Folding electric bikes are all the buzz but don’t be fooled, it’s not a passing craze, they are here to stay. Market analysts believe that the foldable electric bikes industry is set to grow well into 2024.
So what is all the hype about? Well, thanks to the latest in cutting-edge technology, folding e-bikes are making daily commutes more convenient than ever. A foldable electric bike has the added benefit of compactness, meaning you can take it with you anywhere, even your office cubicle.
Not only does that decrease the chances of it getting stolen, but it’s also great for transporting, like when the weather suddenly changes and you’re forced to take a bus back home. But with so many different foldable electric bikes on the market, choosing the best folding electric bike for you can be challenging.
We’re here to help with this comprehensive electric folding bike review, where we’ll talk about our top picks for the best folding electric bike!
Features to Look For Before Buying a Folding Electric Bike
You can’t deny the convenience of a folding electric bike, but with so many specifications to factor in, it can be tough to figure out what the best folding electric bike is for you. First, ask yourself: Where will you be using your e-bike the most? Are you more of an urban commuter or is mountain biking more your thing? What is your budget? Will you be carrying it around a lot? How long do you ride on average?
Here are the things you should consider before bringing out your wallet.
Battery
One of the first things to factor in is the battery range of the folding e-bike. Make sure you know the distances that you’ll want to cycle, then check to see that the stated range is higher. The stated range is calculated in ideal conditions so calculate for a lower number.
The placement of the battery also has an impact on how it will perform. Batteries are most commonly placed above the rear wheel or on the middle of the bike on the main frame. If it’s on the main frame the extra weight will be distributed more evenly causing the bike to handle better, but if it’s above the rear wheel, removing it is so much easier.
Weight
On the whole, folding electric bikes have a lower weight limit than the average bike. That’s why it’s important to know ahead of time that the e-bike can handle the combined weight of yourself and your luggage.
Also, understand that even the most lightweight foldable electric bike isn’t always easy to carry around, so take that into consideration too!
Pedal Assist/Throttle Assist
If you want to continue getting fitness benefits from cycling, you should opt for pedal assist folding e-bikes, as you still need to pedal them to make them move. Throttle assist e-bikes are more suited to those who want the bike to do all the work, like when you’re commuting to work and don’t intend on arriving a hot sweaty mess. Many e-bikes offer both options!
Our Top Picks
1. Polarna M4 Electric Bike for Adults
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 8-speed transmission | ❌ Limited battery capacity |
| ✔️ Front and rear LED headlight and tail/brake light | ❌ Heavy |
| ✔️ Sturdy | |
| ✔️ Full suspension |
Specifications
- Motor: 750W rear hub motor
- Top Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Battery: 48V 12.8Ah (614 Wh)
- Weight: 68 lb (31 kg)
- Wheels: 29 x 4 inches
- Brakes: Logan hydraulic disc brakes
- Suspension: Front and rear
Compared to many foldable electric bikes of this caliber, the Polarna M4 offers a fun off-roading experience at a much more affordable price. If you enjoy riding on trails and taking rides on adventurous paths then this might be the fat tire folding electric bike for you! Versatile and sturdy, this e-bike can handle pretty much any terrain, reach speeds of almost 30 mph, and has a bright color LCD display to boot.
The full suspension is really the golden feature, helping you reach higher speeds on bumpy turf without risking injury or sacrificing comfort. This foldable electric bike also includes hydraulic disc brakes, bumping the quality up a notch despite the low price.
At a whopping 68 lbs, it’s certainly not light, but it makes up for it in utility with commuter-friendly accessories like racks and fenders.
2. Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Bike
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Lightweight | ❌ No pedals |
| ✔️ Built-in Carrying Handle | ❌ No suspension |
| ✔️ Affordable | ❌ Slower speeds |
Specifications
- Motor: 250W hub motor
- Top Speed: 15 mph (24 km/h)
- Range: Up to 17 miles (27 km)
- Battery: 36V, 5.2Ah (187 Wh)
- Weight: 34 lb (15 kg)
- Wheels: 12 inches
- Brakes: Rear disc brake
This cheap folding electric bike is perfect for commuters in the city or for students trying to zip around their college campus. It doesn’t offer much in terms of speed and range, but it’s great for short commutes to the bus/train station or the office.
It’s easy to carry around and board on public transportation and is the lightest folding electric bike on our list!
This compact folding electric bike doesn’t have any pedals though, so when you run out of juice, you’re going to have to rely on good old-fashioned walking. It’s still an extremely affordable and great option for those who want to test the waters without having to make any huge investments.
Further information
3. VIVI 26 Folding Electric Mountain Bike
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 21-speed transmission system | ❌ Not suitable for uphill riding |
| ✔️ LED headlight | ❌ Difficult to assemble |
| ✔️ LED smart meter | ❌ No tail lights |
Specifications
- Motor: 350W high-speed brushless gear motors
- Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 40 miles (80 km)
- Battery: 36V, 8Ah (288 Wh)
- Weight: 60 lb (27 kg)
- Wheels: 26 inches
- Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes
The VIVI 26 is a sturdy, well-built foldable electric mountain bike that’s suitable for difficult terrain.
You can ride it as a standard pedal bike or use 3 power-assist modes (low, medium, and high). Pro tip: the higher the assist mode, the shorter your bike will last you. This is a great entry-level electric foldable mountain bike, equipped with full suspension and disc brakes for smooth riding no matter how rugged the trail.
As an added bonus, this electric folding mountain bike has a load capacity of around 330 lbs (150 kg)!
4. ANCHEER 26 Folding Electric Bike for Adults
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Strong build | ❌ No fenders |
| ✔️ Comfortable | ❌ Heavy |
| ✔️ Dual riding mode | ❌ Difficult to assemble |
| ✔️ LED headlight |
Specifications
- Motor: 250W high-speed brushless gear motors
- Top Speed: 15 mph (25 km/h)
- Range: Up to 30 miles (48 km)
- Battery: 36V, 8Ah (288 Wh)
- Weight: 60 lb (27 kg)
- Wheels: 26 inch Lithium tires
- Brakes: Dual mechanical disc brakes
Perfect for either commuting or tackling the mountain range, the ANCHEER 26-inch foldable electric bike has everything you need including a 21-speed professional transmission system, full suspension, and dual disc brakes!
You can either use the pedals with assist mode or go full-on electric using the twist throttle. This versatile e-bike offers the perfect balance of getting to where you need to go quickly and staying fit without putting too much strain on your joints.
It also ensures your safety with a bright LED headlight and a loud horn, excellent for riding in low-light environments. This foldable electric bike doesn’t come with fenders though, which might make riding in wet and muddy conditions a bit messy.
5. HITWAY Electric Folding Bike for Adults
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Lightweight | ❌ Only front-wheel suspension system |
| ✔️ Portable | ❌ Limited rider height range |
| ✔️ LED headlight and taillight |
Specifications
- Motor: 250W
- Top Speed: 15 mph (25 km/h)
- Range: Up to 25 miles (40 km)
- Battery: 36V, 7.5Ah (270 Wh)
- Weight: 49.6 lb (22.5 kg)
- Wheels: 16 inches
- Brakes: Dual disc brakes
Another great option for a foldable electric bike for adults is the HITWAY.
You can use the pedals to ride it old school when you feel like getting a bit of exercise in, or if your battery drains out. This e-bike is activated like a moped with a lock and key, adding that extra layer of safety.
Speaking of safety, this foldable electric bike has powerful LED headlights both at the front and the back, helping you to see and be seen when on the road. It is a particularly good option for those who plan to take their new e-bike on commutes.
6. ECOTRIC Electric Folding Bike
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Powerful motor | ❌ No rear light |
| ✔️ LED display | ❌ Difficult to ride without pedal assist |
| ✔️ Easy to assemble | ❌ Poor suspension |
| ✔️ 7 different speeds |
Specifications
- Motor: 500W gear motor
- Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 20 miles (32 km)
- Battery: 36V, 12.5 Ah (450 Wh)
- Weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
- Wheels: 20 x 4 inches
- Brakes: Dual mechanical disc brakes
Considering the price point, you’ll be getting a powerful 500W brushless motor with an ECOTERIC folding electric mountain bike.
It might not be the fastest folding electric bike on the market, but it sure packs the kind of punch that would normally be reserved for more expensive models. And despite its power, the motor is surprisingly quiet.
Switch seamlessly between throttle mode and pedal assist and you can get your daily exercise without breaking a sweat or getting too tired.
This electric mountain bike has a durable frame made of aluminum alloy. One complaint would be the lack of a tail light, which would have been a nice security feature to have.
It’s a perfect choice for newbies just getting the hang of riding electric bikes.
7. Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 Lightweight Folding Electric Bike with Pedals
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Pre-assembled | ❌ Not suitable for uphill riding |
| ✔️ Easy to fold and unfold | ❌ Lack of gears |
| ✔️ Super lightweight | ❌ Not equipped with lights |
| ✔️ Portable and compact |
Specifications
- Motor: 250W
- Top Speed: 15 mph (24 km/h)
- Range: Up to 15.5 miles (25 km)
- Battery: 36V, 7.8 Ah (280.8 Wh)
- Weight: 37 lb (16.8 kg)
- Wheels: 14 inches
- Brakes: V-brakes
This foldable electric bike is simple, straightforward, and convenient. It is definitely one of the more lightweight models on our list, with a user-friendly folding design. An added convenience is that it arrives fully assembled!
Since this folding e-bike is super lightweight, even a 250W rear hub motor will feel pretty powerful. If you are on the taller or heavier side, however, beware, this may not be the best folding electric bike for you. Also, as the tires are 14 inches, you can expect less steady handling.
This option is still great for those who want something minimalistic, convenient, and reasonably priced.
8. VIVI-S3 Foldable Electric Bike for Adults
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 21 speed gears | ❌ Battery built-in (not removable) |
| ✔️ LED 3-speed smart meter | ❌ No tail lights |
| ✔️ Almost fully assembled | |
| ✔️ Headlamp and horn |
Specifications
- Motor: 350W
- Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 20 miles (32 km)
- Battery: 36V, 8 Ah (374.4 Wh)
- Weight: 55 lb (25 kg)
- Wheels: 26 inches
- Brakes: Dual disc brakes
This VIVI e-bike is a cost-effective electric mountain bike that arrives 85% assembled! You have the option to use it like a regular bike, activate the pedal-assist, or just coast with it in full-blown electric mode. This e-bike can handle hills like a breeze and has the perk of being ridden on all kinds of roads thanks to the front and rear 21 speed gears.
While it won’t necessarily be considered lightweight, it sure isn’t one of the heaviest models out there, meaning it’s still quite portable and compact. This foldable electric bike is suitable for both professionals and beginners.
9. ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable | ❌ Limited rider height range |
| ✔️ 3 pedal assist modes | ❌ No tail lights |
| ✔️ Easy assembly | |
| ✔️ Convenient folding design |
Specifications
- Motor: 250W brushless motor
- Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 15 miles 24 km)
- Battery: 38V, 8 Ah (304 Wh)
- Weight: 47 lb (21 kg)
- Wheels: 16 x 1.95 inches
- Brakes: Dual disc brakes
Leaning on the more affordable side is our second ANCHEER foldable electric bike. Great for the value, you’ll be getting an all-around decent folding e-bike that’s simple, easy to assemble, and can make for a comfortable riding experience.
Smaller tires make for a compact folding electric bike, but at the sacrifice of control and handling. But don’t let that dissuade you, this folding e-bike has comfort in mind with its wide cushioned seat and its upright body position. Plus, the icing on the cake is that it’s so easy to assemble!
If you’re trying to get a foldable electric bike on a budget, then this one will give you the most bang for your buck!
10. DJ Folding Bike Step-Thru
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ LCD Display | ❌ Expensive |
| ✔️ Dual suspension | ❌ Heavy |
| ✔️ 5 level pedal assist | |
| ✔️ All accessories included |
Specifications
- Motor: 750W brushless rear hub motor
- Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 25 miles (40 km)
- Battery: 48V, 13Ah (624 Wh)
- Weight: 57 lb (25 kg)
- Wheels: 20 x 4 inches
- Brakes: Tektro brakes
More on the pricey side, this foldable electric bike includes all of the extras, including racks, fenders, bells, and even an extra battery!
It comes with a bunch of cool features too, like a backlit LCD display that shows all kinds of relevant information! This includes the level of pedal assist, your remaining battery life, speed indicator, local time, top riding speed, riding distance, and more. The frame is durable, the motor is powerful, and the 7 gear system is impressive.
This e-bike can tackle it all, including uphill inclines and rough terrains. And since it can handle a weight capacity of 275 lbs, it makes it an ideal option for heavier users.
