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If you’re looking for a bike that’s perfect for commuting and quick trips into town, you’re in the right place. A folding electric bike is a perfect way to travel short distances.
Plus, since electric bikes fold into compact sizes, they’re easy to store just about anywhere.
Let’s take a quick look at what you need to know to find the right folding e-bike for you.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Folding Electric Bikes
- OUR TOP PICK: SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB5 Series
- RUNNER-UP: ECOTRIC 20" New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ANCHEER 350W Motor Waterproof Folding Ebike
Comparison of the Best Electric Folding Bikes
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How Does an Electric Folding Bike Work?
Electric folding bikes work the same way as electric bikes. They have a small battery-powered motor that propels them. Most electric bikes have pedal-assist modes so you can help them up hills. Some can also be used as a regular bike.
These bikes also fold, making them easy to store in small spaces and very convenient for travel. Some fold in half at the frame while others have parts that fold in, for example, the handlebars or the pedals. There are a lot of options out there for folding electric bikes, and each one is a little different.
SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB5 Series
What Are the Best Uses For a Lectric eBike?
There are a lot of ways to use a folding electric bike. Depending on the features and the quality of the bike, some are more versatile than others.
Commuting
Most eBikes are ideal for commuting. They’re ideal for people with short commutes when a single charge is enough to get you to and from work. Some of these bikes also fold up small enough that they can easily be taken onto a subway or bus if needed.
City Riding
Ebikes are a good option if you’re looking for something to ride around town. Whether you're running errands or meeting a friend at a coffee shop or restaurant, these bikes are ideal. They’re made for paved, flat terrain and can get where you need to be quick.
Exploring
While not all eBikes are made for rougher riding, some can handle a bit more excitement. Folding electric mountain bikes, for example, are a great choice for someone who goes camping or takes a lot of road trips. While they may not be able to handle turbulent trails, they’re up for more than you might think.
Review of the Best Electric Folding Bikes
There are a lot of great electric folding bikes out there, so many that it can be hard to choose the right one. So, we put together this list of our favorites to show you some of the best.
Best Overall:
SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB5 Series
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What Recent Buyers Report
For the most part, recent buyers are very happy with this folding electric bike. They report that it needs minimal maintenance out of the box. Check the tire pressure, charge the battery, and it's ready to go. Some people did report that the battery holds less and less of a charge over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The first thing we noticed about this bike is the stylish design. It’s streamlined, aerodynamic, and available in three colors so you can choose the one that suits you best. This bike can get up to 15 mph using battery power, and pedal-assist allows you to do some of the work yourself when going up hills.
We also like how comfortable this electric bike is. Both the seat and handlebars are height adjustable, and the 14-inch air-filled tires give you a smooth ride. There’s no assembly needed, either, which is a huge plus.
Bottom Line
We love the look of this bike, and it has a lot of features that make it a comfortable and effective choice. The ride is smooth and it’s nearly ready to go right out of the box, and a new battery delivers about 15.5 miles on a full charge.
Runner-up:
ECOTRIC 20" New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report that this bike not only looks great but also performs well. The battery life when new is surprising, and it responds well to changing speed. Pedal-assist and the throttle control are effective, too. The battery takes a while to charge, though, and the instructions are sometimes missing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Although the battery takes between six and eight hours to charge, it lasts an impressively long time. You get between 18 to 23 miles from a full battery, which is enough to get to and from a few times if your commute is only a mile or two.
We like the variable speed throttle because it gives you more control over how fast you’re going. And, of course, pedal-assist is super convenient when you’re traveling up hills.
You can adjust the height of the seat and handlebars, and the self-locking safety hook makes it easy to make sure it’s secure when folded.
Bottom Line
This is a great looking bike that delivers in performance. The variable speed controls are a useful feature, and we love that you can get so many miles from a single charge. While the battery power may fade over time, this is pretty standard and shouldn’t be seen as a deterrent.
Best for the Money:
ANCHEER 350W Motor Waterproof Folding Ebike
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers agree that this bike looks great and is super fun to ride. Some said that they wouldn’t trust it to commute a long distance but still recommended it for the sheer enjoyment of zipping around the park. On the downside, people who did have problems mentioned that it was impossible to get a hold of customer service.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the things that stands out about this product is the high-speed brushless motor. It’s powerful enough to carry this bike up to 20 mph and build to last a long time. The aluminum alloy frame and double-layer aluminum alloy wheels are made to last, too.
This bike has cruise control, which is a handy feature when you’re commuting or riding a paved trail. The dual disc brakes make stopping smooth and safe. They allow for a shorter braking distance which means you can stop quickly when it counts.
Bottom Line
There’s a lot to love about this bike. Not only does it have a cool look that was reportedly inspired by dolphins, but it’s also made with durable materials and built to last. The 20 mph top speed is pretty impressive, as is the 18 to 20-mile riding distance.
Best Folding Electric Bike Under 1000:
Jetson Bolt Full Throttle Folding Electric Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
People mostly agree that this bike is a good buy and extremely fun to ride. The range and speed are pretty impressive, too. Some mentioned that the head and tail lights weren’t very useful at illuminating the road, and that customer service was poor.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This folding electric bike features an aluminum alloy frame that’s durable enough to hold up to 250 pounds, a weight limit that’s a little higher than some of the other bikes we reviewed. We love the twist throttle, disc brakes, and powerful motor. The battery is great, too, powering the bike up to 15.5 mph and lasting for about 15 miles.
Now, is this a folding bike? Technically, yes. But note that the only part of the bike that folds is the handlebars. There is a convenient handle on the top of the frame that makes it easy to carry, but this bike does not fold as compactly as some of its competitors.
Bottom Line
We highly recommend this bike for a lot of reasons. The battery life is great, and the frame is durable and tough enough to last. That said, if you’re looking for a folding bike that’s compact enough to fit in the trunk of your small car, this might not be the best option.
Lightest Electric Folding Bike:
ANCHEER Super Lightweight Mountain Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
Generally, most recent buyers agree that this bike is well-made and fun to ride. Some people mentioned that this was an exceptional buy and well worth the money. The battery life is impressive, and the assembly is pretty straightforward. That said, some people reported that the instructions weren’t very good.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the best things about this bike is that it has three modes. Ebike, when you want to use it as an electrical bike, assisted bicycle when you also want to pedal, and normal bike for, well, for when you want a normal bike. This may seem like a little thing, but it’s a pretty great feature. If you do happen to run out of juice, start to pedal and you’ll keep on moving.
When fully charged, the battery powers a top speed of 15 to 17 mph and travels between 15 and 30 miles. Assembly is easy. It’s nearly fully assembled when it arrives, and the remaining pieces are easy to put together.
Bottom Line
This folding electric bike is a good choice if you have a little more money to spend. It’s fun, well made, and has impressive battery life. If you’re looking for an electric bike that you can also use as a regular one, this one is a great choice.
Fastest Folding Electric Bike:
Speedrid Fat Tire Folding Ebike
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What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of people think this bike is great. Some buyers love the look and performance and highly recommend it. Other people admit to having some issues, including significant adjustments and light damage upon arrival. Customer support can go either way. Some people were impressed, while others had a hard time getting in touch.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Something that we noticed about this bike. The double-layer aluminum alloy wheels and high-strength carbon steel front fork shock absorption are exceptionally durable, and the brushless motor is made to last.
This bike travels as fast as 22 mph and goes about 22 miles per charge. It has five-speed variable controls and an upgraded LCD that tells you everything you need to know, including mode, speed, and distance.
You can also use this bike in three modes: pure electric, pedal assistance, and regular bike. That means it’s versatile enough for a variety of uses, and you don’t have to worry about a dead battery.
Bottom Line
This is a good choice if you’re looking for an electric bike that you can use in a variety of ways. It’s strong, durable, and made to last. Plus, it travels up to 22 mph which is pretty quick. This is a great bike for commuting and exploring, and you’ll get a lot of use out of it.
Best Ancheer Folding Electric Bike:
ANCHEER Folding Electric Commuter Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
This bike gets mostly rave reviews from recent buyers. People think it’s well-made, runs well, and they were impressed at the quality. Other people had the opposite experience and commented that the bike arrived damaged and broke quickly. Customer service is iffy, too. Some people mentioned having a hard time getting a response.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The lightweight steel frame is durable and weighs only 37 pounds, one of the lightest bikes we found. The folding-specific parts are effective and reliable, and they can be locked down in seconds.
We love the removable battery. You can charge it on or off the bike, and it’s fully ready to go in as little as four hours. A full charge lasts for up to 30 miles, and it can be used as either electric mode or as an assisted bicycle.
This one arrives mostly assembled, but there are some things you need to do to get it road ready.
Bottom Line
We think this is a good option if you’re looking for an e-bike that’s strong, durable, and efficient. The battery lasts for up to 30 miles, and the lightweight frame folds quickly and easily.
Best Folding Electric Mountain Bike:
ANCHEER Folding Electric Mountain Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
Reviews from recent buyers are a bit mixed. Some people have nothing but good things to say about it, commenting that it’s easy to assemble and fun to ride. Others commented that it needed a lot of repairs and that setup was a little difficult.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a lot of things that stood out about this bike for us. We love the ultra-lightweight strong aluminum frame and the 21-speed transmission system. The bead-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and anti-slip tires take you anywhere you want to go.
The 15 mph top speed is pretty standard for these bikes, but we were impressed with the 30-mile maximum distance. It has three working modes so you can use it as an e-bike, in assist mode, or as a regular bike.
Assembly is pretty straightforward, and we love that the motor, battery, and other parts except the frame are covered by a one-year warranty.
Bottom Line
This is a tough, durable bike that has a lot of things going for it. It’s fun to ride and built to last. The instructions aren’t great, but assembly is pretty straightforward. Plus, the one-year warranty covers everything but the frame.
Best Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike:
Eahora X5 4.0 Folding Electric Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are pretty happy with this bike. The fat tires deliver a smooth ride, and the bike seems well-made and durable. Some users also mentioned that they were happy with the battery life, though the charger was a little slow. There are also multiple comments about how heavy this bike is.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love that the battery compartments are concealed in a waterproof and dustproof compartment. It powers the bike up to 30 mph, depending on the mode, and has a traveling distance of up to 45 miles in hybrid mode. The intelligent system is impressive, too. It regenerates energy back to the battery, extending its life.
The fat tires are comfortable with anti-puncture performance and increase the mileage and type of terrain this bike can handle. If you want something that can travel on something other than a flat road, this is the one.
Another great thing about this one is that it has a maximum weight of 330 pounds, the highest of any of the bikes in our review.
Bottom Line
If you want a bike that travels up to 30 mph in hybrid mode and can go as far as 45 miles. That’s an impressive distance. The fat tires can handle a wide range of terrains, and the bike has the highest weight capacity in our review.
How to Shop for an Electric Folding Bike
There are some specific features to keep in mind when shopping for a folding electric bike. Here are a few of the most important ones:
Battery Range
Battery range is one of the most important things to keep in mind. If you’re planning to use your folding electric e-bike to commute, you have to know how far it's able to go with a full battery. Also, remember that the range given by manufacturers is how far the bike travels in ideal conditions. Generally, this means a flat ride in good weather. The weight of the rider comes into play, too.
ECOTRIC 20" New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike
Weight
The weight of the bike is especially important if you’re planning to travel with it. Some of these bikes are pretty heavy, while others are more manageable. If you want something you can easily lift into the back of your car or that you can carry up a few flights to your apartment, make sure you find one that’s light enough for you to carry.
Storage
Where do you plan to store your bike? Keep this in mind when choosing the right bike for you. Some of these bikes fold down very compactly, while others don’t get very small and are less convenient to store.
Electric Folding Bike - Types of Motors
Not all electric folding bikes have the same type of motor. Here are some of the options you might see when shopping:
Hub Motor
Hub motors were developed as a cheaper alternative to expensive crank drive motors and are how the most common type used in e-bikes. They’re mounted at the center of the rear wheel, and most only have a single gear. Small hub motors are perfect for zipping around the city, and many of the larger ones cope with hills pretty well.
Brushless Motors
Brushless motors use a magnet in the rotor. The coil doesn’t move, and the magnet rotates. What this means is that many of the moving parts of the motor never touch, so there’s no wear and tear. Brushless motors are very sophisticated but exceptionally durable.
Brushed Motors
Brushed motors use wound coils. The coil rotates, while the magnets and the brushes are stationary. Various parts of the motor come in contact with one another, causing wear and tear that requires regular maintenance. That said, some people prefer brushed motors because they have more power. And, once the maintenance is completed, they’re as good as new.
Lectric E-Bike Comparisons
If you’re still trying to figure out what folding electric bike is right for you, here are some direct comparisons to help you decide.
Swagtron vs Jetson
Swagtron makes a variety of products, including hoverboards, scooters, and, of course, electric bikes. As far as electric bikes, Swagtron has a range of options to choose from at various price points, including several models of folding e-bikes. The Swagtron Swagcycle EB5 is our top pick.
Jetson also makes hoverboards, scooters, and e-bikes. They have a few folding e-bike models, including the Bolt Full Throttle, our choice for the best folding electric bike under $1000.
Electric Folding Bike vs Electric Folding Scooter
The biggest difference between an electric folding bike and an electric folding scooter is that a scooter doesn’t have pedals. That means that there is no pedal assist, and you obviously cannot use it like a regular bike. Scooters are smaller, too, and generally have a shorter maximum distance.
Scooters work well for short commutes and running errands. They’re not as versatile as e-bikes, though they are easy to use and offer a little more protection against wind and rain. Electric bikes are more expensive, but they are more useful and easier to maintain.
Folding Electric Bike vs Motorcycle
There is no comparison between a folding electric bike and a motorcycle. Electric bikes are compact and convenient. They can be taken on roads and paved or off-road trails.
Motorcycles are road vehicles, though some dual-sport bikes can also be taken on trails. They are gas-powered and can travel very long distances. Motorcycles are a much bigger investment and require a lot of care and maintenance.
ECOTRIC 20" New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike
How Do You Fold an E-Bike?
Every e-bike is different, so make sure you read the manual to figure out precisely how to fold yours. Here’s a general explanation of how to do it. For a more in-depth explanation, be sure to check out the video below.
- Lower the handlebar all the way, and then lock it in place.
- Release the neck of the handlebar and lower it so it’s next to the frame.
- Fold in the pedals by pushing them toward the bike, and then folding them down.
- Release the pin for the main pivot point. Lift the quick-release bolt, and rotate the front of the bike toward the rear.
- Raise the kickstand and lift the seat forward.
Remember, each bike is different, so the best approach is to read the manual carefully to make sure that you’re familiar with the specifications of your bike.
Conclusion
Folding electric bikes are convenient, fun, and an ideal choice if you want a bike but don’t have a garage or shed to store one. If you’re looking for a folding electric bike, take a look at the amazing products we chose to find the one that’s right for you.
People Also Ask
Folding electric bikes might be completely new to you, and we understand if you still have questions. Here are some of the most common things that people ask when shopping for a folding electric bike.
How Using a Folding Electric Bike Saves You Money
Using a folding bike to commute can save you money. You don’t have to worry about putting gas in your car, paying for parking, or bus and subway fares.
Is it Hard to Ride an Electric Folding Bike?
No, riding an electric bike is very similar to riding a regular bike. It may take a ride or two to get used to the feeling of the bike moving without you having to pedal, but if you can ride a regular bike, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Jetson Bolt Full Throttle Folding Electric Bike
What is the Sinch Bike?
A Sinch bike is a fat tire folding electric bike made by Aventon. It’s one of the most versatile folding electric bikes available and can handle snow, dirt, and snow.
What is the Weight Limit on a Folding E-Bike?
The weight limit depends on the bike. Most are closer to 200 or 250 pounds, but we reviewed some with weight limits as high as 300 or 330 pounds.
Who Makes Ancheer Folding Electric Bicycle E-bike?
Ancheer bikes are made in Taiwan and China and distributed through its warehouse in Los Angeles.
