Best Folding Electric Bike For Every Budget

There’s nothing more convenient than having a cool electric bike you can ride to work or to catch up for coffee with friends, unless of course that bike can be folded down to nothing and tucked away with ease.

The folding e-bike has never been more popular and there’s a good chance you’ve already spotted a few on your daily commute, so how do you get your hands on one?

Choosing the best folding electric bike is no easy feat, especially for those who have never shopped for an e-bike before. You have to find one with the specs that suit your needs, not to mention one that fits within your price range, and with hundreds of options on the market, it can be tough to narrow them down.

What is the best electric folding bike on the market?

The best folding e-bike will look different for everyone, but ultimately you need to choose a model that fits you physically, offers enough power to get you where you want to go, and folds down to a size that’s going to work for you. These bikes range in price from under $1,000 to more than a few thousand so there are lots of features to consider when searching for the perfect one.

With our help, you can get yourself the best folding e-bike that origamis down to a succinct size so you can take it with you wherever you go. Whether it’s stored under your desk, carried on the bus or train, or kept under your bed at home, these nifty but powerful bikes are the way of the future for those who want to live green and save themselves a lot of money.

Zipping around the city or in your neighborhood is a lot more fun on an electric bike, and the added convenience of being able to fold it up and go whenever you need to makes it that much better.

If this sounds like your dream come true, we’ve got the best of the best e-bikes for you that fold up and away, so check out our recommendations for the top performers.

Best Overall: Green Bike USA GB5

If you want a bike that’s convenient, cool, and good for the planet, look no further than the Green Bike USA GB5. This folding e-bike is not only our all-time favorite, but it’s also the most reasonably priced, with cool extras like an easy folding mechanism and LCD multifunctional display. With a 36V Lithium Samsung battery and 8 FUN 350W motor, it’ll get you where you need to go with minimal effort, and hit speeds of up to 20 mph.

By far the best thing about this bike is how easy it is to ride, thanks in part to the wide and comfortable seat but also the nine levels of pedal assist available. You’re capable of traveling up to 50 miles on a single charge using the lowest level to conserve the battery, which is pretty impressive compared to other e-bikes.

On the downside, the bike is rear heavy so it seems to have some issues with weight distribution when compared to other foldable electric bikes. You’ll notice a difference when you hop on the for the first time and it may take some practice to figure it out, so make sure you set aside a day for doing so when you first receive your Green Bike.

The bike comes equipped with upgraded lights as well as left and right turn signals, an electric horn, and brake lights, all keeping you safe. The Green Bike USA GB5 Foldable Bike runs with a Shimano 6 gear brake system and front and rear Tektro disc brakes, as well as a full suspension for a smooth journey. The handlebars are wide to give you better control and comfort, and the seat is just as luxurious.

The Green Bike GB5 USA is exceptionally priced at less than $1,300 with free shipping to your door, and it comes with a one-year limited warranty offered by the manufacturer. If you want a convenient way to get across town and stow your bike away that happens to look super cool as well, the GB5 is our number one choice.

• Size: 36 x 28 x 17” (not folded)
• Wheel size: 20”
• Weight: 59lbs
• Materials: Aluminum
• Range: 50 miles
• Speed: 20 mph

Runner Up: Addmotor Motan M-140

• Size: N/A
• Wheel size: 20”
• Weight: 68lbs
• Materials: Aluminum alloy
• Range: 45 miles
• Speed: 23mph

The Addmotor Motan M-140 is a fat bike and electric foldable bike in one, with 4” wheels that allow you to ride on snow, gravel, sand, or paved roads with ease. This is a low step-through front frame that works for all types of people, even those who have never ridden a bike or used a foldable model before.

The Motan M-140 features a 48V lithium battery pack that will get you 45 miles of distance before running out, which is more than enough for most people’s daily commute.

The best thing about this bike is how easily it collapses and in a unique way compared to other bikes. The tube, frame, and pedal all collapse which means you can fold it up quickly and easily into a surprisingly small package. Once collapsed, it can get into small spaces, so whether you want to put it under your desk or in your apartment, you’ll definitely find the room.

As a fat bike, it’s pretty heavy, which can deter some people from buying it if they’re looking for a folding bike they can carry for long distances. Although all of the other features are great, the almost 70lbs weight of the Motan M-140 is pretty inconvenient, so it would only suit riders with a lot of strength or those who don’t plan on carrying it very far.

With a USB charge port and 5” LCD display that tells you all of the important stats like battery status, miles, and navigation, you’ll never get lost. The bike itself has a 7 speed TX55 gear system, 500W rear hub brushless motor, and aluminum alloy Kingshock shock absorber built-in. Suitable for riders between 5’8″ and 6’10” it’s all-encompassing and comfortable for the taller rider.

If a fat tire bike is your first preference but you want to be able to fold, the Motan M-140 by Addmotor is our top recommendation. The bike costs around $1,600 and comes with a 12 month limited warrant from Addmotor, so it’s about mid range in terms of price. Although a little heavy, it slims down to nothing when it’s folded away, and having the versatility of a fat tire makes the extra weight worthwhile.

Alternative: QuietKat Bandit

Another top contender for a fat tire bike that’s also portable is the QuietKat Bandit. This is a serious electric bike with a powerful 750W motor, and although it’s more expensive if you’re after something with a lot of torque this is the way to go. The QuietKat Bandit is the smallest of this brand’s bikes and folds down to a tiny 40 x 18 x 34” package when collapsed so it’s easy to store just about anywhere.

The best thing about this e-bike is its power, and it’s all thanks to the 750W motor is has strapped onboard. When unassisted, the QuietKat Bandit can reach speeds of 19 mph and go up to 20 miles on a single charge. Although this might not sound as much as other e-bikes, keep in mind that’s its unassisted rate, which means as the driver of the bike, you’re exerting no energy whatsoever to travel that far.

However, there are some downsides to consider, and most importantly is the price. When you consider what it delivers, it seems you’re paying a premium price for how small this bike can collapse and the size of its motor, as well as the trusted QuietKat name. If you don’t need something that compact or a motor with that much power, you could easily save yourself a few hundred dollars.

The QuieKat Bandit features 20 x 4″ Kenda Fat Tires that ensure a low impact ride and smooth journey. This is a fast and agile bike that uses a thumb throttle, three-speed Sturmey Archer hub, and front and rear mechanical disc brakes. The Bandit rides like a dream and you’ll be able to feel where your extra money went the first time you take it out onto the road, or even on an off-road journey thanks to its fat tires.

This foldable e-bike is expensive and priced at around $2,700 it could be out of the league of many. If you have can afford to spend the extra cash you’ll get exactly what you paid for with a compact and powerful foldable bike that has the power to change your life with the better. QuietKat offers a 12-month limited warranty and their solid reputation in the industry should be more than enough of a guarantee for the quality of this electric fat bike.

• Size: 40 x 18 x 34” (folded)
• Wheel size: 20”
• Weight: 59lbs
• Materials: 6061 aluminum alloy
• Range: 20 miles
• Speed: 19 mph

Alternative: Swagtron 200W Swagcycle

If you want to know what is the best electric folding bike on the market for under $500, we’ve found it in the Swagtron Swagcycle. This affordable e-bike is capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 mph and will get you around 9 miles per charge, which is impressive for something in this price range.

The Swagcycle comes in different models and this 200W motor is the least powerful and the smallest at 31lbs, making it perfect for people who don’t need a lot of muscle from their bike.

The coolest thing about the Swagtron Swagcycle is its size, and when you push down the collapsible neck it gets even smaller. If you’re truly swamped and living in an apartment or have only a small office desk to fit a bike under, this is our top recommendation as it’s tiny for an e-bike but still big enough to get you where you need to be.

As a cheaper bike, it’s not unusual that it has some disadvantages compared to other more expensive models we’ve reviewed. The Swagcycle only uses air-filled rubber tires at the back and front, so you’ll notice a lot more of the bumps along the way. Some users found their tires were flat on arrival or needed to be pumped pretty soon after their first ride, so be prepared to put in the extra effort.

The Swagtron 200W Swagcycle can reach inclines up to 12 degrees so it’s great for hilly, urban landscapes. It features two footpegs and brake light for safety and a lit display on the handle that keeps track of all of the bike’s important stats. With zero emissions and a battery charge time of around four hours, it’s an ideal way to make your daily commute more fun.

To get your hands on the Swagtron Swagcycle, the world’s lightest electric folding bike, you can head to Amazon for the best price of around $400 and free shipping to your door. You’ll also get a one-year limited warranty on the hardware and a bike that’s fully assembled and ready to use as soon as it arrives. If a compact e-bike is your goal, this folding model is one of the smallest on the market.

• Size: 15.4 x 2.8 x 11.4” (unfolded)
• Wheel size: 8.5”
• Weight: 31lbs
• Materials: Steel
• Range: 10mph
• Speed: 9 miles

Alternative: Swagtron Swagcycle EB5

• Size: 49.2 x 21.7 x 34.9 “
• Wheel size: 14”
• Weight: 37lbs
• Materials: Aluminum
• Range: 15.5 miles
• Speed: 16mph

If compact e-bikes are your thing, you’ll want to check out the other offering from Swagtron, with their Swagcycle EB5. This is a seriously small bike that packs a little more punch than its cheaper alternative but is still better suited to those who don’t want a lot of torque.

With a 14” wheel and lightweight aluminum frame construction of 37lbs, it’s more than enough to help you zip around the city or your neighborhood, and well within the budget of most shoppers.

The best thing about the EB5 Swagcycle is its folding power. This bike folds down to an impressive 26 x 15.6 x 23.6 inches which means you can store it in a carry bag and hold it on your back, keep it under your office desk, and even slide it under the bed if you have no space at home. As one of the smallest e-bikes around, it will genuinely surprised you just how little room it takes up.

On the downside, you won’t get very far if you plan on relying on the Swagycycle to do all of the work for you. On a single charge, which takes up to five hours, your new folding e-bike will get you around 15 miles, so don’t expect it to take you very far. You’ll have to put in more effort pedaling than you would with other e-bikes so it’s not ideal for those hoping to conserve their energy.

The bike comes pre-assembled so there’s no need to worry about putting it together and it has an adjustable height and handlebar to suit everyone from teenagers to adults. The tires come with a quick disconnect power line and battery indicator next to the throttle so you can see how much time you have left. The 36V lithium-ion battery has a water-resistant plug on its cover so even riding in the rain is possible with the Swagcycle.

Priced at around $500 on Amazon and with free shipping to your home, this is one of the cheapest foldable e-bikes we’ve found for those who don’t need a lot of power.

Swagtron offers a 12-month limited warranty on the bicycle which is nice to have and there’s not a lot of electrical parts to worry about malfunctioning which is a bonus. If you want a tiny but convenient way to get around town, the Swagtron Swagcycle EB5 is up there with the best.

The FAQs of Folding E-Bikes

Electric bikes have changed the game forever and made it easier for people to get where they need to be with less effort and less impact on the planet.

Having a folding e-bike is the icing on the cake as it adds even more convenience to this already convenient mode of transport. Check out some answers to common FAQs about folding e-bikes if you want to learn more about this compact and powerful machines.

How Far Can Folding Electric Bikes Go?

The range of an electric folding bike will depend on its battery and the power of the motor, with more expensive bikes usually being capable of traveling long distances.

A standard electric bike can range from 35 to 100 miles on a single charge, but this might also be impacted by how fast you’re traveling and how much you’re relying on the motor for pedal assistance.

How Heavy Is An Average Folding Electric Bike?

Electric folding bikes vary greatly in their weight, but when compared to other e-bikes they’re relatively lightweight.

Bikes that use fat tires generally weigh more and can be up to 60lbs, however for a compact foldable model you can find some that are as light as 30lbs or even less. The materials used to make the bike will impact its weight as will the size of the tires and the frame.

Can You Convert A Regular Folding Bike To Ebike?

It is possible to convert a regular folding bike into an e-bike and this is best achieved with a conversion kit.

These kits allow you to attach a front hub motor to the bike and replace a wheel so that it can be motorized, therefore turning the bike into an electrical model. When choosing a conversion kit, make sure it suits the size and style of the bike you plan to alter.

What Is The Average Top Speed Of Folding Electric Bike Compared To Regular Electric Bikes?

Electric folding bikes were built more for convenience and space, compared to other e-bikes like mountain bikes that might be built for power and strength, but both are capable of reaching high unassisted speeds.

Although a folding electric bike reaches lower speeds than some other types of e-bikes, they’re still able to ride at around 55 mph with a quality motor.

A Convenient and Powerful Way to Ride

Foldable e-bikes seem to be popping up everywhere these days, and there’s a good chance you’ve already spotted some on your daily commute.

If you want the benefit of assisted pedaling with a mode of transport that can fold away to virtually nothing to be stored underneath your desk or in your cramped apartment, there’s no better choice.

With our help, you’ll be able to choose from these top performers in folding e-bikes, whether it’s a fat tire model you’re after or the one that can get you the most mileage on a single charge. No matter your budget, any of our top picks will make you happy, and completely transform the way to get around town from now on.

There’s no denying that the transport choice of the future is electric bikes, and having one that folds away and stores neatly wherever you go is a huge bonus that many bicycles can’t offer.

Whether you need something teeny tiny or one with a lot of power, there’s never been a better time to make a difference to your daily commute and do your part for the environment, and an electric folding bike can help you achieve it.

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