Best Folding Bicycles of 2026: Buyer’s Guide

Written by: Nick Cowie | June 2, 2026 | Time to read: 5 min

Any time you need more space, a folding bike can be the way to go. City living and commuting can require a bike, but also create a lack of space, two things that don’t really go hand-in-hand. Folding bikes can keep you mobile around the city without taking up too much room. A smaller wheel size and the ability to fold into a small space make them perfect for people without a ton of room.

• Apartment living: If you live in an apartment, you probably don’t have a garage to keep your bike in. A small place makes every square foot precious, so you can’t be taking it up with a big city bike. A folding bike can stow away in a closet and be out of sight until it is ready to be used.

• Public transit: I worked in New York City for a long time, and sitting on the train next to someone with a folding bike was far nicer than watching someone try to keep their balance and not crash their full-size commuter bike into my leg. Folding bikes can make your train ride much more pleasant and make it possible to actually sit down.

• Travelers: If you like to ride bikes when you travel, a folding bike makes things much easier. Fold it up and throw it in your trunk without taking up too much space or going through the process of mounting a bike rack. You can even check one onto a plane and have a much easier time at baggage claim than someone with a normal bike.

There are a few big names in the folding bike space, and Brompton has an argument for the top spot. Brompton even hosts a folding bike race in London each year, proving that they make good bikes, not just convenient bikes. These are some of their top models to consider.

• Brompton C Line: This bike is a classic in the folding bike world, featuring a durable steel frame and excellent portability. It has a tri-fold design that makes it great for commuting or solving storage problems, not exceeding more than 25 inches in any direction in its folded dimensions. It is also available in multiple setups, including a 12-speed version. Topped off with cargo mounts and adjustable handlebar positioning, the C Line has everything you could want in a practical folding bike.

• Brompton G Line: Folding bikes are no longer just for the urban pavement. The G Line can handle all types of terrain with its 20-inch wheel size and wide tires. The concept of a folding gravel bike is certainly a unique one, but one that makes sense for riders who want to throw a bike in their car without taking up space and have it ready to ride instantly. Note that there is an electric bike version of the G Line as well, which Brompton calls the most versatile folding bike in the world.

Dahon is responsible for the modern folding bike behind the work of an aerospace physicist who wanted to get around the gas crisis in the 80s. The brand is now one of the top players in the folding bike space and features electric bikes in its lineup, too.

• Dahon Mariner 8: The Mariner 8 is one of the most practical and popular folding bikes on the market. It comes in at a reasonable price, making it an accessible high-performance option for a wider range of riders. It is very easy to fold up and is packed with adjustable features, especially the seatpost and handlebars. The Dahon Mariner 8 is also rust-resistant, making it practical for city life.
  
  
• Dahon Boardwalk D7: This is a classic and even looks like a retro bike. The Boardwalk D7 comes in a variety of colors to go with its throwback look, but it is about more than aesthetics. It is made wih chomoly steel, which gives it an excellent weight-to-strength ratio and includes a support cable that enhances the strength of the downtube. Like most Dahon models, it includes a telescoping handlebar and easy folding ability.

Tern is the project of former Dahon team members who wanted to innovate and add modern technology to their folding bike models. They have become one of the leaders in the industry and make some of the best city and electric bikes out there, with outstanding ride quality and easy folding mechanisms.

• Tern Link D8: Touted as one of the best folding bikes for urban riding in the world, the Link D8 is one of the more well-known models on this list. It folds completely in under 10 seconds into a package that can fit under a desk or in a closet with ease. An adjustable stem means you can adjust your riding position without having to use any tools. It comes with bike accessories like a rack, kickstand, fenders, and urban tires, making it great for city riding.
  
  
• Tern Vektron S10: Electric bikes are a big deal in the folding bike space, and the Vektron S10 is at the top of the list. It comes with the same 10-second fold time as their traditional models, but adds a powerful Bosch electric motor and excellent battery range, making it great for urban commuters and anyone who wants some assistance navigating the city. It also comes with 10-speed shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, making it a true modern folding bike.