Best electric folding bikes 2023

The best electric folding bikes will take you from A to B with ease but also pack up small for transport or storage.

The growth in popularity of electric folding bikes probably hasn’t escaped your notice. After all, our towns and cities are the ideal playground for a commuter-focussed product that combines the attributes of the best folding bikes (opens in new tab) – notably portability – with those of the best e-bikes (opens in new tab), namely making your journey faster and less physically taxing.

The best electric folding bikes are ideally suited for carrying on trains and buses as well as folding up small enough to make storage both at work and a home a breeze. Likewise their manageable size also makes them a good choice for taking on holiday.

Like any commuter bike (opens in new tab), there are plenty of options when it comes to electric folding bikes. Which is right for you will depend on your individual needs. How far do you plan on riding? Is your route into work flat or does it take in a few hills? And, as with any considered purchase, how much do you wish to spend?

We’ll dive into some of these details later, in the guide at the bottom of this page, as well providing some general information on e-bikes. But before that let’s look at our picks of some of the best electric folding bikes on the market.

Best electric folding bikes 

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(Image credit: Gocycle)

Gocycle G4 Folding Electric Bike

A minimal maintenance option

Specifications

Frame:

6061 T6 alloy front frame, carbon fibre mid-frame and injection moulded magnesium Cleandrive™

Motor:

Gocycle proprietary front hub motor, G4drive with traction control 500 watt US / 250 watt EU continuous

Battery:

Lithium ion: 8.1Ah, 36V, approx 300 Wh

Range:

Up to 40 miles, depending on pedal input

Charging time:

3 hours

Weight:

From 17.6kg / 38.8lbs

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Reasons to buy

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Low maintenance enclosed drivechain 

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LED handlebar ‘fuel gauge’ display 

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Quick to charge – just 3 hours

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Plenty of commuter-friendly add-ons available

Reasons to avoid

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Travel case is an extra

The G4 is a solid choice for a commuter, with the option to add many accessories such as mudguards (fenders), a front and rear pannier rack, integrated lights, lock holster and a travel case. 

The design folds in half, so that you can push it on its wheels rather than needing to carry it, or you can fully fold it into a compact package. There’s built-in rear suspension, concealed cabling and a fully enclosed drivetrain.

It features a discreetly integrated USB port on the handlebar, enabling owners to charge their phone or other small devices from the bike’s battery when not in use. The high tech handlebar boasts an LED display that helps you to keep an eye on battery life while in motion.

It’s also likely to be pretty low-maintenance given that the drivetrain is completely enclosed. This makes sense given that commuting year round usually means cycling in the wet at some point. The G4 utilizes a Shimano Nexus 3 speed internally geared hub. With 1” of suspension and 2” wide tyres, it is one of the more comfortable small wheelers. Single-sided wheel attachment means you don’t even have to remove the wheel, should you puncture one of the 20” wheels.

The 250W (500W in the US) G4 electric motor and 300Wh Lithium-ion battery provides a range of 40 miles or 65km on eco mode and will fully charge from empty in three hours. Gocycle says that the G4drive motor delivers more torque, improving acceleration and hill climbing.

It weighs in at 17.6kg / 38.8lbs. However, as the weight is centred low on the frame, this at least makes the ride more stable. The folding mechanism has been improved since previous versions and can be quickly collapsed into a small package – Gocycle says this can be done in as little as ten seconds. The travel case is one of a wide range of options and doesn’t come with the bike but further adds to the portability of the G4.

(Image credit: Volt)

Volt Metro

Affordability with good range

Our expert review:

Specifications

Frame:

6061 aluminium

Motor:

250w Spintech

Battery:

Panasonic lithium 36V 400wh

Range:

40-60 miles depending on level of assistance

Charging time:

3-4 hours

Weight:

19.5kg (without battery) 22.7kg (with battery)

Reasons to buy

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Powerful battery – 400Wh

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Good range – up to 60 miles

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Integrated bike lights

Reasons to avoid

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Too heavy to easily move when folded

The Volt Metro has replaced the Axis in the British brand’s electric folding bike line-up. The aluminium frame has been redesigned and there’s now the addition of an ABUS frame-lock on the rear wheel. We reviewed the previous model and found that even with 20” wheels, it doesn’t fold as tightly as some of the others on our list. The newly designed frame may well improve this however.

Suspension forks and seatpost point towards a comfortable ride, as does the deliberately upright riding position.

The Spintech Panasonic 400wh battery translates to a range of around 40 miles. There’s also a battery upgrade available, which increases this to 60 miles. Charge time is 3-4 hours.

The Shimano Alfine 8 speed internally geared hub should help reduce the need for regular maintenance. Hydraulic disc brakes, 2.1” tyres and mudguards, combined with the integrated front and rear lights make this a versatile bike that’s well-equipped to deal with a city life.

This bike only folds at two points, meaning it does not come up particularly small, and at 22.7kg / 47.84lbs, with the battery it is not exactly lightweight either.

(Image credit: Brompton)

Brompton Electric C Line

Tried-and-tested folding tech in a lightweight package

Specifications

Frame:

Main frame: steel, rear frame: alloy

Motor:

250W Brushless DC

Battery:

300Wh 36V with LED display

Range:

20-45 miles

Charging time:

4 hours

Weight:

14.5kg

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Reasons to buy

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Relatively lightweight

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Classic Brompton 3-part folding action

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Built-in lights

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Handlebar bag

Reasons to avoid

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Little more expensive than the standard lightweight models from Brompton

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Need to carry the battery bag separately from the folded bike

This London based brand has been going for over 45-years and has applied its expertise in manufacturing folding bikes to produce this electric version.

With six hub based gears, mudguards and built-in lights, the Electric C Line hits many of the points of a good commuter. The handlebar-mounted bag which holds the battery has extra capacity for carrying other items, and there is even a 5V 1.5A USB port you can use for charging your devices directly from the bike’s battery.

The 250W motor and 300Wh battery give a respectable maximum range of 40 miles and take four hours to charge from empty, although a faster charger can be bought separately. 

With 16” wheels and weighing 14.5kg / 32lbs, this is a compelling option for maximum portability. It benefits from Brompton’s tried-and-tested 3-part fold, which results in a compact folded size of 645mm (H) x 565mm (W) x 270mm (D) (25.3” x 23” x 10.6”). You can read our first ride impressions here.

Raleigh Evo

A commuter-ready bike that won’t break the bank

Specifications

Frame:

Alloy Frame AL6061

Motor:

TranzX F15 36v 250w Brushless

Battery:

TranzX 250wh 36V 6.8Ah

Range:

31 miles

Charging time:

N/A

Weight:

20kg

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Reasons to buy

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Built-in front and rear lights

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Commuter-friendly – comes with mudguards and rack

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Walk-assist feature when pushing along pavements

Reasons to avoid

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Quite heavy – 20kg

Raleigh’s offering balances cost and performance, aiming for a middle ground in both.

The 8-speed derailleur gears mean maintenance is easier, but more frequent. Coming with a rack, mudguards (fenders), kickstand and integrated lights, it is a versatile bike that’s well set up for the daily commute – there’s even a handy walk assist feature that helps you push the bike along, which Raleigh says is designed for navigating busy pavements and sidewalks. The wheels are 20” and shod with 2” tyres.

The maximum range comes to around 31 miles due to the smaller 250Wh battery. However, if you thought that would translate into a significant weight saving, you would be wrong, with the whole bike coming in at 20kg / 44lbs. 

That said, considering the Evo folds in just two places, the space it takes up is impressively small, making this an electric folding bike you could comfortably stash by your work desk or in the back of your car.

Tern HSD P9 Folding

The best electric folding bike for ‘hauling’ cargo

Our expert review:

Specifications

Frame:

6061-AL, patented design, Tern sliding dropouts

Motor:

250w Bosch Active Line Plus (Gen 3)

Battery:

Bosch PowerPack 400wh

Range:

26-69 miles

Charging time:

N/A

Weight:

25.7kg / 56.5lbs

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Reasons to buy

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Rides fast, like a standard hybrid

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Designed to carry plenty of cargo

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Integrated lights

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Comes with mudguards (fenders)

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Large battery equates to impressive range of up to 68 miles

Reasons to avoid

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Heavy – over 25kg

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A bit cumbersome when folded

A more unconventional offering from Tern, this bike favours other aspects than minimising volume. The HSD stands for ‘haul stuff daily’. And if that’s what you do then this electric folding bike should have plenty of appeal.

The rack can handle 60kg / 132lbs, while the frame can take a gross weight of 170kg / 375lbs. The battery is beefed up to match, with 400Wh delivering a maximum range of 110km / 68mi. This ruggedness means the bike weighs in at a hefty 26kg / 57lbs. So while this certainly isn’t a bike for lugging on and off the train, for example, it does make sense for anyone needing to carry plenty of cargo.

By folding only at the handlebars, it does collapse to a similar height to other folding bikes, however the Tern remains considerably longer. But due to its cargo bike credentials and burly build it’s unlikely to be a choice for those overly concerned with space.

Some highlights of the spec are its hydraulic disc brakes, 9-speed derailleur drivetrain, integrated lights, mudguards (fenders) and 20” wheels with 2.2” tyres.

Carrera Crosscity Folding Electric Bike

Lightweight with an attractive price tag

Specifications

Frame:

Alloy

Motor:

Shengyi 36V 250W

Battery:

313Wh Samsung Cells (No USB)

Range:

30 miles

Charging time:

4-5 hours

Weight:

18kg

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Reasons to buy

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Affordable – under £1k

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Fairly light – 18kg

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Commuter friendly accessories incl. mudguards and lights

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Reasons to avoid

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Range (30 miles max) isn’t great considering battery size

Carrera is the in-house brand of Halfords and is known for its keen prices. This bike lives up to that reputation, delivering good value for money.

Practicality is present, with mudguards, rack, kickstand, and an 8-speed derailleur drivetrain. The wheels are 20” but do have relatively narrow 1.75” tyres. The frame only has two folding points but comes in at 18kg / 40lbs, which is impressive for the price. The folded size of the Crosscity is L93cm x W40cm x H74cm.

The range is 50km / 31mi, somewhat lower than expected, given the 250W motor and 313Wh battery. Between four and five hours are needed to reach full charge from empty.

COMPASS Comp

An ideal camping holiday companion

Specifications

Frame:

Steel

Motor:

36V/ 250W hub motor

Battery:

N/A

Range:

40 miles

Charging time:

N/A

Weight :

22kg

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Reasons to buy

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Affordable – under £1k

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Fitted with carry rack and mudguards

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2mph walk assist mode

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LED display 

Reasons to avoid

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Heavy – 22kg

Coming from Go Outdoors in the UK, this is one of the cheapest electric folding bikes on our list.

It comes with a kickstand, rack, and mudguards and has a 6-speed derailleur drivetrain. As with other cheaper electric folding bikes it favours mechanical V-brakes rather than discs, which makes for less efficient stopping, particularly in the wet. 

However, due to the size it folds to and the 22kg / 48.5lbs weight, it probably isn’t the best option for a commuter. But if you’d be packing it in the back of a car or camper van for a trip to the countryside, this is the role it best performs. 

The 250w hub motor should be plenty for its intended use as is the listed 40 mile range. The 2mph walk assist mode means that if you have to push the bike you’ll get a little helping hand.

(Image credit: hummingbird)

Hummingbird Gen 2.0

A true featherweight

Specifications

Frame:

Carbon fiber

Motor:

250 W integrated electric rear hub motor

Battery:

158Wh

Range:

31 miles max

Charging time:

3 hours

Weight:

10.3kg / 22.7 pounds

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Reasons to buy

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Exceptional light for a folding e-bike

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Motor-assist can be used using Bitride app

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Regenerating braking systems charges battery while bike is in use

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Active electric lock system

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive – almost £5k

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Battery is less powerful than many folding e-bikes

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Mudguards need to bought separately 

UK brand Hummingbird is known for producing some of the lightest folding bikes around. So it’s no surprise that its foray into electric folding bikes has produced the same results – in fact it claims that at just 10.3kg it is the world’s lightest folding e-bike.

It’s an astonishing figure, making the Hummingbird half the weight of some of the other bikes in this list. To achieve this it uses the brand’s patented carbon frame as well as carbon bars and seatpost. You’ve also got mechanical rim brakes here, which will again help to keep the weight down.

The bike does lack some of the commuter-friendly options of the best electric folding bikes. There are no racks, front or rear, and the only mudguards available are clip-on and will need to be purchased separately. 

As for the motor and battery, it’s a clever all-in-one design delivered in a lightweight package, weighing just 3.5kg combined. The Italian made rear hub 250w motor/battery should be good for around 30 miles on a full charge and includes regenerative braking to recharge the battery when you’re going downhill. 

Hummingbird says that the Gen 2.0 motor has 50% more torque while it also has a Bluetooth 5.1 remote control to change power modes and activate the sprint assist to power up hills. The Bitride smartphone app also allows you to benefit from an active electronic locking system – which is certainly needed given the bike’s hefty price tag.

(Image credit: Blix)

Blix Vika+ Flex

Comfy option for US-based cyclists

Specifications

Frame:

Aluminium

Motor:

500w rear hub, geared

Battery:

614wh

Range:

45 miles

Charging time:

6 hours

Weight:

N/A

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Reasons to buy

+

2.4″ tyres should deliver a cushy ride

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Large battery delivers good range

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Comes with built-in rear rack, fenders and lights

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Frame mounts for additional racks

Reasons to avoid

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Battery take a long time to fully charge

Rolling on 20in wheels and wide 2.4″ tyres, the Blix Vika+ Flex has a quality folding mechanism at the downtube and stem, which origamis the bike down plenty small enough to fit under your desk – the folded size of the bike measures 36x21x28.5 inches.

The Californian brand claims the 614Wh battery and the 500-watt rear hub-based motor will give you 45 miles of range and charge in six hours from empty. There’s also a handy throttle that can be used at any assist level. All of these are legal in the US where the Vika+ Flex is currently sold.

It’s worth noting here that in the UK, e-bikes are classed and treated as normal pedal bikes providing that: the maximum power output is under 250w, it will only be propelled when pedalling (no throttle) and the motor cuts out over 15.5mph. Otherwise it must either be type approved or registered and taxed.

The Vika+ has a 7-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, disc brakes, a rear rack, integrated front and rear lights and fenders (mudguards). Blix also produces a range of accessories, such as additional racks, baskets and bags, which can be attached to the frame’s ‘smart mounting points’.

Other noteworthy features include a bar mounted display that doubles as a USB charger and a power auto cut-off function that cuts power when the brakes are engaged to avoid unwanted forward motion when braking.

Anatomy of an electric folding bike—what you should be aware of

Weight

As a bike with the core purpose of portability, weight is a major factor to consider. Although an e-folding bike will never be as light as a bike without a motor and battery strapped to the frame, some are significantly heavier than others. Being able to comfortably carry the bike plays an important part in how many folding bikes are used.

The size of the battery and motor have a large effect on the overall weight of an e-bike. Although a more powerful motor will give more ‘oomph’ and a bigger battery will increase the range, these aspects need to be balanced against the intended use of the bike. Typically a folding e-bike will have a smaller battery and less range than a non-folding electric bike.

Read more: Electric bike batteries: everything you need to know

Read more: Electric bike motors: everything you need to know

If you are taking the bike on public transportation, these will likely be sacrificed in favour of a lighter build. Whereas, if you want a bike that just takes up a little less space than a full-sized one, there is no need to hold back.

For commuters, it’s worth remembering you can bring a cable to charge the bike while you’re at work. This way it’s possible to go for a smaller and lighter battery, whilst keeping an acceptable total range.

It is worth testing out the bike in person, to gain a clearer understanding of what weight and power is the correct balance for you.

Wheel size

As with conventional folding bikes, wheel size is a trade-off between speed and comfort against compact size. Most range between 16” and 24”, however extremes such as 10” and 26” are possible. Which wheel size you go for will be a personal choice depending on what your priorities are.

Degree of folding

Some electric folding bikes can tuck themselves away to an impressively small volume, with Brompton among the leaders in this department.

Read more: Brompton bikes: a guide to the London founded folding bike brand

However, the more folding points a bike has, the longer it will take to pack away and the fiddlier it is to do so. A bike with fewer folding points will be faster and easier, although not as compact. Every bike will sit somewhere along this spectrum of pros and cons, and there is no right answer on how compact to go—the choice depends on your circumstances.

Again, it is very much worth testing the bike in person to get a feel for what size and how easily the bike folds. That said, collapsing the bike will become second nature over time.

Commuting practicalities

Although some electric folding bikes are bought to simply be flexible and convenient bikes for storing and transporting to pleasant cycling locations, many will see use in the rush hour. As such, there are certain points that make a bike more practical for commuting. For example, mudguards, pannier racks and built-in lights all become important considerations.

Read more: Seven things to look for in a bike for commuting

Do you have to pedal an electric folding bike?

The short answer is yes, e-bikes work through pedal assistance; there is no throttle (unless you’re in the US where this can feature on some models). The e-bike will deliver power proportional to how much you are putting in yourself. 

However this is only up to a point. In the UK, e-bikes are limited to providing pedal assistance up to 25 kph (15.5 mph); above that speed you will be propelling the e-bike under your own steam.

In the US, it’s a bit more complicated, as the laws vary from state to state. The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association has sought to clear up the murky legislation with a three-class system — each limited to 750-watt motors.

• Class 1: the motor is strictly pedal assist and is limited to 20mph
• Class 2: can provide assistance whether or not the rider is pedalling, and is limited to 20mph
• Class 3: the motor provides pedal assist, is limited to 28mph, and must be equipped with a speedometer.

Our friends over at People for Bikes have complied a complete guide that breaks down the rules state by state.

Read more: Electric bikes and UK law: what you need to know

How far do the best electric folding bikes go?

To aid comparisons between bikes, it is helpful to note that batteries are measured in Watt Hours (Wh). The greater this value, the further you will be able to travel on a single charge (all other things being equal). 

As a general guide a folding e-bike’s battery capacity will be between 250Wh-400Wh. This should equate to a riding range of anywhere between 25 and 75 miles of run time when fully charged. 

It’s worth remembering however that the more assistance the bike provides, the more power it will draw from the battery. To help conserve battery life it makes sense to only use the higher levels of assistance when you most need them, such as going uphill.

Like any battery, an e-bike battery won’t last forever. Typically you should expect to get around 800 charge cycles from a high-quality electric bike lithium-ion battery before it will need replacing.