The table below our top results for:
Best Folding E-Bikes
You can use the filter on the left (or above if you're on mobile) to narrow down the results even further.
Each score is calculated by combining our professional review rating with user reviews, for a final score out of 100. You can read more about how we calculate our scores here.
If you own any of the e-bikes in this review, feel free to leave a user rating by following the link to the bike's in depth review.
People look at folding bikes and marvel at the new cycling invention that they are; what they don’t know is that folding bikes have been with us since the late stages of the 19th Century! They are the brainchild of Emmit G Latta; an American inventor who wanted to create an alternative transportation tool. According to one of the several patents he filed in 1887, he described his folding bike as a safe, sturdy, and serviceable machine that can easily be steered and requires minimal storage space.
"A folding bicycle is originally designed to fold into a compact form, facilitating transport and storage."
Folding E-Bikes Rising Popularity: Folding bikes have come a long way ever since their launch in the 1890s. The funny thing is that they were initially created for the military, owing to their convenience and overall efficiency. They were even used by paratroopers jumping out fighter planes in the Second World War; no kidding! Today, folding bikes continue to grow in popularity and application across the globe; from ordinary people with day jobs commuting to work to adventurers and campers looking to explore the open spaces.
Go-to for the military: Before they became the revolutionary mode of public transportation that we see everywhere on the streets today, folding bikes were initially a reserve for the army. It started in the 1890s when the French Army took a keen interest in using folding bicycles for different military purposes. Soon after that, the British Army was the next to join the bandwagon and in 1900, Mikael Pedersen developed the first British folding bike. In the following years, multiple countries embraced the idea, and folding bikes became a mainstay in the barracks.
Nowadays, folding bikes come in different designs for different purposes. People like them for their overall ease-of-use and practicality, which allows you to take them almost anywhere. Whether you are looking for a sleek and retro-inspired folding bike or something more contemporary with the latest innovative features, there is a model out there to suit your style and bring out your personality.
Tired of commuting with your car? Over the last ten years, electric bikes have posed an intriguing alternative to those with short-medium distance commutes. Folding electric bikes add a few further benefits to the equation.
You can take them everywhere,
Plus, you don't have to fret about your bike getting stolen!
You probably know all about the benefits already, so let's just jump straight into the best foldable electric bikes that money can buy in 2024.
Let's get started with the detailed reviews. We decided to categorize the folding e-bikes in two separate sections:
- The budget (folding e-bikes under 1000 dollars) section contains our value for money picks, which are available directly from Amazon.
- The higher end folding e-bikes are available from specialist bike stores, but can also be purchased online
- Best Budget Folding E-Bikes
- Aventon Sinch Step-Through (updated)
- Ancheer - (250 W)
- SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB-5
- Best Folding Electric Bikes
- RadPower – Expand 5
- Addmotor Foldtan M-140 (new for 2024)
- EMOJO Lynx 500W
The Best Budget Folding E-bikes
1. Aventon Sinch e-bike
Best step through folding off-road choice
Specifications & Electronics
- Motor: 500W, 48V Brushless Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: Lithium-Ion 48V, 14Ah (672Wh)
- Range: 40 Miles
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Bike Weight: 68lbs
- Charging Time: 4-5 hours
- Wheels: 20" X 4"
- Price: $1,499.00
The last model on our budget list is the Aventon Sinch step-through foldable electric bike. Don't let the price tag fool you here, as there are quite a few distinctive features that make this e-bike a great choice.
The Sinch offers the unbridled joy of cruising around on ridiculously large tires - yet it doesn’t sacrifice the ride and build quality. This makes it one of the best e-bikes you can buy in this price range.
The frame is on a whole other level compared to the competition in the same price range. It’s built out of 6061 hydroformed aluminum. The frame design is incredibly striking with bold, strong lines.The frame has a step-through design, meaning that the rider can step his leg through without having to clear the middle section of the frame.
Just like with all Aventon bikes, the welding on the frame is otherworldly. I have yet to see e-bikes in this price range with welds so smooth and seamless. The frame almost looks like it was cast rather than welded together.
This bike features a 500-watt (750 watts peak) geared rear hub motor that provides assistance up to 20 MPH with pedal assist and/or throttle.
The motor provides a decent range of riding performance from easy going up to quick and powerful thanks to five levels of pedal assist and the throttle.
Good fat-tire folding e-bike, if you like smaller diameter wheels. Has a very powerful engine.
The Aventon SInch is powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion 48V battery rated at 672Wh. Just like all batteries from Aventon this one also features Samsung cells, so you don’t have to worry about the dying out any time soon.
When it comes to range, on a full charge you can ride for up to 71 miles. That is if you use only the first level of pedal assistance. Realistically, you will be able to ride for around 40 miles on one charge.
The Sinch is a class II step-through electric bike. This means it can reach a top speed of 20 MPH on the pedal assist and it features Tektro MD 810 mechanical disc brakes with 180 mm rotors. You won’t have any trouble coming to a full stop in just a couple of feet.
This bike comes with oversized Kenda Krusade tires. These tires are puncture-resistant, which means you can go full ham on just about any type of terrain.
The only issue I have with the bike (as with all folding e-bikes) is that the smaller wheels can make you feel a bit insecure as a grown man. I don't want people on the street to think I'm riding my son's trick bike to work every day. But that's my problem not yours, as I'm just a bit insecure like that!
The Aventon Sinch is one of the most fun e-bikes to ride on the market. On top of that, it’s the only foldable fat-tire e-bike that features a fully integrated battery.
Aventon Sinch Folding Electric Bike
2. Ancheer Folding Electric Bike
Best Folding Budget Pick with 250W Motor
Specifications & Electronics
- Motor: It has a 250W rear hub motor
- Battery: Comes with a 288Wh battery
- Range: 15-17 Miles
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
- Weight of bike: Around 33 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: dg Length 84cm and height 62cm
- Price: $749,00
Ancheer has grown to become a dominant force in the E-biking industry.
While rivals like Gaint and Trek carved out their spot as the preferred manufacturers for big ticket ebikes (think $3000+ for the best e-bikes like the Trek Powefly 5+), they left a big hole in the budget e-biking market.
Over the last 5 years, Ancheer as siezed this opportunity and once again came out with an affordable, high quality winner with their Folding Mountain Bike.
We took an in-depth look at Ancheer's folding e-bike so keep reading!
It sports a lightweight aluminum frame, shock absorbers on the front fork, as well as on the rear frame, and a 250 W motor which makes the bike street legal in both the US and EU.
The 36V 8AH battery will get you 15 miles (25 km) if you just let the engine do all the work, and around 30 miles (50 km) with full pedal assist.
As with any bike worth it salt, it comes with a Shimano pro transmission system.
Ancheer opted to go for the 21 speed system, which we considered to be overkill for an e-bike, but whatever, more gears never hurt nobody!
In the end, no matter which version you choose to get, you will get that feeling of superiority as you cruise up a hill with the wind in your hair, looking disdainfully at the poor regular bikers sweating it out. Plus you can laugh under your breath at the other e-bikers who paid $2000-$4000 when they could have gotten an Ancheer instead!
Ancheer Folding Electric Bike
3. Swagtron EB-5
Best Lightweight folding e-bike
Specifications & Electronics
- Motor: 250W Rear hub motor
- Battery: 270Wh battery
- Range: 15.5 Miles
- Weight Capacity: 264 lbs.
- Bike Weight: 37 lbs
- Charging Time: 4-5 hrs
- Wheels: 14 Inch wheel
- Price: $379,99
We now get to the small but capable Swagtron EB-5. The EB-5 has gained popularity as an e-bike for children and teens from a company named Swagtron. It packs an impressive 250-watt motor, with this bicycle can travel on slopes up to 25° with incredible ease. The maximum speed of this bicycle is 15 mph or 25 km/h.
The EB-5 comes equipped with a removable lithium ion battery that will last you around 26 km (15.5 miles). As with a number of other electric bicycles, you can opt to pedal manually, use the engine without pedaling, or combine the two using pedal assist mode.
This bike includes 3-inch tires that are mounted to 14-inch rims, which gives your children maximum grip and a smooth ride.
Tiny but capable folding e-bike. Our No.1 choice for kids
Finally, although the bike may look small, it's not just intended for adults, don't just take my word for it though, have a look at the max rated weight of the bike...
"The EB-5’s foldable bike frame can accommodate riders up to 264 pounds"
To learn more about it's features, range and capability, take a look at our in-depth review of this folding bike.
Or you can check our video review:
Swagtron EB-5 E-Bike (250 W)
The Best Foldable E-Bikes in 2024
1. Rad Power Expand 5
Our Overall Winner - top folding e-bike
Specifications & Electronics
- Motor: 750W Rear hub motor
- Battery: 672Wh battery
- Range: 25 - 45 Miles
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Bike Weight: 62.5 lbs
- Charging Time: 4-5 hrs
- Wheels: 14 Inch wheel
- Price: $1,649.00
The Rad Power Expand 5 is the next iteration of the RadMini - a fun little bike perfect for daily commuting and weekend offroad fun. The Expand 5 doesn’t just improve on all aspects of the RadMini and more.
The Expand 5 features a lightweight 6061 aluminum frame with a step-through design. This means you won’t have trouble getting on or off of this bike. This is not where ergonomics end. This foldable e-bike also features adjustable handlebars, allowing you to find the perfect sitting position no matter how tall.
Another cool thing about the Expand 5’s frame is its folding mechanism. Everything is held together with a sturdy steel buckle. Although the entire buckle is secured with a single latch, the mechanism is incredibly sturdy and won’t accidentally unbuckle.
When it comes to the motor - this folding e-bike is a beast. It features a 750-watt rear hub motor that generates a lot of torque. This means you’ll be able to reach the top speed of 20 miles per hour in a matter of seconds.
Since the motor is so torquey, I recommend you be careful when riding over rough terrain. The bike will start sliding if you crank the throttle to the max.
The motor controls are dead simple. There’s an LCD screen on the left-hand side of the handlebars that shows you all the relevant information, such as battery level, speed, and pedal assist level. There are dedicated buttons for selecting the pedal assist level and a thumb throttle on the right-hand side of the handlebars.
The 672 Wh battery provides quite a lot of range while commuting - nearly 45 miles. The range gets halved while riding on rough terrain, but that should be expected since the motor has to work twice as hard.
The only strike against this bike is its weight. The Expand 5 weighs almost 63 pounds, which makes carrying and storing it a real chore.
Rad Power Expand 5 - Editor's Budget Pick
2. Addmotor Foldtan M-140
Best Long Range folding e-bike choice
Specifications & Electronics
- Motor: 750W Rear Hub Brushless
- Battery: 48V 20Ah Lithium, Samsung Cells
- Frame: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
- Range: 55 to 65 Miles
- Weight Capacity: 280 lbs
- Bike Weight: 73 lbs (with battery)
- Charging Time: 8 to 10 hrs
- Wheels: 20” x 4” Kenda
- Price: $1,699.00
Most newer fat tire foldable e-bikes have a difficult time adjusting to the competitions, which usually results in them being pushed to the back of the line. However, the Foldtan M-140 is impossible to miss when browsing for foldable electric bikes.
With 6 unique color combinations, the Addmotor found an extravagant yet appealing feature that drastically differs from the rest of the competition, as people that are interested in the Foldtan M-140 have the options to pick from any of the funky colors, such as the Estate Blue or the Army Green.
Regardless of the color combination - every single unit comes packed with the 750W brushless rear-mounted hub motor that comes in handy whenever you find yourself in a sticky situation, needing to overcome steep hills or other rough terrains.
Don’t be fooled by the bright colors - most of the budget for creating this unit is well distributed to the main components - the motor won’t fail you even in the toughest situations.
The same can be said for the battery, which features Samsung Lithium cells inside a rechargeable and detachable battery pack.
Compared to its predecessor 17.5Ah, the 20Ah offers considerably more battery life on the go, but the requirement for charging it for approximately 8 to 10 hours isn’t neglectable. Please do remember that when you decide to go on a ride, it currently can’t be bypassed by any means.
Additionally, the manufacturers stated that the battery offers well over 100 miles of range in PAS 1, but during all of our test runs, there wasn’t a single time that the 65-mile range was pushed above.
On average, depending on your weight and load, you’ll be looking for anywhere between 55 to 65 miles of range, which is still a phenomenal feat, even in the PAS 1.
An exceptionally appealing fat-tired electric bike that offers its customers a wide range of customization when it comes to color, all while maintaining the golden standard for power, safety, and durability.
With an anti-slip cover and inner tube protector, the 20” x 4” Kenda fat tires provide elevated levels of comfort during your riding sessions, regardless of how rough the terrain might be.
Lastly, the Foldtan M-140 can be safely folded in a matter of seconds, which speaks volumes when you need to transport it with a car or when you need to put it away somewhere inside your house.
Addmotor Foldtan M-140
3. EMOJO Lynx 500W
Most Comfortable Foldable E-bike Choice
Specifications & Electronics
- Motor: 48V 500-Watt
- Battery: 36v 10.4ah
- Range: 30 Miles
- Weight Capacity: 230 lbs
- Bike Weight: 55 lbs
- Charging Time: 4-6 hrs
- Wheels: 20 Inches
- Folded Dimensions: 39 L x 18 W x 26
- Price: 1,799.00
The new Lynx Pro Sport foldable e-bike from EMOJO will provide a comfortable and smooth ride on city roads, but still claim's to be capable on snowy and rocky trails, as well on dusty wild paths deep in the woods. We found that to be mostly true when testing this e-bike.
Hill climbing was no issue with this foldable e-bike since it features a powerful 48V 500-watt brushless hub motor paired with a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum alloy frame.
The max speed you can achieve with this e-bike is 20 mph or 32km/h, which is not bad at all. You can be sure that the battery won’t run out on you since it’s equipped with a lithium-ion battery that will last for approximately 30 miles (50km). In case you do run out of battery, you will be able to charge it fully in 4 to 6 hours.
This model sports a 7-speed Shimano transmission system. This easy-to-control gearing, paired with a powerful hub motor will deliver a mighty boost which I am sure you will know how to appreciate if you live in a hilly area. The aluminum wheels are equipped with fat on-road tires (20 inches in diameter 4 inch in width) and a Dual Tektro disc brakes for safe accident-free cruising. Lynx Pro Sport e-bikes can withstand riders up to 230 pounds.
Surprisingly lightweight, compact when folded and durable, the best folding e-bike currently on the market
This folding electric bike is packed with many convenient features, and one of them is LCD with 5 level PAS (pedal assist). The good news is that you will still have some light exercise while enjoying a ride on this fantastic folding electric bike. Some other features worth mentioning are odometer, speedometer, trip time, and metal fenders.
It is not very common among e-bikes to come equipped with a rear rack. Anyhow, this awesome model is equipped with a removable rear rack that allows you to transport your cargo effortlessly. This feature only confirms how versatile the Lynx Pro Sport is.
If you are looking for a lightweight and compact yet durable e-bike with a powerful hub motor, this model can easily be proclaimed as one of the best folding electric bikes available on the market at this moment.
EMOJO Lynx 500W
FAQ
Q1. What is the best folding electric bike for the money?
E-bikes are quite expensive, so finding the model that offers great performance for a reasonable price can be a gruesome task. But we did not say it is impossible. We present to you one of the most affordable models on the market nowadays, the Rad Power Expand 5. It sports a potent hub motor and sturdy adjustable design so it can be used by kids as well as adults.
Q2. What is the lightest folding electric bike?
The world’s lightest folding electric bike is called "The One" and weighs in at a paltry 12.5kg. A product of the Swiss manufacturer United City Bikes, this bike features a single tube frame, scaled-down 16” wheels, a 250-watt hub motor that weighs just 2kg. Every component of this unit is designed to minimize the overall weight of the folding bike.
Q3. Is it worth getting a folding bike?
A folding bike is totally worth it! It is a practical transportation tool that you can use for your daily commute to avoid the morning traffic and chaos in the subway. This ensures that you get to work on time with your high spirits still intact. The collapsible design of the bike allows you to conveniently fold it into a compact size and carry it into the office building.
If you stay closer to work and the road to the office is relatively flat, then a folding bike will be a useful acquisition in the ideal weather conditions. However, if you have to climb a long and hilly road to get to work and it rains heavily in your area, then you might want to reconsider getting a folding bike.
Q4. Do folding bikes break easily?
Folding bikes are uniquely crafted to serve a specific purpose - that of portability. However, this convenience comes at the cost of durability: their frames tend to be inherently weaker than those used in regular cycles due to integrated jointed hinges and welds which weaken structural integrity over time.
As such, folding bicycles will inevitably succumb faster under consistent force or pressure; it's physics!
Brands may differ but when comparing for longevity there is no substitute for rigid bike frames made from quality materials built with traditional design principles.
Also, the welding required on these joints further weakens the metals; so, the more joints you have on a bike, the more points of weakness!
Q5. Are electric folding bikes durable?
The general belief is that folding bikes don’t last, and this is usually credited to the joints and hinges on its frames. However, manufacturers are working hard to ensure that this is not always true. High-quality folding bike frames are designed to last by employing sturdier frame materials with reinforced joints and hinges.
The load on the hinges and joints is also reduced in the design, making for increased durability while preventing easy breaking of the frame. This is why you will find folding bikes that last longer than some of their regular counterparts.
Q6. Is it hard to ride an electric folding bike?
Riding an electric bike is no different from riding a regular bike. The only difference is that e-folding bikes are significantly heavier than their ordinary peers. However, the fact that you get an electric motor to help you propel the bike simplifies the riding process.
If you know how to ride a bike, it gets even easier when you get on an electric bike. A lot of the pedaling effort is reduced, so you can shift most of your focus to the handling. The only problem comes when you run out of battery power in the middle of the trail. Here, riding an electric folding bike becomes a nightmare!
Q7. Are foldable e-bikes safe?
While there is always a certain level of risk with any kind of physical activity you engage in, riding a foldable e-bike is safer than many other modes of transportation. If you’re riding the bike on a public road, there is nothing to worry about as long as you abide by the laid-out traffic rules and road safety regulations.
The biggest concern with electric bikes comes in the form of its battery, particularly lead and lithium-ion varieties. Shipping and disposing of these components require a great deal of care and caution.
Q8. How much weight can a folding e-bike support?
The total weight that an e-bike can support will depend on the strength of the material used to manufacture the frame. Overall, most folding e-bikes are built to accommodate weights of up to 250lbs, which sufficiently caters to the needs of an average rider. However, some are designed with super-strong frames to withstand greater weights beyond 350lbs.
Q9. Which is the best folding e-bike to buy?
Considering all the facts, it's very hard to decide which e-bike is the best one to buy. We would single out the Rad Power Expand 5 as the winner since it offers a versatile use while the Addmotor Foldtan M-140 is more for the long range ride.
Best Folding E-bike
Boasting amazing high-end specs the Rad Power Expand 5 is our no.1 pick. You get the ride quality of a road bike, along with the practicality that only a folding e-bike gives you.
Best On A Tight Budget
The budget award goes to the Swagtron EB-5 To be able to get a foldable electric bike for around $500 is a steal!
Interesting Option
The Aventon Sinch takes the cake as the most capable off-road folding e-bike in this review. We definitely recommend this for those looking for something small and rugged.
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Last update on 2024-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API