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Folding bikes is a modern approach towards cycling for those who love it as an activity or hobby but cannot manage the handling of their bike or can’t even think of getting one because they don’t have the storage/parking space or means to carry it from one place to another.
They are also common as collapsible commuter bikes and have become super popular, especially in dense urban areas, since they can be just folded and carried around.
Not only do they require very compact space for storage, but they can even be carried in transit on subways or buses. Below we have broken down some basic information regarding folding bikes to help you find one, too!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 20 Inch Folding Bikes
- OUR TOP PICK: EuroMini ZiZZO
- RUNNER-UP: Speedrid Folding Ebike
- BEST 20 INCH FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKE: ECOTRIC Folding Electric Bike
Comparison of the Best 20 Inch Folding Bikes
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How Does a Folding Bike Work?
A folding bike has pivoting mechanisms that allow it to be folded down to one-third of its actual size. This makes its transportation and storage a lot easier.
All brands that manufacture folding bikes have different folding styles and designs that manifest in the overall assemblage and weight. It is designed such that it allows the tires to align once it is folded, after which the handlebars and seat-post can be further broken down where they interlock with each other to save more space.
A folding bike also comes with accessories, with each brand having a set of its own, such as a saddle or front bag that can be used as a carrying case for the bike, its handlebar, or your personal electronic items. High-range folding bikes are generally super lightweight, as they are made using carbon fiber and titanium and usually come as one-size-fits-all.
EuroMini ZiZZO
Folding Bike vs Regular Bike - Comparison Overview
A folding bike is developed on the concept of a regular bike but is a more technologically-advanced version. To help you understand how the two differ, we have compared them in terms of various aspects below;
Storage
If you live in small apartments or condos, folding bikes are better as they save up space, while a regular bike is more suitable if you have a large living space, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of unfolding it for usage.
Security
For office going people, folding bikes are a good option as they can be stored under the desk. However, regular bikes have to be chained and locked properly in public spaces.
Commute
Considered an unrestricted carriage on public transport, folding bikes can save up that extra amount that you might have to incur with a regular bike. Moreover, regular bikes can be too bulky for a bus or subway, and carrying them might require permission.
Leisure
If you have a folding bike, you can toss two easily in the trunk and drive to a good open space, while a regular bike has to be mounted on the car in order to carry it through transit.
Comfort
Some users may find folding bikes less comfortable and harder to control, but there are newly introduced bikes with large wheels now. Regular bikes are more comfortable for long rides, and you can get a better fitting frame for your body.
Speed
There is no such difference in terms of speed; in fact, folding bikes tend to have smaller wheels that accelerate faster. However, some feel like a regular bike has a sturdier frame and less rolling resistance.
Speedrid Folding Ebike
Environment
Using folding bikes instead of cars or other gas-emitting vehicles creates opportunities to replace carbon-heavy journeys to contribute to the betterment of the environment.
With a regular bike, a user may limit usage to only weekends or early morning rides.
Price
Folding bikes fall on the pricier side as they have more mechanisms that allow for the folding to take place, with the minimum price being at least $200. A regular bike is a lot cheaper, so much so that you can even get one for $20.
Review of the Best 20 Inch Folding Bikes
Due to the overgrowing demand for folding bikes, especially in urban centers, the market is saturated with folding bikes, which may make it difficult for you to choose one.
To help you with this, we have compiled the best 20-inch folding bikes below.
Best Overall:
EuroMini ZiZZO
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
Having specialized in making the most sought-out lightweight folding bikes, ZiZZO has proved itself yet again by introducing this 26-lbs bike. Most users enjoy the feel of the components of the bike that are made of aluminum, such as handlebars, seat post, head post, and rear hub.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Being amongst the most lightweight 20-inch folding bikes, it lives up to its name by providing durability through the inclusion of aluminum in various components. It provides a comfortable ride, and the overall build is sleek, which allows the user to tuck it away literally as they would their briefcase.
A unique feature of this bike is the V-style brakes that have proven to be very reliable for all users and provide good resistance when needed by the user. The aluminum brakes also lighten the weight dramatically.
The bike comes with handy components, such as a water bottle cage and an attachment point for the rear rack, just in case you ever need one.
Bottom Line
Zizzo has reached the top of the market by offering a 20-inch folding bike that is suitable for all ages and genders and sits with modern aesthetics. It can be an excellent investment if used with precaution and maintained well.
Runner-up:
Speedrid Folding Ebike
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
Speedrid folding bike differs from others due to its high-strength carbon steel frame and good shock absorption capability. These are also the two things most admired by professional buyers, along with the bulky frame that adds sturdiness to the journey.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Offering six speeds along with an electric motor, users get to top off their speed at 24mph. That’s just a few miles above the many high-end folding bikes in the market today. However, this speed comes at a cost, with the bike weighing 59 lbs.
Because of the multiple working modes, users get to control the speed. For instance, on the pedal-assist mode, users can go up to 22 miles as compared to 15 miles if you leave it up to the bike without any peddling intervention. It has safety features such as the locking mechanism for the frame and the dual-disc brake system, which offers better stopping power as compared to more linear mechanisms.
Bottom Line
To wrap it up, the Speedrid Folding Electric Bike offers a powerful brushless motor and sturdy build at a good value for money. It offers speed as a compensation for its bulkiness, and the small headlights are not even that big a deal as users can attach another pair onto it.
Best 20 Inch Folding Electric Bike:
ECOTRIC Folding Electric Bike
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
A top-notch build quality along with the durable aluminum alloy frame is what stands out to recent users. It is especially sought-out by mountain bikers, as it has a bulky aesthetic that professional bikers seek. Other things they like are the 260-pound weight capacity and the variable speed control.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Perhaps what makes this bike unique is not its aesthetics, which is similar to that of any regular mountain bike; rather, it is the inclusion of an LED 810 display panel that allows users to have a communicative interface while they are riding.
It is power-packed, having a 36v battery that allows users to reach up to 20 miles per hour on a single charge. It can easily make its way through harsh terrains, whether muddy grass, sand, or rocky areas. The only slight downside is that it takes about six to eight hours to charge its battery, which is justified because of the horsepower it delivers.
Bottom Line
Regular visitors of rugged areas need a bike that would complement their passion for such journeys, and this unit becomes the ultimate best choice. You only have to wait a few hours for its battery to charge, and the result is worth the wait. The LED display, along with the dual disk brakes, makes it worth the investment.
Best Schwinn 20 Inch Loop Folding Bike:
Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
Users have responded positively to this innovation by Schwinn, emphasizing the bike’s portability and convenience, alongside good aesthetics. They also like how the frame folds down to one-third of its size and is only a little bigger than the rear wheel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Designed for compactness, the Schwinn folding bike makes a great choice for office commute. It can be folded back again effortlessly and has a low stand over the frame, which feels very pleasant ergonomic-wise. The design also allows users to put their feet up in case the road has standing water or dirt.
It also has ‘sure-stopping’ alloy linear-pull brakes that give the user more control, which results in a safer journey. The lower gears help in riding through slightly hilly areas. Another great aspect is the nylon carrying bag, along with a sizable rear rack, which you can mount your bag onto.
Bottom Line
Efficient space utilization calls for a folding back that turns super compact, and in this case, Schwinn is the most suitable choice for you. The design emphasis, which prevents scratches or tears on clothes, makes it the best choice for people who wish to get a folding bike to commute to work.
5. Vilano Urbana
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
Being at the higher-end in terms of price, Vilano's folding bike has pleasantly surpassed all users’ expectations. It offers a 15-mile ride along with a quick charging time that most users like for everyday commute in the city.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Urbana is a perfect example of a compact and functional folding bike. This bike weighs just 21.5 pounds and folds down into dimensions of one by two by three feet, making it extremely easy to carry. This lets you finish your journey with ease and at speeds many times greater than you're able to walk.
As a single-speed bike, the Urbana might not be great for a hilly city like San Francisco, but it's easy to ride and a good deal of fun, given how light and responsive it is. And while the rider weight is limited to 200 pounds, the bike's seat and handlebars can be raised or lowered to accommodate users of varying heights.
Bottom Line
For people who like to watch their budget but have expectations such as storage space that needs to be met in the folding bike, this is the one to go for. Not only does its compactness make your commute efficient, but it is also the most hassle-free folding bike you can go for if you plan on using it in a cityscape.
Folding Bike Safety
Some people are hesitant towards using a folding bike, and the only logical reason could be their implied non-reliability of latches, hinges, or joints. It is only fair to recall that these are the same elements that allow it to be so portable and compact in the first place. To ensure safety for yourself nonetheless, you can make sure to follow these tips;
Avoid Pressure
Don’t put too much pressure on stress points of the bike, which are prone to cracking or breaking, such as hinges.
Don’t Exceed the Weight Capacity
A simple way in which you can avoid any form of structural damage is by abiding by the bike’s weight capacity. A majority of folding bikes have a weight capacity of 220-260lbs. If you require a bike that exceeds that, you may want to go for a regular bike that has an average weight capacity of 260-300lbs.
Avoid Bumpy Terrains
Folding bikes were originally made for users who reside in more urban terrains, which is why most of them are not suitable for taking up a hill. However, with technological advances, there now exist hybrid folding bikes that allow users to ride comfortably, even on rough terrains.
Wear a Helmet
This goes unsaid and is a general traffic rule, too. Make sure your helmet has clear visibility of the road and has Bluetooth as an added benefit.
Regular Maintenance
Make sure that all the elements have been tightened and secured in place before you set out to ride. Check the air pressure in the tires; it should always be high for a smooth riding experience. Also, check the brakes and ensure lubrication of the chain.
How to Fold a Folding Bike
Disassembling a folding bike to store it back to its compact size for storage only takes a few minutes. All you need to do is follow these instructions step-by-step below;
1. The first step is to make sure that the left pedal is pointing in the direction of the front wheel. After this, release the head tube buckle in the anti-clockwise direction and collapse the head tube.
2. The next step is to pull up the buckle by releasing it from the middle of the frame so that it points from the front wheel to the outside of the frame. Remember to lock the front and rear wheel by the frame buckle.
3. Lastly, lower the saddle and press down on the pedal. If your pedal is foldable, too, push it towards the frame, after which you will be able to fold it upwards.
If you still need visual guidance, you can refer to the video below for the process that was just described.
Conclusion
In order to steer in the right direction for purchasing a 20-inch folding bike suited to your needs, you need to be conscious of every aspect mentioned in the review above and take it seriously. Your bike’s capabilities will determine your overall riding experience in the future, which is why you must choose wisely!
People Also Ask
Even though we have pretty much covered all that you need to know about a 20-inch folding bike, there might still be some queries that may surface later. To save your time, we have compiled some of the frequently asked questions below.
How Much is a Folding Bike?
The starting range for a folding bike is $200. This goes on to $400 for those that are more light-weight and durable with high-end features. Even though there is a lot of price difference between these and regular bikes, folding bikes are still a worthy investment as you would not be running the risk of leaving your bike out in the parking lot.
Are Folding Bikes Dangerous?
Folding bikes are often deemed to be ‘dangerous’ in common public opinion due to the fear of dissembling as the user is in transit. However, this is not the case. Manufacturers make sure that their prototypes undergo meticulous safety and construction testing, and no brand would forego quality at the risk of bad publicity.
ECOTRIC Folding Electric Bike
How Heavy Are Folding Bikes?
Folding bikes come in various styles and materials, which affect their weight capacities and also define their price. Usually, most folding bikes never exceed 30 pounds. There are other options that come at 10kg or 20kg and turn super compact to fit into the smallest of storage spaces. The heaviest folding bike on record is 36 pounds, with the lightest being only 6.5kg.
How Do You Store a Folding Bike?
A folding bike can be stored in multiple ways. It can be parked on a floor stand, inside sheds, or on free-standing racks for public spaces. Meanwhile, it can be mounted atop a wall for interior spaces on a simple stand, bike cabinet, or gravity frame. Apart from these, kickstands can also be used for more uneven large terrains.
Why Use a Folding Bike?
A folding bike offers numerous benefits over a regular bike in terms of ease, such as when it comes to switching between cycling and public transportation. For example, folding bikes come with carry bags that can be used to store your personal items, and it can be detached for the flexibility of the user. It also provides security since you won’t have to park your bike outside, and you can carry it anywhere, even on vacation by road or air
