Best Folding Electric Bikes (TOP 11) – What to Expect in 2022?

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 offering motorized assistance.

Getting Familiar with the Electric Folding Bike

Why consider an electric folding bicycle?

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 use the train on occasion. Superb maneuverability is what makes this type of bike 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 vs. 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.

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The 11 Best Folding Electric Bikes in 2022

1. Lectric XP 2.0 – $1,099
2. Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 – $1,499
3. Tern HSD P9 – $3,699
4. Engwe EP 2 Pro – $1,199

5. Engwe – C20 Pro $1,199
6. Brompton – H6L $4,050
7. Ecotric – $815
8. Buzz – Charter F – $999
9. Brompton – M6L – $3,800
10. GoCycle – G4i – $4,999
11. Highland – Rockshark – $639

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#1. Lectric – XP 2.0

Over 100,000 units sold in two years

MSRP: $1,099 $999
Lectric eBikes

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

Lectric XP 2.0 comes equipped with 4″ x 20″ fat bike tires for all-terrain riding. It also comes fully assembled (folded) and ready to be ridden.

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

Find it on Lectricebikes.com

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#2. Rad Power Bikes – RadExpand 5

 

MSRP: $1,499
Rad Power Bikes

Rad Power Bikes’ RadExpand 5 is one of our top value-for-money portable electric bikes due to its tough design and quality components. It has 20″ x 4” puncture-resistant fat tires combined with upright geometry for extra comfort and safety while riding.

Range: 25-45 miles    |    Weight: 62.5 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. For a foldable e-bike, the RadExpand 5 is surprisingly powerful, providing plenty of power from its 750W motor and taking you up to 45 miles on a single charge of the 672Wh battery.

Electronics

• Motor: 750W 
• Battery: 672Wh

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

RadExpand Size Recommendations

4’10″ – 5’10″ 

Purchase from RadPowerBikes.com

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#3. Tern – HSD P9

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

MSRP: $3,699
Tern Bicycles

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

Not only is the Tern HSD P9 a high-quality electric bike but it’s also a foldable cargo bike. That’s the triple-win 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.

Electronics

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

Tern equipped the HSD P9 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″

Buy on TernBicycles.com

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#4. Engwe – EP 2 Pro

Folding fat tire electric bike – A solid beast! 🏆

MSRP: $1,199
Engwe-bikes

Motor: 750W   |   Torque: 80Nm   |   Battery: 48V 12.8Ah   |   Charge time: 5-7 hours   |   Weight Capacity: 330lbs

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.

EP-2 Pro 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.

Features

• 3 riding modes
• 5 power levels
• 20 4.0″ tires
• Mechanical disc brakes, 160mm rotors
• Weight: 70lbs (32kg)

Buy from Engwe-bikes.com

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#5. Engwe – C20 Pro

MSRP: $1,199
Engwe Bikes

For city dwellers desiring an e-bike with superior portability and performance, this Engwe folding bike is a promising option loaded with valuable features.

Range: 95 miles    |    Weight: 52lbs    |    Payload Capacity: 331 lbs

The C20 Pro 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, this bike uses plush 2.4” tires and fork suspension to retain a good amount of vibration dampening and off-road capability.

Electronics

• Motor: 250W
• Battery: 691Wh
• Charge time: 6 hours approx.

With a punchy 250W Bafang motor, this Engwe e-bike 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.

Buy from Engwe Bikes

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#6. Brompton – H6L

A mid-range folding bike pedal-powered light that is built to be super long-lasting

MSRP: $4,050
Mike’s Bikes

The Brompton H6L folding bike is a tough and versatile choice that demonstrates the best of Brompton’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.

Frame: Hand brazened Chromoly steel    |    Drivetrain: 6-speed    |    Weight:34lbs

The H6L incorporates a 6-speed drivetrain with dynamo-operated lights. This combination saves you time and money by eliminating the need to purchase lights for your commute. Additionally, life is made easier with tough Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires with extra puncture protection.

The electronics include a 250W hub motor paired with a 300Wh battery that delivers up to 45 miles of range. 

Get from Mikesbikes.com

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#7. Ecotric

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

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)

Recommended for riders 4’8″ – 5’10

Buy on Amazon

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#8. Buzz – Charter F

MSRP: $999
Buzz Bikes

Motor – 250W hub    |    Weight – 35lbs    |    Range – Up to 40mi

The Buzz Bikes Charter F 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. 

The Charter F is a lightweight option that tips the scales at under 40 lbs. Therefore, it’s a great choice for those who need to carry their beloved two-wheeler up and down stairs or occasionally load it into the car trunk.

• Battery – 36V
• Tires – 20×1.75″
• Drivetrain – 7 speed

This bike offers 3 levels of pedal assist powered by a 250W rear hub motor. Plus, it comes with a 7-speed drivetrain, which will surely make any climbs in your area that much easier.

The only downside that needs to be addressed is the lack of disc brakes, which have become somewhat expected on electric folding bikes. However, considering the price tag, we can’t complain too much. You’ll get decent braking power with these V-brakes, and they also reduce the weight.

To sum, don’t hesitate to get the Buzz Charter F foldable e-bike if you’re in the market for a lightweight and affordable daily beater.

Find it on BuzzBicycles.com

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#9. Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5

Affordable foldable electric bike with great ratings

 

MSRP: $600
Amazon

The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is a modern-looking, versatile fold-up electric bike that will turn heads on the street. It has a 15mph pedal-assist motor with a 15-mile electric-only range on the throttle. However, you can significantly extend the range by pedaling a bit and relying on pedal assistance instead.

The bike has a single-speed drivetrain, a rear hub 250W motor, and weighs just 37 lbs, so it’s incredibly easy to carry it around or store it under your desk or in the car trunk. 

Get it if you want an affordable option that packs down really small and can carry you around town with ease. The Swagtron is much smaller than average when folded so it’s one of the most portable bikes. This bike looks great and is fun for zipping around town, running errands, or commuting to work.

Buy on Amazon

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#10. GoCycle – G4i

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

MSRP: $4,999
Mikes’ Bikes

GoCycle makes various lightweight portable electric bikes, including the GXi, and top-end G4i. 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: 50 miles    |    Weight: 36.6 lbs

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

Electronics

• Motor: 500W front hub motor
• Battery: 375Wh removable lithium-ion
• Charge time: 3.5 hours

The hydro-formed aluminum frame and carbon fiber mid-frame support a proprietary 500W front hub motor powered by a 375Wh removable Li-Ion battery. It goes up to 20 mph (25kph) with a range of 50 miles. Tires are 20×2.25″ with hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear Pitstop wheels. This model has a faster charge time, longer range, more detailed display, electronic predictive shifting, and daytime running lights.

Recommended for riders up to 220lb

Buy from MikesBikes.com

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#11. Hiland – Rockshark

Full-integrated electric folding bike with a stylish design

MSRP: $639
Amazon.com

The Hiland Rockshark is a stylish and budget-friendly folding e-bike with an impressive max range for the price.

Range: 26-40 miles    |    Weight: 45 lbs    |    Payload Capacity: 230 lbs

For power, you have a 250W rear-hub motor which allows you to tackle steep hills and utilize the rear rack carrying capacity. This is combined with a 280Wh which delivers 26-40 miles of range,

The Rockshark is very convenient to use and folds down fast, ready for storage or transportation. While folded, the locking mechanism stays secure.

Finally, plush 2.175″ tires, an adjustable upright handlebar, and a Shimano 7-Speed drivetrain all make this bike very enjoyable to ride.

Electronics

• Motor: 500W rear-hub motor
• Battery: 280Wh

Find it on Amazon.com

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Main Features to Consider When Buying a Folding Electric Bike

Buying a folding electric bike is no easy task. In addition to thinking about all the standard components such as the drivetrain, wheels, and brakes, you also need to consider the folding mechanism and the electric parts.

Here are some of the main aspects to consider to ensure you end up with the right folding e-bike for your needs!

Mid-Drive vs. Hub-Drive Motors

Both mid-drive and hub-drive motors have advantages and disadvantages. Still, each type excels in specific environments.

• Mid-drive – Mainly used on mid/high-end bicycles. The transitional torque is known to be smoother, also the weight is more balanced because the center of gravity is closer to the ground.
• Hub-drive – Cheaper to make. Compared to riding a standard bicycle, it might take some time to get used to the center of gravity. Though this is still an excellent choice for commutes and daily use.

Read Our Full Comparison

Foldable eBike wheels & tires

In the past, most foldable bicycles had skinny tires on small diameter wheels that served the purpose of saving as much space as possible. Today, you’ll see many folding electric bikes with chunky fat bike tires, which are the complete opposite. Fat bike tires allow you to ride on multiple terrains with ease, whereas skinny tires limit you to riding on smooth paved roads only.

• 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

Do you need puncture-resistant tires?

A folding eBike 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. You might have to cut some zip-ties and use provided wrenches that come with the bike – to entirely remove the rear wheel but that’s the case with most hub-drive eBikes. That’s why puncture-resistant tires are a great addition to consider.

Spoke vs. Cast wheels

Almost all bicycles these days come with wheels that use spokes instead of a solid alloy or steel rim. The main purpose of spokes being used on bicycle wheels is to evenly absorb vibration. Alloy wheels on the other hand are better used on paved roads only. ‘Cast’ wheels are mainly made from alloy, which makes them quite durable, especially when used with fat tire sizes.

Understanding E-Bike Classes

• Class 1: eBikes – Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, maximum assisted speed of 20 mph
• Class 2: eBikes – Throttle-assisted with a maximum speed of 20 mph
• Class 3: eBikes – Pedal-assist only, with or without a throttle. Maximum assisted speed of 28 mph