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 getting misled!

Electric folding bikes are everywhere. Sales surged again last year, and there are now hundreds of different models on the market. However, not all of these models are created equal. In fact, the folding electric bikes segment often features lower-end products. We’ve crafted this guide to assist you in sidestepping potential pitfalls and to provide you with comprehensive information before committing to a purchase. The aim is to ensure your investment is durable rather than acquiring a folding bike that wears out after just 2 months.

Since 2018, we’ve been assisting thousands of people each month with their electric bike selections, so you can trust our expertise in identifying the genuinely qualitative models and features where you need not compromise.

Our Top Picks for Electric Folding Bikes

Our top choice for a folding electric bike currently is the Hitway BK2 (250W) due to its outstanding performance and impeccable build quality, making it suitable for various purposes.

If your intended use for a folding electric bike involves commuting or short trips, then the Hitway BK2 warrants your consideration. It offers one of the best quality-to-price ratios available. Despite its affordability, this lightweight folding e-bike is comprehensively equipped (including suspensions, disc brakes, luggage rack, mudguards, front and rear LED lights…), ready for immediate use!

While its 250W brushless motor isn’t geared towards particularly sporty rides, its primary strengths lie elsewhere. Offering impeccable comfort, three modes of electric assistance, and ease of folding, it effectively accomplishes its mission: facilitating your commute from home to work (and vice versa)!

The Most Reliable and High-Quality Models

Onemile Nomad
50Nm motor, 486Wh battery integrated into the seatpost. Shimano 7-speed transmission and 5 assistance levels. 2-year warranty.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15 mph | Range: 74.5 miles

Todimart RX20
A folding, front-suspension fatbike you can take anywhere. With its 750W motor, it offers respectable power and speed!

Budget: $ | Speed: 25 mph | Range: 43.5 miles

Bluewheel e-Bike BXB55 (250W)
Weighing in at just 46 lbs, it’s perfect for all your urban outings. Incomparable range, premium tires and removable battery.

Budget : $ | Speed : 15 mph | Range : 93 miles

Cmacewheel Y20 (750W)
A folding AND powerful electric bike – it’s possible! With its 750W motor, high-quality tires and urban design, it’s got it all!

Budget: $ | Speed: 25 mph | Range: 50 miles

Btwin E Fold 500
Easy to transport. Compact and versatile. 252 Wh battery. Brushless motor 250 W, 35 Nm. Ideal for city use. Attractive design. Quick to set up.

Budget : $ | Speed : 15 mph | Range : 31 miles

Why Switch to a Folding Electric Bike?

Easy to Transport

A significant advantage of the folding electric bike is its ease of transportation. Whether you need to carry it by hand to catch a cab, hop on a bus, or take the subway, you can simply fold your electric bike and take it along. When folded, this type of bike easily fits into a car trunk. In summary, you can take it with you wherever you go, without significant limitations.

Transporting a folding electric bike is also convenient. Folding electric bikes are typically lightweight, which makes them ideal for city dwellers.

Convenient Storage

If you reside in a space-constrained area, a folding electric bike presents an excellent solution. You can easily store it in your hallway, a small corner of the living room, or in the trunk of your car. Moreover, you can take it along to work or class and stow it away without concerns about occupying excessive space.

Ideal for Commuting

The fusion of electric power and minimal space demand is the winning formula that folding electric bikes employ to entice urban commuters who navigate through the Home-Work/Work-Home routine throughout the week. This caters to individuals, like myself, who rely on public transportation yet still need to cover some distance when disembarking from trains, buses, subways, or trams!

Key Advantages of Electric Folding Bikes

If you find yourself in this description, bear in mind these four significant advantages of electric folding bikes:

• Small size and light weight: typically measuring less than 31 inches by 31 inches when folded, and weighing 33 lbs.

• Quick Folding: once the technique is mastered, the process takes, depending on the models, between 10 seconds and 1 minute only!

• Convenient Storage: a compact device, scarcely larger than a sports bag when folded, should be discreetly stowed near your office!

• Environmentally Friendly: a “gentle” mode of transportation that helps reduce its carbon footprint on a daily basis.

Taking Your Folding Electric Bike on Holidays: A Breeze!

In addition to seducing commuters, folding e-bikes are an interesting alternative for vacationers. Tossing it into the car is more convenient than using a traditional hitch or bike carrier. Some models, like the Nilox E Bike X1, with its potent 36V motor and lightweight design, even serve as excellent companions for mountain adventures.

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

• Protecting your folded bike is as simple as placing it in a sturdy storage bag.
• Disassembling (or folding) the bike’s components (pedals, saddle, handlebars…) is straightforward, as the bike is designed for this purpose.
• Space is no longer an issue
• The worry of entrusting your bike to a careless luggage handler disappears: once in the bag, the vulnerable parts are shielded from harm.

Enjoyable Ride

Folding bikes stand out due to their small wheels. Admittedly, small wheels result in lower efficiency due to physical limitations, as the inertia isn’t as significant as with a conventional bike. Consequently, winning the Tour de France isn’t in the cards with an electric folding bike. Unless Romain Bardet is among us (which I doubt is what you’re aiming for?), but that doesn’t imply you can’t derive enjoyment from a folding bike; quite the opposite!

Firstly, due to its small wheels, the folding bike is remarkably easy to “launch”. In urban settings, characterized by frequent stops and restarts, it helps alleviate fatigue! Dynamism is where a folding bike, particularly an electric one, shines. Compact and easy to maneuver, it possesses a playful demeanor that entices you to navigate through city obstacles. Moreover, it doesn’t shy away from challenges. Climbing hills with small wheels can be less demanding.

An electric folding bike can offer comfort, with a seat position and handlebar height that maintain your back’s alignment, or it can adopt a more dynamic profile. Regardless, a noteworthy aspect is that the stem of folding bikes is easily adjustable. It’s advantageous because, with its inviting appearance, there’s always a curious friend eager to test ride a folding bike!

Folding E-Bikes: Versatile yet Sturdy!

Let’s reassure you right away: the reliability of folding bikes has significantly improved. Manufacturers have mastered the technology and rely on quality components, particularly the hinges. Consequently, a folding bike is as sturdy as any other bike. Although the folding methods vary depending on the manufacturer, it only requires minimal practice to master the gestures perfectly, enabling folding within 5 to 50 seconds.

Soon enough, you’ll be adept at showcasing your skills at the station, effortlessly dismounting the bike and folding it in one fluid motion… or close to it. The initial attempt might be a bit shaky, but numerous videos elucidate the process (we’re still discussing folding your bike here). However, note that with certain models, you may need to readjust the saddle or stem height before resuming your journey.

Typically, folding is accomplished in one of three ways:

• Horizontal
• Vertical
• Concertinaed

Folding your frame in half is always impressive, but we emphasize: it’s sturdy! Brands meticulously consider the folding mechanisms and increasingly utilize high-quality materials. They also secure numerous patents related to the design of their folding bikes, indicative of active research and development efforts. The competition is fierce; manufacturers strive to create superior products, ultimately benefiting the consumer of a folding bike.

How to Choose the Right Folding Bike?

To select the electric folding bike that best suits your needs, begin by defining your requirements and prioritize your criteria accordingly.

• If enjoyment is your primary consideration, opt for small wheels (16 inches) for excellent maneuverability and agility.

• If commuting, involving multiple transfers (bus, subway…) and stairs, is your primary concern, weight and size become crucial factors. A lightweight, compact, and easily foldable bike is highly recommended.

• For more athletic excursions, seek a bike with a good top speed and sufficiently large wheels (20 or 24 inches) to ensure optimal performance.

Model Diversity

Over the years, manufacturers have significantly broadened their product offerings. Today, the selection is extensive, and quality abounds for those willing to search diligently. Whether you prioritize size, weight, ease of folding, price, versatility, or aesthetics, the array of folding bikes available ensures that you’ll invariably discover what you seek.

Lastly, with its toy-like appearance, the electric folding bike possesses an undeniable charm. It’s a robust, clever, and eco-friendly toy, as we’ve discussed. Some models weigh around 33 lbs, while others may exceed 55 lbs. Climbing 1 or 2 floors poses no issue. However, if your route involves numerous stairs, seek the appropriate balance of weight and size when folded.

Conclusion

Ecological, swift, lightweight, and practical, the folding electric bike embodies multiple advantages in a single machine, which is what captivated me.

Which Folding Electric Bike to Choose?

Onemile Nomad
50Nm motor, 486Wh battery integrated into the seatpost. Shimano 7-speed transmission and 5 assistance levels. 2-year warranty.

Budget: $ | Speed: 15 mph | Range: 74.5 miles

Todimart RX20
A folding, front-suspension fatbike you can take anywhere. With its 750W motor, it offers respectable power and speed!

Budget: $ | Speed: 25 mph | Range: 43.5 miles

Bluewheel e-Bike BXB55 (250W)
Weighing in at just 46 lbs, it’s perfect for all your urban outings. Incomparable range, premium tires and removable battery.

Budget : $ | Speed : 15 mph | Range : 93 miles

Cmacewheel Y20 (750W)
A folding AND powerful electric bike – it’s possible! With its 750W motor, high-quality tires and urban design, it’s got it all!

Budget: $ | Speed: 25 mph | Range: 50 miles

Btwin E Fold 500
Easy to transport. Compact and versatile. 252 Wh battery. Brushless motor 250 W, 35 Nm. Ideal for city use. Attractive design. Quick to set up.

Budget : $ | Speed : 15 mph | Range : 31 miles