9 Folding Electric Bikes That Make Riding Fun and Storing Easy

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THE WORLD OF folding electric bikes is growing faster than we can keep up with. These days you can find models that are lightweight and built for short commutes, and models made with fat tires for off-road terrain. While speed is definitely fun on an e-bike, folding e-bikes focus on portability and ease-of-use. Folding e-bikes are typically lighter—hence why they've become popular for individuals in cities, and for hobbyists who love riding on the beach or at the park.

Best Folding Electric Bikes

What to Consider

We spoke with Tyler Swarz, the co-founder of electric bike reviews site E-Bike Commuting, to learn more about the most important design features to look for on a foldable e-bike. Here's what he had to say.

Weight

According to Swarz, "Many folding e-bike buyers like to use their bike for commuting and live in apartment buildings, so anything that's around 50 pounds or less is better suited for carrying short distances." That's not to say folding e-bikes that are upwards or 60 or 70 pounds are bad (these heavier models typically have boosted specs, like better motors and thicker tires), but rather these bikes cater to individuals who have a garage for storage and an SUV to transport.

Foldability

The dimensions of a bike's folded down size can be a dealbreaker, especially when it comes to those who have limited storage. Some models can get compact to the point they can fit under a bed. Most models can at least fit in a closet. What's nice is brands typically provide folded measurements on the product page. "You also want to learn how difficult the bike is to fold," says Swarz. "I recommend reading reviews from buyers to find out if there are any glaring mentions of users having trouble folding it."

Payload Capacity

Payload includes the max weight of the rider plus cargo. "Folding e-bikes typically have a lower payload capacity because of the joints on the frame, so if you are 200 pounds or more, or plan to carry cargo, be sure to read the fine print on the bike's listing," says Swarz. If you push a folding e-bike's weight limit to the capacity, you run the risk of the joints and clamps bending.

How We Selected

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best folding e-bikes in 2023. Experts, including our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, reviewed a number of foldable electric bikes and evaluated their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered the price point of each, as some folding e-bikes promise a better overall value than others. Ultimately, we agreed on the models above as our picks for this year's best folding electric bikes.

Volador Folding Electric Bike Lightweight

If you're looking for a lightweight option, then look no further than the Qualisports Volador folding e-bike. It weighs 36 lbs and packs 350 watts of power that helps the bike travel up to 30 miles on a single charge.

Thanks to a clever design, the Volador is very capable over a wide variety of terrain, including pavement, hard-pack trails, gravel, grass, and more. So you can use it as a bike to run errands or take it with you on camping trips.

Our team found that this electric bike's biggest selling point is its weight (or lack of). That makes it surprisingly easy to transport, especially once folded. Our only real gripe is the lack of any cargo racks or other special features. It is, however, available in three colors (rather than the standard "black-only" of most e-bikes).

Weight is such a huge selling point for a folding e-bike that we launched the Volador as our best overall pick. It's going to store nicely in tight apartment spaces, and the 36 pound weight means you can carry it down flights of stairs and onto a train/subway with ease.

Mars 2.0

The Mars 2.0 might not be the most commuter friendly bike, but it's definitely the most fun. For starters, it's outfitted with a 750W motor and a battery that can push it up to a peak 1200W, which makes sense why it can reach such an impressive 45 mile range and a 28 mph top speed. Pair the motor with thick, 20 by 4 inch tires and you've got a bike that's down to go over all types of terrain: sand, dirt, mud, snow—you name it.

One cool note is the attention to detail in the bike's mechanics. The Mars 2.0 has a 7-speed Shimano gear shift system to maximize every pedal. The connected Heybike app also allows you to program the gear shifts and view battery life.

The biggest downside is the Mars 2.0 is a bit heavy, so it's more suited for those who have a garage to store it and a car to transport. The price is a bit high, but this is an investment that's going to deliver a whole lot of enjoyment. Heybike also occasionally runs sales on its bikes, so there's a solid chance you can catch the 2.0 on a deal.

Nephele 16" Folding Electric Bike

There's no shortage of super compact e-bikes like this Gotrax model above. However, the reason why we like this specific brand and model is because it contains added features for better functionality: a front light and reflector, a tail light, a cargo rack, 16-inch tires, and dual disc brakes.

The Gotrax powers up to 15.5 mph in electric mode, and up to 25 mph in pedal assist mode, according to the brand. These top speeds are going to be pretty smooth too, as the cushioning adjustable seat, the thick tires, and the shock absorbing fork that holds the front wheel will all help product limited vibrations and shaking.

One downside with this bike is its weight. At about 69 pounds, it's not the lightest, but it's also not the heaviest. The 350 watt motor and a 280 watt battery on the bike is the biggest culprit in that extra weight, but since you do get boosted comfort and durability with this bike, the 57 pounds is not a deal breaker for us. This grab-and-go bike is a lot more enjoyable than it's lighter, more stripped down counterparts. Did we mention the Gotrax is under $500?

RadExpand 5 Electric Folding Bike

Rad Power Bikes has some of the best e-bikes money can buy. Take its RadExpand 5, which is built to the brand's signature high standard. We're talking a sturdy 6061 aluminum frame, thick, rugged tires, and 750 watts of power. The RadExpand 5 also packs a number of functional features like a cargo rack for carrying goods, plus reflecting striping on the tire sidewalls and LED headlights for evening rides.

We've long been fans of Rad Power, and our gear testing team found this e-bike further proves why we love them so much. The combination of a 750-watt geared-hub motor and chunky fat tires help the RadExpand 5 tackle mountain trails and steep hills with aplomb. We also love that, given its size and capabilities, it folds down surprisingly small.

There's no getting around the fact that this e-bike is a little more expensive than others on this list. But if you want a trusted foldable model that's going to hold up in all conditions, you'll find the RadExpand 5 a worthy investment.

Read more: Best Tech Gear

Mars Electric Bike Foldable

If, like us, you were impressed with the Heybike Ranger but are looking for a more affordable folding e-bike, then we recommend the Heybike Mars. It's essentially the little brother to the Ranger. It tops out at 20 mph (5 mph short of the Ranger) and has a shorter range, too. You also don't get the LED display or step-thru design like you do with the Ranger.

While it lacks some of the features we love most about the Ranger, this is still a competent folding e-bike. Our team appreciated the balanced design, which still ticks all the essential boxes of what we look for in an electric folder—namely, 500 watts of power and a solid 48-mile range—while keeping price top of mind.

Let's not downplay the trade-off here: You save several hundred bucks. So, if you're willing to forgo a couple of premium specs but still want the core of what the Ranger is, then go for the Mars. It's our pick for this year's most balanced folding electric bike, and well worth a look.

XP Lite Electric Bike

Lectric's line of electric bikes has been a long-time customer favorite, and the XP Lite, in particular, is a favorite foldable e-bike among many thanks to its streamlined battery placement and powerful motor (720 watts). This bike falls into a Class 2 placement, reaching up to 20 mph via pedal-assist or throttle. What's special about the XP Lite is it travels up to 40 miles per charge and weighs under 50 pounds, all while being priced under $800. Now, those are stats we can get behind.

Our outdoor gear team has been a fan of Lectric for years, namely for the incredible value of its e-bikes. The XP Lite is one of the most affordable in its line-up, yet it delivers a surprising number of premium features. Namely: A 300-watt motor with 720 watts of peak power. Our test unit also arrived fully assembled, so all you'll need to do is unbox yours upon delivery, and you're ready to ride!

A solid motor, chunky, go-anywhere tires, and an easy-to-read LCD display panel round out some of our favorite features of this best-in-class folding e-bike. Did we mention it's under $800 delivered?

Electric Mountain Bike for Adults Foldable

This foldable e-bike from Vivi looks and feels a lot like your "ordinary" mountain bike. But a clever design leads it to pack 500 watts and premium hidden details like dual suspension and a Shimano 21-speed transmission. As far as range and speed go, the battery is good for up to 50 miles per charge, and it'll run up to 20 mph.

Our panel of gear testers was pleasantly surprised at just how fun this bike is to ride. It's a blast on the trails, where it easily tackles hard-packed dirt and other light terrain without issue. We found it to be a little heavy at almost 60 pounds, but that's still reasonable for a moderately equipped mountain bike.

What sets this folding e-bike apart is value. At less than $400 (plus delivery) for a solidly built off-road electric two-wheeler, it's hard to complain. Take this bad boy out on some easy trails and feel just how fun it is to ride.

Read more: Best Outdoor Gear

750W Foldable Electric Bike

A quality motor, strong frame, and thick tires are the heart and soul of this top-rated foldable e-bike from Rattan. But what really makes this bike shine is its ability to convert to a two-seater, hence the small seat on the back. Plus, its Class 3 designation means this bike can top out at an impressive 28 mph. As mentioned earlier, it's rare to find a good folding e-bike with such a high classification. You not only get blazing speed here, but you also get a twist throttle to go (Class 1 e-bikes are only pedal assist).

We're big fans of Class 3 electric bikes and their ability to go seriously fast. We love that this model is a unique blend of Class 3 and tandem-passenger capability. For solo cyclists who occasionally like to ride with an extra passenger in tow, this folding electric bike makes it easy.

This folding two-wheeler strikes a good balance of power, speed, range, and utility, especially with its unique second seat. Our only real gripes are that we wish the rear backrest was bigger, and the $200 delivery fee pushes the all-in price of this model over $1,000.

Sinch 2 Step-Through Foldable Ebike

One of our favorite e-bike brands, Aventon, is at the top of the industry due to its durable builds and great designs. The Sinch 2 Step-Through is wonderfully simple, allowing the rider to get on the foldable e-bike with ease and pedal through all types of terrain thanks to its thick tires.

What immediately sets this electric folder apart from us is the great looks. The clean design of the frame feels sleek and modern, while the tan sidewalls of the tires add a dash of retro to the mix. It's a combination that helps this folding e-bike stand out among a sea of all-black look-a-like bikes.

The only downsides: It's a bit heavy at almost 70 pounds, and it doesn't fold down as small and compact as others on this list. It's also among the priciest models we tested this year at $1,500. But in terms of taking this on vacation, to the beach, or on a camping trip, it stores perfectly. Still, we see the Sinch 2 as a great travel cruiser e-bike.

750W Folding Electric Bike

If you're into e-bikes but haven't yet heard of Oraimo, you will. Its line of folding electric bikes, in particular, is solid, and this midrange model is well worth a look. It boasts a powerful 750-watt motor with up to 1,000 watts of peak power delivery and a 45-mile range. Add to that a seven-speed Shimano gearbox and 20-inch fat tires, and this has all the capabilities of a go-anywhere e-bike.

Our gear testers loved this new-for-2023 model. Thanks to impressive specs and a premium feature set, this folding electric bike is more than capable of tackling trails and paved roads equally. What truly set this model apart for us, however, was the fast-charging battery. Where many electric bikes require overnight charging, this model charges from zero to full in around 3.5 hours. It's perfect for riding to work in the morning and then fully charging before you head home for the day.

This midrange electric folder from Oraimo seriously delivers. Its roughly $800 price tag puts this on the high-end of budget e-bikes we tested, but the value makes it more than worth it.

Meet the Expert

• Tyler Swarz is the co-founder of E-Bike Commuting, a reviews site dedicated to providing in-depth guides on how to buy all types of electric bikes.

More on What to Consider

Here are a couple of extra notes on what you can look for when buying.

Battery Power

Power is huge when it comes to shopping for e-bikes. A good wattage range for folding e-bikes can be from 350-750 watts, depending on the size and design of the bike. More wattage usually requires a bigger battery. So you'll want to take into account added size and weight, but if you want to go far and fast, then you can usually go with a higher wattage battery. We say "usually" because e-bikes also rely a lot on torque for speed and potential range, as well as the general build of the bike—is it heavy and made to go off-road, or is it light and meant for paved road riding?

E-Bike Class

In order to help build local legislation for safety, e-bikes have been divided into different classes. Some cities only allow Class 1 e-bikes, while others allow up to Class 3. It's true it may be hard for authorities to enforce which e-bike you use. But the reality is if you're using an e-bike in a town or city that's not in code with the local law, you risk getting a ticket.

So, without getting too deep into the weeds, here's a quick rundown: Class 1 e-bikes are defined as pedal-assisted and can go up to 20 mph, while Class 2 e-bikes are defined as having a throttle (along with pedal-assist) and can go up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are defined by having a throttle and can go up to 28 mph. Check with your local laws and see if there are any guidelines about what kind of e-bike class you can use freely and legally in your neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Folding E-Bikes

If you're on the fence still on buying a folding e-bike, we have a few more common questions answered.

Are Folding E-bikes Worth It?

Many folding e-bikes offer similar features to traditional electric bikes but in a more compact package. The best folding e-bikes collapse down to a relatively small footprint that can easily be stored in a closet, garage, or even the trunk of a car. For small-space living, they're a great alternative to full-sized electric bicycles.

What Is the Disadvantage of a Folding E-bike?

Naturally, folding e-bikes prioritize size and portability over ride-ability. This means that most models sacrifice comfort and convenience features to allow them to collapse down as small as possible. For example, some folding electric bikes only have one gear. So, you may need to slightly adjust your usual riding stance and style.

Is it Harder to Pedal a Folding E-bike?

With (usually) a single gear and a smaller wheel size, folding e-bikes can be slightly harder to pedal. But, considering that most riders use them to cover relatively short distances, we think that harder ride is a worthwhile trade-off given their ultra-compact designs.

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