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All sorts of interesting one- and two-wheeled vehicles crisscross the streets of my city, including an increasing number of affordable, portable forms of transportation. Spandex-clad cyclists take advantage of protected lanes, while electric scooters zip over sidewalks (and anywhere else). Occasionally, an odd unicyclist or one-wheeler breaks up the predictability. I particularly like to watch foldable e-bike riders who go from trail to train, transforming their personal transit into a cube to carry through a crowd. These now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t collapsible electric bikes offer power assistance for commuting or errands without taking up valuable real estate in an apartment or townhouse. These flexible options can often fit into an SUV or RV for extended outdoor adventures without the need for a heavy-duty and often expensive rack. We’ve rounded up the most reliable options—like our best overall, the Lectric XP4—so you can find the best folding electric bikes to match your riding style and needs.
How we selected the best folding electric bikes
I’m still hunting for my spirit bike, like the one in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. In the meantime, I’ve owned and tested many different bikes—electric and not, folding and not—on my commute. I’ve combined this experience with that of the PopSci team and conducted extensive research into expert and customer reviews to select the models on this list.
The best folding electric bikes: Reviews & Recommendations
An electric folding bike must balance having enough oomph to make it to work and back, while being easier to store and transport than a full-sized e-bike. Collapsible models tend to have shorter wheelbases, lower standover heights, and an upright riding position so you can see clearly in traffic or on crowded paths. Wheels are usually 16 to 20 inches in diameter, which results in feeling more of the bumps and cracks of the road. Skinny tires will be faster rolling and lighter, but high-volume, wider tires can help absorb the road chatter. In general, folding electric bikes for adults tend to be rougher than other cycles.
If you ride other bikes a lot, folding e-bikes take some getting used to (as do all ebikes, but we can help with that). Petite riders may feel more in control of their more diminutive stature, while taller riders may feel like a clown on a minibike. The sharper turning radius is ultimately a win. Still, it can feel squirrely at first if you’re used to broader, more stable handlebars, and sometimes the gearing can make it feel like you’re pedaling furiously but getting nowhere. Get a few miles under your belt, however, and you’ll find a new rhythm.
To help you find the right foldable e-bike, prioritize which features are must-haves by thinking about where you want to ride it, how far you’d like to go, what accessories you might want to carry, and how small the bike needs to be for storage. With that knowledge, you’re ready to find your best folding e-bike from our top picks.
Best overall: Lectric XP4
Lectric
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Pros
- Front oil suspension fork
- Rear rack that can hold up to 150 pounds
- Five levels of pedal assist plus throttle
- Front and rear 602 hydraulic brakes
- Integrated headlights and rear lights
- Front and rear fenders
- Removable battery
- External charging port
- Slime-lined tires to prevent flats
- Multiple mounting points for additional accessories
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Long-range battery available for extra
- Well-organized, but external wires and cords
- Nothing to secure the bike when folded
Specs
-
Unfolded bike:
66 inches long by 18.5 inches wide by 45 inches tall -
Folded bike:
37 inches by 17 inches wide by 29 inches tall -
Motor:
500W hub motor with 55Nm of torque (750W option available) -
Battery:
672Wh lithium-ion -
Riding range:
Up to 50 miles using pedal assist or up to 20 using throttle only (Long-range 85-mile version available) -
Class:
1, 2, or 3 -
Top speed:
28 mph -
Bike weight:
62 pounds without battery (7 lbs.) -
Carrying capacity:
330 pounds (combining rider and passenger/cargo)
Lectric is one of the OGs of foldable electric bikes, so much so that when I was riding one around town I’d nearly always get a shout or recognition from another Lectric rider. They’d chat with me at a stop or ride alongside me for a bit, and I can honestly say it’s never happened to me on another brand of e-bike. The Lectric XP4 finetunes what it’s learned from previous models for an affordable and fun ride with five pedal assist levels and a thumb throttle. Lectric added more juice to the 500W motor, which can peak at 1,092W and kick out 55Nm of torque.
The tires are fat-tire lite—20 by 3 inches with custom tread—which makes for a more cushioned ride with the front suspension fork. The improved Shimano Altus gearing and an in-house-designed torque sensor mean less furious pedaling than other models to get up to top speeds. Lectric lists the standard step-over at $1,300 (there are also step-thru and long-range variations), but you can often find it on sale for a grand—and yet, it still has hydraulic brakes, which are a rarity at this price point. The XP4 also comes stock with many nice commuter extras, like integrated lights, front and rear fenders, and a monster rear rack that can hold up to 150 pounds. Lectric offers a ton of accessories, including a passenger seat for light riders (e.g., kids). It now features a TFT LCD color display with a USB-C charging port.
For most people, the Lectric will meet their folding e-bike needs, but it’s not perfect. Lectric, more than many brands, makes you well aware of cords. While the wiring up front is well-organized, nothing is internally threaded. It folds at two points—at mid-frame and the handlebars—and it frankly takes some practice to align pedals, handlebars, and wheels just right. You’ll also need a bungee cord (or something similar) to keep everything nice and tight if you want to move the bike while folded (see below). But it does get small enough to go into a typical car trunk—not a Miata, let’s not get crazy. It is, however, a heavy 62 pounds (69 unless you scrap the battery).
Best splurge: Urtopia Carbon Fold 1
Tony Ware
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Pros
- Carbon fiber frame means exceptionally lightweight
- No assembly required
- Colorful, crisp display
- Short wheelbase means nimble handling
- Nice large chainring means it doesn’t feel like you’re peddling furiously
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Integrated headlight/tailight
- Front and rear fenders
- Removable battery clearly placed in seat post
- Very fast two-step fold, with magnetic fasteners to keep things compact during transport
- Latches feel rigid and secure when in play
Cons
- Carbon fiber isn’t cheap
- Max range may be more optimistic than realistic
- Carbon fiber absorbs a fair amount of road, but it can’t replace the comfort of actual suspension
Specs
-
Folded bike:
800 mm x 680mm -
Motor:
500W peak rear hub motor w/ 42Nm torque -
Battery:
252Wh lithium-ion -
Riding range:
Up to 40 miles -
Class:
2 -
Top speed:
20 mph -
Bike weight:
29 pounds -
Maximum rider weight:
220 pounds
The Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 is a shockingly delightful but diminutive Shimano Altus 8-speed commuter that folds up fast and rides even faster. Thanks to its brightly painted carbon fiber frame and fork (the company’s signature material, Saffron Yellow colorway shown above), this bike weighs just 29 pounds. That makes it light enough to toss into small car trunks or an RV for road trips, camping, or other overlanding adventures. And makes it a dream if you live in a multi-story walkup and/or need to factor subway rides into your commute. Despite its compact build (which arrives fully assembled), it can support riders from 5’1’’ to 6’1’’ and up to 220 pounds in total weight, though taller or long-legged riders may feel somewhat cramped.
Little details make a big difference: Built-in magnets keep the bike securely folded while you move it around—no awkward flopping. Heavy-duty latches lock it back into riding position. Cable management is clean. A central cutout serves as a handle and place to thread your chain so no one can fold the bike off its lock.
Out on the road, the 500W peak rear hub motor and 42Nm of torque provide quick, zippy acceleration, allowing you to reach speeds of up to 20mph. Its low standover height makes it super-easy for frequent stopping and standing during city rides. It also has a short wheelbase, making it excessively nimble—great for dodging cars illegally parked in the bike lane and weaving through potholes, cones, or people staring at their phones. Plus, the TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes are responsive. It’s surprisingly fun for something whose main function is to be practical.
The 252Wh battery is cleverly hidden in the seat post (which can be fully removed for charging/storing … or to deter thieves, because a bike with no seat is just an extremely inconvenient scooter). It powers the motor, but also the color screen and integrated headlight/tailight. It feels like it’s designed for several short jaunts rather than significant mileage, however, as the published 40-mile range seems optimistic, especially on assist levels above Eco (Touring mode felt closer to the 20s).
My version two wishlist includes a more sensitive torque sensor and a bigger battery, but for anyone short on space—or anyone who wants a travel bike without messing with a rack—the Carbon Fold is a blast. The Carbon Fold 1’s recommended retail price is $2,500, but it has been consistently on sale for $1,600.
Best cargo: Tern Vektron S10
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Pros
- Five levels of pedal assist with shift optimization
- Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes
- 10-speed Shimano Deore drive train
- Integrated headlights and rear lights
- Front and rear fenders
- Atlas V Rack on the rear that holds up to 60 pounds and accepts Thule Yepp Maxi and Dash RM child seats without adapters
- Chain guard stay
- Grip pad under saddle to use as a handle for shoulder carrying
- Removable battery
Cons
- Single-side kickstand
- Overall capacity weight is low for the format
Specs
-
Folded bike:
33.7 inches long by 15.7 inches wide by 26.6 inches tall -
Motor:
250W Bosch Performance Drive Unit with 65Nm torque -
Battery:
400Wh Bosch PowerPack -
Riding range:
Up to 63 miles -
Class:
1 -
Top speed:
20 mph -
Bike weight:
48.6 pounds -
Carrying capacity:
275.6 pounds
The Tern Vektron S10 is a foldable e-bike for adults who aim to use it for most of their transportation needs, including shuttling kids around and hauling groceries. It’s also a folding bike that feels nearly as stiff as a non-folding model, thanks to the advanced welding techniques, gussets for the OCL+ frame joint, and custom forks. A telescoping seat post allows the frame to fit riders from 4’10” to 6’5”.
Tern has a long history of making cargo bicycles that handle being loaded down well, and the Vektron S10 is no exception. The robust Atlas V Rack can hold up to 60 pounds, whether that’s groceries in some of Tern’s accessories or a child seat made by Thule or Dash. A Bosch Performance Drive Unit and 400Wh Bosch PowerPack, a pair renowned for high performance and quiet operation, power this cargo hauler. Other name-brand parts, like a 10-speed Shimano drivetrain and Magura hydraulic brakes, help account for the price tag of about $3,300. Make no mistake: The Vektron S10 expects to replace a car. Practically speaking, the overall carrying capacity for the bike is a little low at 275 pounds.
Despite being a cargo bike, the Vektron is a portable electric bike when you drop the seat post, fold the mid-point in the frame, and then the handlebars. At 50 pounds, it’s not the lightest but not the heaviest. Most Terns also have another advantage for storage: They can be tipped on the rack end to be stored vertically.
Best trike: Lectric XP Trike
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Pros
- Three wheels expand the potential rider base
- Differential axle for smooth turning
- Five levels of pedal assist plus throttle
- Front and rear hydraulic brakes
- Two parking brakes
- Integrated headlights, rear lights, and brake lights
- Front and rear fenders
- A ton of additional accessories
- Removable battery
- External charging port
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Three wheels mean wider turning radius
- Added accessories usually need to be removed before folding
- Ships with beginner mode, which limits the speed
Specs
-
Unfolded bike:
63.5 inches long by 30.5 inches wide by 43 inches tall -
Folded bike:
38.5 inches by 30.5 inches wide by 30 inches tall -
Motor:
500W rear hub motor on the differential axle, 65Nm or torque -
Battery:
672Wh lithium-ion -
Riding range:
Up to 60 miles using pedal assist or up to 55 using throttle only -
Class:
2 -
Top speed:
14 mph -
Bike weight:
69.5 pounds -
Carrying capacity:
415 pounds
The Lectric XP Trike packs a ton of higher-end features into an electric tricycle that makes cycling more accessible. With a suggested retail of about $1,500, this Class 2 trike offers five levels of pedal assist and has a throttle to help with starts or offer breaks from pedaling. Lectric ships the trike in a beginner mode that slows acceleration and limits the top speed to 5 mph. This mode prevents people who haven’t been riding electric vehicles from jumping forward or going faster than they’re ready. Higher speeds can be unlocked, but this trike isn’t a speed demon. Top speed is 14 mph.
Let’s talk about the tricycle format. First, it has an incredibly low standover height of less than 14 inches, making it super easy to hop on and off. Lectric packed a 500W engine into the rear differential axle, which lets each rear wheel turn independently for smoother turning and enough torque to chug up big hills. All trikes can tip, though; expect to take turns slower and leave more room for stopping until you get used to the handling. The XP Trike also boasts hydraulic front and rear bikes, a surprisingly high-end feature for the price point.
And yes, this bad boy folds. However, it will take a few minutes and require removing most additional accessories. Considering that this is a trike, the 69.5 pounds is light for the form. Removing the battery will shave about seven pounds off. Folded up, the trike can fit in the back of minivans or SUVs, though smaller hatchbacks may need some extra finagling. The XP Trike accommodates riders from 4’10” to 6’4” who weigh up to 330 pounds. Plus, the bike can still haul another 85 pounds of cargo. Lectric also offers a ton of add-ons, like a seat with back support, suspension seat stems, and baskets.
Best value: Ride1Up Portola
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Pros
- Five pedal assist modes plus throttle
- Front suspension fork
- Dual-piston hydraulic brakes
- Front and back fenders
- Rear rack holds up to 130 pounds
- Integrated front and rear bikes
- Folding pedals
- Chainguard stay
- Short velcro strap to hold the bike together when folded
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Long-range battery available for extra
- Well-organized, but external wires and cords
- Taller riders may find leg extension lacking
Specs
-
Unfolded bike:
66.2 inches long by 19 inches wide by 44.4 inches tall -
Folded bike:
33 inches long by 19 inches wide by 29.5 inches tall -
Motor:
750W geared hub motor with 65Nm torque -
Battery:
500Wh -
Riding range:
Up to 40 miles -
Class:
Switchable to 1, 2 or 3 -
Top speed:
28 mph -
Bike weight:
59 pounds -
Carrying capacity:
300 pounds
The Ride1Up Portola has a big ol’ motor—750W, the largest of this roundup. It also features a front suspension fork, 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and a muscular welded rear rack that can hold up to 130 pounds. These details are surprising to find on a folding e-bike and downright shocking to find on one that costs less than a grand.
The Portola offers a lot to like, especially at the price point. Sturdy 20-inch by 3-inch tires and a front suspension fork work together to keep the rider relatively comfortable. There’s only one frame size, which Ride1Up calls “one size fits most,” or in this case, means riders from 4’10” to 6’4”—though taller riders or long-legged ones note they’d like a little more extension when they pedal.
The Portola initially starts with a 10.4Ah battery, but an upgrade to 13.4Ah is only $100 more. With five pedal-assist levels and a throttle, you might want the extra juice. The range is up to 40—or 45 with the larger battery. The e-bike also can be switched between Class 1, 2, or 3, depending on whether you want to limit or unleash a potential top speed of 28 mph. And here’s one very simple but very nice touch that many folding bike makers overlook: The Portola has a small velcro strap to secure the bike when it’s folded. It takes some fussing to get the wheels and handlebars just right, but folding bike owners frequently add their own bungees or straps because nothing was included.
What to consider when searching for the best folding electric bikes
Usually, a search for an e-bike begins with sticker shock, especially if you don’t ride other bicycles. You can find budget electric bikes under $1,000, though models quickly get into the multiple thousands. Expect to find more powerful motors with more torque, larger batteries, and frames made of higher-quality, often lighter-weight materials as the price climbs. They’re like cars: You can find a reasonably priced, reliable model or spend serious bucks on high-end components, luxury features, and eye-grabbing designs. While the options may be daunting, there is a model out there to suit your tastes and budget, whether you’re looking for the best electric commuter bike or the best fat tire electric bike.
It’s also worth checking whether your state offers tax credits or rebates for e-bikes to encourage adoption.
Classes
E-bikes occupy a weird space in transportation between traditional, aka “acoustic,” bicycles and mopeds. For the most part, electric bicycle owners need to wear helmets, but they don’t need special licenses, insurance, or vehicle registration. Most states recognize three different e-bike classes to help determine the literal rules of the road. Here’s the quick version:
- Class 1: a pedal-assist system motor that stops assistance at 20 mph.
- Class 2: a throttle motor that stops assistance at 20 mph.
- Class 3: a pedal-assist system motor that stops assistance at 28 mph.
- Some manufacturers blend these classes or ship a Class 1 that can be turned into a Class 3 with some tinkering.
Look into your state’s rules or check this guide for where and how you can operate your class e-bike. Sometimes, trails or specific parks prohibit certain bike classes. Around my city, various counties and neighborhoods put signs along popular bike paths to encourage slow speeds and trail sharing.
Motors
A great e-bike makes riding feel effortless, even when climbing a steep hill. Motors help riders go farther and faster through a pedal-assist system (PAS) or a throttle. A PAS e-bike can supply different levels of support using controls on the handlebars and sensors that detect how fast or hard you’re pedaling. Throttle systems deliver a quick burst of power without pedaling, more akin to a scooter or moped. Some bikes have both features.
But what makes for a good motor? Look for a combination of watts and torque. Watts indicate the motor output, while torque is the acceleration or climbing force. Higher watts and higher torque usually equal higher performance, but some manufacturers have unique tuning that eeks more torque out of lower output motors. Whether you need that is another matter. Flat commutes on paved surfaces don’t need high torque. Very fit riders might not need the power. Consider your fitness, the terrain of most rides, and how long those rides will be.
Riding range and battery life
The good news about an e-bike with a dead battery is that you can pedal. Still, most people don’t want to run out of battery. Published ranges are suggestions based on optimal riding conditions. How long the battery lasts relies on dozens of factors: rider and cargo weight, whether the route has hills, and how much assistance the motor provides. More help—or a lot of throttling—drains the battery faster. Commutes are easy to plan for; the distance doesn’t change. Freeform or unplanned rides can be dicier. A good rule of thumb is to plan trips well under the top end of the published riding range and charge the battery for every ride.
Some models have removable batteries that allow for swapping a dead one out for another or extended-capacity versions to lengthen ride time. Generally, bigger batteries are heavier but provide greater peace of mind.
FAQs
E-bikes—folding or not—can be a more earth-friendly way of handling errands and regular commutes than driving a gas-powered car. That said, e-bikes typically cost more than their unpowered counterparts (though those can get quite premium, as well). E-bikes also need to be recharged, so be sure you have a space with a convenient charging port or find a model with a removable battery. Eventually, batteries will degrade and need to be replaced. Like all bikes, they will need regular maintenance. While any bike shop can service many models, some have proprietary parts that may be hard to get.
An electric folding bike has a few additional things to consider. All moving parts wear with use and repetition, including the folding frame of a collapsible electric bike and the bolts or clips that secure it.
Check the model’s published range and know that the top-line number may be purely aspirational. How long a battery lasts depends on your weight, your cargo’s weight, the assist level being used, and the terrain. If you’re riding on flat land with no pedal assistance, that battery will last a good long while. However, using the highest assist level while going exclusively uphill into a headwind … well, expect the lowest end of that published range.
People used to traditional or full-sized bikes may find riding folding models inherently less comfortable. Foldable models often have upright riding positions and some comfort features, but the smaller wheels and general lack of suspension mean you feel every crack, root, and bump.
We’ve seen electric bikes weigh anywhere from just shy of 30 pounds to 90 pounds. Folding e-bikes are in the same ballpark, though you’ll find fewer of those 90-pounders. Sixty pounds is 60 pounds, but even unfolded, a folding e-bike’s smaller wheels and shorter wheelbase are easier to maneuver than most traditional bicycles or e-bikes. Folded, you don’t have to deal with balancing the weight or handlebars turning inconveniently.
Final thoughts on the best folding electric bikes
Folding electric bikes are a funny sort of transportation. They’re purpose-built to be easy to transport or store, which may mean some compromises in riding comfort. However, this category of bikes has come a long way, incorporating fatter tires, more suspension systems, and hydraulic brakes for superior stopping power and more options than ever before. Find the model that fits—literally—into your apartment, car, or commute, and enjoy the ride.
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