The best folding electric bikes for 2024

All kinds of attention-grabbing one- and two-wheeled autos crisscross the streets of my metropolis, together with an growing variety of more and more reasonably priced, transportable transport. Spandex-clad cyclists benefit from protected lanes, electric scooters fly over sidewalks (and anyplace), and infrequently, an odd unicyclist or one-wheeler will break up the predictability. I significantly like to look at foldable e-bike riders who go from path to coach, remodeling their private transit right into a dice to hold via a crowd. This now-you-see-it now-you-don’t collapsible electric bikes supply energy help for commuting or errands with out taking over helpful actual property in an condominium or townhouse. These versatile choices can also usually match into an SUV or RV with out buying a heavy-duty and infrequently costly rack. We’ve rounded up probably the most dependable choices from the best folding electric bikes to match each driving fashion and wish.

How we chosen the best folding electric bikes

I’m nonetheless looking for my spirit bike, just like the one in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. In the meantime, I’ve owned and examined many alternative bikes—electric and never, folding and never—on my commute. I’ve mixed this expertise with that of the PopSci group and performed in depth analysis into knowledgeable and buyer critiques to pick the fashions on this listing. 

The best folding electric bikes: Reviews & Recommendations

An electric folding bike should stability having sufficient oomph to make it to work and again and being simpler to retailer and transport than a full-sized e-bike. Collapsible fashions are likely to have shorter wheelbases, decrease standover heights, and an upright driving place so you possibly can see clearly in site visitors or on crowded paths. Wheels are normally 16 to twenty inches in diameter, which leads to feeling extra of the bumps and cracks of the street. Skinny tires can be sooner rolling and lighter, however excessive quantity, wider tires will help soak up the street chatter. In normal, folding electric bikes for adults are typically rougher than different cycles.

If you trip different bikes so much, folding bikes takes some getting used to. Petite riders might really feel extra in management over the extra diminutive stature, whereas taller riders might really feel like a clown on a minibike. The sharper turning radius is finally a win. Still, it will probably really feel squirrely at first in case you’re used to broader, extra steady handlebars, and generally the gearing could make it really feel such as you’re pedaling furiously however getting nowhere. Get a couple of miles beneath your belt, nonetheless, and also you’ll discover a new rhythm. 

To show you how to discover the fitting foldable e-bike, prioritize which options are must-haves by excited about the place you need to trip it, how far you’d wish to go, what else you may need to carry, and the way small the bike must be for storage. With that data, you’re prepared to search out your best folding e-bike from our prime picks. 

Best general: Lectric XP 3.0

Specs

• Unfolded bike: 66 inches lengthy by 25 inches vast by 47 inches tall
• Folded bike: 37 inches by 18 inches vast by 28 inches tall
• Motor: 500W hub motor with 55Nm of torque
• Battery: 672Wh lithium-ion
• Riding vary: Up to 45 miles utilizing pedal help or as much as 20 utilizing throttle solely
• Class: 2
• Top pace: 20 mph
• Bike weight: 64 kilos
• Carrying capability: 330 kilos

Pros

• Front oil suspension fork
• Rear rack that may maintain as much as 150 kilos
• Five ranges of pedal help plus throttle
• Front and rear hydraulic brakes
• Integrated headlights and hind lights
• Front and rear fenders
• Removable battery
• External charging port
• Slime-lined tires to forestall flats
• Multiple mounting factors for further equipment
• 1-year guarantee

Cons

• Long-range battery obtainable for further
• Well-organized, however exterior wires and cords
• Nothing to safe the bike when folded

Lectric is likely one of the OGs of foldable electric bikes, a lot in order that driving this round city almost all the time will get me a shout or recognition from one other Lectric rider. They’ll chat with me at a cease or trip alongside me for a bit, and I can truthfully say it’s by no means occurred to me on one other model of e-bike. The Lectric XP 3.0 finetunes what it’s realized from earlier fashions for an reasonably priced and enjoyable trip with 5 pedal help ranges and a throttle. Lectric added extra juice to the 500W motor, which may peak at 1,000W and kick out 55Nm of torque. The tires are fat-tire gentle—20 by 3 inches—which makes for a extra cushioned trip with the entrance suspension fork. The improved gearing means much less livid pedaling than different fashions to rise up to prime speeds. Lectric lists the bike at $1,300, however you possibly can usually discover it on sale—and but, it nonetheless has hydraulic brakes, that are a rarity at this value level. 

The XP 3.0 comes inventory with many good commuter extras, like built-in lights, entrance and rear fenders, and a monster rear rack that may maintain as much as 150 kilos. Lectric gives a ton of equipment, together with a passenger seat for gentle riders (e.g., youngsters). 

For most individuals, the Lectric will meet their folding e-bike wants, but it surely’s not good. Lectric, greater than many manufacturers, makes you effectively conscious of cords. While the wiring up entrance is well-organized, nothing is internally threaded. It folds at two factors—at mid-frame and the handlebars—and it frankly takes some follow to align pedals, handlebars, and wheels excellent. You’ll additionally want a bungee (or one thing) to maintain the whole lot good and tight if you wish to transfer the bike whereas folded. But it does get sufficiently small to enter a typical automobile trunk (not a Miata, let’s not get loopy). It is, nonetheless, a heavy 64 kilos until you scrap the battery.

Best cargo: Tern Vektron S10

Specs

• Folded bike: 33.7 inches lengthy by 15.7 inches vast by 26.6 inches tall
• Motor: 250W Bosch Performance Drive Unit with 65Nm torque
• Battery: 400Wh Bosch PowerPack 
• Riding vary: Up to 63 miles 
• Class: 1
• Top pace: 20 mph
• Bike weight: 48.6 kilos
• Carrying capability: 275.6 kilos

Pros

• Five ranges of pedal help with shift optimization
• Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes
• 10-speed Shimano Deore drive prepare
• Integrated headlights and hind lights
• Front and rear fenders
• Atlas V Rack on the rear that holds as much as 60 kilos and accepts Thule Yepp Maxi and Dash RM baby seats with out adapters
• Chain guard keep
• Grip pad beneath saddle to make use of as a deal with for shoulder carrying
• Removable battery

Cons

• Single-side kickstand
• Overall capability weight is low for the format

The Tern Vektron S10 is a foldable e-bike for adults who intention to make use of it for most of their transportation wants, together with shuttling youngsters round and hauling groceries. It’s additionally a folding bike that feels almost as stiff as a non-folding mannequin, due to the superior welding strategies, gussets for the OCL+ body joint, and customized forks. A telescoping seat submit permits the body to suit riders from 4’10” to six’5”. 

Tern has an extended historical past of constructing cargo bicycles that deal with being loaded down effectively, and the Vektron S10 isn’t any exception. The strong Atlas V Rack can maintain as much as 60 kilos, whether or not that’s groceries in a few of Tern’s equipment or a toddler seat made by Thule or Dash. A Bosch Performance Drive Unit and 400Wh Bosch PowerPack, a pair famend for excessive efficiency and quiet operation, energy this cargo hauler. Other name-brand components, like a 10-speed Shimano drivetrain and Magura hydraulic brakes, assist account for the worth tag of about $3,300. Make no mistake: The Vektron S10 expects to interchange a automobile. Practically talking, the general carrying capability for the bike is a little bit low at 275 kilos.

Despite being a cargo bike, the Vektron is a conveyable electric bike while you drop the seat submit, fold the mid-point within the body, after which the handlebars. At 50 kilos, it’s not the lightest however not the heaviest. Most Terns even have one other benefit for storage: They might be tipped on the rack finish to be saved vertically. 

Best splurge: Gocycle G4i

Specs

• Folded bike: 32.7 inches by 14.6 inches vast by 29.5 inches tall with detachable pedal indifferent
• Motor: Gocycle proprietary 500W entrance hub motor
• Battery: 375Wh lithium-ion
• Riding vary: Up to 50 miles 
• Class: 2
• Top pace: 20 mph
• Bike weight: 37.7 kilos
• Maximum rider weight: 220 kilos

Pros

• Four pedal help modes, might be personalized
• Daytime working lights
• GocycleJoin App
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Integrated entrance and hind lights
• Front and rear fenders
• Carbon fiber single-sided entrance fork
• USB charger
• Removable battery
• Very quick fold

Cons

• Many proprietary components that could be onerous to service or substitute
• MotoGP-inspired tires might be susceptible to flats

The Gocycle G4i seems to be a bit just like the Tron Light Cycle if it had been designed for a commuter and never battling on The Grid. This high-end mannequin will set you again about $5,000 for a big selection of cutting-edge applied sciences squeezed into one of many lightest folding electric bikes in the marketplace. Gocycle’s design is led by Richard Thorpe, a person so obsessive about creating “the perfect e-bike” that he left his job at McLaren Cars armed with expertise creating light-weight elements.

The G4i weighs simply shy of 38 kilos due to a body manufactured from an aluminum alloy body with a carbon fiber mid-drive and a proprietary rear suspension. The forks that maintain the wheels in place are additionally carbon fiber and notably single-sided to save lots of weight and make for a quick folding electric bike. It rests on the wheels when folded, which you’ll nonetheless use to roll it whereas tilting it again a little bit.

That’s the factor about Gocycles: They really feel designed with the person in thoughts. The bike feels agile and accelerates shortly due to a proprietary 500W G4drive engine paired with predictive digital gear shifting and three customizable pedal help ranges. The drive prepare (once more, proprietary) is enclosed to maintain work pants clear from driving or carrying it into an workplace or condominium after commuting. And—no shock—the hydraulic brakes are additionally bespoke to Gocycle. The proprietary components let Gocycle flex its revolutionary muscular tissues however can result in costly or time-consuming repairs ought to one thing go mistaken. 

The body is only one dimension, however different components transfer to regulate to a rider. One factor that’s noticeably lacking is a display on the handlebars. Instead, there’s a light-based show that takes some getting used to and a large “daytime running light” that stretches from grip to grip. For metrics and customised driving modes, riders should use the GocycleJoin App and add a telephone holder. 

Best trike: Lectric XP Trike

Specs

• Unfolded bike: 63.5 inches lengthy by 30.5 inches vast by 43 inches tall
• Folded bike: 38.5 inches by 30.5 inches vast by 30 inches tall
• Motor: 500W rear hub motor on the differential axle, 65Nm or torque
• Battery: 672Wh lithium-ion
• Riding vary: Up to 60 miles utilizing pedal help or as much as 55 utilizing throttle solely
• Class: 2
• Top pace: 14 mph
• Bike weight: 69.5 kilos
• Carrying capability: 415 kilos

Pros

• Three wheels broaden the potential rider base
• Differential axle for clean turning
• Five ranges of pedal help plus throttle
• Front and rear hydraulic brakes
• Two parking brakes
• Integrated headlights, hind lights, and brake lights
• Front and rear fenders
• A ton of further equipment
• Removable battery
• External charging port
• 1-year guarantee

Cons

• Three wheels imply wider turning radius
• Added equipment normally have to be eliminated earlier than folding
• Ships with newbie mode, which limits the pace

The Lectric XP Trike packs a ton of higher-end options into an electric tricycle that makes biking extra accessible. With a prompt retail of about $1,500, this Class 2 trike gives 5 ranges of pedal help and has a throttle to assist with begins or supply breaks from pedaling. Lectric ships the trike in a newbie mode that slows acceleration and limits the highest pace to five mph. This mode prevents individuals who haven’t been driving electric autos from leaping ahead or going sooner than they’re prepared. Higher speeds might be unlocked, however this trike isn’t a pace demon. Top pace is 14 mph.

Let’s discuss in regards to the tricycle format. First, it has an extremely low standover top of lower than 14 inches, making it tremendous simple to hop on and off. Lectric packed a 500W engine into the rear differential axle, which lets every rear wheel flip independently for smoother turning and sufficient torque to chug up huge hills. All trikes can tip, although; count on to take turns slower and go away extra room for stopping till you get used to the dealing with. The XP Trike additionally boasts hydraulic entrance and rear bikes, a surprisingly high-end function for the worth level.

And sure, this unhealthy boy folds. However, it’ll take a couple of minutes and eradicating most further equipment. Considering that it is a trike, the 69.5 kilos is gentle for the shape. Removing the battery will shave about seven kilos off. Folded up, the trike can match behind minivans or SUVs, although smaller hatchbacks might have some further finagling. The XP Trike accommodates riders from 4’10” to six’4” that weigh as much as 330 kilos. Plus, the bike can nonetheless haul one other 85 kilos of cargo. Lectric additionally gives a ton of add-ons, like a seat with again help, suspension seat stems, and baskets. 

Best price range: Ride1Up Portola

Specs

• Unfolded bike: 66.2 inches lengthy by 19 inches vast by 44.4 inches tall 
• Folded bike: 33 inches lengthy by 19 inches vast by 29.5 inches tall
• Motor: 750W geared hub motor with 65Nm torque
• Battery: 500Wh 
• Riding vary: Up to 40 miles 
• Class: Switchable to 1, 2 or 3
• Top pace: 28 mph
• Bike weight: 59 kilos
• Carrying capability: 300 kilos

Pros

• Five pedal help modes plus throttle
• Front suspension fork
• Dual-piston hydraulic brakes
• Front and again fenders
• Rear rack holds as much as 130 kilos
• Integrated entrance and rear bikes
• Folding pedals
• Chainguard keep
• Short velcro strap to carry the bike collectively when folded
• 1-year guarantee

Cons

• Long-range battery obtainable for further
• Well-organized, however exterior wires and cords
• Taller riders might discover leg extension missing

The Ride1Up Portola has a giant ol’ motor—750W, the most important of this roundup. It additionally encompasses a entrance suspension fork, 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and a muscular welded rear rack that may maintain as much as 130 kilos. These particulars are shocking to search out on a folding e-bike and downright surprising to search out on one which prices lower than a grand.

The Portola gives so much to love, particularly on the value level. Sturdy 20-inch by 3-inch tires and a entrance suspension fork work collectively to maintain the rider comparatively snug. There’s just one body dimension, which Ride1Up calls “one size fits most,” or on this case, means riders from 4’10” to six’4”—although taller riders or long-legged ones word they’d like a little bit extra extension once they pedal. 

The Portola initially begins with a ten.4Ah battery, however an improve to 13.4Ah is just $100 extra. With 5 pedal-assist ranges and a throttle, you may want the additional juice. The vary is as much as 40—or 45 with the bigger battery. The e-bike additionally might be switched between Class 1, 2, or 3, relying on whether or not you need to restrict or unleash a possible prime pace of 28 mph. And right here’s one quite simple however very good contact that many folding bike makers overlook: The Portola has a small velcro strap to safe the bike when it’s folded. It takes some fussing to get the wheels and handlebars excellent, however folding bike house owners steadily add their very own bungees or straps as a result of nothing was included. 

What to think about when looking for the best folding electric bikes

Usually, a search for an e-bike begins with sticker shock, primarily in case you don’t trip different bicycles. You can discover price range electric bikes beneath $1,000, although fashions shortly get into the a number of 1000’s. Expect to search out extra highly effective motors with extra torque, bigger batteries, and frames manufactured from higher-quality, usually lighter-weight supplies as the worth climbs. They’re like vehicles: You can discover a moderately priced, dependable mannequin or spend severe bucks on high-end elements, luxurious options, and eye-grabbing designs. While the choices could also be daunting, there’s a mannequin on the market to fit your tastes and price range, whether or not you’re trying for the best electric commuter bike or the best fats tire electric bike. 

It’s additionally price checking whether or not your state gives tax credit or rebates for e-bikes to encourage adoption.

Classes

E-bikes occupy a bizarre house in transportation between conventional, aka “acoustic,” bicycles and mopeds. For probably the most half, electric bicycle house owners must put on helmets, however they don’t want particular licenses, insurance coverage, or car registration. Most states acknowledge three completely different e-bike lessons to assist decide the literal guidelines of the street. Here’s the fast model: 

• Class 1: a pedal-assist system motor that stops help at 20 mph.
• Class 2: a throttle motor that stops help at 20 mph.
• Class 3: a pedal-assist system motor that stops help at 28 mph. 
• Some producers mix these lessons or ship a Class 1 that may be was a Class 3 with some tinkering.

Look into your state’s guidelines or examine this information for the place and how one can function your class e-bike. Sometimes, trails or particular parks prohibit sure bike lessons. Around my metropolis, numerous counties and neighborhoods put indicators alongside in style bike paths to encourage gradual speeds and path sharing.

Motors

A terrific e-bike makes driving really feel easy, even when climbing a steep hill. Motors assist riders go farther and sooner via a pedal-assist system (PAS) or a throttle. A PAS e-bike can provide completely different ranges of help utilizing controls on the handlebars and sensors that detect how briskly or onerous you’re pedaling. Throttle programs ship a fast burst of energy with out pedaling, extra akin to a scooter or moped. Some bikes have each options.

But what makes for an excellent motor? Look for a mixture of watts and torque. Watts point out the motor output, whereas torque is the acceleration or climbing drive. Higher watts and better torque normally equal larger efficiency, however some producers have distinctive tuning that eek extra torque out of decrease output motors. Whether you want that’s one other matter. Flat commutes on paved surfaces don’t want excessive torque. Very match riders won’t want the ability. Consider your health, the terrain of most rides, and the way lengthy these rides can be. 

Riding vary and battery life

The excellent news about an e-bike with a lifeless battery is which you can pedal. Still, most individuals don’t need to run out of battery. Published ranges are strategies based mostly on optimum driving circumstances. How lengthy the battery lasts depends on dozens of things: rider and cargo weight, whether or not the route has hills, and the way a lot help the motor gives. More assist—or a number of throttling—drains the battery sooner. Commutes are simple to plan for; the gap doesn’t change. Freeform or unplanned rides might be dicier. A very good rule of thumb is to plan journeys effectively beneath the highest finish of the printed driving vary and cost the battery for each trip. 

Some fashions have detachable batteries that enable for swapping a lifeless one out for one other or extended-capacity variations to elongate trip time. Generally, greater batteries are heavier however present larger peace of thoughts.

FAQs

Final ideas on the best folding electric bikes

Folding electric bikes are a humorous form of transportation. They’re purpose-built to be simple to move or retailer, which can imply some compromises in driving consolation. However, this class of bikes has come a good distance, incorporating fatter tires, extra suspension programs, and hydraulic brakes for superior stopping energy and extra choices than ever earlier than. Find the mannequin that matches—actually—into your condominium, automobile, or commute, and benefit from the trip. 

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