Folding electric bikes are the epitome of urban practicality, making multi-modal commutes not only possible but also very practical.
There’s an important reason why the number of folding electric bikes is on the rise on city streets—they work. A folding bike is functional as it gives you all the capabilities of a regular bicycle but makes transportation and storage a lot less of a hassle. Add a motor and a battery to it, and it becomes accessible to a lot of people out there who are looking for more efficient ways to commute.
So whether you’re interested in folding electric bicycles as a way to commute or you’re looking to save space in your home, we’ve found and reviewed the best folding electric bikes on the market.
But before that, here’s some important information on what to look out for when searching for a foldable electric bike to meet all of your needs.
Contents
- Are Folding Electric Bikes Any Good?
- Lectric XP 3.0
- RadExpand 5
- Aventon Sinch ST
- Engwe EP-2 Pro
- Ride1UP Portola
- Tern Vektron S10
- Huffy Motoric
- Lectric XP Lite
- What Should I Look For in a Folding Electric Bike?
- What to Keep in Mind About Motors?
- Watts—Is There Such a Thing as Enough?
- Which Wheel Size Is the Best?
- Why Did We Select These Foldable Electric Bikes?
- FAQ
- Final Words
Are Folding Electric Bikes Any Good?
Contrary to popular belief, folding electric bikes are fast, nimble, and practical. They can go as fast as regular bikes, squeeze through traffic jams, and they’re easy to store and transport. Plus, thanks to the motor, you can travel longer distances, without getting too tired.
Check out the list below, choose the one you like the most, and enjoy!
Lectric XP 3.0
MSRP: $1,099
Wheels: 20″
Features: Rear hub motor, 460 Wh battery, fenders, mechanical disc brakes, lights, aluminum frame
Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the most popular entry-level folding electric bikes out there. It delivers good value for the money, has powerful electronics, and looks really good as well.
As a Class 3 foldable e-bike, XP 3.0 offers pedal assistance with a rear hub 500W motor and a 460Wh battery. The maximum assisted speed is 28 MPH and the expected range is up to 45 miles. This is enough power and enough range for everyday commutes and urban outings.
Lectric XP 3.0 is a folding electric bicycle that’s ideal for commuting year-round. It has fenders, lights, a rear rack, and mechanical disc brakes, so you can ride it day and night, come rain or shine.
The XP 3.0 is also equipped with a 1×7 Shimano drivetrain that provides quick and precise gear shifting, which will make riding uphill even easier for you.
This folding e-bike rolls on 20″ wheels and 3″ tires that are ideal for city streets. It folds down quickly in a matter of seconds into a small package that weighs 64 lbs. Therefore, carrying it should not be an issue for most riders.
Finally, two colors are available and the bike looks modern and attractive. If you commute regularly and want a bike that you can transport or store easily, Lectric XP 3.0 is a fool-proof choice.
RadExpand 5
Winner! Best Overall Budget-Friendly Package
MSRP: $1,499
Wheels: 20″ x 4″
Features: Fenders, a kickstand, lights, 750W motor, 672Wh battery, disc brakes
FULL REVIEW of Rad Power Bikes
Rad Power’s RadExpand is a versatile folding fat-tire electric bike that can conquer different types of terrain. You can use it equally well for city commutes as well as for off-road gravel and dirt detours.
It folds down quickly and in a few steps—its folded dimensions are 29″ x 25″ x 41″. However, it also comes with a 62.5 lbs. weight, so it takes some effort to carry it up a flight of stairs.
RadMini is equipped with a 750W geared rear hub motor, therefore, power will not be a problem. The range shouldn’t be either, considering the massive 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) battery. According to Rad, you can expect up to 45 miles on one charge.
RadMini is a Class 2 electric mini bike so it has both pedal-assistance and throttle. Its maximum assisted speed is limited to 20 MPH, which is more than enough for an efficient commute.
See more: Best Class 2 Electric Bikes
When it comes to the mechanical parts, this folding electric bike has a 7-speed MicroShift derailleur to make pedaling more efficient. This bike comes without suspension, but it shouldn’t make too much of a difference.
The package also includes fenders, a kickstand, battery-powered lights, puncture-resistant tires, and a few other perks.
Aventon Sinch ST
Second-best! Most Comfortable Folding Electric Bike
MSRP: $1,799
Wheels: 20″
Features: Powerful electric motor, Smart and simple folding design, Trigger Shifters, and small 20″ wheels.
Full Review of Aventon Bikes
The Aventon Sinch ST is a folding bike that offers good value for its price. You might want it for commuting or even riding with the family, whatever you need a Aventon is a great place to start. If you are short of space and looking for something small that still packs a punch, this is the bike for you.
The bike looks rugged, with its oversized tubing and reinforced cabling it isn’t going to let you down. With it’s disc brakes and front suspension it’s not just ready for the road but those trails too with those huge 4″ oversized tires.
Aventon Sinch is one of the best value for money folding bikes currently on the market and with all its accessories well worth a look into.
Aventon built the Sinch ST around a durable 6061 aluminum frame and also equipped it with a 7-speed drivetrain, powerful disc brakes, a powerful motor, and a kickstand.
Aventon Sinch has a top speed of 20mph, on a 500W motor, and it has a range of about 40 miles depending on how you ride it. If you are looking for a bike to take you anywhere with ease the Sinch ST is for you.
Engwe EP-2 Pro
Third Place! Folding E-Bike with Longest Range
MSRP: $1,400
Wheels: 20″ x 4″
Features: Fenders, a kickstand, lights, 750W motor, 615Wh battery, disc brakes, front suspension
Engwe EP-2 Pro is a solid choice both for urban commuters and off-roading enthusiasts.
This folding electric bike comes with 20 x 4″ wheels and tires that don’t provide the most stability on trails, but definitely don’t lack grip due to their width. Therefore, they’re best suited for bumpy city streets, but you can also take them onto light trails, gravel, and dirt roads.
We gave Engwe EP-2 Pro the podium place because it packs decent components in a good-looking package that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
When it comes to electronics, Engwe equipped EP-2 Pro with a 750W rear hub motor and a respectable 615 Wh battery. This setup translates to a 28 MPH top speed and a 50+ mile maximum range. Ride it in one of the five PAS levels or use the throttle to get maximum power straight away.
What we also liked when reviewing this bike is all the accessories. You’ll get fenders, front and rear lights, a kickstand, and even a rear rack. That’s all you need to commute every day, no matter the time and weather conditions.
Folding the bike is easy as well, you just need to fold the frame in half and collapse the handlebars, which doesn’t take more than 20 seconds. After that, you can store or transport EP-2 Pro without any issues.
Ride1UP Portola
Affordable Fat-Tire Foldable E-Bike with Suspension
MSRP: from $995
Wheels: 20″ x 3″
Features: Wide tires, easy folding mechanism, disc brakes, powerful motor, wide and thin display, suspension
Ride1UP Portola is one of the most affordable choices on our list. But don’t let that fool you, this folding e-bike hides some nice surprises that you’ll like when you take it for a ride.
The Portola is propelled by a 750W rear hub motor that’s powered by a huge 500Wh or 643Wh battery. You can control these electronics with a big backlit LCD display that resembles a smartphone in design and size.
This is a Class 3 e-bike with pedal-assistance, throttle, and a 28 MPH maximum assisted speed. It combines 3″ tires with a suspension fork to let you make off-road detours without second thoughts.
You also get an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, so Portola is ready to ride up steep hills and descend even steeper hills.
This bike offers five levels of assist, plus a throttle. If you use them smartly, you can get up to 45 miles of range out of the battery.
Though Ride1UP Portola folds quickly and completely, the folded dimensions are not super compact because of the wide 3″ wheels. Plus, the bike is not ultra-light at 60 lbs.
However, if you’re fine with the higher weight and larger dimensions, the Portola will save you money and do all the things more expensive folding e-bikes do.
Tern Vektron S10
MSRP: $3,299
Wheels: 20″ x 2.15″
Features: Bosch motor, 20″ tires, 10-speeds, aluminum frame, disc brakes
Trek Vektron S10 is an elegant folding electric bike ideal for fast city commutes. This folding electric bike looks good, performs even better, and costs around $3,299, which is average for a bike like this.
The Vektron S10 boasts a 250W Bosch mid-drive motor with a removable 400Wh battery. The battery is mounted behind the seat post, so it can be easily removed for charging or replaced with a new one.
This is a premium bike, so it comes with some quality parts, like the Deore 10-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. According to the company, it provides a range of up to 68 miles, which is pretty good.
Tern Vektron S10 has five levels of pedal assist that you can use to complete your commute faster, climb more easily, or extend your leisure weekend rides.
The Vektron S10 is also equipped with almost all accessories you could ask for, including a rear rack, fenders, lights, and a kickstand.
All in all, this is a good-looking e-bike that folds quickly into a small package and has a 59 lb rear rack carrying capacity. We recommend it to budget-conscious riders with limited storage space.
Get From REI.com Get From Ternbicycles.com
Huffy Motoric
MSRP: $1,600
Wheels: 20″
Features: Quick folding mechanism, 6 speeds, aluminum frame, 36V battery
Full Review of Huffy Bikes
Huffy is one of the oldest manufacturers of bikes in the world. This authentic American company now makes folding electric bicycles as well, with a smart design and 20″ wheels.
The tiny wheels on Huffy Motoric limit your choice of terrain, but they allow you to fold this e-bike really small and easily carry it around. The entire bike also doesn’t weigh too much thanks to its aluminum frame and minimalistic design.
When it comes to electronics, Huffy Motoric features a sleek rear hub motor and a 36V battery.
This bike offers a 20 mph top speed, which puts it into a Class 1 category and makes it ideal for daily commutes. The battery charges fully in just a few hours, so you can recharge it while making a coffee stop.
Huffy Motoric also boasts a 6-speed drivetrain that will make it easier for you to climb hills and allow you to preserve the battery by being able to pedal more and use less assistance.
We recommend Huffy Motoric to city folks who combine different means of transportation during their commute and need a folding electric bike that’s light, compact, and easy to carry around.
Lectric XP Lite
MSRP: $900
Wheels: 20” x 2.4”
Features: 300W motor (750W peak), 48V battery, folds neatly
Lectric XP Lite is a perfect electric commuter for people who want to enjoy riding to work or going to the store. As the name suggests, this bike is pretty lightweight — 46lbs, but it can hold up to 275lbs of weight.
XP Lite has pedal assistance and throttle, enabled by a 300W rear hub motor and a 48V integrated battery. The maximum speed is 20 MPH and you can get up to 40 miles of range if you use a low pedal-assist level.
This foldable e-bike does not have too many accessories, the good thing is, you can choose your favored accessories and purchase them with the bike. The bike comes with integrated front and rear lights to make you more visible at night.
The Lectric XP Lite also boasts mechanical disc brakes and a single-speed drivetrain. Though these are entry-level features, they perform well in the real world and give this bike an added layer of practicality.
What Should I Look For in a Folding Electric Bike?
You might have experience with buying bicycles, but purchasing a folding electric bike is a bit more challenging. In addition to all the standard features you need to consider, you should also think about the electric components and the folding mechanism.
The folded dimensions should be small enough to fit your car’s trunk or the storage space in your apartment. Most models nowadays have easy-to-use folding mechanisms, so that shouldn’t be an issue.
A good folding electric bike should be compact, light, practical, and easy to fold.
Next, you should think about the motor and the battery. If you live somewhere hilly or windy, you should get a more powerful motor and a bigger battery. Also, choose between a hub and a mid-drive motor. The former is cheaper, but the latter is more stable because of better weight distribution.
If it often rains in your area, consider better-quality hydraulic disc brakes as well.
Related: Best Folding Bikes
We’d also recommend paying attention to the wheels and tires. Big wheels are more stable, but they increase the bike’s folded dimensions. If you plan to ride off-road, choose a folding fat-tire electric bike, such as RadMini or Aventon Sinch.
In the end, look for a bike that you will find practical to use every day and that will thus significantly improve the quality of your life.
Looking for different kinds of electric bikes? Take a look at our list of best electric bikes.
What to Keep in Mind About Motors?
For practical purposes, most folding e-bikes come with hub motors. However, there are some exceptions, including a few models on our list, that have mid-drive motors.
The reason why hub motors are the go-to choice for electric mini bikes compared to other types is the lack of space. Folding electric bicycles are small, compact, and need to remain that way to fold small. If you add a mid-drive motor, folding will not be impossible, but it takes more engineering to develop an efficient folding mechanism.
Hub motors can be placed in the front or in the rear wheel. But in most cases, you’ll see hub motors in the rear wheel, as this is a much better solution.
Front-wheel hub motors are cheaper to install, but they have a few disadvantages. Namely, they affect the bike’s handling and don’t offer as much traction.
When riding a bike, most of the rider’s weight is on the rear wheel, so the tire has plenty of grip and won’t skid if you apply a lot of torque. On the other hand, the front wheel might spin out if the motor is too powerful and there’s not enough weight keeping the tire in contact with the ground.
Of all the available options, mid-drive motors are usually the most powerful and offer the best riding experience. They provide assistance directly through the pedals, so you have a good feel of how much of your own power you need to apply.
But in addition to the motor placement, you also need to think about power—watts and torque.
Watts—Is There Such a Thing as Enough?
If we assume that Watts=Power is correct, we can conclude that the more Watts your foldable electric bike has, the better. But that’s not completely true for a folding electric bike. Due to smaller wheels, you don’t need that much power to feel like you’re getting somewhere. Too much power can even be dangerous as the small-diameter wheels are not as stable as larger ones.
The majority of bikes on our list have either 250W or 750W motors, but there are a few 500W models as well. The wattage depends on the amount of assistance you require, but it also depends on your country’s e-bike laws. For example, in the UK, e-bikes are allowed to have 250W; in the EU, e-bikes can have up to 500W motors; in the US, e-bikes are limited to 750W.
But wattage is not the only metric you should be worried about. You should also consider the torque. A 500W motor with 40Nm or 80Nm of torque is not the same. More torque means that the motor will have more immediate power, climb better, and offer faster acceleration.
Keep in mind that more Watts and more torque does not translate to a higher maximum assisted speed. Most folding e-bikes are Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and are thus limited to between 15–20 MPH. The only exception is Class 3 e-bikes or speed-pedelecs, which can go up to 28 MPH. But these are rare in the folding world.
As a rule of thumb, if you are a heavier individual or you live somewhere hilly, you should look for a motor with more power. A 250W motor with little torque might struggle to pull you up a steep hill.
Which Wheel Size Is the Best?
Wheel size is one of the main considerations when choosing the best folding electric bike for you. The smaller the wheel, the more compact the bike will be when folded. However, small wheels come with some limitations, especially when it comes to the terrain they can conquer.
Most electric mini bikes have 20″ wheels, including the models on our list. This wheel size offers a good compromise between practicality, stability, and rolling efficiency.
If you want, you can go even smaller and choose 16″ wheels, but keep in mind that you’re limiting yourself to the choice of terrain you can ride on. Such small wheels won’t feel stable on pretty much anything but completely smooth city streets. Also, they don’t roll over bumps and rocks as easily, so comfort is affected as well.
Small wheels mean that you will have to pedal a bit more to reach a certain speed. But that is not a big problem considering you’ll be getting assistance from the motor.
Those who don’t want to compromise on speed and pedaling efficiency can choose a folding bike with full-size, 700C wheels. But keep in mind that such bikes don’t fold down as small as models with smaller wheels. Thus, storage and mobility become bigger challenges.
To sum, if you’re uncertain, go for 20″ wheels. They’re the gold standard when it comes to folding electric bicycles, as they combine the best of both worlds.
To learn more about electric bikes, see our guide on how to choose an electric bike.
Why Did We Select These Foldable Electric Bikes?
To put it in simple terms, we chose to include these bikes on our list because they provide the most value for the money.
We’ve thoroughly analyzed each of the bikes you see below and compared them to dozens of other choices to find the best buys.
While doing our research and compiling the list, we focused on the most important features, such as power, range, folded size, build quality, weight, and appearance.
The result is a list of the seven best folding electric bikes that should fit the needs of most types of cyclists out there.
FAQ
Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about folding electric bikes below.
What is the best folding electric bike?
The best folding electric bike is the one that meets your needs the best. If you need a model with fat tires, Rad Power RadMini is a good choice. If you want the lightest and the smallest folding e-bike, Brompton Electric is the logical choice. When choosing, make sure to consider their features and your needs.
What is the lightest folding electric bike?
Brompton Electric is one of the lightest folding electric bikes on the market. With the battery included, the 2-speed model weighs just 36.6 lbs. Without the battery, Brompton Electric weighs just 30 lbs. The 6-speed model is approximately 2 lbs. heavier, which is still very light.
Are folding e-bikes fast?
Most folding e-bikes are Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which means their maximum assisted speed is 20 mph. You can go faster than that by pedaling on your own, but electric mini bikes are not as fast as regular bikes due to small-diameter wheels. Still, they are far from slow and you can easily achieve a ~17 mph average speed.
Are folding e-bike worth it?
If you live in a big city or in a small house or apartment, a folding electric bike is an excellent choice. These are small bicycles that can squeeze through tight spaces, you can carry them on trains and buses, and you can easily store them in a corner of your home.
How do I choose an electric folding bike?
When choosing the best electric folding bike, you need to consider your needs and priorities. Consider how much power and range you need from the electric system, how tiny you want the folding bike to be, and whether or not you need any accessories.
How to fold an electric bike?
Folding an electric bike is a simple process, usually taking just a few seconds. However, different manufacturers have different designs and guidelines, so it's better to see the manufacturer's info first.
In general, folding bikes fold down from the frame, handlebars, and sometimes even the rear wheel. Pedals usually fold down too, and saddles can go down to make the bundle more compact.
However, as we said, manufacturers have a set of guidelines for folding down their bikes, so checking them should be the first step.
Can I take my folding electric bike on a plane?
Electric bikes are generally not allowed on planes because of the batteries. However, if the battery is removed, the bike is safe to be taken on a plane.
What are the disadvantages of folding bikes?
While folding bikes are a great option for commuters, they still come with some downsides. The most prominent being the weight of the bike and the weight limit. Smaller frames can usually not hold that much weight, and to turn things around, heavier electric folding bikes are heavier to carry around.
Another possible downside is control. While smaller wheels come in handy in most situations, they can be harder to control at times. Paired with narrow handlebars, it can be a struggle at times.
Final Words
When it comes to urban and multi-modal commuting, nothing beats a folding electric bike. They are easy to use, store, or carry around. Plus, the electric motor enables you to ride faster and go further, even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years.
However, choosing the right folding e-bike can be a daunting task for laymen, which is why we’ve created this guide. We comprised our list by including high-quality, tried, and true choices, so you won’t make a mistake whichever you choose.
Don’t fold up your tent when it comes to cycling until you’ve given folding electric bikes a chance!
