A straightforward, relatively lightweight folding e-bike with a peppy motor and a comfy ride.
In recent years, we’ve seen many folding e-bikes in the US market creep up in weight, sometimes exceeding 70 lbs. In rare cases, they’ve even tipped the scales at 80+ lbs, making them as hefty as many full size e-bikes on the heavy end of the spectrum.
Considering that their hinged frames are often marketed as making folding e-bikes easier to transport and smaller to store, this relatively high weight might seem counterintuitive.
That’s why we were pleased to note that the Defiant, a folding e-bike from the Tampa-based brand Jupiter Bike, weighed in under 60 lbs. This comparatively low weight drops to around 52 lbs once the battery is removed. With or without the power pack, it’s one of the more portable folding e-bikes we’ve tested in recent years.
You might expect a lighter-weight folding bike to sacrifice power, but the Defiant is equipped to go toe-to-toe with many of its heavier peers. The bike features a powerful 750W rear-hub motor with a cadence sensor. With a maximum pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph, it pedals easily and can make short work of hills.
Another thing that sets the Defiant apart from many other folding e-bikes is that it rolls on 4-inch knobby fat tires. While similar models often feature similar tread to provide grip on loose unpaved terrain, few bikes feature such wide tires. This means the Defiant’s ride feels extra stable—and the added cushion helps smooth any bumps you might encounter.
Clearly, the bike goes against the grain in some areas, suggesting that it lives up to its bold, rebellious name. But how does the Defiant compare to similar bikes we’ve tested in terms of performance? See our full review below to find out!
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