11 Best Folding Electric Bikes – What To Expect in 2021?

Folding bikes have long been the go-to choice of cyclists who often use alternative transport, such as city commuters, cycle tourists, or motorists who like to drive to their cycle spots. With the recent rise of electric bikes, many of these same cyclists are now pondering to upgrade to something with a bit of motorized assistance.

Purpose
Folding electric bikes combine the ease of portability with the additional convenience of motor assistance. This makes them the ideal bikes for city commuters who need a sweat-free trip to work and may also need to uses the train on occasion. Superb manuverability is what makes this type of bikes very convenient to use. You can easily ride through tight city streets, or push the bike to an elevator.

Portable electric bike = foldable electric bike

Price & Value
Foldable electric bikes come in a wide range of prices, from as little as $800 up to $4,000 or more. The quality and components also vary greatly, with a big difference in battery life and motor strength. Depending on how you plan on using the bike it’s important to select one that is suitable for your needs.

---

The 11 Best Folding Electric Bikes in 2021

🏆

1. Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 – $1,499
2. Lectric XP 2.0 – $1,099
3 Engwe EP 2 Pro – $1,199
Comparison – XP 2.0 vs RadMini 4 vs EP 2 Pro 

4. Quietkat – Voyager $2,799
5. EVELO – Dash $3,199
6. Ecotric – $815
7. Oyama – CX – $1,500
8. Tern – HSD P9 – $3,199
9. Sinch – $1,499
10. GoCycle – GX – $3,299
11. Sondors – Fold X – $1,699

---

 

 

#1. Rad Power Bikes – RadMini 4

Best folding electric bike of 2021 🏆
Over 1,500 ratings
Score: 4.75 / 5

MSRP: $1,500
Rad Power Bikes

The RadMini 4 is one of our top value-for-money portable electric bikes due to its tough design and quality components. It has plus-sized 20″ x 3” puncture-resistant tires combined with a mini front fork for extra comfort and safety while riding.

• Range: 25-45 miles
• Weight: 67 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 275 lbs

The robust aluminum frame and handlebars both fold up so the bike collapses to the size of a large suitcase (41″x22″x28″). For a foldable e-bike, the RadMini 4 is surprisingly powerful, providing 80Nm of torque from its 750W motor and taking you up to 45 miles on a single charge of the 672Wh battery.

Related: RadMini Full Review

Electronics

• Motor: 750W @ 80Nm
• Battery: 672Wh
• Charge time: 5-6 hour

It has a twist-grip throttle and comes fully equipped with fenders, lights, a and detailed display panel showing speed, battery life, and other information. On the drivetrain, you’ll find decent 7-speed Shimano Altus gears and Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors.

RadMini Size Recommendations

5’2″ – 6’2″ – RadMini
4’10” – 5’10” – RadMini Step-Thru

RadPowerBikes.com

---

 

#2. Lectric – XP 2.0

Step-through & unisex frames available

MSRP: $1,099 $999
Lectricbikes

This foldable e-bike from Lectric is a steal at only $999 and comes in both a standard and step-through model. The bike has a strong, chunky frame that folds down to 37″x18″x27″, making it small enough for easy transportation and storage. It weighs a rather hefty 63lbs (28kg) though, so keep that in mind if you think you’ll need to lug it upstairs.

• Range: 25-50+ miles
• Weight: 63 lbs

Equipped with 4″ x 20″ fat bike tires for all-terrain riding – The bike comes fully assembled (folded)

Electronics

• Motor: 500W (800W peak)
• Battery: LG 48V 10.4Ah (500Wh)
• Charge time: 4-6h

Go up to 50 miles (80km) on a single charge of the 48v Li-Ion battery, with the 500W motor reaching speeds of 28mph (45kph). It comes fully assembled with fenders, a rack, and front and rear lights. The basic drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disc brakes aren’t great but acceptable on a bike in this price range.

Recommended for riders: 4’10 to 6’3″ / Maximum rider weight: 275lbs / Maximum load on rear rack: 55 lbs

Lectricebikes.com

---

 

#3. Engwe – EP 2 Pro

A solid beast! 🏆

MSRP: $1,199
Engwe-bikes

Engwe‘s EP-2 Pro is a unique e-bike because of its versatility, excellent price, and quality construction.

This 20-inch fat-tire electric bike boasts a 10-second fold down, resulting in a small, secure package to transport or store.

For power, you can rely on a 7-speed drivetrain to support the 750W peak power motor and 48V – 12.8Ah battery. This combination can achieve max speeds of 28mph and has a max range of 45 miles.

The bike comes fully equipped for commuting needs with a rear rack, fenders, and integrated lights. Finally, when you’re ready to go off-road, you can count on the 4″ vibration-reducing fat tires, lockable 60mm fork suspension, and mechanical disc brakes.

Full Review >

Electronics

• Motor: 750W
• Torque: 80Nm
• Battery: 48V 12.8Ah (615Wh removable & lockable battery)
• Charge time: 5-7 hours
• Weight Capacity: 330lbs
• 3 riding modes
• 5 power levels

• 20 4.0″ tires
• 60mm lockable fork
• Mechanical disc brakes, 160mm rotors
• 7-speed Shimano Tourney
• Weight: 70lbs (32kg)
• Max load: 330 lbs (150kg)

Engwe Electric Bikes have also a folding full-suspension electric bike in their range!

Engwe-bikes.com

---

 

#4. Quietkat – Voyager

Made by Quietkat who focuses on hunting bike & accessories

MSRP: $2,799
Quietkat

For city dwellers desiring an E-Bike with superior portability and performance, the QuietKat Voyager is a promising option loaded with amazing features.

• Range: Up to 48 miles
• Weight: 54 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 325 lbs

The Voyager is an electric city bike that folds up for easy transportation. Unlike many other folding bikes that sacrifice comfort in order to be more portable, the Voyager uses 4” tires and a dual coil suspension fork in order to retain a good amount of vibration dampening and off-road capability.

Electronics

• Motor: 750W
• Battery: 556Wh
• Charge time: 6-8 hour

With a 750W motor, the voyager is more than a city bike, it will happily pack up in the back of the car and power you through country rides on camping trips.

Quietkat.com

---

 

#5. Evelo – Dash

A high-end folding e-bike with a belt-drive system that is built to be super long-lasting

MSRP: $3,199
Evelo

The Dash Electric Folding bike is a lightweight and powerful e-bike that demonstrates the best of Evelo’s experience in designing quality bicycles. This bike is convenient and for any use, such as a daily work commute. To do this, it has a simple and tidy folding design to make transport and storage a breeze.

• Range: Up to 40 miles
• Weight: 48.5 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 275 lbs

Evelo Dash incorporates Gates Carbon Drive belt drive technology paired with a Shimano 3-speed internal-gear hub. This combination saves you time and money by essentially eliminating the need for maintenance while providing a smooth, clean, and quiet ride.

Electronics

• Motor: 350W mid-drive @70Nm
• Battery: 378Wh Samsung
• Charge time: 4-6h

The Dash boasts a quick charging 40-mile range battery while still being the lightest mid-drive e-bike on the market. This impressive battery powers a compact 350-watt motor that provides users with enough power to tackle the steepest hills, or roll along at up to 18mph without breaking a sweat.

Additionally, the bike has a torque-sensing pedal-assist system and a handlebar thumb throttle. This makes it easy to achieve a smooth stroke while pedaling or stop pedaling and let the motor do the heavy lifting. The Dash is truly an excellent piece of cycling innovation by Evelo.

Evelo.com

---

 

#6. Ecotric

Best under $1,000 foldable fat tire e-bike on Amazon

Check Prices at Amazon.com

At only $840, the Ecotric is your best option for a cheap folding electric bike. Ecotric offers a 30-day free trial and 18 months warranty to address any concerns you may have about the quality. Despite the low price, the aluminum frame feels as solid as any other, with a strong clamp design that locks in tightly when unfolding it. There’s no front suspension here but with wide 20″ x 4″ fat tires, it’ll swallow up most vibrations.

• Range: Up to 45 miles
• Weight: 52 lbs
• Weight Capacity: 200 lbs

Admittedly, the 7-speed Shimano gears are quite basic and the mechanical disc brakes are squeaky, but the small 500W motor runs well and the battery will take you up to 24 miles on one charge. At 52lbs (23.5kg), it’s fairly heavy for a foldable bike and doesn’t pack down quite as small as some others. The bike is also not as comfortable for riders above 6 feet tall.

Electronics

• Motor: 500W, Rear-hub
• Battery: 48V 13Ah (624Wh)
• Charge time: 5-8 hours (1000 charging cycles)

Wheels / Brakes

• 20″x4″ far tire bikes
• Mechanical disc brakes – 160mm rotors

Recommended for riders 4’8″ – 5’10

---

 

#7. Oyama – CX E8D V2

Folding fat tire electric bike

MSRP: $1,500
Giantnerd

The Oyama CX E8D is a unique portable eBike designed for urban areas, as an everyday rider. It has a small and compact aluminum frame design with a simple middle pivot to fold the bike in half. It runs off a 36V Li-Ion removable battery and you can get it with a 350W motor with speeds of up to 20mph.

• Range: Up to 50 miles
• Weight: 47 lbs

The 20″ Big Schwalbe tires have extra-thick tread for grip in wet or sandy conditions. On the drivetrain, there’s a basic Shimano 8-speed gear set supported by Tektro hydraulic disc brakes that provide adequate stopping power.

Electronics

• Motor: 350W rear-hub Aikema motor
• Battery: 378Wh
• Charge time: 4 to 5 hours

Oyama is a brand that specializes in folding bikes, and their bikes are known to have all the extras one could ask from a foldable bike. There’s nothing to add or removed about the bike to make it more complete!

One Size Fits All

Giantnerd.com

---

 

#8. Tern – HSD P9

A cargo bike with a fold-in handlebar, front suspension, and a chain-tensioner

MSRP: $3,199
REI Co-op

Not only is the Tern HSD P9 a high-quality electric bike but it’s also a foldable cargo bike. That’s the triple-whammy of convenience – electric assistance, portable, and able to carry heavy loads. It’s no wonder this is ebike is on the higher end of the price scale. The telescopic seat post and folding handlebars mean this tiny bike can unfold to fit any size person and is surprisingly light considering the weight it can carry.

• Range: 26-69mi
• Folded: Folds down from the handlebars only
• Weight: 57 lbs
• Max Weight: 375 lbs

Electronics

• Motor: 250W mid-drive @50Nm
• Battery: 400Wh
• Charge period: 1.5h – 3.5h

It’s equipped with a powerful 250W Bosch Active Line motor on the crank and a battery that will take you up to 69 miles (111km) at 20mph (32kph). To assist the motor you get Shimano’s mid-level Alivio drivetrain with 9 gears and matching hydraulic disc brakes. With 2.2″ Schwalbe tires and a 70mm Suntour front suspension fork, the Tern has no trouble absorbing any small vibrations or shocks.

Recommended for riders 4’11” to 6’5″

REI.com

---

 

#9. Sinch

Stylish fat tire foldable electric bike with a superb score

MSRP: $1,499
Aventon

The Sinch is a modern-looking, funky little fold-up electric bike with suspension that will turn heads on the street. It has a 20mph (25kph) pedal-assist motor with an average 40-mile range on the battery and thick 4″ Kenda puncture-resistant tires for a smooth ride over any terrain.

• Range: Up to 40 miles (Up to 71miles pedal-assist)
• Weight: 68 lbs

Shimano’s Acera drivetrain provides a decent 7 gears but is sadly matched with subpar Tektro mechanical disc brakes and large 180mm rotors. You also get 45mm of travel on the front suspension fork with a lockout, which is great for tackling some off-road dirt tracks or rough streets.

Electronics

• Motor: 500W (750W peak)
• Battery: 672Wh, 48V Brushless motor

When fully folded, the Sinch dimensions are 41″x23″x31″, which is a bit bigger than average so it’s not the most portable bike. However, it looks great and is fun for zipping around town, visiting friends, or commuting to work.

Recommended for riders: 5’0 – 6’3″

Aventuron.com

---

 

#10. GoCycle – GX

Folds in less than 10 seconds, equipped with 1″ travel rear suspension

MSRP: $3,299
Mikes’ Bikes

GoCycle makes two models of their lightweight portable electric bike, the GX, and GXi. It’s a modern, attractive-looking bike that folds up quickly and easily for hopping on trains or buses. Design is a key factor in GoCycle’s appeal, with a futuristic display panel, unique five-spoke wheels, and a clean, minimalist frame.

• Range: 40-50 miles
• Folded Dimensions: 34.6″ x 15.3″ x 24.2″ (with pedals folded in) / 32.7″ x 15.3″ x 29.5″ (with kickstand folded in)
• Weight: 36.5 lbs

Although this is one of the most lightweight foldable bikes on this list – there’s a double-kickstand for convenient storage!

Electronics

• Motor: 750W
• Battery: 300-375Wh
• Charge time: 4-7 hours

The hydro-formed aluminum frame supports a proprietary 250W front hub motor powered by a 300Wh removable Li-Ion battery. It goes up to 20 mph (25kph) with a range of 40 miles (65km). Tires are 20×2.25″ with hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear Pitstop wheels. The more expensive GXi model has a faster charge time, longer range, more detailed display, predictive shifting, and daytime running lights.

Recommended for riders up to 220lb

MikesBikes.com

---

 

#11. Sondors – Fold X

Fast-folding fat-tire electric bike with a stylish design

MSRP: $1,699
Sondors bikes

Sondors Fold X is a stylish and budget-friendly folding e-bike with an impressive max range.

For power, you have a 500W rear-hub motor which allows you to tackle steep hills and utilize a high 300lb payload capacity. This is combined with a 14Ah Samsung battery which will deliver 40 to 60 miles of range,

The Fold X is very convenient to use and folds down in less than 10 seconds, ready for storage or transportation. While folded, the locking mechanism stays secure.

Finally, 20″ x 4″ fat tires, an adjustable upright handlebar, and a Shimano 7-Speed drivetrain all make this bike very enjoyable to ride.

• Range: 40-60 miles
• Weight: 66 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 300 lbs

Electronics

• Motor: 500W rear-hub motor
• Battery: 672Wh Samsung
• Fast 3 Amp Charger

Sondors.com

---

 

 

FAQ

Mid-Drive vs Hub-Drive

• Mid-drive – Mainly used on mid/high-end bicycles. The transitional torque is known to be smoother, also the weight reduction is more balance on the bikes’ geometry.
• Hub-drive – Cheaper to make. Compared to riding a standard bicycle, it might take some time to get used to the location of the mass.

---

Foldable eBike wheels & tires

In the past, most foldable bicycles had skinny tires on small diameter wheels that served the purpose to save as much space as possible. Today, you’ll see many folding electric bikes with chunky fat bike tires, which are the opposite. Fat bike tires allow you to ride on multiple terrains with ease while riding an eBike with skinny tires you’ll only feel safe on only well-paved areas.

• Fat bike tires – Multi-surface riding, better comfort. Generally 20″ diameter wheels, 3″ to 4″ wide.
• Skinny tires – Faster and smoother on paved roads, better mileage due to less friction

PUNCTURE-RESISTANT TIRES

A folding eBikes is not your typical bicycle. The market for folding electric bicycles is rather limited, and most people expect a hustle-free ride – that’s why most folding e-bikes are equipped with puncture-resistant tires. Most bikes in this review are using a rear-hub motor, which makes removing a bike tire rather complicated.

Spoke vs cast wheels

Almost all bicycles these days come with wheels that use spokes instead of a solid alloy. The main purpose of spokes being used on bicycle wheels is to absorb vibration, evenly. Alloy wheels on the other hand are better on paved roads only. ‘Cast’ wheels are mainly made of alloy.

---

Class 1 / Class 2 / Class 3 Electric Bikes

• Class 1: eBikes – Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, maximum assisted speed of 20mp/h
• Class 2: eBikes – Throttle-assisted with a maximum speed of 20mp/h
• Class 3: eBikes – Pedal-assist only, w/a a throttle. Maximum assisted speed of 28 mph

---

 

RELATED

Best deals on non-electric foldable bikes by Oyama from Giantnerd.

Best Belt-Drive Bicycles

Best eBikes of 2021

Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2021

Best Bike Locks