The Best Folding E-Bikes for RV and Van Life
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 26, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Sometimes four-wheelers and two-wheelers can get along. Discover some of the best folding e-Bikes for RV and van life.
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.
Many RV aficionados and van dwellers carry a secondary form of travel to facilitate short-distance trips once the vehicle is parked. You’ve probably already seen RVs and vans with bicycles loaded at the rear— but electric bikes are becoming more popular with this adventurous bunch.
Ask any van lifer and they’ll tell you that space optimization is key when it comes to long-haul trips on the road. Bringing a folding electric bike along for the journey can help save space and make storage that bit more convenient. For those looking to upgrade their travel setup, I’ll share my top picks for the best folding e-Bike for RV and van life.
Ask any van lifer and they’ll tell you that space optimization is key when it comes to long-haul trips on the road. Bringing a folding electric bike along for the journey can help save space and make storage that bit more convenient. For those looking to upgrade their travel setup, I’ll share my top picks for the best folding e-Bike for RV and van life.
👋 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.
What e-Bikes are good for RVs and vans?
It’s difficult to generalize about which e-Bikes are the best to carry in an RV or camper van because every driver has their own customized setup. You may be looking to load the bike on externally using a bike rack or may want to carry the bike inside the vehicle. And depending on your destination, you may be best served by an off-road adventure e-Bike or city-going electric bike.
Regardless, folding e-Bikes offer the flexibility of changing shape to transform into a more compact e-Bike for more convenient storage and transport. You can choose a folding e-Bike to match your needs and I’ve already picked my favorite folding models for 2025. The list below, however, skews toward lighter and smaller folding e-Bikes that are more likely to fit in your RV or van. Park, unfold, and be on your way!
Regardless, folding e-Bikes offer the flexibility of changing shape to transform into a more compact e-Bike for more convenient storage and transport. You can choose a folding e-Bike to match your needs and I’ve already picked my favorite folding models for 2025. The list below, however, skews toward lighter and smaller folding e-Bikes that are more likely to fit in your RV or van. Park, unfold, and be on your way!
1. Dahon K-One Hub Drive
The Dahon K-One is a folded e-Bike that gets it. In an age of ever-growing folding e-Bikes that seem too bulky to be practical, this compact model keeps things small. There are narrow 20 x 2.0” tires, a slim frame, and even foldable pedals to reduce the footprint when folded. Like most foldable bikes, there are easy-release hinges in the middle of the frame and along the steerer tube.
The K-One is powered by a reliable Bafange 250W rear hub motor and the 313Wh battery back sits neatly behind the pedals. It barely looks like an electric bike and preserves the pared down style that I enjoy about most folding bikes. The city-ready design makes this model a great form of secondary transport once you park your RV or van— but isn’t suited to more rugged terrain.
Motor: Bafang 250W rear hub
Wheels: 20 x 2.0”
Weight: 42 lbs
Folded size: 33x15x26in
2. Tern Vektron
Upway is a big fan of Tern electric bikes because of their reliability and practical design. Making a successful folding or cargo e-Bike is quite a tall order, but Tern hits the nail on the head every time, and the cycling community has caught on. The Tern Vektron is the brand’s dedicated folding e-Bike and is currently available in three options with slightly different specs and prices.
What sets the Vektron apart is the premium Bosch mid-drive motor for ultra-smooth acceleration and natural boost. The bike even comes fully equipped with fenders and a rear rack so you can load it up and continue the adventure far beyond the RV or van. I especially like that the rear rack can be used to prop the bike up when folding, allowing the rider to use the seat to roll the bike along. It’s slightly heavier than other models but folds up just as small.
Motor: Bosch mid-drive (various options)
Wheels: 20 x 2.125”
Weight: 48 lbs
Folded size: 16.1x33.9x26.8in
Looking for a deal? 🤝 Get an even better discount when you trade in your electric bike now! Click here for a price estimation
3. GoCycle GXi
The GoCycle GXi and its futuristic look could be just what your expedition vehicle needs. The unique frame design collapses down small to save space when not in use so you can fill your RV or van with other gear. The premium design and upgraded power specs come with a higher price tag, but it can be worth it for adventurers who frequently use a bike on their trips.
The GXi is slightly lighter, smaller, and more powerful than the Dahon K-One. It also comes with (very) short-travel suspension on both the front and rear o soak up bumps. There’s an impressively mighty 500W front hub motor to pull the folding e-Bike along, capable of Class 1 speeds that max out at 20 mph. The ultra-modern look may not be your cup of tea, but could be a worthwhile addition to your van life routine.
Motor: GoCycle 500W front hub
Wheels: 20 x 2.1”
Weight: 40 lbs
Folded size: 32.7in x 14.6in x 29.5in
The GXi is slightly lighter, smaller, and more powerful than the Dahon K-One. It also comes with (very) short-travel suspension on both the front and rear o soak up bumps. There’s an impressively mighty 500W front hub motor to pull the folding e-Bike along, capable of Class 1 speeds that max out at 20 mph. The ultra-modern look may not be your cup of tea, but could be a worthwhile addition to your van life routine.
Motor: GoCycle 500W front hub
Wheels: 20 x 2.1”
Weight: 40 lbs
Folded size: 32.7in x 14.6in x 29.5in
Key Takeaways
- Folding E-Bikes Save Space: Compact folding e-Bikes like the Dahon K-One, Tern Vektron, and GoCycle GXi are ideal for RV and van life, offering easy storage and transport.
- Choose Based on Features and Terrain: Select a folding e-Bike that suits your travel needs, whether for smooth city rides (Dahon K-One), versatile adventures (Tern Vektron), or premium performance (GoCycle GXi).
- Practicality Meets Convenience: Folding e-Bikes combine portability and functionality, letting you park, unfold, and explore effortlessly while maximizing space in your RV or van.
