Best Folding Electric Bikes 2025 | Our Top 10 Tested Picks
Nov 29, 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 has selected their favorites. We hope this list of the best folding electric bikes helps you find a model that fits your needs and budget!
Our Best Folding Electric Bikes for 2025
- Best Overall: Lectric XP 4
- Best for Short/Average Riders: Ride1Up Portola
- Best for Heavy/Tall Riders: Velotric Fold 1 Plus
- Most Portable: Dahon K-Feather
- Best Budget: Lectric XP Lite2
- Best Full Suspension: Heybike Mars 3.0
- Best for Off-Road Riding: Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus
- Best for Hills: Aventon Sinch 2.5
- Fastest Acceleration: Mokwheel Slate
- Best for Urban Apartment Living: Brompton Electric C Line 12-Speed
*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.
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Watch Our 2025 Best Electric Folding Bikes Video
Lectric XP 4
Best Overall
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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Pros- 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 allow 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.
Cons- 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 for Short/Average Riders
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.
Pros- 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.
Cons- The one-size-fits-all frame is better for riders under 6’.
Velotric Fold 1 Plus
Best for Heavy/Tall Riders
The Fold 1 Plus is a highly upgraded version of Velotric’s folding e-bike; it boasts the same features as the brand’s full-size e-bikes, making it one of the most feature-rich bikes of its style on the market. It also has an impressive 450-lb payload capacity, making it suitable for larger riders or those looking to make the most of its 120-lb-capacity cargo rack.
One of this bike’s best elements is Velotric’s SensorSwap feature. The Fold 1 Plus is equipped with both a torque sensor and a cadence sensor that users can switch between; those who prefer a relaxed feel with preset speed limits might prefer the cadence mode, while riders who enjoy active pedaling will likely find the torque mode more suitable.
The Fold 1 Plus also includes a suite of other uncommon features, such as a cruise control mode, three riding modes with a range of fifteen different assist levels, integrated Apple Find My™ technology for security, and more.
This bike stands out with its many customization options and features, but also due to its bold angular design and bright color options. Since Velotric’s inception, the brand has favored a variety of uncommon colors and finishes; we loved the eye-catching Mango yellow paint on our test bike, but the bike also comes in a brilliant Electric Blue, a clean Pearl White, and a subdued Stone Gray.
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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Pros- Riders can choose between an active ride and a relaxed cruise through the SensorSwap feature.
- This bike is remarkably customizable through its display or app. Users can quickly change speeds and riding modes, select from three braking modes, and more.
- The Fold 1 Plus has great range; our testing supported Velotric’s claim of up to 68 miles!
- We can’t account for everyone’s taste, but the bike’s unique design and bright colors are sure to stand out.
- Its payload capacity of up to 450 lbs is one of the highest we’ve seen on a folding e-bike.
Cons- At times, the bike went faster than its speed limit should have allowed; we encourage Velotric to improve the accuracy of the bike’s programming.
Dahon K-Feather
Most Portable
As many folding e-bikes in the US market have gotten heavier and more powerful, those in this category have gradually moved away from their original intent of being more portable than their full-size counterparts. The Dahon K-Feather aims to swing the proverbial pendulum back in the other direction.
While we haven’t yet completed our full review of the K-Feather, we HAD to tell you about this bike—our test bike weighs a featherlight 28 lbs, and we can confirm that the bike is remarkably portable, compact, and easy to lift. It’s also impressively affordable, with a price point that lines up well with many of the other folding e-bikes on our list.
Dahon’s engineering is also impressive, with a unique, minimal frame incorporating a cable where a down tube would usually be. This design, coupled with a single-speed drivetrain, small 16” wheels, and narrow 1.5” tires, keeps the bike lightweight and rigid.
With a 250W rear-hub motor, an internal 120 Wh battery, and a top speed of 16 mph, the K-Feather isn’t intended for long off-road adventures. Instead, it’s meant for quick trips to the corner store or between the bus stop and the office.
The K-Feather’s pedal assist system relies on a torque sensor to deliver adaptive power in response to the rider’s effort. To extend battery life and maximize range, it even has a high-tech feature that automatically shuts off motor power when coasting downhill! In short, it’s an impressive, affordable, and highly practical folding e-bike for residents of urban areas.
Full Review Coming Soon | Video Review Coming Soon
Pros- The K-Feather lives up to its name, with a remarkably low advertised weight of just 26.4 lbs. It’s easy to lift and carry!
- Its motor delivers responsive, natural-feeling pedal assist via its 250W motor and torque sensor.
- The bike’s minimal frame and 16” wheels make it highly maneuverable and nimble.
- It’s incredibly easy to use. The bike has a simple single-button interface and single-speed drivetrain that doesn’t require shifting.
- The K-Feather automatically conserves power when riding downhill.
Cons- While the bike is practical for urban environments, some riders may find its maximum speed of 16 mph limiting.
Lectric XP Lite2
Best Budget
The XP Lite2 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 Lite2 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 Lite2 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 Lite2 will fit the bill.
Pros- Low cost: this is the best folding e-bike you will find – and the only e-bike we recommend – at its price.
- The Lite2 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 lb. e-bike.
Cons- While it’s expected with a single-speed drivetrain, we ran into ghost pedaling above 16 mph.
Heybike Mars 3.0
Best Full Suspension
If you’re looking for a comfortable, powerful folding e-bike that can do just about anything, look no further than the Heybike Mars 3.0! This bike’s torque-sensing 750W motor, full suspension, and knobby fat tires make it suitable for everyday cruising, off-road adventuring, errand running, and nearly everything in between!
One of our favorite elements of the Mars 3.0 is its responsive pedal assist system. Its motor adapts quickly to changes in pedal pressure, so it’s easy to keep the ride relaxed when you want it—or get an injection of speed when you want to pick up the pace. The bike’s 750W motor is also powerful, with the ability to climb hills and cruise over 30 mph for those who want to.
We also liked the off-road potential granted by the Mars’ full suspension and wide, all-terrain tires. Its ride is comfortable and stable whether traveling over dirt, gravel, or pavement, making it a versatile option for getting around town and exploring off the beaten path.
Another great feature is the Mars 3.0’s ability to pair with the Heybike app, where riders can tune the preset speed limits of its five assist levels, adjust how its throttle behaves, and more. We also liked the bike’s color display, which both looks great and includes a security system requiring a PIN or RFID card to access upon startup.
The Mars 3.0 marked a massive leap forward for Heybike, with a comfortable and responsive feel, solid overall performance, and a price tag that proves the bike’s value and affordability.
Pros- At around $1,300, the Mars 3.0 offers tons of features and great performance at an approachable price.
- The responsive torque-sensing pedal assist system and powerful motor make the bike capable and speedy when you want it to be.
- Unlike most similar e-bikes around this price point, it features a full suspension for an ultra-smooth ride!
- Users are given access to many customization options via the Heybike app.
- It’s loaded with uncommon extras, including a security PIN requirement, front and rear turn signals, a 440-lb payload, and extra wide all-terrain tires.
Cons- The bike’s key must remain inserted while riding; we’d prefer to be able to take it out to avoid the risk of losing it.
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Plus
Best 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.
Pros- 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 RVers 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.
Cons- We found the kickstand placement to be a slight irritation as it caused heel strike (for riders with larger 11+ shoe sizes).
Aventon Sinch 2.5
Best for Hills
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 a more efficient use of the bike’s battery charge. We recorded an impressive result of nearly 60 miles in our Range Test, thanks to the 672 Wh battery.
The bike delivered 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.
Pros- 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.
Cons- 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.
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Pros- 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.
Cons- The torque sensor feels very good at lower PAS levels, but the acceleration at higher levels feels less natural.
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Brompton Electric C Line 12-Speed
Best 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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Pros- 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, gives the bike a great range to work with for pedaling efficiency.
Cons- 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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Comments
Leave a Reply to Keith Taylor Cancel reply
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!