Folding e-Bikes hold at the center of the frame and the steerer tube near the handlebars. Some models even have folding pedals and integrated stands or wheels to facilitate propping the bike up or rolling it when folded.
City Convenience: Best Folding Electric Bikes for Commuting
Written by: Rémy Rossi | June 29, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Beat traffic, skip parking fees, and store your bike under your desk— all before your morning coffee.
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.
There’s an argument to be made that folding electric bikes are pretty fantastic for commuting. Folding bikes kind of have a cult following among certain urban riders, wholly convinced of their superiority when it comes to convenience in the city. And strap a motor on that thing and you’ve got a foldable two-wheeler that prevents you from rolling up to work drenched in sweat!
But I’ve got my own, more nuanced views on the matter— here’s some words of advice and my shortlist of the best folding electric bikes for commuting.
👋 What is Upway?
Upway is the ultimate platform for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Find your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail prices, offered in new or like-new condition.
Table of Contents
Why folding e-Bikes can be great for commuting
The major advantage of folding bikes, of course, is that they can collapse down when you need them to. And despite their compact shape and space-saving features, they still ride like full-sized bikes. The thing with folding electric bikes is that they also have a motor and battery, adding to the size and weight of the bike— and unless it’s well-designed, these additional parts can get in the way of the convenience and portability we expect from folding models.
High-quality folding e-Bikes collapse down quickly to fit in an elevator or store in the corner of an office, or in a small apartment to save space. Most folding e-Bikes are too heavy or large to comfortably carry up stairs or squeeze into the metro— though I think premium Bromptons can handle those commuting situations. Then simply unfold the bike and you’re back to cruising around the city streets, with pedal assistance!
Other heavier folding models are built less for portable commuting and more for transportability inside a car or garage storage— just depends on what you need. Folding e-Bikes aren’t a silver bullet solution, but the wide variety of models available means you can find one that fits your riding routine.
High-quality folding e-Bikes collapse down quickly to fit in an elevator or store in the corner of an office, or in a small apartment to save space. Most folding e-Bikes are too heavy or large to comfortably carry up stairs or squeeze into the metro— though I think premium Bromptons can handle those commuting situations. Then simply unfold the bike and you’re back to cruising around the city streets, with pedal assistance!
Other heavier folding models are built less for portable commuting and more for transportability inside a car or garage storage— just depends on what you need. Folding e-Bikes aren’t a silver bullet solution, but the wide variety of models available means you can find one that fits your riding routine.
Folding e-Bikes for commuting should be lightweight
I think the most important characteristic for a folding e-Bike when commuting is its weight. Keeping the weight to a minimum makes it easier to maneuver the bike’s parts when folding and possible to roll, carry, or pivot the bike when needed. Too heavy, and the bike is going to be a pain to collapse and will be a nuisance when a surprise staircase crosses your path. Lightweight e-Bikes also tend to have slimmer frames and narrower tires, perfect for sneaking through cramped city streets and busy urban environments. When making my picks in the list below, I prioritized folding e-Bikes that weigh less than many other models out there.
Best Folding Electric Bikes for Commuting
1. Brompton P Line Electric 4 Speed
Brompton is the king of folding bicycles. The British-born brand makes some of the finest folding models out there, focusing on premium, compact bikes built for the city. Brompton’s P Line of electric folding bikes is even lighter than the original C Line, featuring a hand-built titanium and steel frame. The geometry is perfect— a very difficult task for folding bikes— and rides exceptionally well.
If you’re not used to folding bikes, the Brompton’s look may seem unusual, but every component has its function. The front-mounted 321 Wh battery pack is designed to be removed and easy to carry, letting you collapse the bike as small as a non-motorized folding bike. The 250W front hub motor sits inside the wheel, so it doesn’t take up any extra space. There are small rollers behind the seat post junction to easily roll the bike when folded, too. At only 35 lbs, this lightweight folding e-Bike won’t weigh down your commute— it’ll significantly speed it up!
Looking for a deal? 🤝 Get an even better discount when you trade in your electric bike now! Click here for a price estimation
2. GoCycle G3+
The GoCycle G3+ boasts a futuristic look, and its unique traits enhance the forward-thinking design. The super-sleek frame is actually made from carbon fiber— a rarity across folding bikes— and there’s a chain guard and carbon mag wheels, too. Those premium parts help the G3+ shave weight and come in at just 40 pounds, ideal for on-the-go commuters who will be folding or transporting the bike a lot.
The bike also features an innovative folding mechanism to maximize portability for city dwellers tight on space or commuters who need to stash their bike in a car or under a desk. It’s powered by a 500W front hub motor with pedal-assisted speeds up to 20 mph, paired with a smooth-shifting three-speed Shimano Nexus internal hub. Though it comes with a premium price tag, the G3+ offers exceptional practicality and innovation for urban riders who value space efficiency and cutting-edge design.
3. Tern Vektron P9
Tern specializes in practical electric bikes, especially high-quality cargo e-Bikes and folding electric bikes. And that design expertise is crucial when making a folding model that’s actually convenient and durable enough for everyday commuting. The Vektron is a rugged model that saves space, but doesn’t skimp on functionality, featuring a rear rack and premium Bafang 250W mid-drive motor.
While many folding e-Bike rely on hub motors, the Vektron opts for a mid-drive motor for a more natural ride feel and mechanical advantage combined with the 9-speed drivetrain. The external battery sits vertically behind the seat post, right in front of the rear rack to load up with panniers or other cargo. The burlier build and wider tires are great if you need a bit more comfort and durability in the city, all without losing its identity as a portable folding e-Bike.
4. Pedego Latch
Good-quality folding electric bikes don’t have to be expensive. While that premium performance can be worth the higher price tag for some commuters, the Pedego Latch offers a great value without blasting past the budget— and there are some creative design choices, too. I enjoy the elegant frame tubing and the color-matched rims and rear rack that add that touch of city flair.
This Class 2 e-Bike has a 500W rear hub motor that maxes out at 20 mph via pedal assist or throttle mode, perfect for zipping through the city without pedaling at all! The rear rack battery is a smart location and allows for carrying panniers or other cargo. Some downsides, however, are the single-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic brakes. Practical, stylish, and affordable.
5. Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
If the city streets feel more like a concrete jungle, the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 provides enough rugged performance for busy daily rides. It’s heavier than other folding e-Bikes but can still collapse down when required. But the wider, knobby tires, rear rack, and mid-sized frame expand this model’s abilities for all-terrain riding. Verging onto utility bike territory, the RadExpand 5 can be an excellent choice for deliveristas, errand runners, and city-goers who need a bit more from their daily rider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fold an electric bike?
How much do e-Bikes weigh?
Most standard e-Bikes weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms, or around 45 to 55 pounds. Performance-oriented e-MTBs are on the lighter side despite the added suspension, ranging from 15 to 28 kilograms. Folding e-Bikes designed for commuters usually weigh around 20 kilograms for portability. On the heavier end, electric cargo bikes tip the scales at up to 40 kilograms.
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Key Takeaways
- Lightweight matters most: The best folding e-Bikes for commuting are under 40 lbs, making them easier to carry, fold, and maneuver in city spaces.
- Design affects daily use: Premium features like mid-drive motors, removable batteries, and smart folding mechanisms can make or break convenience.
- There’s a model for every rider: Whether you want high-tech carbon fiber or budget-friendly value, the market has folding e-Bikes tailored to different urban needs.
