10 Folding Bikes That Pack Light and Travel Far

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WE ALL KNOW bikes are great for exercising, commuting to work, and for exploring nature trails. But bikes are often heavy and can take up quite a bit of space—all pretty inconvenient if you’re an apartment dweller or are otherwise short on storage at home. That’s where a folding bikes come in.

The first folding bike designs (which, surprisingly, date back more than a century ago) were clunky, cumbersome, and not especially portable. Today’s best folding bikes, however, are every bit as sleek as the road-friendly bikes most commuters are used to. Many folding bikes come with clever specs, including the use of lightweight materials and quick-release folding mechanisms, in efforts to maximize portability. Folding bikes can pack down small enough to fit in a closet, in the trunk of a sedan, and even under a bed—so the sky is the limit on where you can stash them.

The Best Folding Bikes

How We Selected

Our expert panel of gear experts researched and vetted a handful of folding bike models over the last six months. We also brought in first-hand testing knowledge of folding bikes our editors and writers own. We considered factors like comfort, quality, durability, price, and even the style of folding bikes in our rankings. Our top picks come from a wide range of merchants, from budget-friendly retailers (like Amazon and Walmart) to specialty sellers (like Brompton and Tern). Ahead, our top ten best folding bikes of 2024.

Mariner D8 Folding Bike

Dahon's Mariner D8 is a solid folding bike for anyone looking to upgrade from an entry-level, sub-$500 folder to something a little more substantial without dropping north of $1,500 to get there. The versatile design includes an aluminum frame, an eight-speed drivetrain, and 20-inch wheels, making it well-suited for both commuters and recreational riders.

The folded size is compact enough to stash in a car trunk or closet, and the 27-pound carry weight makes it light enough to carry in hand if needed. Other features we dig include built-in fenders and a rear rack, so you can carry all your gear and stay reasonably dry in the rain. This model is also surprisingly well-priced at just under $1,000 delivered (with free returns through Amazon).

Loop Folding Bike

There's something retro-cool about a Schwinn. The Loop Folding Bike is a versatile, all-around model designed for a wide variety of individuals. The one-size-fits-most design adapts to riders between 4'8" and 6'2", so you can pass it around between your roommates or family members of any size. It checks all our must-have boxes for a best-of folding bike, including a seven-speed twist shifter, front and rear linear pull brakes, and 20-inch wheels built for just about any terrain city dwellers are likely to encounter.

Schwinn also includes useful add-ons like full-wrap fenders, a rear cargo rack, and a heavy-gauge nylon bag for stashing all your favorite gear. It weighs 33 pounds and collapses down to roughly 30" x 30" x 17.5", making it one of the bulkier models in this year's roundup. But it's hard to complain with a price tag of just under $400 delivered. Plus, Amazon buyers score free returns, too, in case it doesn't work out.

C Line Explore Folding Bike

You're probably buying a folding bike for its portability and transportability. Brompton's C Line Explore Folding Bike is as portable and compact as you're likely to find. It packs down to roughly two feet square by one foot thick—no small feat for an entire two-wheeler. That's practically small enough to stash in the overhead compartment of most planes (seriously!). Plus, it weighs just 27 pounds, making it one of the lightest-weight foldable models we've seen this year.

The all-steel frame is dang-near bulletproof and built to ride in seriously wet weather. It's built with Brompton's legendary quality and reliability, so it'll probably outlast you. The brand offers the C Line in a variety of colors, drivetrain setups, handlebar shapes, and even luggage systems, making it one of the most customizable folding bikes of 2024.

Read more: Best Hybrid Bikes

Link C8 Folding Bike

Like Brompton's ultra-compact C Line Explore folder, Tern's Link C8 is another great option for those looking for a portable, space-friendly folding bike. With a folded size of just 16" x 32" x 29" and a carry weight of a little over 28 pounds, it can fit in most small cars and in tight apartment closets.

Once unfolded, it boasts a solid set of specs designed to take you just about anywhere. The lightweight aluminum frame and eight-speed drivetrain make for easy riding on daily commutes or on more extended cross-town trips. We like that Tern includes smart details like Shimano rim brakes, twister-operated shifters, and fenders to keep you dry(-ish) in the rain. The one-size-fits-most design adjusts easily to accommodate riders between 4'8" and 6'3". But the best part? It's available for around $900 delivered.

XP 3.0 Black Long-Range eBike

Lectric offers some of the best budget-friendly electric bikes on the market. The XP 3.0 Long-Range eBike is no exception, with the brand's typical mix of solid construction, clever design, and great feature set. As the name implies, it's purpose-built for long-range riding, thanks to a long-range battery good for up 65 miles. Lectric adds in must-have essentials like mirrors, a phone mount, a bike lock, and a Comfort Package that includes a giant cushy seat and a suspension seat post.

"I've tested most of Lectric's e-bikes, and this is another winner. It's comfortable to ride (especially for a folder) out of the box, and the free Comfort Package makes it even more so," said writer Mike Richard. "I love that it comes almost fully assembled and ready to roll. Plus, at around $1,200 delivered, it's even cheaper than many premium non-electric options." The only real downside? The extended battery setup makes this a heavy-ish option at 64 pounds (including the seven-pound battery).

Liberte Lightweight Folding Bicycle

We get it: For some, every ounce matters. If you're using your folding bike regularly, a featherweight frame makes getting around on the daily so much easier. ZiZZO's Liberte Lightweight Folding Bicycle is the lightest bike worth buying we've seen this year. At around 23 pounds, it weighs about as much as three one-gallon water jugs, making it ridiculously easy to toss around and transport wherever you need it.

Don't let the featherweight construction fool you, though. The aluminum frame is sturdy and reliable, and every other component is too. The eight-speed Shimano drivetrain makes for easy shifting, while the 20-inch wheels are capable enough to tackle most terrain. It also collapses and unfolds easier than most other bikes we tested, allowing you to make quick work of putting it away and getting it ready to ride whenever you need it. Most surprisingly: It's available for less than $500 delivered (with free returns through Amazon!).

Read more: Best E-Bikes

Mars 2.0 Foldable Bike

For anyone who bikes to work or around town on the regular, an electric bike is amazing; and a folding electric bike is all the better. The Mars 2.0 from Hey Bike is one of the best value Class 3 electric folders on the market with a solid bang for your buck. It ticks all of our must-have boxes, including a strong 750-watt rear hub motor (with 1,200 watts of peak power), a 600Wh removable lithium-ion battery, and a top speed of up to 28 miles per hour. Coupled with 20" x 4" fat tires, it's more than equipped to get you around town and for even a little light off-roading after work.

Gear tester and MH writer Mike Richard found the Mars 2.0 to be "surprisingly comfortable to ride, especially for a folding bike. I completely credit the chunky tires and full suspension for that. The motor also feels peppier than most folders in this price range."

Judd Single-Speed Folding Bike

If price matters above all else, a single-speed folder is the best solution. Retrospec's Judd is a straightforward, no-frills option. For budget-conscious buyers, that's a very good thing. The aluminum frame is lightweight and portable, while 20" tires and coaster brakes keep the design dead-simple with everything you need and nothing you don't. That simplicity also makes for extremely low maintenance, allowing you to save more even after you buy.

At roughly 32" x 30" x 10", it isn't the most compact folder in this year's roundup, but those dimensions still ensure it's plenty portable for most riders. On the downside, this model is built strictly for sidewalks and smooth, paved surfaces. It probably goes without saying that this isn't made for off-road use. But, the one thing this folding bike has going for it above its competitors is price. At just under $300, it's one of the most affordable folders worth buying this year.

Folder Folding Bike

We've been fans of Priority bikes for years, so we were stoked to find they finally released a folding model. The aptly named Folder is a handsome, commuter-friendly option that's sleek, simple, and low-maintenance. At its core is a Gates Carbon Drive Belt mated to an internally geared Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub that keeps you riding smooth. The telescoping seatpost and adjustable stem make this another one-size-fits-most model that's easily swappable between riders of different heights.

Unfolded, it measures 60" long by 40" high but is surprisingly compact when collapsed down to its smallest footprint at around 30" x 31" x 16". We especially love the ridiculously simple three-step fold process that takes less than 20 seconds. The 29-pound weight puts it near the middle of the pack among the best folding bikes of the year.

Read more: Best Bike Trainers for Indoor Cycling

SP26S Folding Bike

Most folding bikes are designed for practicality and portability rather than pizazz. The most portable models are usually a little goofy looking with an exaggerated, disproportionate unicycle-esque vibe. Not so with Columba's SP26S that looks more like a traditional two-wheeler than any other model in our roundup. In fact, it's a legit 26-inch goer with "typical" bicycle proportions, making for a more comfortable and capable ride. That's thanks to oversized (by folding bike standards) tires and an 18-speed shifter and derailleur.

On the downside, it's larger than most folding models with a collapsed size of 38" x 14" x 29", so you may want to double-check the dimensions of your closet, car trunk, or apartment storage space to make sure it'll fit. It also tips the scales at a more traditional bike-like 33 pounds, making it one of the heavier options on this list. On the plus side, it folds and unfolds very easily, and the roughly $300 price tag (delivery included) means it's one of the most affordable folding bikes we'd recommend in 2024.

How to Find the Best Folding Bike for You

Like traditional two-wheelers, folding bikes come in all shapes and sizes. While there is no one best folding bike to rule them all, there are a few basic things to consider when shopping for the best folding bike for you.

Wheel Size

As with traditional two-wheelers, wheel size matters. For folding bikes, the smaller the wheels, the more compact and portable the bike will be when folded. However, smaller wheels can also make riding over uneven terrain difficult or uncomfortable. The most common tire size for folding bikes is 20 inches, which provides a good balance of transportability and ride comfort. If you're planning to take your new folding bike away from smooth city surfaces, consider a model with fat tires of at least three, ideally four, inches for a more comfy ride.

Weight

Although they’re more portable overall, folding bikes are often heavier than comparably sized two-wheelers. If you’ll need to transport your new bike over longer distances (into and out of an office building, for example) or live in a fifth-floor walk-up, you’ll want to ensure you can physically carry it.

Portability

Some folding bikes are more portable than others. If you’re especially size-conscious, consider the folded or collapsed dimensions of any bike you’re shopping for to ensure it’ll fit inside your closet, under your bed, in the trunk of your car, or in whatever compact space you need it to fit.

Electric or Non-electric

Consider whether you want an electric or non-electric model. In the U.S., electric folding bikes are classified as Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3. Class 1 bikes are designed with a motor (maximum 750 watts) that "pedal-assists" your riding up to 20 miles per hour. Class 3 bikes are often equipped with a 750-watt motor but enough juice to take you up to 28 miles per hour. Some of the best folding electric bikes are designed as hybrid models. They may be sold as a Class 2 e-bike, for example, but customers have the option of "unlocking" Class 3 features.

Budget

Folding bikes vary widely in price. If you’re shopping on a budget, know that you can find a decent model for a few hundred dollars. Midrange models can be had for under $800. For those looking to splurge, however, there are plenty of high-end, premium options for several thousand dollars. It all depends on what features you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend.

Is It Worth Buying a Foldable Bike?

Folding bikes tend to prioritize being more portable than comfortable. That’s not to say folding bikes provide zero comfort. Most models feature smaller dimensions and smaller tires, which means they’re not going to be quite as cushy (especially on longer rides) as a full-sized two-wheeler. That said, a folding bike might be worth the trade-offs if you live in a small space, or storage is at a premium in your home.

What Is the Disadvantage of a Folding Bike?

Again, folding bikes tend to be smaller overall. The main reason this matters is that the (usually) smaller tires mean they’re not as comfortable to ride over long distances, like on an extended commute to work. They’re much better suited for sidewalks and smooth city streets over, say, hardcore trail riding or even gravel paths. They’re also typically more expensive than traditional bicycles since the designs and frames are more complex, and you’re paying for the convenience of that added portability.

Are Folding Bikes Hard to Pedal?

They’re not necessarily hard to pedal. But, due to their smaller dimensions and wheel size, they are usually harder to pedal and navigate than their full-sized counterparts. In our experience, it’s typically a matter of riding a new folding bike for a while to get used to the feel. Ultimately, however, it comes down to personal preference, so we recommend trying in-store before buying whenever possible.

Read More on the Best Biking Equipment

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