Best Folding Electric Bikes 2025 | Our Top 12 Tested Picks
May 09, 2025
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Folding e-bikes are all the rage in Europe, where space comes at a premium, and many commuters rely on public transit for at least a portion of their daily round trip to and from the office.
Here in the US, we have the luxury of larger living areas, an abundance of storage space, and, in many cases, our own automobiles to handle the daily commute.
So why should we concern ourselves with finding the best folding e-bikes? In short, because of their versatility!
The collapsible nature of folding electric bikes allows them to take up less space in a garage, be transported in a car or SUV without the need for a bike rack, or come along in the RV on a family road trip. Even if a bike’s folding feature is only used occasionally, it’s a convenience that makes a difference when you’re in a pinch!
While folding e-bikes often have some tradeoffs with their fixed-frame cousins, the differences are usually minimal. Folding bikes regularly include fat tires and suspension forks for off-road riding, cargo racks for hauling gear or passengers, powerful motors for riding fast and climbing hills, and great brakes with effective stopping power.
After riding and testing a myriad of folding e-bikes, our team of reviewers here at Electric Bike Report have selected their favorites. We hope this list of the best folding electric bikes helps you to find a model that fits your needs and budget!
*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.
Our Best Folding Electric Bikes for 2025
- Best Folding E-Bike for the Money / Most Accessories: Lectric XP 4
- Best Overall Handling: Ride1Up Portola
- Best Folding E-Bike for Heavy Riders and Tall Riders: Velotric Fold 1
- Best for Riders on a Budget: Lectric XP Lite 2.0
- Best for Off-Road Riding: Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus
- Best Folding E-Bike for Seniors: Blix Vika X
- Honorable Mention: Aventon Sinch 2.5
- Fastest Acceleration: Mokwheel Slate
- Honorable Mention: Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
- Honorable Mention: HeyBike Mars 2.0
- Best Mid-Drive: Tern Vektron
- Best Folding E-Bike for Urban Apartment Living: Brompton Electric C Line 12-Speed
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Watch Our 2025 Best Electric Folding Bikes Video
Lectric XP 4
Best Folding E-Bike for the Money / Most Accessories
The Lectric XP 4 earns our pick as the Best Overall Folding Electric Bike by building on the wildly successful formula of earlier XP models—and leveling it up. The base model now comes with a powerful 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,092W) and 55Nm of torque, paired with a well-matched 10.4Ah battery. That power boost showed up clearly in our performance tests.
And that’s just the starting point. For riders who want even more speed and range, Lectric offers an upgraded version with a 750W motor and a 17.5Ah battery that delivers 50% more nominal power and 67% more capacity for just a few hundred dollars more.
The XP 4 is a Class 2/3 e-bike with five pedal assist levels, an intuitive torque sensor, and a throttle. To match that speed, Lectric upgraded the drivetrain to an 8-speed Shimano Acera setup with an 11-32T cassette, which eliminates the ghost pedaling found on older XP models and makes Class 3 riding feel as good as ever.
One of the XP 4’s standout qualities is how solid and confident it feels, even at top speed. Many folding bikes with telescoping stems feel twitchy or unstable at higher speeds, but not the XP 4. It rides with a great deal of confidence with no noticeable play in the stem.
Lectric helped define the “feature-packed value bike” category, and the XP 4 continues that legacy. From its suspension fork and hybrid-tread tires to its upgraded color display and compact folding frame, this is a true do-it-all platform.
Utility is another strong suit. The integrated rear rack supports up to 150 lbs—enough to carry an adult passenger with the right accessories, or to mount baskets, bags, or child seats. Lectric’s website gives riders plenty of options to customize.
This price range is typically where we draw the line between entry-level and quality—and Lectric is a big reason why that line exists. They’ve raised the bar for what’s possible in an affordable folding e-bike.
XP 500:Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
XP 750:Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Want more affordable options? See our list for the top-rated $1000 e-bikes.
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Pro’s- The XP 4 has great acceleration from the powerful 500W motor (1092W peak) with 55 Nm of torque. Or 750W (1320W) with 85Nm of torque on the upgraded model.
- The 8-speed, 11-32T gearing and torque sensor allows for active pedaling at Class 2 or 3 speeds.
- One of the best brake tests we’ve ever had, and a top hill test amongst folding bikes.
- The included hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors provide great stopping power.
Con’s- Heavy and a little difficult to move around. It helps to remove the battery before lifting it up, and the grab handle on the frame also helps. .
Ride1Up Portola
Best Overall Handling
The Ride1Up Portola, simply put, is a shot across the bow against the Lectric XP—one of (if not THE) most popular and affordable e-bike models of all time. We were extremely impressed with the Portola in our testing; its brake, hill climbing, and range test scores were all great!
In fact, we received the bike before we had any pricing information, and it performed so well that our team assumed its price would be $1,200 – $1,400. We were shocked when we found out the price was right around $1,000! Ride1Up is known for offering a ton of value at a great price, but they outdid even themselves with the Portola.
It’s peppy, it feels light, and it’s fairly comfortable, which are all things we look for in a folding bike. The Portola is also loaded with all the essential features—and more than you’d expect, given its price tag.
Is the bike perfect? No, but for that price, we have a hard time even mentioning its shortcomings. The Portola’s only real flaw is that it’s somewhat on the smaller side of things, and riders around 6’ and taller will feel a little bit cramped.
With that in mind, we think the Portola is an absolute home run for riders under 6’. Taller riders who want to be closer to the handlebars (and who aren’t worried about getting full leg extension) should also find much to love.
Pro’s- The Portola has a powerful yet controlled 750-watt motor.
- It’s specced with quality components throughout (and a step above what we expect for its price). The list includes hydraulic disk brakes, an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, and a suspension fork with 80 mm travel.
- The integrated rear rack has a higher-than-average weight capacity (130 lbs).
- Ride1Up included a tether strap to help keep the bike folded.
Con’s- The one-size-fits-all frame is better for riders under 6’.
Velotric Fold 1
Best Folding E-Bike for Heavy Riders and Tall Riders
Folding e-bikes are often fun, practical, and affordable, but many prioritize their folding ability while sacrificing comfort and handling. Refreshingly, the Velotric Fold 1 is one of the most comfortable folding e-bikes we’ve tested while also competing strongly against similar bikes in its price range.
The bike is packed full of expected features, such as a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, a hydraulic disc brake system, a lockout suspension fork with 60 mm travel, knobby 20×3” tires, and lights.
Some of its unexpected, uncommon extras exceeded our expectations. For one thing, the 608 Wh battery (larger than most competitors) set new records in our Range Test when considering the Fold 1’s price. For another, it has the shortest stopping distance from a folding e-bike in our Brake Test at the time of writing.
We loved the relaxing comfort of the bike’s cushy saddle and the welcome steering control from its 660 mm-wide handlebars. Where many other folding e-bikes can feel awkwardly cramped or stretched out, the Fold 1’s fit was much more ergonomic—and more in line with what we’d expect from a non-folding bike.
With the ability to carry up to a whopping 440 lbs, the Fold 1 also has the highest weight capacity we’ve seen on a folding bike. Its ability to carry large riders and lots of cargo (or even a passenger) rivals many of the dedicated cargo e-bikes we’ve tested!
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Looking for full-sized rides? See all our picks for top-rated e-bikes for large and heavy riders.
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Pro’s- The bike’s specs are great at its price point, but its sizing, handling, and comfort level are on a different level!
- We recorded an impressive Range Test result of over 70 miles with a single charge of the 608 Wh battery.
- The wide handlebars and 20×3 tires grant remarkably good handling and steering control.
- We’ve never seen a 440-lb carrying capacity on a folding e-bike before testing this bike.
Con’s- The folding frame felt solid and secure when connected, but we had some trouble lining up the latch.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0
Best for Riders on a Budget
The XP Lite 2.0 continues Lectric’s practice of delivering more bike for less money. It’s an upgrade from the original version of the bike, but somehow, it’s still priced well below the $1k mark.
This makes it, without a doubt, THE most affordable e-bike to earn our stamp of approval.
To be clear, the Lite 2.0 has some tradeoffs (there’s no avoiding it with such a low price tag). The bike includes a single-speed drivetrain, a modest 300W rear-hub motor, a small but effective 374 Wh battery, and a rigid fork.
Even with some compromises, the bike’s starting value is insane. For example, the bike includes hydraulic disc brakes and a color display—both of which are unheard of on similarly-priced models from other brands.
Lectric also offers the ability to upgrade some components on the bike at the time of purchase. For a nominal price, the standard chain can be upgraded to a Gates Carbon belt (along with a matching chainring and cog) for an even lower-maintenance and longer-lasting drivetrain. A high-capacity 672 Wh battery can be selected to nearly double the expected range.
At roughly 48 lbs, the Lite 2.0 is also appropriately named – and one of the more practical folding e-bikes we’ve tested. The difference was clear in our evaluation; in a market filled with bikes that weigh 65+ lbs, the Lite folds, lifts, and stores much easier.
If you’re considering an e-bike but you don’t want to take out a second mortgage to get one that’s practical and well-built, we think the Lite 2.0 will fit the bill.
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Pro’s- Low cost: this is the best folding e-bike you will find – and the only e-bike we recommend – at its price.
- The Lite 2.0 is easy to carry, transport, and maneuver, thanks to its low weight of just 48 lbs!
- The bike has great handling and control due to the compact design paired with 20” wheels.
- The 275-lb. payload capacity is awesome for a sub-50 lb. e-bike.
Con’s- While it’s expected with a single-speed drivetrain, we ran into ghost pedaling above 16 mph.
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus
Best Folding E-Bike for Off-Road Riding
The RadExpand 5 Plus snagged our attention with its upgraded features and impressive performance in our testing. Distinct from its sibling, the RadExpand 5, the 5 Plus version offers a bit more capability with a more responsive feel and a more comfortable ride.
The RadExpand 5 Plus is a class 2 e-bike equipped with a 750W rear hub motor that operates through a torque sensor. This sensor adjusts power output based on the pedaling pressure, providing a more intuitive pedaling experience.
The bike’s 720Wh battery is a standout feature, allowing us to travel over 80 miles on a single charge—a very solid range for any e-bike. The battery also uses Rad’s Safe Shield technology, which adds fire-resistant thermal barriers around each battery cell.
Safety and innovation are key aspects of the RadExpand 5 Plus. During our testing, the bike performed well in our brake test thanks to its hydraulic disc brake system. Additionally, we loved the integration of turn signals into the bike’s rack-mounted brake light.
Ideal for both on-road commuting and light off-road adventures, we think the RadExpand 5 Plus will appeal to those who want to spend more time exploring. Its fat, knobby tires and front suspension fork encourage users to venture beyond paved surfaces.
The RadExpand 5 Plus is available in one frame size, accommodating riders from 4’10” to 5’10” and supporting a payload capacity of up to 315 pounds. With its sub-$2k price, it’s a worthy mid-range option in the e-bike market.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Want more options for adventures? See our list of the top-rated fat tire e-bikes.
Pro’s- We got over 80 miles (and 7 hours) of ride time on a single charge, thanks to the efficient 720Wh battery.
- The RadExpand’s pedal assist felt much more like natural pedaling than previous models due to the newly added torque sensor.
- We think the bike would be a great option for RV’ers or those with limited space, as the Radexpand folds up in just a few easy steps.
- We love the enhanced fire safety with Rad Power’s new Safe Shield Battery.
Con’s- We found the kickstand placement to be a slight irritation as it caused heel strike (for riders with larger 11+ shoe sizes).
Blix Vika X
Best Folding E-Bike for Seniors
The Blix Vika X is one of the lighter options on this list and also one of the easiest to maneuver.
Every folding e-bike on this list collapses for easier storage, but they don’t all bring both wheels together like the Vika X does. Its design secures the wheels with magnets on the hubs, ensuring the bike won’t spring open unexpectedly. This intelligent design choice minimizes the bike’s overall footprint, making it compact and convenient to roll around in its folded state—significantly boosting its portability.
That’s the off-the-bike benefit, but let’s not overlook the on-bike experience—it’s loaded with innovative tech and features a delightful motor.
The Vika X boasts several uncommon features, including an automatic assist function, electronic shifting, turn signals, Bluetooth compatibility with the Blix app, MIK cargo rack, and high and low beam lights.
The motor uses a torque sensor that provides a more natural riding experience by delivering power based on how hard you pedal. This design maintains the familiar feel of a traditional bike while making rides more fun and faster, especially when tackling hills.
Another standout feature of the Vika X is its distinctive appearance. Blix bikes are far from cookie-cutter designs; the Vika X’s frame is not only easy to mount but also exudes a classic car vibe with its unique styling and paint job.
We recommend it for seniors because of its lightweight and easy maneuverability, but it’s far from limited to that audience. There’s plenty to love about the Vika X for riders of all ages.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
If you want some non-folding options, check out the other top-rated e-bikes for seniors.
Pro’s- Really cool tech not commonly found in this price range, or on folding e-bikes
- One of the more practical folders since it collapses down so well, and can be moved around while folded on it’s two wheels.
- The motor experience is great. The torque sensor works well, and the 500W motor makes for fun rides.
- Great functionality in the Blix Connect app.
Con’s- The gearing isn’t the best for Class 3 speeds where you’ll have to move the pedals much faster.
Aventon Sinch 2.5
Honorable Mention
We’re huge fans of the responsiveness of Aventon e-bikes. The Sinch 2.5 delivers a natural-feeling ride thanks to its torque sensor, which allows its motor to respond to the rider’s level of effort. We thoroughly enjoyed how the bike gave us more power as we pedaled harder, with the different pedal-assist settings giving varying degrees of zip.
Another benefit of the Sinch.2’s torque sensor is improved motor efficiency. We recorded an impressive result of nearly 60 miles in our Range Test thanks to the 672 Wh battery.
We saw great performance on the hills as well! With a 500W rear-hub motor and a Class 2 motor-assisted speed of 20 mph, the Sinch.2 has a healthy amount of power for an e-bike that weighs 68 lbs. As of this writing, it’s the fastest throttle time we’ve recorded in the last three years and the second-fastest pedal time up our test hill.
In our interpretation, the folding aspect of the Sinch is secondary; it prioritizes ride quality first with the added convenience of being able to fold for transport or storage. Overall, it’s a hugely fun and capable e-bike with an energized feel.
Pro’s- The Sinch.2 has great acceleration, hill climbing, and responsiveness thanks to its torque sensor!
- It’s easy to store and ride. The step-thru frame makes hopping on and off effortless, and the bike quickly folds down.
- Great looks and safety! We like the overall design and bold colors, with the aesthetic brake lights/ turn signals placed visibly on the seat stays.
- Impressive battery efficiency = better range! We measured up to 59 miles on a single charge.
Con’s- The combination shifter/throttle lever took some time to get used to with the controls packed together.
Mokwheel Slate
Fastest Acceleration
The Slate stands out in the growing e-bike market as Mokwheel’s only folding model, combining portability with solid engineering. This class 2 e-bike reaches speeds up to 20 mph and is powered by a 500W rear hub motor that employs a torque sensor for dynamic power delivery on the fly.
With a potential 90-mile range on a single charge (we tested it), the Slate matches and, in many cases, exceeds the performance of some of the best in its class.
Its integrated turn signals and brake lights enhance its safety profile. Additionally, its quick-detach LCD display acts as a theft deterrent; removing it disables the motor, adding a layer of security for brief stops.
We think the Mokwheel Slate’s easy-to-fold design and compact size will shine in urban settings, making it perfect for small spaces and public transit. It’s equipped for city life with cargo racks, lights, and fenders but is also ready for off-road adventures with its 3-inch tires and suspension fork. It’s a versatile choice for daily commuting and leisurely weekend rides!
The Slate can accommodate riders from 4’10” to 5’10” and supports a payload of up to 350 pounds.
Pro’s- Our range test results were HUGE thanks to the efficient 720Wh battery and torque sensing motor.
- Added security on the Slate as the full-color display can be easily removed, disabling the bike from powered use.
- A modern, practical look as the turn signals and brake lights are integrated into the frame.
- Easy folding design as the hinge points move very well. Folding/unfolding is a breeze.
Con’s- The torque sensor feels very good at lower PAS levels, but the acceleration at higher levels feels less natural.
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
Honorable Mention
You might be wondering, “Didn’t I already see this bike on the list?” and you would be partially correct. The Rad Power Bikes Rad Expand 5 is the less expensive version of the Rad Expand 5 Plus. It has a few different specs, but it’s still one of our favorites—and one of the folding e-bikes we recommend.
The RadExpand 5’s 750W motor engages using a cadence sensor. Its motor is powerful, but it dispenses predictable doses of acceleration that keep the bike safely and firmly under your control. The 672 Wh battery 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 it almost anywhere to explore. With its 20×4” fat tires, the RadExpand 5 enables you to adventure on dirt roads as well as pavement and gravel – a key feature not always found on other folding electric e-bikes.
The RadExpand 5 has wide 660 mm handlebars with a 6.9” rise, which provide remarkable control and stable handling. A MicroShift 7-speed mechanical shift unit delivers smooth, reliable shifting to the 14-to-34-tooth rear cassette.
A bike priced in what we consider the affordable tier offers tremendous value. The RadExpand 5’s simple but sturdy construction, performance, and reliability are a winning combination.
Rad Power Bikes also has a great reputation for customer service, which is the icing on the cake.
Pro’s- The RadExpand features a reliable and powerful 750w motor.
- We liked the handling and control provided by the 660mm handlebars.
- It’s easy to fold and store for camping, traveling, or just putting in the trunk of your car.
- We saw great stopping power from the mechanical brakes.
Con’s- The absence of a suspension might deter some (we think the bike is comfortable without it, though).
Heybike Mars 2.0
Honorable Mention
Finally, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is a budget-friendly option priced around the $1k mark. It’s packed with features that cater to both adventurous and practical-minded riders.
The Mars 2.0 is powered by a 750W rear hub motor with a cadence sensor. As a Class 2 and 3 e-bike, it has a throttle speed of 20 mph, but it can reach 28 mph with pedal assist. Heybike advertises that this bike can reach a top speed of 32 mph, making it a go-to choice for you speedsters out there.
In our testing, the bike gave us solid range, covering over 30 miles in our Range Test with its 600 Wh battery. Its braking performance is reliable thanks to its mechanical disc system. The Mars is designed to accommodate riders between 5’3″ and 6’1″, and it supports a payload capacity of 330 pounds.
What sets the Mars 2.0 apart is its innovative cargo rack, designed with a pegboard style for modular attachments, allowing for creative gear loading beyond traditional strapping methods. The bike also features a front suspension fork with 65mm of travel and 20×4” knobby fat tires, granting light off-road capabilities.
The Mars 2.0 is a serious contender for those who want a folding bike that does not compromise on features. It offers power, speed, and versatility for both on and off-road rides.
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Pro’s- The bike’s punchy 750W (1200W peak) rear-hub motor has quick acceleration and uphill power.
- We liked the comfortable, smooth ride thanks to the suspension fork with 65mm of travel and a suspension seatpost with 45mm of travel.
- It offers adjustable, customizable top speeds and individual PAS limits through the Heybike app.
- The Mars carries up to 120 lbs on the rear cargo rack (that also just looks cool!)
Con’s- The ride is relaxed and easy thanks to the cadence sensor, but we’d prefer a wider gearing range to avoid ghost pedaling.
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Tern Vektron S10
Best Mid-Drive
The Tern Vektron S10 is a unique entry in our list of best folding bikes because it features a mid-drive motor, a rarity on folders these days. This is just one of the reasons it’s one of the more premium options on this list.
The S10 comes with several top-tier components, including a Bosch Performance Line mid-drive with 65 Nm of torque. In our testing, it was highly effective for accelerating up to the Class 1 speed limit of 20 miles per hour and powering uphill. The list of high-quality parts continues with Magura hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, and more.
Weighing in at 39 lbs, the Vektron is highly maneuverable and portable. The frame and cargo rack are also designed to allow the bike to rest in an upright position and be wheeled around instead of carried – though Tern also offers an oversized carry bag that can be slung over a shoulder.
The bike fits a surprisingly massive range of riders between 4’10” and 6’5”, thanks to a double set of telescoping seatposts with quick-release clamps.
Our time with the Vektron was brief, but the bike still made a solid impression. We only had the opportunity to take a test ride at an e-bike convention and weren’t able to perform our usual series of standardized tests, but that was enough of an experience to get a feel for the bike and its capabilities. The Vektron quickly earned a place among the best folding e-bikes we’ve tested.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Want to see more? Here’s our full list of the top-rated mid-drive electric bikes.
Pro’s- The Vektron’s patented folding frame is only 39 lbs! It’s stiff, strong, serviceable, and easy to carry.
- Power is delivered smoothly by the 250W Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor with 65 Nm of torque.
- Bosch’s Energy Management System (EMS) uses battery energy efficiently.
- The tool-free adjustable stem and quick-release seat post can adapt to riders between 4’10” and 6’5”.
Con’s- 20″ wheels and a rigid fork make the handling great, but the absence of a suspension will make riding on bumpy roads less comfortable.
Brompton Electric C Line 12-Speed
Best Folding E-Bike for Urban Apartment Living
Just as much of pop music traces its origins back to the Beatles, every e-bike on this best folding bike list can be traced back to the name Brompton. The famed London-based brand introduced its unique three-part folding design in the mid-1970s, and it has since been tweaked and refined to create what is now one of the most compact e-bikes available. This makes it ideal for urbanites living in crowded cities where space is at a premium.
We love the C-Line 12-Speed for apartment dwellers, commuters using buses or trams, or anyone navigating tight city spaces but still wanting the convenience of a bike. When folded, the bike’s dimensions are a mere 25.3 inches (H) x 23 inches (W) x 10.6 inches (D), and it weighs a manageable 38 pounds. Cleverly placed wheels allow the folded bike to be moved around easily.
Despite its compact size, the bike is surprisingly capable. The 250W front-hub motor delivers a decent punch, while a unique 12-speed gearing system provides a wide range of gears for both building speed and tackling hills.
While the bike is certainly compact, its steel frame is well-engineered, giving even larger riders confidence in its durability. Brompton backs it up with seven-year guarantees on all their frames.
This bike is a surprisingly fun ride and is backed by the long reputation and history it’s established overseas.
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Pro’s- The unique 3-part folding frame design allows the bike to be super compact.
- Brompton is largely credited as the pioneer of modern folding e-bikes. The engineering at work here has withstood the test of time.
- The 250W front hub motor provides great assistance for moving around town..
- The unique Sturmey-Archer 3-speed hub plus the 4-speed derailleur give the bike a great range to work with for pedaling efficiency.
Con’s- The 349 x 35C is a smaller size tire, so you’ll feel more road feedback if you ride on a lot of cracked or bumpy roads.
How We Picked the Best Folding E-Bikes
Personal preference and opinion inevitably find a way into our selections, but we do our best to remain as objective as possible. It was our goal to assemble a list of the best folding e-bikes for a wide variety of individual needs, riding styles, ages, etc.
We have ridden and tested these bikes across hundreds of miles, so our experience grants us a unique perspective. We assembled this list based primarily on the following factors:
- Value: How much e-bike are you getting for your dollar? The e-bike market has grown flush with overpriced and underperforming electric bikes that don’t offer much value. Every bike on this list offers excellent bang for the buck.
- 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? We selected options with included features that make sense for the bike’s price and intended use.
- Unique Qualities and Features: In a market chock-full of options, what’s unique about this bike that sets it apart from the competition? The market is flush with copycat brands and plenty of e-bikes that just aren’t that special. We looked for the ones that are.
- Purpose Fulfillment: 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 made sure the e-bikes on this list function as advertised.
- Ride Feel: Last but certainly not least – does the e-bike ride well? After miles and miles on each bike, we know that these do.
Bottom Line: Your Folding E-Bike Should Match Your Needs
Folding e-bikes have appeal for a wide variety of reasons. Some prospective owners are drawn to their space-saving design; others are interested because they make great commuters; still others want the flexibility they offer in terms of portability.
It is important to keep in mind that not all folding e-bikes are created equal. A heavy folder capable of off-roading in rugged environments would not be suitable for a commuter who plans to fold their bike regularly and carry it on the subway.
Similarly, a lightweight folding bike with a rigid frame and street tires likely would not be suitable for camping or adventuring. Finding a bike that fits your needs – and your budget – is essential.
Another factor to consider is ride quality. While many of the bikes on this list performed nearly as well as their non-folding cousins, there are usually some tradeoffs in terms of power, feel, and overall capability. If you don’t need the defining features of a folding bike, you may want to consider a full-size model, but the option is great to have!
If you’re new to e-bikes in general, our buyer’s guide will help you to get your footing. If you have already done some studying and you think you have an idea of what you’re looking for, we have a huge catalog of full-length e-bike reviews to help you find a great fit, with more on the way all the time. Best of luck, and happy riding!
Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best page? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Surprised not to see the Carbo folding ebike make it. It’s the lightest on the market and offers belt drive. I have a SAVA carbon fiber folding non ebike identical to Carbo’s design and love that thing, ride it up to 10 miles at a time for delivering cars to renters. I can get up to 20mph pretty easily, so light and quick.
The Lectric e bike new and it comes with front oil shocks and more for $100 more on price which is still under $1000 so check it out the Lectric XP 2,0
Also surprised to see the Carbo not mentioned anywhere. I’m not sure they even have a review of it anywhere on the site?
I 100% agree with other commenters that weight has to be a major consideration. A 60+ lb bike is not “portable” for most people, so a lot of the benefits of folding are lost. A 30-35 lb folder opens up a lot more possibilities, especially for multi-modal transport (bike -> train/bus -> bike some more).
Start lifting weighs!
The Flit-16 deserves a mention, I got rid of a Brompton electric in favour of it. Lighter, integrated battery, equally capable on serious hills despite the single speed, and a more comfortable ride. Decent fold.
I find it interesting that you think the Tern Vectron at $4000. is a pricey option when it includes so many features that are not included with your other $4-$5000. choices. Schwalbe Big Apples, Shimano Deore 10 speed drivetrain, front & rear lights, rear rack, fenders, hydraulic disc brakes etc. Compare that to what you get with the Brompton E Bike & the Go Cycle for the same price point. With both the Brompton & Go Cycle having a 300 wh/hr. Battery & 250 watt motors & weighing in at 16 kgs. the Tern is a bargain with all that it includes.
Thanks for a well rounded report on folding bikes I have been a convert for 4 years .
In regards to purpose of use, I would suggest the convenience of being able stow your bike into normal sized car for weekend trips away or parking your car some distance from your destination and riding the rest of the way. very handy in city situations with secure parking being some way off from desired destination.
I particularly like my Gocycle with the unique cleandrive hub combination which means no greasy chain or gears or mess when handle it into my car.
So much thought and tech in a clean slick skin it will be years before all the others catch up.
But above all its an absolute blast of fun to ride, my wife and I don’t go anywhere without the bikes in the back of the car.
Is this a joke? 4000$ for a folding bike with 500 w hub motor and 3 speed shimano hub… To each their own I guess.
Notice the comments that mention weight. For some reason, reviews rarely mention weight, and this article sticks to that noble tradition.
There are only two possible reasons to fold a bike; to save storage space in a vehicle and to make it portable. My Radrover, which I truly loved, was stolen, and I replaced it with the Lectric so I wouldn’t have to put a bike rack on my car when I wanted to take it somewhere. The Lectric turned out to have a truly goofy controller, so I replaced it with the Rad mini step through folder. It has the same drive as the Radrover, but like the Lectric, it has 20 inch wheels. The two folders fit in an open trunk, but all three bikes weigh about 70 pounds with a bike lock and a small bag.
Between the weight and their clumsy carrying configuration, they are extremely difficult to load and unload from a trunk, somewhat less so from a hatch. No one will be carrying one of these on a bus or up stairs. In fact, you probably couldn’t get them upstairs unless they were unfolded.
In fact, the worst thing about these bikes, aluminum though they may be, is their excessive weight. It’s simply inexplicable that reviewers rarely mention weight.
100% on needing to know the weight, straight up, immediately, without having to ‘search for it’ in any ‘review’! Including also in kg (which most of the World uses).
THANK YOU for addressing the need to mention weight! That’s the first thing I look at.
Iv been a big fan of Engwes offerings.
The price you quoted for the rad 5 is not what it sells for . $1200 from the st.ore
I’m trying to get a battery for my fold up green bike have an affordable price used or new
I’m trying to get an affordable battery for my green bike pulled up 500 w new or used
I’ve got one big hill to get up and over here on my city commute if I take a bike and so I’m interested in hill climbing prowess in combination with the lightness and maneuverability-while-folded capabilities of the Blix, Gocycle, and Brompton. Could you contrast their hill climbing capabilities? Your review of the Gocycle G4i didn’t use the same hill as your other videos, but It gave the impression it might have been the best at maintaining uphill speed. Thanks!
These bikes all look good. Was considering the Rad one but it only accommodates people up to 5’10, and I’m 6ft. Which of these bikes would be best for a 6ft person?
Great write-up!
In the future, can you include more safety testing/certification information on all your e-bike reviews? Especially in regards to the batteries and maybe frame strength?
I believe we’d all love to know which of these bikes are safe and rated UL 2849 certified. So far the Tern Vektron is the only safe battery I see on this entire list. What else am I missing?
Kinda confused with selecting the criteria for a folding bike. You mentioned home storage space for US but most US homes are large with garage space and the ones that dont have the space are the folks who live in cities or high rises. The 2 most important criteria for anyone selecting a folding bike are :
1. Weight. It should be easy to carry over stairs
2. Store in a vehicle trunk for carrying to places.
I am surprised these 2 factors are not talked about in detail.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, your feedback is valuable. Your points are definitely valid, and I’ll remember that when writing future articles.
Forrest
Do you know of any vendor that makes a sidecar for electric bikes so my dog can ride along too?
The reviews provide a lot of info to help choose an electric bike. Thanks.
Hi Doug, there’s only one e-bike we’ve tested that I’m aware of with an available sidecar: the Mod Easy. It’s an awesome-looking bike, but do be aware that slower speeds are recommended with the addition of the sidecar.
This blog post by Electric Bike Report presents a roundup of the best folding electric bikes on the market. The post reviews various models, highlighting their features, performance, and suitability for different riders, making it a valuable resource for those seeking convenient and eco-friendly transportation options.
Great analysis and breakdown. Do miss the inclusion of repairability in your rating system. A full analysis on repairablity is difficult and time-cosuming, but a short breakdown of this parameter by spare parts availability and the existence of mechanisms to ease standard repair procedures would make this possible and very much appreciated!
This post is useful for Travelers & those who wants to carry their cycle easily. Loving this post, this is exactly what I needed to read. It’s broken down the benefits so well.
Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback!
It would be great if you included a chart comparing the bike specs like Consumer Reports does on what it tests.
And on not including weight in the reviews: you are young strong males and would have little trouble lifting a 60-70 lb folder into a trunk. Us elderly users would be straining muscles or our back to get a heavier one into a trunk. Performance is one thing but ease of manhandling is crucial for a folder.
Hi Ted, thanks for the feedback. We have each bike’s weight listed in its full review, as well as graphs that compare its performance to that of similar bikes. Look for the “Read Full Review” link below the description for each bike!
That was a list of the worst folding Ebikes unless you are a Midget. you wasted my time
How tall are you? We’d be happy to help you find something if these options didn’t work!