need before making your investment. The goal is indeed is to make an investment and not buy a “consumable” folding bike that will only last 2 months.

Since 2018, we’ve been helping thousands of people every month with their electric bike choices, so you can rely on our expertise to know the real qualitative models and features you don’t need to make any concessions on.

Our ranking of the best electric folding bikes

Our favorite folding electric bike today is the Hitway BK2 (250W) because it has very good performance. It has an impeccable build quality and is suitable for most uses.

Folding sport EAB
Hitway BK2 (500W)

Foldable and compact electric bike. 500W motor. 36V, 8.4Ah removable battery. Disc brakes. Suspension. Integrated trip computer. Headlight and rear light. Integrated cruise control.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 43 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

If your folding electric bike will be used for cycling, or for short trips, then the Hitway BK2 deserves your attention. It has one of the best quality/price ratios on the market. For a very affordable price, this folding and light e-bike is very well equipped (suspensions, disc brakes, luggage rack, mudguards, front and rear LED…). Ready to ride!

Its 250W brushless motor is not intended for a particularly sporty ride, but the main thing is elsewhere. Impeccable comfort, 3 modes of electric assistance and easy to fold, it effectively fulfills its mission: to take you from home to work (and vice-versa!)

The most reliable and high quality models

Folding sport EAB
Hitway BK2 (500W)

Foldable and compact electric bike. 500W motor. 36V, 8.4Ah removable battery. Disc brakes. Suspension. Integrated trip computer. Headlight and rear light. Integrated cruise control.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 43 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Space-saving comfortable bike
Jasion EB7 (500W)

Foldable e-bike. 500W motor. 48V 10Ah battery. Front and rear suspension. 20"x3" puncture resistant fat tires. Shimano 7-speed + throttle twist design. Integrated headlights and taillights. USB LCD display.

Budget: $ | Speed: 20 mph | Range: 40 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Affordable folding bike
Ancheer 16-inch Folding Electric Bike (250W)

250W brushless hub motor. Removable 36V 8Ah lithium-Ion battery. Dual disc brakes. 3 modes. Rather heavy bike (47 lbs). Height adjustable saddle. ‎16 inches wheels.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 30 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The smallest foldable e-bike
DYU D3 (250W)

A light mini electric bike that you can take everywhere with you. Possibility to pedal when the battery is empty. Adjustable seat. Disc brakes. Quick folding.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 37 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Why switch to a folding electric bike?

Easy to transport

The big advantage of the folding electric bike is that it is very easy to transport. If you want to carry it by hand to get into a cab, a bus or take the subway, you can simply fold your electric bike and carry it with you. Folded, this type of bike fits easily in the trunk of a car. In short, you can take it everywhere with you, without any real constraints. Moving a folding electric bike is also easy. Folding electric bikes are generally lightweight which makes them perfect for people who live in the city.

Easy to store

If you live in a place where space is limited, a folding electric bike is a great option. You can store your folding electric bike in your hallway, in a small corner of the living room or in the trunk of your car. You can take it with you to work or class and store it somewhere without worrying about it taking up too much space.

Perfect for commuting

The combination of electric power and a small space requirement is the recipe cooked up by the folding electric bikes to seduce, first and foremost, city dwellers who are commuting all week long. You know, the Home – Work / Work – Home trip. Those who, like me, use public transport and still have to cover a few kilometers when they get off the train, the bus, the subway or the tram!

Main advantages of electric folding bikes

If you recognize yourself in this description, remember these 4 major advantages of the electric folding bike:

  • Small size and lightness: it usually measures less than 80 cm by 80 cm when folded, and weighs 15kgs (33 lbs.)
  • Fast folding: once the technique assimilated, the operation takes, according to the models, between 10 seconds and 1 minute only!
  • Ease of storage: a compact machine, barely bigger than a sports bag when folded, should be able to be discretely stored near your office!
  • Eco-friendly: a “soft” means of transportation which allows to limit its carbon footprint on a daily basis.

Taking your folding electric bike on holidays: easy!

In addition to seducing commuters, folding e-bikes are an interesting alternative for vacationers. Slipping the cover into the car is more convenient than the traditional hitch or bike carrier. Some models, such as the Nilox E Bike X1, with its powerful 36V motor and reduced weight, are even good companions for enjoying mountain rides. Others, like the Fiido X (250W) are better for the city.

If you travel by train or plane, it becomes possible to take your e-bike where a conventional bike would inevitably stay at home. With a folding bike, the requirements related to public transport, or specific to airlines, seem much easier to fulfill:

  • Protect his folded bike is limited to placing it in a good storage bag
  • Disassembling (or folding) the elements of the bike (pedal, saddle, handlebars…) is easy, since the bike is designed to
  • The question of space is no longer an issue
  • The stress of entrusting your bike to an indelicate luggage handler evaporates: once in the bag, the vulnerable parts are no longer exposed

A fun ride

Folding bikes stand out because of their small wheels. Of course, small wheels mean less efficiency, for physical reasons, as the inertia is not as high as with a conventional bike. So it’s not with an electric folding bike that you will win the Tour de France. Unless Romain Bardet is among us (I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for, is it?) that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on a folding bike, quite the contrary!

First of all, with its small wheels, the folding bike is very easy to “launch”. In the context of urban use, with its frequent stops and restarts, it saves you a little more fatigue! It is especially in terms of dynamism that a folding bike, especially an electric one, scores points. Small and easy to handle, it has a playful attitude that makes you want to weave in and out of obstacles on a city route. And the beast doesn’t shy away from effort. Pedaling up a hill with small wheels can be easier.

A folding bike can be comfortable, with a seat position and handlebar height that keep your back straight, or it can have a more dynamic profile. Either way, good point: the stem of folding bikes is easy to adjust. It’s a good thing: with his friendly face, there is always a curious friend who asks to ride a folding bike!

Folding e-bikes: flexible but solid!

Let’s reassure you right away: the reliability of folding bikes has become excellent. The manufacturers have mastered the technology and rely on quality parts, especially the hinges. Results: a folding bike is as sturdy a bike as any. Depending on the manufacturer, the method of folding is different. However, regardless of the technique, it only takes a minimum of practice to master the gestures perfectly and perform them in 5 to 50 seconds.

Very quickly, you will be able to show off at the station, jumping off the bike and folding it nonchalantly in the same gesture… or almost. The first time can be rocky, but many videos detail the procedure (we’re still talking about folding your bike, here.) Note however that, with some models, you will have to adjust the height of the saddle or stem before setting off again.

Generally the folding is done in one of these three ways:

  • Horizontal
  • Vertical
  • Accordion

Folding your frame in two is always impressive, but we repeat: it’s solid! Brands are careful about the folding points and use more and more qualitative materials. They also file many patents related to the design of their folding bikes, sign of an active of research and development. The competition is intense, manufacturers are fighting to design ever better products, and it is indeed the buyer of a folding bike that comes out ahead.

How to choose the right folding bike ?

To choose the electric folding bike that suits you best, start by defining your needs. And classify your criteria by order of requirement.

  • If fun is your priority, choose small wheels (16 inches) for good handling and a lot of nerve.
  • If commuting, with many changes (bus, subway…) and stairs, is your main priority, weight and size will be important. A light, compact, and easy to fold bike is a very good choice.
  • For more sporty outings, look for a bike with good top speed, large enough wheels (20 or 24 inches) that will offer optimal performance.

The diversity of models

Over the years, manufacturers have greatly expanded their range. The choice is vast today, and the quality is there if you look hard enough. Whether your priority is size, weight, ease of folding, price, versatility or look, the range of folding bikes on the market is such that you will inevitably find what you are looking for.

Finally, with its look of big toy, the electric folding bike also has an undeniable sympathy capital. A robust toy, as we have seen, smart and non-polluting. Some models stay around 15 kg (33 lbs) while others can exceed 25 kg (55 lbs.) No problem if you only have to climb 1 or 2 floors. However, if your trip includes a lot of stairs, look for the right combination of weight and size when folded.

Conclusion

Ecological, fast, light and practical, the folding electric bike is synonymous with several assets in the same machine and that’s what seduced me.

Which folding electric bike to choose?

Folding sport EAB
Hitway BK2 (500W)

Foldable and compact electric bike. 500W motor. 36V, 8.4Ah removable battery. Disc brakes. Suspension. Integrated trip computer. Headlight and rear light. Integrated cruise control.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 43 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Space-saving comfortable bike
Jasion EB7 (500W)

Foldable e-bike. 500W motor. 48V 10Ah battery. Front and rear suspension. 20"x3" puncture resistant fat tires. Shimano 7-speed + throttle twist design. Integrated headlights and taillights. USB LCD display.

Budget: $ | Speed: 20 mph | Range: 40 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Affordable folding bike
Ancheer 16-inch Folding Electric Bike (250W)

250W brushless hub motor. Removable 36V 8Ah lithium-Ion battery. Dual disc brakes. 3 modes. Rather heavy bike (47 lbs). Height adjustable saddle. ‎16 inches wheels.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 30 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The smallest foldable e-bike
DYU D3 (250W)

A light mini electric bike that you can take everywhere with you. Possibility to pedal when the battery is empty. Adjustable seat. Disc brakes. Quick folding.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 37 miles

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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