Ultimate Commuter: City or Folding E-Bike?

Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 4, 2024 | Time to read 4 min

Is a city electric bike the right model for you? Or are you better off with a folding e-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.

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Cities present unique challenges for cyclists— heavy traffic, potholed streets, changing weather, and seemingly never enough space to go around. City electric bikes are specifically designed to overcome those conditions and deliver a smooth, enjoyable ride. And folding e-Bikes collapse down for easier storage and transport, ideal for crowded cities. But what is the best electric bike?

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Who are city e-Bikes for?

Who are folding e-Bikes for?

The best of both worlds?

If you commute by bike

If you’re tight on space

If you have to transport your bike

Key Takeaways

Who are city e-Bikes for?

City e-Bikes are built for urban convenience and comfort. Urban-oriented bells and whistles include things like a rear rack for carrying cargo, fenders to block wheel-spray, and integrated lights for better visibility.

Their upright geometry promotes a relaxed riding posture, while their tires strike a balance between the smooth efficiency of road e-Bikes and the versatility of e-MTBs. Often categorized as commuter or hybrid e-Bikes, they offer a well-rounded blend of functionality around the city.

An electric city bike is perfect for:

Bike commuters: With ample space for panniers and fenders that keep clothing clean, they’re a reliable choice for getting to work, school, or wherever you’re headed hassle-free. With the added motor, you can arrive without breaking a sweat!

Recreational cyclists: City e-Bikes’ stable and versatile design makes them perfect for everything from casual rides and city cruising to weekend adventures.

Who are folding e-Bikes for?

Rider folding the handlebars of the Aventon Sinch folding e-Bike

Folding electric bikes are able to collapse down into smaller units for easier storage or transport. They are heavier and larger than their non-motorized counterparts, but can really come in handy in certain situations. The e-Bikes typically have a hinge at the center of the frame and one on the steerer tube— some even have foldable pedals.

But folding e-Bikes aren’t for everyone. There are a few things you should know before buying a folding electric bike. Some people are better served by a standard e-Bike, but I do recommend well-designed folding models from top brands like Tern and Aventon.

A folding e-Bike is perfect for:

Riders tight on space: Whether it’s storing your bike at home or at the office, having the option to fold your e-Bike can amp up the convenience.

People who transport their bike via car: Being able to fold your e-Bike lets you transport it in the back of your car. This is useful for people who like to drive to their favorite riding spots and there’s no need for a heavy-duty e-Bike rack on your RV or van.

…the best of both worlds?

Tern Vektron electric folding bike on orange background

I’ve mentioned before that folding e-Bikes come in many flavors— after all, the ability to fold is merely a trait, not a cycling discipline like road, urban, or mountain biking. Many folding e-Bikes are also city electric bikes. And this makes sense because space is limited in urban environments, from small offices to city apartments.

Some of the best folding e-Bikes— such as the Tern Vektron D7i and Dahon K-One— are designed to be ridden around the city. They are compact enough to be practical whereas larger folding e-Bikes with fat tires collapse down into as small of a unit. The Tern model even has the rear rack, fenders, and integrated lights that you’d expect on commuter e-Bikes.

If you commute by bike…

Gazelle Ultimate 380+ city e-Bike in front of NYC skyline

A city electric bike is the key ingredient to a faster and more comfortable commute. You’ll get to your destination in a flash and there are plenty of accessories to help you carry stuff and brave unpredictable city weather. City e-Bikes provide the right balance between efficiency and comfort for daily riding.

If you’re tight on space…

Folding e-Bikes are already a bit smaller than standard e-Bikes and they collapse down even more for convenient storage in tight spaces. Put your e-Bike in the corner of the office or free up space in your apartment by folding it— it just takes a few seconds. The ability to fold can also help out in elevators.

If you have to transport your bike…

There are plenty of reasons to transport your bike in a car, from driving to your favorite riding area or completing your commute by bike. Some electric bikes are too heavy for traditional bike racks, meaning you’ll have to buy a special rack— and those can get really expensive. A folding e-Bikes fits more easily into the trunk or rear of a car for easy transport, no fancy bike rack needed.

Key Takeways

City e-Bikes Prioritize Comfort and Utility: Built for urban commuting, they feature racks, fenders, and lights for a smooth, practical ride.

Folding e-Bikes Save Space and Travel Easily: Ideal for small storage areas or transport, they collapse for convenience without needing a bulky bike rack.

Some Folding e-Bikes Work as City Bikes: Models from brands like Tern and Dahon offer commuter-friendly features, combining portability with urban efficiency.

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Ultimate Commuter: City or Folding E-Bike?