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Riding a bike for day-to-day commuting is not only healthy for the rider but also for the environment. In a city with cramped up spaces and heavy traffic, a folding bike can help get to places on time.
A 16-inch folding bike also solves the problem of parking and storage for small apartments and busy streets. They provide incredible convenience and undeniable utility.
This article will review some of the best 16-inch folding bikes that you will enjoy riding. Read on to find out all about them.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 16 Inch Folding Bikes
- OUR TOP PICK: ANCHEER Folding Electric Commuter Bike
- RUNNER-UP: FIIDO D3S Folding EBike
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Kent Steel 6 Speed Folding Bike
Comparison of the Best 16 Inch Folding Bikes
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What is a Folding Bike?
As the name suggests, a folding bike is a bicycle that can be folded into a compact shape. The small structure it assumes after folding makes it easier to store and transport the bike.
However, mostly, such racks are folded in a way that the front tire folds back to align next to the rear tire. For easy transport, they are also generally lighter in weight. You can take them on a subway, store them in a small apartment, or place them in a tight parking space. These bikes are an innovative solution to the problem of storage in congested spaces.
When Would a 16 Inch Folding Bike Come in Handy?
You will find a 16-inch folding bike very useful in quite a number of situations. In all these scenarios, limited space might be the common factor. Hence, it comes as no surprise that these bikes are widely popular among those who often encounter small storage and tight spaces.
Subway Commute
Often, a lot of city dwellers take a train for one part of their daily commute and some other mode of transport for the rest of it. In such a case, using a bike before or after the subway can benefit both financially and health-wise as well.
But, a regular bike won't fit in the subway. However, a 16-inch folding bike could easily be packed into its compact form and taken into a subway. You can either place it between your legs while sitting or hold it if you are standing on the train.
ANCHEER Folding Electric Commuter Bike
In Small Apartments
Small living spaces are easy to maintain and afford, but they have limited space. For people who want to opt for a bike for traveling, storing a bike might become a problem. Here, a 16-inch folding bike can prove very useful.
It can be placed easily inside a small apartment without allocating too much space to it. Plus, it is lighter, so you can easily carry it up a flight of stairs if your apartment is located on the upper floor. You can also place them under your desk or by the door in an office while you get on with your work.
Tight Parking Spaces
Road traffic is getting heavier day by day, and road blockage is becoming more frequent. In such cases, a folding bike can take you through alternate routes that might not be usable by a car. Also, with parking spaces filled with vehicles, you can easily place your bike in a limited space, saving you from daily struggle and frustration.
What Should I Look For When Buying a 16 Inch Folding Bike?
To make sure you end up with the most suitable design and the best price, let's look at some of the factors you must decide upon before purchasing a folding bike. These are discussed below.
Frame Weight
The most important thing to consider is the frame of your bike because everything is associated with it. The frame will determine the size, weight, and durability of the unit. To make the bike as transportable as possible, the frame should be lightweight. A heavy frame can neither be carried easily nor is it easy to fold.
The key to getting the most suitable weight is to match the bike and its design with your intended use and physical capability to carry it. It should be lightweight yet able to deliver the purpose efficiently.
Construction
Often, to keep the weight of these bikes light, the quality of construction material is compromised. Durability should not be affected by the lightness of the frame. Chromoly steel or aluminum are two of the best materials that can be used for the frame of the cycle. They are rigid and tough and, at the same time, not too heavy.
Shock Absorbance Capacity
Aluminum or alloy frames do not have the same shock-absorbing capacity as that of a traditional steel frame. However, for a folding bike, suspensions are very important.
Some bikes have front and back suspensions; others have either of the two. You do not necessarily require both. The need depends on the road condition on which you will frequently be traveling.
For bumpy or uneven roads, front and rear suspensions will ensure good shock absorbance. However, for straight and smooth roads, either of the two would do. For full satisfaction, it is best to take a test ride before choosing a bike.
Swagtron EB7 Plus Electric Bike
Review of the Best 16 Inch Folding Bikes
Without taking a look at a few available options, we can't develop a good understanding of which product is ideal for us.
Here we will discuss in detail some of the best 16-inch folding bikes available.
Best Overall:
ANCHEER Folding Electric Commuter Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Once the rider gets hold of the motor assist, the ride is smooth and trouble-free, as reported by recent buyers. The battery life is reliable and survives over a considerable distance before needing a recharge. It performed well on smooth roads as well as ascents and descents. Moreover, the robust build made the ride a lot more peaceful over a variety of terrains.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not every bike you come across will provide this much functionality and convenience. This folding bike by Ancheer has a solid steel construction, but this does not mean it is heavy to carry around. It is durable and weighs only 37 pounds.
What adds to the usability of this model is that it is an e-bike, which means you can ride it without having to paddle and prevent fatigue. The range of the battery goes up to about 30 miles before it needs a recharge.
The brake system is quite robust, too. Disc brakes are present on the front and rear side. The machined disc brakes provide great control over the bike movements and are quite quick to respond. Once the battery runs out, all you have to do is connect the removable battery to a power outlet for three to four hours.
Bottom Line
This impressive unit is an e-bike that is perfect for those who can't paddle over long distances. With a year-long warranty on different parts and ease of use, it is definitely one of the best options you will find on the market.
Runner-up:
FIIDO D3S Folding EBike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have enjoyed their time with this bike thoroughly. They appreciate the motor-assisted riding mode, which does not tire the rider. Another very popular feature is the six-speed modes that allowed optimal performance over different roads. Paddling was smooth and did not require much force. Moreover, the bike made no concerning rattling sounds either.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A smooth and peaceful ride on all types of roads is what this e-bike offers. It has three riding modes. You can either go fully manual and paddle yourself or go fully machined and let the battery run your cycle. The mode between these two allows you to ride at 50% human capacity and 50% electric force. Overall, the modes satisfy the needs of riders of different stamina.
There are six-speed modes that you can gear between. You can easily go up and down slants, ride on a smooth road, take on bumpy tracks, and adjust your speed according to the traffic as wanted. Disc brakes provide good overall control so that the bike works as you direct it.
Shock absorbance is another great feature added to this model. On uneven roads, it stabilizes the bike and prevents it from experiencing too much load.
Bottom Line
Different speeds, solid frame, shock absorbance, and a loadable capacity of 265lbs - what more could we want from a folding e-bike? Designed to cater to the user's different needs, it has six-speed modes and three riding modes. Collectively, all the features come together to provide unbeatable performance that could only be expected from high-end bikes.
Best for the Money:
Kent Steel 6 Speed Folding Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers state that the ride with this manual-folding bike was really smooth. Unlike most manual models, this one was really easy to assemble. It worked equally well for both children and adults. A lot of them took it with them when going on camping trips, too. Since it is not an e-bike, it proved suitable for areas where an electric connection was not guaranteed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A steel frame and robust forks usually make for a very solid structure but also add to the weight. But such is not the case with this folding bike. The Kent Steel bike has a full steel frame and at the same time has a controlled, average weight of approximately 16kgs overall.
In addition to this, the bike features six-speed modes. This provides great flexibility in determining the speed of your bike and how quickly you cover the distance. There are multiple speed options and levels to choose from, so you can efficiently meet the needs of different terrains and reach your destinations.
Bottom Line
One of the most useful and budget-friendly models, this bike can be used on all surfaces and roads. Whether you want it for yourself or want to give it as a gift, the bike will meet everybody's needs. In case it is driven over bumps, the solid steel frame will ensure that minimal damage is done.
4. Swagtron EB7 Plus Electric Bike
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
It was quite fun and enjoyable for many recent buyers to ride this bike. They loved how easy it was to switch between different modes. The bright colors added to the appeal even more. A locked battery compartment provided protection against dust and splashes as well as against theft.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Featuring an interesting design, this bike weighs around 40 pounds. It has dual disc brakes, a swappable battery, and a robust gear system. There are seven different speed options available that give you the freedom to use the bike on all sorts of inclines and road surfaces. To change between the speeds, all you have to do is use the quick-shift thumb button to go to your required setting.
If you buy a spare battery, you can carry it around on longer trips. When the first battery dies, the second could be easily swapped in its position to continue the ride. Moreover, the battery is safely locked in a compartment so that it stays safe from weather and chances of theft.
Bottom Line
For those looking for lightweight bikes that can counter inclines, this bike by Swagtron would be a useful choice. It can be used on 25° inclines with a speed of up to 18mph. One battery charge can cover 19 miles on this bike.
5. Kent Aluminum 7-Speed Folding Bike
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, recent buyers loved this model for its seven-speed modes that worked smoothly and showed visible differences in speed and precision. The adjustability in size allowed different members of the same family to ride it easily. Most users ensured that the performance of the bike did not deteriorate over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Aluminum is a great choice of material for folding bikes. So, this unit by Kent International uses it in the construction. The aluminum frame ensures that the bike is folded easily without getting stuck or showing resistance, and it holds the extended form of the vehicle very sturdily.
Also, aluminum does not rust. Hence, the frame has a long life and is able to take the beatings of rainy weather.
The most appealing feature of this unit is its seven-speed modes. The speed could easily be adjusted via a flick button located on the handlebar. You can feel the difference in speeds at different gears. The usability of different inclines and surfaces is also ensured. Unlike most models, this one supports a front and a tail light for greater visibility.
Bottom Line
Seven-speed modes are not a feature to be overlooked, especially if it comes with a sturdy frame. This bike ensures good control, speed variability, and incredible precision. Overall, this model is an easily usable vehicle by children and adults; it is a perfect choice for city or recreational commute.
Pros and Cons of 16 Inch Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are the perfect solution for limited spaces and the difficulty of everyday traffic jams. Accompanying the many pros of folding bikes is a few considerations that need to be kept in mind. Here we take a look at the pros and cons associated with such vehicles.
Pros
There are plenty of features that earn 16-inch folding bikes their popularity. Here we will take a look at some of the most useful characteristics of these bikes:
Great Usability for Everyone
Since a folding bike can be adjusted in size to match the height of the person, it can be used by children and adults alike. This is one of the best things about folding bikes. More than one family member can easily use it. Even if an inexperienced rider faces harsh bumps and minor accidents, these bikes' sturdy frame does not retain much damage.
Good for Inclined Roads
Most folding bikes have multiple gear systems. Some have as little as two, while others have as many as seven or even eight. The different speed options allow the rider to adjust the speed according to their need and the incline of the road. You can even move over mountainous terrains with a good gear system.
Multiple Uses
There is a huge misconception related to folding bikes that they are only suitable for city commutes. However, these bikes can be used on inclines and hilly areas. They perform well on concrete paths and gravel roads, too.
Cons
It's important to keep the drawbacks and cons of these bikes in mind to make an informed decision. These include:
FIIDO D3S Folding EBike
Small Wheels and Little Shock Absorbance
Folding bikes have small tires usually ranging from 12" to 20", which means they have low suspension. In case you come across any bumps, there is little shock absorbance capacity, and the impact is felt significantly by the rider. A very harsh ride may even damage the bike due to such small wheels and poor shock absorbance.
Comparison Overview
Now that we have seen how usable and convenient folding bikes are, it is only fair that we compare them with other bikes. Doing so will help you decide what you want to get.
Folding Bike vs Road Bike
A road bike is designed for smooth and paved roads. It is usually not used over rough terrains.
Similarities
Following are the common factors shared by both types of bikes. These align the uses of the two bikes to some extent.
- For city commuting, either of the bikes is great.
- Smooth ride is a feature shared by both.
- Both are built to have a lightweight frame.
Differences
There are some key differences between folding bikes and road bikes that also determine their suitability for particular needs. Despite some similarities, the differences considerably diverge the utility of the two types of bikes for specific uses.
- Road bikes cannot fold. More space is needed to store them.
- Stiff steel bead is used for tire beads in road bikes while folding ones have a flexible Kevlar bead.
Folding Bike vs Regular Bike
Regular bikes are designed for day-to-day activities and do not have a specialized use. Here’s how it compares to a folding bike:
Similarities
Below are the factors that are common in folding and regular bikes.
Differences
In terms of cost and design, there are some differences between the two types of bikes that make them usable for different types of riders.
- Weight-wise, regular bikes are heavier and have a stronger frame to accommodate people of various sizes.
- Folding models can be easily carried on a subway, but you cannot carry a regular bike on any public transport.
- Regular bikes are cheaper.
Folding Bike 16 Inch vs 20 Inch
A 20-inch bike features a tire with a diameter of 20 inches. When compared to a 16-inch model, here’s how it fares:
Similarities
- Between the two sizes of folding bikes, most things are common. This is why their uses are quite similar too.
- Both are folding bikes and can be folded into a compact shape.
- Paved paths, concrete roads, or granite trails are suitable areas to use either.
- Additional suspension could be added to either of the two.
Differences
Following are the factors that distinguish the two sizes of folding bikes.
- The tire used for a 20-inch bike is larger in diameter compared to a 16-inch bike.
- A 20-inch model has a better shock-absorbing capability as it is much more raised above the ground.
- Mudguards for 20-inch bikes are larger.
How to Fold a Folding Bike
Once you start using a folding bike, you'll find yourself folding it quite often for easy transport, parking, and storage. Hence, it is only wise to learn how to fold one as soon as possible. For this purpose, we have given a step by step guide below:
- Make your bike stationary and hold it upright.
- Sit down and reach out for the pedal.
- Push the pedal in and twist it at 90° so that it is flat.
- Do this for both the pedals.
- Now grab the quick-release lever that holds the seat adjustments.
- Open it and push the seat as low as it can go.
- Refasten the quick-release to hold the seat in place.
- Similarly, use the quick-release on the top of the handlebar. Loosen it and take the handlebar out.
- The lower quick release on the handlebar is to be targeted next. Unlatch it.
- The handlebar will fold at a 90° angle towards the seat.
- Now, come to the hinge in the middle of the bike. This is the main adjustment.
- Unlock the safety and use both hands to open up the clamp.
- While holding the back of the bike with one hand, bring the front to align it with the back.
- Your bike has now folded and could easily fit under a desk or a seat.
The video below shows a visual representation of how to fold a folding bike. A look at it would provide a clearer understanding of the process.
Conclusion
When it comes to the usability and convenience of a folding bike, they are unbeatable on the market by other various kinds of bikes. They are light, can be stored in compact spaces, and are usable over inclines and different terrains.
16 inches is a suitable size for a folding bike that provides versatile uses from the daily commute to recreational trips. Just make sure that the speed options and riding modes of the bike match your needs, so you are in for a fun ride.
People Also Ask
This section of the article is dedicated to addressing as many queries that might arise in the minds of our readers as possible. Here we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions to provide you a fuller and deeper understanding of 16-inch folding bikes.
How Big is a 16 Inch Bike?
A 16" bike lies in the middle of the size chart of folding bikes. It has a height of around 3'7" to 4'5". Usually, people ranging in height from 4’10" to 5'10" can easily fit on the bike.
How Much is a Folding Bike?
The size and various features decide the price of these bikes. Folding bikes with good usability and solid construction usually cost above $200. However, higher-end bikes with sturdy frames and multiple speed modes, as well as other specialized features, may cost up to $400.
Are 16 Inch Bicycle Tubes and Tires Hard to Find for a Folding Bike?
No, this is a misconception. The most widely used size of folding bikes is the 16-inch range. Hence, its tires and tubes are quite common and readily available on the market.
