Best Folding Electric Bikes of 2023

best folding electric bike

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Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.


Our Favourites

  1. KwiKfold Xite-2 (Editor’s Choice)
  2. Eelo 1885 (Best Lightweight)
  3. Cyclamatic CX2 (Best Value)

If you commute to work by car or by public transport, you will be well aware of how much of your day is spent sitting down. Perhaps you have considered saving money and getting some exercise by cycling to work, but have been put off by the thought of early morning exertion and finding somewhere to store your bike. Well, now there is a solution to these problems! In this review, we will find the best folding electric bike for you.

Using a foldable electric bike offers convenience and speed, without having to break into a sweat. Assisted by a battery-powered motor, these bikes can get you to your destination with much less effort than a regular bicycle. And once there, it can be folded down into an easy-to-carry size and quick storage.

So, which one should you buy? In this section we examine the top 5 electric folding bikes, so you can be sure to get the right model for your needs!

Best Folding Electric Bike Reviews – Top 5 Picks

KwiKfold Xite-2 (Editor’s Choice)

The KwiKfold Xite-2 is an innovative and cleverly designed folding e-bike, combining many features which makes it well-suited for the urban environment. It can be folded down within seconds into an easy-to-carry shape which can be effortlessly stored on the train or in the office.

Powered by a 36v rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it boasts a 250-watt motor, capable of reaching speeds of 10-12 miles per hour with the twist and go throttle. Pedal-assist mode helps to give an extra boost when required, while the LCD display shows speed, battery charge and distance travelled. Six high-quality Shimano gears are included, which makes riding on a variety of inclines and surfaces a breeze.

In terms of range, a full battery allows the user to travel up to 25 miles before requiring a recharge. The charging time is a mere 4-5 hours to full capacity, so it can be readily charged while you are at work if necessary. However, some users found the charger to be larger than expected so you may need a bigger bag if you are taking it with you every day.

This is quite heavy, but the overall design is robust and durable. The folding handlebars are crafted from aluminium, while the iron x-shaped frame can withstand intense usage. To avoid knocks or damage during transport or storage, the pedals can also be conveniently folded out of the way.

Even though it has the ability to become impressively compact; it doesn’t skimp on ride comfort. This folding model still offers 16-inch aluminium wheels, complete with top-quality Kenda tires, so you can be sure to have a smooth, balanced ride. Furthermore, the seat and handlebar grips are fashioned from handmade leather for a luxurious feel.

Pros:

  • Powered by a 36v Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • 4-5 hour recharge time
  • 250w electric motor
  • 6 Shimano gears
  • 25-mile range
  • With disc brakes

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • The battery is sometimes difficult to remove
  • The charger is quite large – portability

Eelo 1885 (Best Lightweight)

If you are in the search for a lightweight bike you can fold that can also offer electric motor assistance mode on a tough hill or mountain, the eelo 1885 disc could be the e-bike for you.

At only 14.8kg, this is the lightest electric folding bike we have seen, which makes it much more comfortable to carry on and off the train or up the stairs to your office.

The reason this folding model is so lightweight all boils down to the majority aluminium construction. Where other folding bikes would have used heavier steel, it has chosen this much lighter metal instead. Furthermore, the wheels are only 14 inches, much smaller than those often found on adult bikes.

But being unusually lightweight isn’t the only attractive feature of this bike. It is also very quick and effortless to fold. Quick-release clamps and pedals you can fold mean you can rapidly collapse it in as little as a few moments, without any unnecessary struggle or stress. The only downside is that there are no straps to secure the collapsed bike together but users said it was rarely an issue for them.

This offers a 250-watt motor and powerful 36V 7.8 Ah battery which can provide up to an incredible 40-mile distance. It should be more than enough for most commuters to travel to work and back, but if not, the battery can be fully recharged within 4 to 6 hours in the office.

With regard to speed, this folding electric bike can take you to an impressive max speed of 15 miles per hour using the lever throttle. This is the limit allowed by UK law, so this bike will take you as fast as you can go! A useful LCD display is situated on the handlebars, which shows the user’s current speed, battery life and outside temperature.

If you find yourself wishing to ride at night, it has an integrated front LED light, but unfortunately lacks a rear light. These can be easily purchased separately should you require one.

Pros:

  • Powered by 36V battry
  • Very lightweight
  • 40 miles range
  • LCD display
  • 15 mph max speed
  • With disc brakes
  • 4-6 hour battery charge time
  • With electric motor assistance mode

Cons:

  • No rear light
  • No pedal gears
  • Instruction manual is basic

Cyclamatic CX2 (Best Value)

The Cyclamatic CX2 is a great choice for those who are looking for a sturdy foldable electric bike on a budget.

Although it is quite heavy at 26 kg, this cheap electric folding bike is very sturdy and has a good build quality. The overall design is attractive, and it can be folded to a pleasantly compact size fairly easily.

The folding Cx2 can reach the maximum speed of 15mph without the user needing to do any pedalling at all. This is great for those who struggle with knee pain and need to take frequent breaks. On the other hand, the electric motor assist mode can be used to bolster your own power if you’re feeling tired or tackling tough mountain terrain.

Its 36V 8.8Ah battery can power you for an estimated 25 to 31 miles. The distance will depend on the weight of the user, and the amount of pedalling, as well as the environment where it is ridden.

It is safe to ride it in the rain, but using it in strong winds or on steep hills will reduce the maximum range. In line with other folding bikes we have seen, the battery is said to be at full capacity in 4-6 hours.

Some customers have complained that the tyres supplied are very prone to puncture, so this foldable electric bike may not be the ideal option for rural rides. Furthermore, a few people reported that the brakes wear down easily, even with light use.

With regard to the usability of this bike, it is simple but effective. On the left of the handlebars, there is a small panel which hosts the controls for the three levels of motor assistance, as well as the on/off switch.

The battery life is also clearly displayed via four LED lights, so you will always know how much power you have at your disposal.

Pros:

  • Strong build quality
  • Powered by a 36V battery
  • 15 mph max speed
  • 25-30 mile max range
  • Inexpensive
  • With electric motor assistance mode

Cons:

  • Tyres prone to puncture
  • Heavy
  • Brakes wear down quickly

Byocycles Unisex City Speed

The Byocycles Unisex City Speed is a great electric folding bicycle for everyday use. Having a 17-inch folding alloy frame, this electric bike that can be folded is lightweight and highly compact when collapsed. Folding it up only takes a few steps. First, you must unscrew the headstock clamp and then release a bracket on the crossbar. Then, once this is done the bike will fold in half. Lastly, when it has been folded, this electric bike can be readily stowed in the boot of the car, or on the train without taking up much space.

Although collapsing this foldable electric bike sounds like a simple process, some users said it wasn’t as easy as they expected. Like most things, it will likely take a bit of practice before you get used to it.

This features a 36V 10Ah battery which is capable of providing a range of up to 25 miles. The battery can be charged in about 4-5 hours, which is what we would expect after looking at the charging time of other folding models.

Its brushless 250-watt motor sits within the back wheel. Once the pedals start to rotate, the motor will start-up and keep running, up to a speed of 15.5mph. However, should the user stop pedalling or apply the brakes, the motor will cut out instantly, keeping the rider safe and in complete control.

Six Shimano gears are also included, which when used in combination with the motor, allow the user to ride across challenging terrain with much less effort. It is worth noting though, that some people found the pedals to be too close to the ground for their liking.

This folding bike also has an LED display control panel. It enables the user to easily adjust the motor assistance levels, as well as clearly see the current battery power. Furthermore, should the user wish to switch on the front LED light, they will find the button here.

Additional features include JW short mudguards, front and rear Winzip V-style brakes and 14g stainless steel spokes. The use of stainless steel and aluminium throughout the folding bike’s design, as well as the small size of the wheels, results in this bike weighing in at only 20kg.

However, small wheels also mean every bump in the road is more noticeable.

Pros:

  • 25-mile range
  • Powered by 36V batery
  • 250-watt electric motor
  • Lightweight at only 20kg
  • Six Shimano gears
  • LED control panel

Cons:

  • Awkward to fold
  • Pedals are quite close to the ground
  • Small wheels mean you feel every bump

ANCHEER 2019 Upgraded

If you’re looking for an e-bike for commuting, the ANCHEER 2019 Upgraded Electric Mountain Bike is another excellent choice.

Presenting a generous range of up to 45 miles per charge, this electric bike is perfect for travelling to and from work. The 36V 8AH lithium-ion battery charges fully in 4-6 hours. Thus, you can be confident you’ll have enough juice to get you home after a day in the office.

With a 21-speed Shimano shifter, the ANCHEER 2019 Electric Mountain Bike has plenty of options for all terrains. Do you need a boost to help you up that dreaded hill? Simply increase the speed to take the strain off your legs. Also, riding in the dark is made much safer, thanks to its bright LED headlight. What’s more, there’s an integrated horn to ensure your fellow motorists are made aware of your presence.

In terms of design quality, the frame of this e-bike is constructed from tough aluminium alloy, with the front suspension fork made with high-carbon steel for strength and durability over rough ground. Dual disk brakes coupled with rear suspension provides a comfortable ride on uneven surfaces. Hence, you can arrive at your destination without aches or pains.

Foldable and portable, you shouldn’t have any trouble storing this bike in the office or at home. However, at 27kg, it is quite heavy. Therefore, if your upper body strength is lacking, you may wish to opt for a lighter alternative.

Overall, this foldable bike is a worthy consideration for day-to-day use, but it does have a few downsides. Some people have complained that the battery lasts little more than a year. However, this could be due to heavy use or irresponsible charging practices. Furthermore, this bike is delivered partially assembled. While the manufacturer claims it is easy to complete the assembly yourself, many people struggled to do this without assistance.

Pros:

  • 45-mile range on a single charge
  • 36V battery charges up in 4-6 hours
  • Shimano 21-speed shifter
  • LED headlight and horn
  • Double suspension and dual disk brakes

Cons:

  • Quite heavy at 27kg
  • Assembly instructions may be difficult for inexperienced users
  • Some users complained their batteries failed after a year

Benefits Of Folding Electric Bikes

Now we have seen some of the best e-bikes on the market, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of owning and riding a folding electric bike.

Health & Fitness

It’s no secret that most of us need to get more exercise. In today’s society, we are becoming increasingly sedentary, which wreaks havoc upon our health and overall susceptibility to disease later in life.

Riding is an effective form of cardiovascular exercise to strengthen the heart, lungs and lower body, as well as burning calories. Therefore, some people use exercise bikes to cycle their way to losing weight or building muscles. Now wouldn’t it be great to incorporate cycling into your daily regime via your commute? This is a great way to meet the recommended exercise goals without needing to take time out of your schedule.

Of course, not everyone is able to cycle for long distances or up steep inclines. This may be due to lower fitness levels, age or restrictive conditions such as arthritis. Therefore, it is in these circumstances that folding electric bikes are of the most benefit.

Folding e-bikes enable less confident or less able users to enjoy the health benefits of riding, without needing to worry about getting too tired. Thanks to the electric motor assistance mode, hills and long distances become much easier. Thus, it enables the user to build their fitness level over time while also taking a break when they need to.

Compact

One of the most attractive benefits of a foldable electric bike is the convenience and portability it offers.

No longer will you need to struggle to get your e-bike onto the train, or find somewhere secure to store it outside the office. With this, you simply collapse the frame down into an easy-to-carry size, which can be effortlessly stored under your desk, in the boot of your car, or in the luggage compartment on a train or bus.

Environmentally Friendly

In the United Kingdom, road transport accounts for the greatest percentage of greenhouse gas emissions per year, with 67% of commutes being undertaken via car or van.

The distance of an average daily commute in the UK is only between 5 and 10 miles. Bicycles are a great alternative to the use of a car for relatively short trips, however, cycling is one of the least used modes of transport to work.

This is likely because many people perceive cycling as taking too much effort, and they do not want to arrive at the workplace sweaty and needing to change their clothes.

However, riding an electric bike that you can fold offers a solution to these concerns. Electric bike users do not need to expend as much effort as those who ride regular bikes and can also reach higher speeds with less exertion. This means arriving at your workplace on time, without feeling exhausted and sweaty.

How To Choose a Folding Electric Bike

After reading all the incredible benefits of using an e-bike you can fold, you are probably about to grab your wallet and rush out to buy one.

But wait! Before you do that, let’s take a look at the qualities of the best ebike that UK riders search for when purchasing.

Collapsibility

Just like when you’re choosing an electric scooter,  one of the most important considerations when in the market for  a folding electric bike will be how small the final collapsed size is. If you want to store the bike under your desk or in a small flat after riding, you will want to make sure that it is compact enough for your storage space. Otherwise, it will not be as convenient as you would have hoped.

Furthermore, you should check out how easy the electric bike is to fold. Some models can be quickly folded in a matter of seconds, while other folding bikes are a little more complex. If you are going to be folding your bike multiple times a day, it will soon get tiresome if you find the process a struggle.

Weight

Because electric bikes require a battery and a motor to function, they are naturally heavier than a standard bicycle. Also, the mechanics which are required to enable them to fold can contribute further weight.

As you are likely to be carrying your e-bike most days that you use it, you should pay close attention to the weight of each folding electric model you are considering. Some models can weigh more than 25kg, which can be quite tiring after a long day at work.

Battery Power

Battery power and range per charge is a crucial consideration when choosing the ideal electric bike for your needs. After all, it won’t be much use if you cannot make it to your desired destination without running out of power.

Of course, electric bikes can still function as a regular bike if necessary, but this negates the purpose of having one if the battery doesn’t last as long as required. All models will have varying ranges depending on the size of the battery they use. The maximum range will also be affected by the users’ weight and the amount of pedalling. Also, the terrain you are cycling on, whether a flat land or a mountain affects battery power.

Furthermore, you should take into account how long the battery will take to recharge. Some batteries can be fully charged within a few hours, while other folding bikes will need longer.

Ride Comfort

If you are going to ride every day, you will want to be sure you are going to be using the best folding electric bike that is comfortable for you.

One of the aspects to consider is the size of the wheels. Whilst smaller wheels obviously make for a more compact folded bike, they also contribute to a bumpier ride. Moreover, smaller wheels will also mean you have to use more power to achieve the same speed as a bike with larger wheels.

Additionally, the quality of the seat and durability of handlebars are important. Some other folding models will include genuine leather seats which are well-padded, as well as high-quality materials on the handle grips for maximum ride comfort. If you are going to be covering many miles a day, you will certainly be grateful for these features in the long run.

Conclusion

Every one of the folding electric bikes we have seen in this review will make fantastic choices for both urban and rural users, but in our opinion, the KwiKfold Xite-2 stands out.

We love how this folding electric bike can offer a suitable 25 miles and can be completely recharged in only 4 to 5 hours. This is sure to be more than sufficient for all but the most extreme commutes. Additionally, its disc brake, 16-inch aluminium wheels and Kenda tires mean you’ll always get a smooth ride.

Furthermore, this electric bike doesn’t scrimp on speed. It is capable of reaching the maximum allowable limit of 15mph, ensuring you can get where you’re going, you’re riding in good time. And as if this wasn’t enough, upon arrival at your destination this can be quickly collapsed in just a few moments.

After taking all this into consideration, we think that the KwiKfold Xite-2 is truly the best folding electric bike for your needs.

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