Most of the best folding electric bikes come with an inbuilt motor for propulsion and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You can choose to ride the bike like a normal bike using the pedals or with the motor. But there are so many choices, that it can be difficult to choose the best folding electric bike.
In this guide, we take a look at some of the best electric folding bikes to help you choose the best one. But let’s begin with whether you should buy an electric bike at all.
>> Don’t Miss:
- Fastest Electric Bike: Our Top 5 Picks Reviewed in 2024
- Aventon Sinch Fat Folding Electric Bike Review 2024
- 15 Best BMX Bikes for Kids and Adults in 2024
- Best Electric Dirt Bike in 2024: Top 10 Picks by Experts
- 14 Best Ebikes Under $2000 in 2024
- 10 Best Electric Bikes Under $1000
Table of Contents
Are Folding Electric Bikes Any Good?
There are a lot of misconceptions about electric folding bikes and it can be difficult to decide if they are any good. The following are some of these misconceptions and why they may not be true;
Electric Bikes Are Heavy
The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that comes with the electric bike may add some extra weight. But as to whether this added weight can make a battery heavy, this is a subjective opinion. However, it is worth noting that the motor components can add between 15-40 pounds depending on the model. While the weight will not affect the way you ride the bike, you may feel the extra weight when climbing a hill or when on an incline.
Folding Bikes Can Break Easily
It is easy to see why someone would think that a folding bike is not durable. After all, it has folds, hinges, and joints. These parts may seem like they can break easily, but again, this will depend on the model. Most electric bike manufacturers take extra time to make sure that these especially vulnerable parts of the bike are made of very strong materials.
Because of this extra care, folding bikes are likely to last longer than most road bikes. But keep in mind that you will get what you pay for. So, a much cheaper folding bike may not be as durable as an expensive folding bike.
Folding Bikes Are Expensive
Most people think that the extra motor on the bike will increase the cost of the bike. But there are folding bikes that are relatively cheaper than some mountain bikes. The key to finding an affordable electric bike is research. A good folding bike is between $450 and $1000.
The Electric Motor Should Not Be Exposed to Rain or Snow
The manufacturers of electric folding bikes know that sometimes the bike will be outside in the rain or snow. Therefore, the battery pack on most folding bikes is often enclosed in a protective case that is meant to keep water out. Your bike will therefore be safe in the rain or snow.
Best Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike –RadMini 4
Our best Folding Fat Tire electric bike is the RadMini 4. RadMini 4 is a striking bike that is designed to get your attention. It is also relatively priced, making it not just affordable but a great first bike. To determine how valuable, it would be for you on the road, let’s take a look at its technical specs.
Tech Specs:
| Weight | 8.7lbs |
| Frame | Aluminum Alloy |
| Motor | RadMini Specific 750W Rear Mounted, Geared Hub |
| Battery | 672 Wh Samsung 18650 35E 3500mAH |
| Maximum Speed | 20mph |
| Range | 25-45 miles |
| Tire Size | 20’’ x 3.3 |
Key Features:
- The aluminum alloy frame is both very strong and light. It also comes with a telescoping handlebar that is adjustable to suit your body shape.
- The Engine is sufficient enough to achieve top speeds of 20mph even when on an incline. But it will only be powerful when you start the bike on a flat surface.
- The Samsung Lithium-ion battery that you get on this bike’s battery pack is of the highest quality and comes with a one-year warranty. Once fully charged, the battery can last for up to 75 km before you need to charge it again. It will however take up to 6 hours for the battery to charge in full.
- The RadMini uses 180mm Tekra mechanical disc brakes. They work very well, but you may find that you need to pull harder than you would if the bike used hydraulic brakes.
- The tires have a 3.3-inch Kenda K-Shield to give you that extra smooth ride. The thickness is also meant to protect the tires from damage even when you ride over the glass, thorns, and other debris.
Why We Like It:
- A nice foldable design.
- Protected puncture-resistant tires.
- A battery pack that offers a long ride at full capacity.
- A very bright headlight.
- A large backlit display.
Best Electric Folding Bike Lightweight – Ancheer Folding City Commuter Electric Bike
If you are looking for a bike that is lightweight and affordable, we recommend the Ancheer Folding City Commuter Electric Bike. This is a small, compact bike that will arrive already pre-assembled. All you have to do once you unbox it is, fold the main steering stem, screw on the pedals, fill up the tires and you’re good to go.
Tech Specs:
| Weight | 27 pounds |
| Motor | 350-watt motor |
| Battery | 6Ah battery |
| Maximum Rider Weight | 265 pounds |
| Range | 12-15 miles |
| Frame Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Wheel size | 20 inches |
Key Features:
- This bike comes with a lightweight aluminum alloy collapsible frame that is suitable for quick folding and easy storage.
- It also has full front and rear disc brakes that fully protect your safety. The front brakes are made of very strong carbon steel and an additional layer of premium comfort shock absorption.
- The Lithium-ion battery that it comes with is removable and comes with an Easy Charge Port system. Once fully charged, the bike can go up to 25-50 km.
- The 250w high-speed brushless motors, allow you to travel at more than 15 mph.
- It is also water-resistant.
Why We Like It:
- It is reasonably priced.
- A range of almost 20 miles on a full charge.
- The battery is removable and can be changed remotely.
- It is very easy to assemble.
- A water-resistant battery that works even when soaked or after flooding.
Best Folding Electric Mountain Bike – Ancheer Folding Electric Mountain Bike
If you are looking for a bike that will take you further in terms of the various types of terrain that it can handle, we recommend the Ancheer Folding Electric Mountain Bike. As the name suggests, this is a mountain back with an electric battery pack for the extra punch.
Tech Specs:
| Frame | Aluminum Alloy |
| Brakes | Dual disc brakes |
| Range | 31 miles (assisted mode) or 15.5 miles (electric mode) |
| Additional Features | LED lights and Horn |
| Wheel size | 26 inches |
| Battery | 36V 8Ah 288 Wh |
| Weight | 60lb (27 kg) |
| Load Capacity | 330lb (150 kg) |
Key Features:
- It works very well in an off-road environment although it will offer a smoother ride on a road.
- It comes with dual disc brakes that can stop the bike even at top speeds.
- The wheels are larger than most other similar bikes and they are durable.
- A top speed of 15 mph on the electric mode.
What We Like It:
- The bike’s design is both practical and easy on the eyes.
- It will work very well in an off-road environment.
- The aluminum frame makes it one of the more durable electric bikes on the market.
Best Folding Electric Bike Under $1000 – Speedrid Folding Electric Bike
If you want a reliable bike that won’t cost you more than $1000, we recommend the Speedrid Folding Electric Bike. One of the main benefits of this bike is that it has a top speed of 25mph with a dual-brake system for those times when you need to stop very quickly.
Tech Specs:
| Motor | 36V/250W |
| Battery | 12.5aH |
| Frame | Aluminum alloy |
| Meter | LED 3-speed level |
| Fork | Aluminum fork (high strength) |
| Rims | Aluminum rims (double-walled) |
Key Features:
- This bike has a carbon steel frame that promises strength and durability. The double-layer aluminum alloy reinforces the bike’s strength. But it is worth noting that the extra strength comes at a cost. It makes the bike weigh over 59lbs.
- It has a top speed of 24mph and the brushless 500W motor promises up to 6 different speeds.
- If you are using the pedals, it also has a top range of 22 miles per charge. But if you allow the motor to do the work, it has a range of 15 miles.
- It has a locking mechanism on the folding frame to keep the frame from falling apart while you ride the bike.
- The dual-braking system will also ensure that you remain safe while riding the bike.
Why We Like It:
- 24mph top speed.
- A powerful 500W brushless motor.
- Front and rear disk brakes.
- A durable frame.
How Do I Choose a Folding Electric Bike?
As you can see from the three bikes we’ve reviewed above, electric bikes come in different sizes and shapes, and at varying price points. If you are unsure of the bike that you should purchase, the following are just some of the considerations to keep in mind;
- The first thing you want to pay attention to is the compactness of the folding bike. If you choose bile with relatively smaller wheels, keep in mind that the manufacturer will often lessen the weight of the wheels as a way to reduce the overall weight of the bike.
- You also don’t want to compromise on the range of the bike. So, we recommend checking the range in comparison to the battery size and how long it to charge the battery.
- Most people don’t think about this, but you also want to check how the bike performs on an incline. This is particularly important when you intend to ride the bike in hilly conditions.
- Finally, look at the price in comparison to the range that the bike will give you and other features. For example, if one bike has puncture-resistant tires, but it costs $200 more than another one that doesn’t have puncture-resistant tires, it would be better to go with the more expensive one.
We hope that all the information above will help you choose the best electric folding bike for you. Keeping all the considerations above in mind, the process of choosing the right bike for your particular circumstances should be much simpler.
>> Check here to learn more posts on the best electric bikes.
