Over the last few years, folding electric bikes have become increasingly popular.
While some may consider folding electric bikes a relatively new cycling technology, this is not the case.
What may surprise you is that folding bikes have been around since the late 19th Century.
They were the invention of Emmit G Latta, an American inventor who wanted to develop a new, alternative transportation mechanism.
When looking at one of the patents he filed in 1887, he described his folding bikes as sturdy, safe, and serviceable machines requiring minimal storage.
However, folding bikes have come a long way since their invention in the 19th Century.
Initially, they were created for the military because of their efficiency and convenience. Although today, folding bikes continue to grow in popularity all over the world.
Whether you are an ordinary worker looking for a way to commute to work, or an adventurer looking to explore spaces far and wide, a folding electric bike would be a perfect choice.
It provides you with the power to travel long distances without breaking a sweat, where you can reliably bring your bike on public transportation and then fold it to store securely and safely in your office or home.
To help you find the best folding electric bike, we have created a complete buyer’s guide to the best folding electric bikes.
So you can spend less time worrying and searching for the right bike and start your electric folding bike journey. Below, you will find the top 5 best folding electric bikes.
OUR TOP PICK
Heybike Mars Electric Bike Foldable
EDITORS CHOICE
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
Heybike Mars Electric Bike Foldable
Heybike electric bikes aim to integrate modern technologies with traditional bikes to form green, high-quality, low-carbon electric bikes that will make off-road bicycling more enjoyable, make your trips more fun and efficient, and save you time on the road.
This Heybike Mars foldable electric bike is equipped with impressive modular 48V 12.5Ah batteries, as well as a 500W Brushless Geared Motor that ensures excellent performance and a long life span.
These specifications allow the bike to travel at a 48 miles range with a 20mph top speed – getting you from A to B easily.
The Heybike Mars seamlessly incorporates exceptional comfort, affordability, and rugged capabilities into all their bikes.
Featuring 4-inch wide puncture-resistant fat tires with dual suspension, this bike can accommodate almost anywhere.
Whether you’re traveling through downtown roads, sandy beaches, urban jungles, sandy beaches, or rocky roads, the tires’ wide surface area covers more ground providing you with stability, a smoother ride, and enhanced traction.
You can even customize your riding experience and performance with 3 different riding modes and Shimano 7-speed.
The 3 working modes include pure electric mode, intelligent 3-level pedal assist mode, and manual pedaling mode – making sure you’re ready for any environments you face.
Likewise, the 7-speed gearing provides a wide range of gears at your disposal.
This bike is pre-assembled so you don’t need to worry about any extra complicated adjustments.
It also features a rear rack to attach platforms, baskets, or panniers. With its foldable and adjustable design, it makes it one of the most convenient bicycles on the market.
Pros
- 4-Inch wide tires – Great for traveling over a range of terrains.
- 3 riding modes – These include pure electric mode, intelligent 3-level pedal assist mode, and manual pedaling mode.
- Pre-assembled – No tools required, it’s fully assembled straight out of the box.
Cons
- Once folded, there is no way to lock the bike in position – There are no straps or cables to keep the folding bike in place.
Also available at:
EDITORS CHOICE
SWAGTRON SWAGCYCLE EB-5
If you’re looking for an affordable folding bike under $1000, then you can’t go wrong with this Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5.
Featuring a suspension fork; which makes it suitable for a range of different terrains, 20” x 4” KENDA tires, and a 6061 aluminum alloy collapsible frame, you can trust that this bike will get you quickly and efficiently from A to B.
On top of this, you’ll experience one of your smoothest riding experiences thanks to the bike’s SHIMANO 7-speed gears – what’s there not to love?!
Supporting the fat tire folding electric bike’s construction is a high-end electrical system.
This includes a 350-watt Bafang rear hub brushless gear motor and a 36-volt lithium Samsung battery. Although, what does this mean for the rider?
Well, once charged, the geared hub motor provides a maximum speed of 18 mph with a range of up to 50 miles!
As previously mentioned, this bike is suitable for a range of riding terrains which is supported by the bike’s three riding modes: normal riding mode, electric mode, and 3-level electric-assisted mode.
Using the LED panel provided, you can choose the mode which best suits your current terrain.
As a result, this folding electric bike can be used in various rough terrains and applications.
Whether you’re riding on the beach, or even on wet or snowy surfaces – you can rest assured that this bike will get you to your desired destination.
The bike’s durable construction, twist throttle variable speed control, and favorable weight, all come together to create a sound and versatile ride.
Pros
- Adjustable saddle – Accommodates a range of different heights.
- 3 different modes – Including normal riding mode, electric mode, and 3-level electric-assisted mode.
- LED panel – This allows you to modify your riding experience based on the terrain you are currently in. With a simple tap of the screen, you’ll be able to choose between three riding modes.
Cons
- No adjustable pedal assist – You can either turn it on or off – there is no inbetween.
Also available at
RUNNER UP
VIVI Folding Electric Bike
Over the years, VIVI electric bikes have been perfecting their image with their advanced and reliable technology, great after-sale service, and unique shapes.
The main body structure of their bikes can withstand and handle 100,000 times of vibration, provide driving systems, shock-absorbers, and high-efficiency motors have helped VIVI become the reputable brand it is today.
The bike features a lightweight aluminum alloy collapsible frame that provides easy storage and quick folding.
The rims are made out of a double-walled aluminum alloy that ensures a faster ride with reduced drag and greater durability.
It features an additional detachable waterproof line design, making it easy to change and replace accessories.
The VIVI electric bike is a full-suspension mountain bike with a rear and front disc-brake design and a SHIMANO 21-speed transmission system that provides strong climbing capabilities.
Whether you are riding on city streets, hills, gravel, or back-roads, you can choose and adjust your speed depending on your needs and conditions for greater terrain adaptability.
The bike features additional front and back fenders, as well as an LED headlamp; making it suitable and safe for nighttime riding.
This fully electric bike is equipped with an impressive 350W motor, helping you to reach a maximum speed of 20mph.
Its quick charge makes it perfect for one-day adventures or completing daily tasks, with only 4-5 hour charge times.
Likewise, a handy energy-saving system is integrated with the motor, controller, and battery, to help increase the bike’s mileage range and maintain the battery life.
With the smart LED meter button, you can easily select 3-speed modes such as e-bike, assisted bicycle, and normal bike. Strong 26” anti-slip tires provide great traction for whatever conditions you find yourself in.
The bike arrives 90% assembled, all you have to do is assemble the front wheel, pedals, and handlebar.
Pros
- Lightweight – This makes it great for traveling and storing.
- 21-speed transmission system – Provides strong climbing abilities.
- Quick charge – Fully charged within 4-5 hours.
Cons
- No overcharging protection – Make sure not to exceed charge time or charge it overnight unsupervised.
Also available at
RUNNER UP
POPULO Folding Electric Bike
POPULO electric bikes combine the perfect combination of power and trail performance to provide you with the ride of your life.
The curved frame is manufactured with Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloy which is equally lightweight, responsive, and strong.
It was designed with human mechanics in mind, with the ability to bear the weight of 264lbs.
This bike is equipped with a Shimano 6-speed derailleur, 250W high-speed brushless hub motor, and a fully charged 36V Lithium-ion battery that lasts an overall distance of 25 miles.
The combination of high-strength front forks and dual disc brakes provides a short braking distance and a comfortable riding experience, whether you want a more effective workout, a faster commute, or an enhanced riding experience, the POPULO bike accommodates it all.
Likewise, it also provides everything you could ever need such as a USB charging port for all your devices, front illumination light, rear safety light, and an LCD digital display – impress all your friends with this tech-savvy bike! A detachable battery allows you to charge the battery on or off the bike, taking 4 hours to reach maximum power.
Have the most comfortable riding experience with a wide seat, suspension fork, and 20” wheels with 2.2” wide tires, to guarantee comfort during the longest of commutes.
The bike is pre assembled and both the handlebars and the seat are adjustable to suit your requirements. Then easily store your bike with a simple three-step fold/unfold technique.
Pros
- Comfortable – Wide seat, suspension forks, and 20-inch wheels provide a comfortable riding experience.
- Accessories – A USB charger allows you to charge your devices while riding.
- Adjustable – Adjust the handlebars and seats to your requirements.
Cons
- Smaller battery compared to other bikes – A smaller battery means the bike won’t run a long distance.
RUNNER UP
FREESKY Electric Folding Bike
With over 15 years of experience in developing competitive biking products, FREESKY focuses on and develops the perfect combination of batteries, control systems, and motors with ergonomic and high-tech elements.
Providing the world with green, low-carbon, and excellent for the environment, bikes.
This bike is equipped with a 48V brushless rear hub motor, 750W (sustained), and a maximum speed of over 25 miles per hour to help get you to your destination faster.
Providing you with enough power for your daily commute, mountain adventures, or biking strolls.
Additionally, the bike features a 48V 15Ah detachable Samsung cells lithium-ion battery – allowing you to fully charge your bike within 4-8 hours.
Depending on the mode you’re in affects the total miles the bike can reach. In pure electric mode, you will be able to achieve 25-70 miles, in the pedal-assisted model (PAS mode) you can achieve 40-70 miles.
For a more convenient and comfortable ride, the bike integrated an excellent four-link fully suspended system.
Rough grounds such as potholes, rocks, and roots are then absorbed by the rear shock, not your body.
An additional, new, enhanced wear-resistant and anti-skidding 20 X 4” fat tires adapt to many conditions for a comfortable and safe ride.
Likewise, double front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, and a headlight provide extra breaking security.
Manufactured with a high-quality aluminum alloy frame ensures durability and reliability, as well as a professional SHIMANO 7-speed control. 85% of the bike is pre-installed.
When no longer in use, you can easily collapse your bike and store it for your next travels.
Pros
- Powerful – The bike features an impressive 750W.
- Long miles – Reaches up to 70 miles.
- Anti-shock – Enjoy a comfortable ride over any surface.
Cons
- Assembly may be difficult – Some have found the last assembly difficult.
Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing the best folding electric bike for you, it’s important to make sure it provides all the requirements. Below, you will find a list of factors that contribute to the best folding electric bikes.
Tire Width: Flat Vs. Fat
Both Flat and Fat tires are popular options and have their advantages. Although, fat tires are more commonly used due to their comfort and versatility.
This allows the bike to go off-road or on road. It maintains control and excellent tractions during a range of different weather conditions and terrains. The tires also help to absorb any road vibrations and shock.
Weight
The core purpose of a folding electric bike is its portability; therefore, the weight of the bike should be a consideration.
While electric bikes can sometimes be heavier than regular bikes due to their batteries and motors, some electric bikes are considerably heavier.
When choosing your bike it’s important to look at the frame material and additional weights to ensure that it suits all your requirements – making sure all aspects are balanced.
Different use factors will determine what weight your bike should be. For example, when commuting you may want a lighter bike to take on transportation.
Degree Of Folding
Depending on the model of the bike, different bikes have different folding capabilities. Some will fold up smaller than others.
However, the smaller the bike folds, the fiddlier the process is. Whereas; a bike with fewer folding components will be easier and faster to collapse. Therefore, the choice of folding depends on your circumstances.
If you only ride your bike once a month, a smaller folding ability may be better for easier storage. Whereas, if you’re commuting you will want to collapse your bike easily and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you will find some frequently asked questions concerning the best folding electric bikes.
Is A Folding Bike Worth Purchasing?
Depending on your circumstances, a folding bike is worth it! What makes them great is their practical transportation.
This allows you to complete your daily commute to work or school while avoiding any traffic and chaos.
Their collapsible design allows you to carry your bike and store it discreetly in your office building for when you need it next.
If your journey to work is relatively flat, then a folding electric bike would be a great investment! On the other hand, if you have to climb long hills and roads in wet conditions, they may not be the best for you.
Is It Hard To Ride An Electric Bike?
Riding an electric bike is just like riding a normal bike. The main difference you may encounter is the weight. As electric bikes have to carry motors and batteries, they can become significantly heavier than regular bikes.
However, when riding, the electric motor helps to propel and move the bike without you breaking a sweat!
If you find riding a regular bike hard, then you’re in luck because electric bikes do most of the work for you. Most of the pedaling efforts are minimized so all you need to do is focus on stability and handling. Just make sure your battery doesn’t run out midway through your bike ride!
Final Thoughts
Every day, folding electric bikes is growing in popularity.This may be because of their convenience, power, and their environmental friendliness. No longer do you have to wait in long lines for the subway or get stuck in traffic, with an electric bike you can avoid all this without breaking a sweat! Hopefully, this guide has informed you of the best folding electric bikes.
