Folding e-bikes offer versatility and convenience, making them a popular choice in Europe where space is limited. Despite larger living areas and personal vehicles in the US, folding e-bikes are still valuable for their space-saving features and easy transportability. In recent years, folding bikes have seen advancements in features like fat tires, suspension forks, cargo racks, powerful motors, and efficient brakes. Electric Bike Report has compiled a list of the best folding electric bikes based on their performance and suitability for different needs and budgets.
Key Takeaways:
- Lightweight folding electric bikes are a convenient and versatile mode of transportation.
- They offer space-saving solutions for storage and transport.
- Advancements in technology have made folding e-bikes more powerful and capable for various riding needs.
- Electric Bike Report provides a comprehensive list of the best folding electric bikes for different budgets.
- Consider specific features and performance to find the perfect lightweight folding electric bike for your needs.
Best Overall Folding Electric Bike: Lectric XP 3.0
The Lectric XP 3.0 is the ultimate choice for those in search of the best overall folding electric bike. With its powerful 500W motor, the bike delivers an impressive peak power of 1000 watts and 55Nm of torque. This ensures excellent performance and reliable acceleration, allowing riders to conquer various terrains with ease.
This Class 2 e-bike comes equipped with both pedal assistance and a throttle, enabling a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 mph. The Lectric XP 3.0 features a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain, ensuring smooth and precise gear shifting for a comfortable ride. The bike is powered by a 10.4Ah battery, providing a range of 25 to 50 miles on a single charge. For those seeking even greater range, upgrading to a 14Ah battery can extend the distance by an additional 15-20 miles.
Designed for versatility, the Lectric XP 3.0 is equipped with fat tires, a suspension fork, and a rear rack with a weight capacity of up to 150 lbs. These features make it suitable for off-road adventures and provide ample space for carrying cargo. While the bike weighs 65 lbs, slightly heavier than other folding e-bikes, its solid construction and reliable performance justify its value. The Lectric XP 3.0 is a top choice for riders who prioritize power, versatility, and overall performance in a folding electric bike.
Overall, the Lectric XP 3.0 stands out as the best overall folding electric bike, combining power, versatility, and reliability in one package. With its upgraded motor, impressive range, and off-road capabilities, it offers a great riding experience for both commuting and recreational purposes. Whether you’re exploring the city streets or venturing off the beaten path, the Lectric XP 3.0 is sure to exceed your expectations.
Best Bang-For-Your-Buck Folding Electric Bike: Ride1Up Portola
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly folding electric bike that doesn’t compromise on quality, look no further than the Ride1Up Portola. This compact and versatile bike offers impressive features at an affordable price, making it the best bang-for-your-buck option.
The Ride1Up Portola is equipped with a powerful 750W motor, ensuring smooth acceleration and reliable performance. With its hydraulic disc brakes and 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, you’ll experience precise control and effortless gear shifting. The 80mm front fork provides added comfort and stability, allowing you to tackle various terrains with ease.
One standout feature of the Portola is its integrated rear rack, which has a weight capacity of 130 lbs. This means you can carry additional cargo or groceries without sacrificing convenience. Whether you’re using it for daily commuting or weekend adventures, the Ride1Up Portola has you covered.
While taller riders may find the Portola slightly cramped, riders under 6′ tall will appreciate its comfortable fit. Overall, this budget-friendly folding electric bike offers exceptional value for its price point, making it the perfect choice for those looking for affordability without compromising on quality.
| Motor | Battery Range | Brakes | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750W | Up to 50 miles | Hydraulic disc brakes | 8-speed Shimano |
| Tires | Front Fork | Rear Rack | Weight Capacity |
| 20″ fat tires | 80mm suspension fork | Integrated rear rack | 130 lbs |
Best Class 2 Folding Electric Bike: Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
The Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 is the top choice for the best Class 2 folding electric bike. This versatile e-bike is equipped with a 750W motor, providing controlled acceleration and a maximum motor-assisted speed of up to 40 miles per hour. Its 14 amp-hour battery offers a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge, ensuring you can go the distance on your adventures.
The RadExpand 5 features 20″x4″ fat tires, allowing for off-road exploration on various terrains. Whether you’re cruising on sandy beaches or tackling rocky trails, these fat tires provide excellent traction and stability. The wider handlebars and reliable shifting further enhance control and stability, giving you a confident ride.
While the RadExpand 5 does not have a suspension fork, its sturdy construction ensures a smooth and reliable ride. This Class 2 folding e-bike is built to handle the demands of daily commuting or weekend excursions. Rad Power Bikes also has a reputation for excellent customer service, ensuring that you’ll have support when you need it.
Features of the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5:
- Powerful 750W motor for controlled acceleration
- Maximum motor-assisted speed of up to 40 miles per hour
- 14 amp-hour battery for a range of up to 40 miles
- 20″x4″ fat tires for off-road exploration
- Wider handlebars and reliable shifting for improved control
- Sturdy construction for a smooth and reliable ride
| Motor | Battery Range | Tire Size | Suspension Fork |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750W | Up to 40 miles | 20″x4″ | No |
The Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 offers the perfect balance of power and versatility, making it the best Class 2 folding electric bike. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or exploring off-road trails, this e-bike will deliver a reliable and enjoyable riding experience.
Best Ultra-Affordable Folding Electric Bike: Lectric XP Lite
The Lectric XP Lite is the best ultra-affordable folding electric bike option for riders on a budget. With its lightweight and compact design, the XP Lite offers portability and convenience. Whether you need to take it on public transportation or store it in a small apartment, this bike is designed to meet your needs.
Despite its affordability, the Lectric XP Lite doesn’t compromise on performance. It features a 350W motor that provides sufficient power for city commuting and casual rides. The 36V 7Ah Samsung lithium-ion battery offers a range of 30+ miles on pedal assist mode, ensuring you can go the distance without worrying about running out of power.
The Lectric XP Lite also comes equipped with a Shimano 7-speed mechanical gear system, allowing you to easily switch between gears and find the perfect level of assistance for your ride. This bike is designed to offer a smooth and enjoyable riding experience, making it a great option for riders of all skill levels.
Key Features of the Lectric XP Lite:
- Lightweight and compact design
- 350W motor for sufficient power
- 36V 7Ah Samsung lithium-ion battery with a range of 30+ miles
- Shimano 7-speed mechanical gear system for smooth shifting
Overall, the Lectric XP Lite is the best ultra-affordable folding electric bike option for riders who want a reliable and cost-effective mode of transportation. With its lightweight design and impressive features, this bike offers great value for its price point.
Best Premium Folding Electric Bike: GoCycle G4
The GoCycle G4 is the epitome of premium folding electric bikes. With its exceptional design, advanced technology, and top-notch performance, it stands out as the best option in its class. The bike features a sleek and compact frame made of carbon fiber construction, offering both durability and lightweight maneuverability. Weighing in at just 13kg, it is one of the lightest folding e-bikes on the market, making it easy to carry and store.
The GoCycle G4 sets itself apart from the competition with its innovative features and attention to detail. The EPS molding technology ensures a strong and durable frame, while the advanced double-axis locking mechanism provides secure and stable folding. The monocoque frame construction enables efficient load dispersion and a balance between lightness and resilience. It’s clear that GoCycle has spared no expense in creating a premium folding e-bike that meets international safety and performance standards.
Riders who choose the GoCycle G4 can expect a premium riding experience. The bike is equipped with cutting-edge components, including a powerful motor, reliable brakes, and a high-capacity battery. Its performance on both urban streets and off-road trails is unparalleled. The GoCycle G4 truly represents the pinnacle of folding electric bike technology and is the ultimate choice for riders looking for luxury, style, and unmatched performance.
Best Torque-Sensing Folding Electric Bike: Aventon Sinch.2
The Aventon Sinch.2 is the ultimate torque-sensing folding electric bike, designed to provide riders with an intuitive and responsive riding experience. Equipped with advanced torque-sensing technology, the Sinch.2 adjusts the motor assistance according to the rider’s pedal input, resulting in efficient power delivery and a smooth ride. This innovative feature ensures that the bike seamlessly adapts to your riding style and provides the support you need, whether you’re climbing hills or cruising on flat surfaces.
With its powerful motor and torque sensor, the Aventon Sinch.2 offers impressive performance and reliability. The bike’s motor delivers sufficient power to conquer challenging terrains and tackle steep inclines with ease. Whether you’re commuting in the city or exploring off-road trails, the Sinch.2’s torque-sensing capabilities ensure an enjoyable and effortless ride.
In addition to its exceptional performance, the Aventon Sinch.2 boasts a compact and foldable design, making it incredibly convenient for storage and transportation. You can easily fold the bike and stow it in compact spaces, such as your car trunk or office cubicle. This portability allows you to take your electric bike wherever you go, ensuring that you always have a reliable and eco-friendly mode of transportation at your disposal.
Experience the future of folding electric bikes with the Aventon Sinch.2. Its torque-sensing technology, powerful motor, and compact design make it the perfect choice for riders seeking an advanced and versatile folding e-bike.
Key Features of the Aventon Sinch.2:
- Torque-sensing technology for an intuitive riding experience
- Powerful motor for efficient power delivery
- Compact and foldable design for easy storage and transportation
- Suitable for both on-road and off-road adventures
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance
Best Modular Folding Electric Bike: Blix Vika+ Flex
The Blix Vika+ Flex is the epitome of modular design in the world of folding electric bikes. With its versatile features and customizable options, this bike offers a level of practicality and convenience that is hard to beat. Whether you need a compact mode of transportation for your daily commute or a reliable companion for your weekend adventures, the Vika+ Flex has got you covered.
One of the standout features of the Blix Vika+ Flex is its modular design. This allows you to easily customize and adapt the bike to your specific needs. Whether you need to attach a basket for shopping, add fenders for rainy weather, or install lights for nighttime rides, the Vika+ Flex can be effortlessly transformed to meet your requirements.
In addition to its modular capabilities, the Blix Vika+ Flex also offers impressive performance. With a powerful motor and efficient battery, this bike can provide a range of up to 45 miles on pedal-assist mode, making it suitable for longer rides. The compact frame and foldable handlebars make it easy to store and transport, perfect for those living in urban environments where space is limited.
With its combination of versatility, customization options, and reliable performance, the Blix Vika+ Flex is the best choice for riders looking for a modular folding electric bike. Whether you’re a city dweller or an outdoor enthusiast, this bike has everything you need to make your rides enjoyable and convenient.
“The Blix Vika+ Flex is the perfect folding electric bike for those who value customization and practicality. Its modular design allows for easy adaptation to different needs, while its powerful motor and efficient battery provide an impressive range. With the Vika+ Flex, you can truly make your bike your own and enjoy a reliable and convenient mode of transportation.”
Best Mid-Drive Folding Electric Bike: Evelo Dash
The Evelo Dash is the best mid-drive folding electric bike available. Equipped with an advanced mid-drive motor, the Dash delivers efficient power transfer and enhanced climbing abilities. With its sturdy and foldable frame, this bike is easy to carry and store, making it perfect for commuters or those with limited storage space.
The Dash features reliable components such as hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano drivetrain, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. The mid-drive motor provides a more natural riding experience by driving the bike through the chain rather than the wheel, resulting in improved power and performance.
Whether you’re navigating hilly terrains or simply looking for a powerful and compact folding e-bike, the Evelo Dash is a top choice. Its mid-drive technology, reliable performance, and easy portability make it the ideal companion for both urban commuting and weekend adventures.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor | Advanced mid-drive motor for superior power and performance |
| Frame | Sturdy and foldable frame for easy storage and transportation |
| Components | Reliable hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano drivetrain |
| Experience | Offers a natural riding experience with efficient power transfer |
The Evelo Dash is the go-to choice for riders seeking a powerful and compact mid-drive folding electric bike. With its advanced motor, foldable frame, and reliable components, this bike provides an exceptional riding experience for both urban and off-road adventures.
Experience the thrill of effortless pedaling and explore new horizons with the Evelo Dash. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a weekend getaway, this mid-drive folding e-bike is the perfect companion for all your cycling needs.
Conclusion
Lightweight folding electric bikes have revolutionized the way we commute and explore. These portable and compact e-bikes offer the perfect balance of convenience and performance. Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or venturing off-road, a folding electric bike is the ideal companion for your daily adventures.
With advancements in technology, folding e-bikes now come with powerful motors, reliable brakes, and suspension systems that can handle various terrains. They are designed to be lightweight without compromising on durability and reliability. The foldable feature allows for easy storage in tight spaces, making them an excellent choice for commuters or those with limited storage options.
Whether you need a lightweight electric bike for commuting, a portable option for your RV or boat, or a foldable electric bicycle for weekend adventures, there is a wide range of options available to suit your needs and budget. From the versatile Lectric XP 3.0 to the premium GoCycle G4, each model offers its own unique features and advantages.
When choosing a lightweight folding electric bike, consider factors such as motor power, battery range, suspension, and overall build quality. Think about how you plan to use the bike and what features are most important to you. By making an informed decision, you can find the perfect lightweight folding electric bike that will enhance your daily commute and bring joy to your outdoor excursions.
FAQ
What is a folding electric bike?
A folding electric bike is a type of electric bicycle that is designed to fold into a compact size for easy storage and transportation. It combines the convenience of a folding bike with the power and assistance of an electric motor.
Why would I choose a folding electric bike over a regular electric bike?
Folding electric bikes offer the added benefit of being portable and space-saving. They are ideal for commuters or those who have limited storage space. Additionally, folding e-bikes can be easily transported in a car or on public transportation.
Are folding electric bikes as powerful as regular electric bikes?
Yes, folding electric bikes can be just as powerful as regular electric bikes. They are equipped with motors that provide assistance while pedaling, allowing riders to tackle hills and long distances with ease.
How far can I ride on a single charge with a folding electric bike?
The range of a folding electric bike depends on various factors such as the battery capacity, terrain, rider weight, and level of motor assistance. Most folding e-bikes offer a range of 20 to 50 miles on a single charge.
Are folding electric bikes suitable for off-road riding?
Yes, many folding electric bikes come with features like fat tires, suspension forks, and sturdy frames that make them suitable for off-road riding. These bikes can handle various terrains and provide a smooth and stable ride.
Can I use a folding electric bike in pedal-only mode?
Yes, folding electric bikes can be used in pedal-only mode without engaging the motor assistance. This allows riders to get exercise and conserve battery power when desired.
How long does it take to charge the battery of a folding electric bike?
The charging time for the battery of a folding electric bike can vary depending on the battery capacity and charger specifications. On average, it takes around 4 to 6 hours to fully charge a folding e-bike battery.
Are folding electric bikes suitable for riders of all heights?
Most folding electric bikes are designed to accommodate riders of various heights. However, it’s important to check the specific sizing information provided by the manufacturer to ensure a comfortable fit.
Can I carry cargo on a folding electric bike?
Many folding electric bikes come with cargo racks or have the option to attach cargo accessories. These racks can typically carry weights ranging from 130 to 150 lbs, depending on the specific model.
Are folding electric bikes legal to ride on public roads?
The legality of riding a folding electric bike on public roads varies by location. In general, folding e-bikes that meet certain speed and power limits are classified as bicycles and can be ridden in bike lanes and on roads where bicycles are allowed. It’s important to check local laws and regulations regarding electric bikes before riding.