Are Folding E-Bikes Worth It?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 12, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Folding e-Bikes can be a weird and wacky bunch. Learn if the flexibility of owning a folding electric bike is right for you, and how to steer clear of poorly designed models.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
👋 Upway says hi!
Table of Contents
Folding e-Bikes: functional flexibility or Frankensteins?
What makes a good folding e-Bike
Pros of folding electric bikes
Cons of folding electric bikes
Who are folding e-Bikes for?
Folding e-Bikes: functional flexibility or Frankensteins?
Folding e-Bikes are motorized bikes that can collapse down into smaller units when not in use. Typically, this means the bike folds along the midpoint of the frame as well as at the steerer tube below the handlebars. Folding e-Bikes may have smaller wheels and other space-efficient parts like foldable pedals to an integrated stand to prop the bike up when folded.
The advantage of a foldable e-Bike, of course, is that it can collapse down into a different shape that’s potentially easier to store or transport. The difficulty, however, is that electric bikes are heavier and typically a bit chunkier than standard bicycles, so engineers have to get creative when combining the traits of both folding and electric bikes. Brands like Tern and Brompton do this especially well whereas low-end brands can end up with some pretty nonsensical designs.
What is the best electric bike when it comes to foldability? To help you get started, I’ve gathered the 5 best folding e-Bikes of 2025 and a helpful guide on how to choose a folding e-Bike.
Find fantastic folding e-Bikes at Upway
What makes a good folding e-Bike
Folding e-Bikes face an uphill battle because they are already inclined to be large and heavy bikes, kind of the opposite of those slim bikes carried onto the metro, right? Folding e-Bikes down only moves that weight and mass around. This can help fit the e-Bike into the trunk of a car, but it’s not going to magically transform it into a mini bike that can be carried upstairs or onto the subway. The square-ish shape when folding is still decently sizable but may fit better in the corner of your garage or bike shed than a full-sized bike. Simply put, if the folding mechanism will actually be helpful to you and the e-Bike is well-designed, you’re in for a great time.
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Pros of folding electric bikes
- Flexible form factor: Collapse the e-Bike down for easier storage or transport. The most compact e-Bike models are wonderful feats of engineering.
- “Trunk-ability”: Many e-Bikes are too heavy for standard car bike racks, but folding e-Bikes can fit into nearly any car trunk so you can easily transport your e-Bike.
- Rides just as great: Modern folding bikes provide an experience that’s just as enjoyable as that of a standard bike— you’ll only notice the clever hinges when collapsing the bike.
Cons of folding electric bikes
- Limits to practicality: If the e-Bike is too heavy or large to comfortably lift or move around when folded, it’s really not going to be very helpful to you. Depends on your strength and where you’re storing or transporting your bike, though.
- Difficulty to fold: E-Bikes can be heavy and bulky because of the integrated motor and battery which can require a bit more elbow grease during the folding process.
Who are folding e-Bikes for?
Despite all my skepticism, though, folding electric bikes are a welcomed part of the cycling family. They can be the perfect solution for certain riders who need the boost from an e-Bike and still want the foldability.
- Recreation users who drive to ride: Many people drive to their favorite cycling spots and start the two-wheeled outing from there. My mom, for example, does this a lot on her e-Bike to explore new, remote areas. Folding e-Bike easily fits in the trunk of a car so there’s no need for an e-Bike-rated car rack.
- E-Bike commuters: Folding your e-Bike can make it a bit easier to store it at the office or in your home at the end of the day.
- E-Bikers tight on space: Save a bit of room in your garage, shed, hallway, or wherever you need to store your bike.
Key Takeaways
- Convenience: Folding e-Bikes are great for saving space and fit easily into car trunks, making them ideal for commuters or recreational riders.
- Design Challenges: Their weight and bulk can make folding tricky; choosing a well-designed model is essential.
- Best For: Commuters, riders with limited storage, and those who transport bikes by car.
