How to Choose Your Folding E-Bike

Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 3, 2024 | Time to read 6 min

Unfurl the endless folding e-Bike options and lay them all out to see which one is right for you. Here are useful tips for choosing the perfect folding electric bike.

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.

On the edge of collapse with so many folding e-Bikes to choose from? Don’t worry, deciding on the right one is easier than origami, although you won’t end up with a beautiful paper crane at the end. I’ll walk you through what to consider to find out what electric bike is best for your foldable needs.

There are a lot of buying guides that simply list recommended folding e-Bikes, but don’t actually offer useful advice on how to choose the right model. If you want a few suggestions, check out our recent list of the best folding e-Bikes of 2025. But if you’re still casting your net widely and doing your research (highly recommended), read on for tips for picking out your dream electric bike!

👋 Welcome to Upway Stories!

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.

Find your electric bike

Table of Contents

Introduction

The paradox of folding e-Bikes

Benefits of folding e-Bikes

Folding e-Bike Buyer's Guide

Key Takeaways

The paradox of folding e-Bikes

Folding electric bikes and I have a complicated relationship. I think it’s just that we started on the wrong foot because I saw too many wacky models that didn’t make much sense. Designing a great folding e-Bike is inherently difficult because its characteristic portability is threatened by the large and heavy additions of a motor and battery. I’m also convinced that most foldable bike users don’t actually fold their bikes that often, but that’s a rant for another day.

I am impressed, however, by excellent models that strike the right balance, from the likes of Tern and Brompton, for example. But I say all of this as a cautionary tale. Do you really need both foldability and pedal assist on your compact e-Bike? How small or lightweight do you need it to be? Or will you enjoy a full-sized foldable bike? These are all good questions to ask yourself when searching for a foldable bike.

Benefits of folding e-Bikes

Versatile urban ride: A boosted commute and the ability to fold the bike when needed make it a practical and convenient way to get around town.

Space-saving solution: Folding bikes collapse down to fit better in small spaces, making it easier to store your bike in an apartment or garage

Travel & transport: Being able to fold your bike means it’s easier to carry on a bus, train, or fit in the trunk of a car. Some foldable e-Bikes, however, are still too large to be carryable.

Time to browse? Check out Upway’s new and pre-owned folding e-Bikes:

Electric Road Bikes

🤝 Get an even better discount when you sell your old electric bike now!

Click here for a price estimation

Folding e-Bike Buyer's Guide

1. Think about intended use

Bikes are fun (maybe even the funnest?) toys but they are also tools. Electric bikes let you do the job of getting from Point A to Point B even faster, or have a boosted blast out on the bike path. Think about how you intend to ride— commuting, leisure, weekend joyrides, fitness rides, etc. Do you need off-road fat tires? A rear rack for commuting? And then narrow it down to the style that best fits your needs.

2. Consider the foldability factor & weight

This is a big one. The small size of a folded e-Bike saves space during storage or transport, but not all foldable models are created equal. Models like the Brompton C Line Electric M6L fold down tiny while the Addmotor CITYTRI E-310 is a much larger adaptive foldable trike. Every foldable bike gets smaller at the flick of a lever, but not all will fit on the train with you or be able to be carried upstairs. Consider what foldable form factor works for you and what’s the most practical based on where you’ll be traveling with your shape-shifting bike.

Man lifting an electric folding bike into his car

3. Range

You’ll need enough juice to get where you’re headed. The slimmest foldable e-Bikes have small batteries around the 300Wh mark to offer plenty of range, while other models have much larger batteries. Larger batteries add weight and range and are typically paired with higher-powered motors that draw more energy. Battery size shouldn’t be a deal breaker when deciding between models, but it can make a difference if you expect to ride exclusively in throttle mode or carry heavy cargo which drains the battery more quickly.

4. Fit

Getting the right fit on a foldable bike can be difficult. The wheels are smaller than we’re used to and there’s limited adjustability on the seat height and handlebar height. Tall riders can fit comfortably on some models, but foldable bikes are designed (as expected) to be as compact as possible. Do your research on recommended rider height and try to fit in a test ride if possible.

A few years ago, I went with my friend to a Craigslist meet-up to buy a second-hand foldable bike. It was a good deal and checked off nearly everything on my bike mechanic checklist, so she bought it. After a month, however, she purchased a new bike. Why? Because the bicycle was too short for her (she’s quite tall). I still feel bad I didn’t spot it during the test ride— and she felt comfortable enough on the spin around the block. Being the good friend that she is, she’s probably forgotten all about it.

5. Components & accessories

You’ll have to consider the bike’s components, parts, and accessories, or what we call the “build kit”. Some models have wider tires, a rear rack, high-quality gears, or powerful hydraulic disc brakes. Commuters will want durable and reliable parts that will stand up to heavy daily use while recreational riders can get away with a more entry-level package. Some foldable e-Bikes also have a well-placed stand or wheel to help keep the bike upright when it’s folded.

6. Stay on budget

There’s a wide variety of foldable bikes available for all budgets. Spending a bit more cash will typically get you a lighter bike with a more premium drive unit. Most brands share similar folding mechanisms and hinge placements, but higher-end models may add a few more features like internal hub gearing or small wheels to roll the bike when folded. Upway has a large selection of folding bikes, including brand-new and certified pre-owned from top brands.

Key Takeaways

Consider Your Needs: Think about your intended use—commuting, leisure, or fitness—and prioritize features like tire type, racks, or foldability that match your lifestyle.
Practicality Matters: Not all folding e-bikes are lightweight or compact enough for easy-peasy transport. Assess the bike's folded size, weight, and range based on how and where you'll use it.
Fit and Budget: Ensure the bike suits your height and riding comfort, and balance your budget with quality components for a reliable ride.

Check our e-Bikes

There is more to Explore

Visit below articles for more info about electric bikes

Electric Bike Types: A Simple Buyer's Guide

Upway’s Outrageously Good Deals of the Month: December 2024

5 Best Folding E-Bikes of 2025

How to Choose Your Folding E-Bike

The paradox of folding e-Bikes

Benefits of folding e-Bikes

Time to browse? Check out Upway’s new and pre-owned folding e-Bikes: