Best Folding Bikes (Electric Or Not): Which One To Buy Based On Use And 13 Models From 200 To 4,500 Euros

The particularities of folding bikes

When buying any other bike, it is worth taking a look at general characteristics such as whether it has gears and their quality, whether it has suspension, the type of brake, the frame material, what type of bike you want… up to here, nothing new. But be careful because choosing a bike has many mysteries.

The fact that a bike is foldable adds a few more variables to the equation of our perfect bike. And if it is also electric, deadly with a corkscrew.

Some people mistakenly think that they are more affordable when in reality this feature means that, for similar features, their price is generally higher. If we choose a folding bike, it is simply a matter of space: because we don’t have a bike room or similar and our apartment is small – in general, a bike at home is in the way – because there are urban transport systems that restrict the use of bicycles due to their size. , or because we have to move them in the trunk or by hand, and these reduced dimensions are appreciated. Carrying the roof rack or removing the seats frequently is not the most comfortable. As you can see, its urban vocation is essential and it will be on them that we will focus, although there are also more off-road folding bikes.

Regarding how it folds, the most common in urban folding bicycles is to find a horizontal folding mechanism with a security lock located in the frame of the bike (with slight variations in design depending on the manufacturer, especially if it is electric since It is very common for the battery to be placed in this area in e-bikes) to assemble and disassemble it without the need for tools. If we are interested in taking up little space especially, there are brands like Brompton that are committed to folding in three to make it more compact.

This mechanism accumulates stress on the frame, especially with frequent use or heavy loads. For this reason, the folding assembly is what largely determines the quality of the folding bike: the quality of the construction and materials, how robust and resistant the system is against continuous use, its ability to absorb vibration, and the speed of assembly.

A light bike moves easier when you’re on top of it, but especially when you’re carrying it in your arms. Some models opt ​​for minimalism to reduce loads, but the key is to find those with materials that combine the necessary resistance with lightness, generally with aluminum, steel, or alloys with different metals such as titanium. However, we can find models of 10 kilograms. Of course, you will have to pay the price of such a light bike.

Before we throw our heads around looking for the lightest, most compact folding bike with the best mechanism, it is better to be clear about what and how much we are going to use it for (especially the mechanism). I will give you my case as an example: a couple of years ago I decided that I wanted a folding bike to move around my city. I chose it foldable because I want to be able to take it a couple of times a year in the trunk for a trip, but its usual state will be unfolded and in the bike room. In this sense, I looked for a simple bike from a reference brand with a good value for money that until now has been fulfilled perfectly. A different case would be if I had to keep it in my apartment, take it down the stairs and take it to work by car or by metro folded daily.

Other items to consider

Taking into account his approach, the wheels of folding bikes are smaller than usual to take up less space. This smaller size does not represent a problem in terms of speed or acceleration in urban driving, although for longer distances the larger wheels are more suitable. The range of wheel diameters is between 16″ and 20″, gaining in compactness in the first case and stability in the second.

In any case, we must bear in mind that with a smaller radius, the structure is stronger, but we will also feel the imperfections of the terrain more. The scenario of the use of these bikes may be the cities, but there are also potholes there. If we also take into account that this type of bike usually lacks suspension – and that with boats the folding mechanism suffers -, putting versatile tires with a pattern to improve grip and cushioning is a good idea.

Folding bikes mostly have changes to be able to adjust to the unevenness of the terrain. Of course, these are usually systems with a single chainring and sprockets, taking into account their scenario of use and that a conventional gear system with several chainrings increases the weight of the bike. In any case, it is worth investing in a quality transmission.

Although folded we want it to be very compact, when it is unfolded we want it to be a bike whose riding experience is as similar as possible to a normal touring bike. In other words, it allows us to be upright and comfortable, with the handlebars and saddle adjusted according to our height, and with very useful elements for urban driving such as the grill, lights, bell, or mudguards.

What if it’s electric?

If, in addition to making use of the gears, we want a bike with a pedal-assist system so that a motor is the one that provides the force to climb hills, we essentially find ourselves with the same problems and characteristics as when choosing an electric bicycle.

Battery

In the technical specifications of the battery, we will find data such as its capacity, charge cycles, and autonomy. If we are clear about how much we are going to travel with it daily, we will look for models that comfortably meet these figures, taking into account that the data provided by the manufacturers are usually benevolent in the sense that the tests carried out seek to give the highest data.

The location is important both for the distribution of the weight of the bicycle, which will be strongly influenced by this element and for possible bumps and falls. Thus, in this type of bicycle, we will find it on the grill, in the area of ​​the frame that is under the seat or the handlebars. The fact that it is removable is also important since it allows us to remove it for security reasons when it is on the street or to bring it home and load it comfortably. And if it is not removable, we are interested in making it easy to access for possible substitutions.

Be careful when buying an imported bicycle, since the battery may not have the safety certifications related to lithium batteries, such as IEC 62133, UL 2054, UN38.3, or CE. Remember that electric bicycles must be approved.

Engine

The most common positions of the engine are the wheel or the axle, two places that offer different sensations and efficiency. In urban models, their location on the wheel usually prevails, either in the rear or in the front, achieving in the latter place double traction caused by manual and assisted pedaling.

In any case, remember by law it is not only limited that the maximum output speed is 25 kilometers/hour but also that the motor is 250W. If it has more rated power, we’ll talk about powered cycles or speed bikes.

featured models

folded dimensions	77 x 64 x 35cm
Weight	11kg
wheel size	twenty”
Gears (manual) / Engine	6 gears
Battery	No
Price	219 euros

The Moma First Class 20 ( 219 euros ) is a veteran model (sold out in the catalog on the official website) that how affordable it is and its price-performance ratio will be very interesting, especially if we are looking for a simple folding bicycle for light use.

Its vocation is urban and it does not skimp on details such as the grill, fenders, lights, and a comfortable seat. With an aluminum frame and v-brakes.

folded dimensions	na
Weight	13.68kg
wheel size	twenty”
Gears (manual) / Engine	8
Battery	No
Price	404 euros

With a beautifully retro aesthetic that is quite reminiscent of the Brompton, the Conor Denver ( 404 euros ) is a simple but very functional folding bike from a lifelong brand for urban use. It stands out for its design and comfort thanks to details such as the Selle Royal Rio saddle, its 8 gears, its lights, and its large grill.

Reference brand with a bike, the BH Ibiza Pro ( 499 euros ), for day-to-day use, very robust for the city and its unevenness, achieving a balance between being compact and off-road. With disc brakes and a series of design elements that are very useful for everyday use such as a chain guard, grill, kickstand, mudguards, lights… It is available in various sizes.

Dahon Vybe D7 20