Best Folding Electric Bikes of 2024 | Easy to Fold, Easy to Ride!

The Lectric XP 3.0 model has earned itself a well-deserved spot on our list by building on the success of the earlier XP 2.0 model. Lectric included a more powerful 500W motor that boosts the peak to a full 1000 watts and 55Nm of torque. This increase in power output really showed in our performance tests!

With five levels of pedal assistance and a throttle, the XP 3.0 is a Class 2 e-bike with a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 mph. The XP 3.0’s included 10.4Ah battery offers a range of 25 to 50 miles, but riders looking to increase the distance they can travel between charges can upgrade to a 14Ah battery for an additional 15-20 miles of power.

With fat knobby tires and a suspension fork, the 3.0 is capable of light off-roading. We had a fun ride when testing the bike on dirt and gravel roads!

The bike’s rear rack can hold up to 150 lbs, allowing it to carry a passenger. Lectric added a new Passenger Mode setting that keeps the bike at a safe maximum speed of 10 mph.

At 65 lbs, the XP 3.0 isn’t the lightest, but its solid construction, off-road potential, and overall reliability are fair trade-offs – especially for a bike starting at around $1,000. This price range is typically our threshold for recommending an affordable e-bike. Lectric’s quality is largely the reason why!

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The Ride1Up Portola, simply put, is a shot across the bow against the Lectric XP—one of (if not THE) most popular and affordable e-bike models of all time. We were extremely impressed with the Portola in our testing; its brake, hill climbing, and range test scores were all great!

In fact, we received the bike before we had any pricing information, and it performed so well that our team assumed its price would be $1,200 – $1,400. We were shocked when we found out the price was right around $1,000! Ride1Up is known for offering a ton of value at a great price, but they outdid even themselves with the Portola.

It’s peppy, it feels light, and it’s fairly comfortable, which are all things we look for in a folding bike. The Portola is also loaded with all the essential features—and more than you’d expect, given its price tag.

Is the bike perfect? No, but for that price, we have a hard time even mentioning its shortcomings. The Portola’s only real flaw is that it’s somewhat on the smaller side of things, and riders around 6’ and taller will feel a little bit cramped.

With that in mind, we think the Portola is an absolute home run for riders under 6’. Taller riders who want to be closer to the handlebars (and who aren’t worried about getting full leg extension) should also find much to love.

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The RadExpand 5 Plus snagged our attention with its upgraded features and impressive performance in our testing. Distinct from its sibling, the RadExpand 5, the 5 Plus version offers a bit more capability with a more responsive feel and a more comfortable ride.

The RadExpand 5 Plus is a class 2 e-bike equipped with a 750W rear hub motor that operates through a torque sensor. This sensor adjusts power output based on the pedaling pressure, providing a more intuitive pedaling experience.

The bike’s 720Wh battery is a standout feature, allowing us to travel over 80 miles on a single charge—a very solid range for any e-bike. The battery also uses Rad’s Safe Shield technology, which adds fire-resistant thermal barriers around each battery cell.

Safety and innovation are key aspects of the RadExpand 5 Plus. During our testing, the bike performed well in our brake test thanks to its hydraulic disc brake system. Additionally, we loved the integration of turn signals into the bike’s rack-mounted brake light.

Ideal for both on-road commuting and light off-road adventures, we think the RadExpand 5 Plus will appeal to those who want to spend more time exploring. Its fat, knobby tires and front suspension fork encourage users to venture beyond paved surfaces.

The RadExpand 5 Plus is available in one frame size, accommodating riders from 4’10” to 5’10” and supporting a payload capacity of up to 315 pounds. With its sub-$2k price, it’s a worthy mid-range option in the e-bike market.

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Folding e-bikes are often fun, practical, and affordable, but many prioritize their folding ability while sacrificing comfort and handling. Refreshingly, the Velotric Fold 1 is one of the most comfortable folding e-bikes we’ve tested while also competing strongly against similar bikes in its price range.

The bike is packed full of expected features, such as a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, a hydraulic disc brake system, a lockout suspension fork with 60 mm travel, knobby 20×3” tires, and lights.

Some of its unexpected, uncommon extras exceeded our expectations. For one thing, the 608 Wh battery (larger than most competitors) set new records in our Range Test when considering the Fold 1’s price. For another, it has the shortest stopping distance from a folding e-bike in our Brake Test at the time of writing.

We loved the relaxing comfort of the bike’s cushy saddle and the welcome steering control from its 660 mm-wide handlebars. Where many other folding e-bikes can feel awkwardly cramped or stretched out, the Fold 1’s fit was much more ergonomic—and more in line with what we’d expect from a non-folding bike.

With the ability to carry up to a whopping 440 lbs, the Fold 1 also has the highest weight capacity we’ve seen on a folding bike. Its ability to carry large riders and lots of cargo (or even a passenger) rivals many of the dedicated cargo e-bikes we’ve tested!

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The XP Lite 2.0 continues Lectric’s practice of delivering more bike for less money. It’s an upgrade from the original version of the bike, but somehow, it’s still priced well below the $1k mark.

This makes it, without a doubt, THE most affordable e-bike to earn our stamp of approval.

To be clear, the Lite 2.0 has some tradeoffs (there’s no avoiding it with such a low price tag). The bike includes a single-speed drivetrain, a modest 300W rear-hub motor, a small but effective 374 Wh battery, and a rigid fork.

Even with some compromises, the bike’s starting value is insane. For example, the bike includes hydraulic disc brakes and a color display—both of which are unheard of on similarly-priced models from other brands.

Lectric also offers the ability to upgrade some components on the bike at the time of purchase. For a nominal price, the standard chain can be upgraded to a Gates Carbon belt (along with a matching chainring and cog) for an even lower-maintenance and longer-lasting drivetrain. A high-capacity 672 Wh battery can be selected to nearly double the expected range.

At roughly 48 lbs, the Lite 2.0 is also appropriately named – and one of the more practical folding e-bikes we’ve tested. The difference was clear in our evaluation; in a market filled with bikes that weigh 65+ lbs, the Lite folds, lifts, and stores much easier.

If you’re considering an e-bike but you don’t want to take out a second mortgage to get one that’s practical and well-built, we think the Lite 2.0 will fit the bill.

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When it comes to customization options on folding e-bikes, the Blix Vika+ Flex is king! The bike features a 110-lb cargo capacity with over 30 options to outfit its modular rack system, including boards, bags, baskets—and more—to customize the bike to your needs.

We dig the Vika+ Flex’s looks, with a classic design, quality paint job, and plenty of durable aluminum components. Case in point: where many other folding e-bikes use plastic, the Vika’s collapsible aluminum stem gives the bike more crisp handling and an overall great feel on longer rides.

As a Class 2 e-bike with a 20 mph motor-assisted speed limit, the Vika+ Flex uses a 500W rear-hub motor that easily powers its mid-weight frame up to speed—and even over some of the steepest hills.

The bike weighs 55 lbs including its removable battery (roughly 48 lbs with the battery removed), giving it a solid ride feel while also providing good handling. It’s also easy to carry around once folded, and Blix offers a carrying bag to make transport a breeze.

The bike can travel up to 45 miles on a single charge of its 614 Wh battery, and it can be recharged in 6 hours. It comes equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors, which performed remarkably well in our Brake Test.

Because of its compact design, the Vika+ Flex might seem a little small for larger riders, though Blix claims it can accommodate those between 4’10” and 6’2”. We appreciated its lighter, less-bulky frame when folding it, and the magnets that help it stay folded together were an awesome added touch!

There’s a reason we come back to the Vika+ Flex when we need a highly portable and comfortable ride; it’s just that good.

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The Slate stands out in the growing e-bike market as Mokwheel’s only folding model, combining portability with solid engineering. This class 2 e-bike reaches speeds up to 20 mph and is powered by a 500W rear hub motor that employs a torque sensor for dynamic power delivery on the fly.

With a potential 90-mile range on a single charge (we tested it), the Slate matches and, in many cases, exceeds the performance of some of the best in its class.

Its integrated turn signals and brake lights enhance its safety profile. Additionally, its quick-detach LCD display acts as a theft deterrent; removing it disables the motor, adding a layer of security for brief stops.

We think the Mokwheel Slate’s easy-to-fold design and compact size will shine in urban settings, making it perfect for small spaces and public transit. It’s equipped for city life with cargo racks, lights, and fenders but is also ready for off-road adventures with its 3-inch tires and suspension fork. It’s a versatile choice for daily commuting and leisurely weekend rides!

The Slate can fit riders ranging from 4’10” to 5’10” and support a payload of up to 350 pounds. With its price firmly between $1k and $2k, it offers substantial value in its category.

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With a sleek frame made from advanced materials, it should be no surprise that the GoCycle G4 was created by a former designer of Maclaren high-performance automobiles.

Weighing in at just 38 lbs, the G4 was designed with functionality in mind. Its hinge mechanism releases in seconds, making it one of the easiest bikes we’ve tested to fold and one of the lightest to carry around. Additionally, its single frame size is highly adjustable to fit riders between 5’-4” and 6’-2”.

The bike uses a proprietary 500W front-hub motor – dubbed the Cleandrive because of its enclosed, mess-free nature – that is small enough to be nearly invisible on the bike. Don’t be fooled, though: it’s powerful enough to comfortably carry a rider around 15 mph and tackle most hills with ease.

The G4 rolls on 20×2.25” road tires, giving it predictable handling and great maneuverability. The wheels use sturdy but logic-defying, single-sided fork and rear swingarm which double down on awesome. These features allow the bike to fold tighter but also make changing tires or repairing flats as easy as pie.

We found the simple LED display to be somewhat limiting, but fortunately, the bike is intended to be paired with the rider’s smartphone. Doing so displays ride data in a more traditional manner and also allows the user to adjust motor output in the bike’s individual settings!

The GoCycle G4 features a level of innovation and engineering that simply doesn’t exist on all e-bikes. If you’re seeking a premium and highly practical folder, look no further!

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We’re huge fans of the responsiveness of Aventon e-bikes. The Sinch.2 delivers a natural-feeling ride thanks to its torque sensor, which allows its motor to respond to the rider’s level of effort. We thoroughly enjoyed how the bike gave us more power as we pedaled harder, with the different pedal-assist settings giving varying degrees of zip.

Another benefit of the Sinch.2’s torque sensor is improved motor efficiency. We recorded an impressive result of nearly 60 miles in our Range Test thanks to the 672 Wh battery.

We saw great performance on hills as well! With a 500W rear-hub motor and a Class 2 motor-assisted speed of 20 mph, the Sinch.2 has a healthy amount of power for an e-bike that weighs 68 lbs.

In our interpretation, the folding aspect of the Sinch is secondary; it prioritizes ride quality first with the added convenience of being able to fold for transport or storage. Overall, it’s a hugely fun and capable e-bike with an energized feel.

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You might be wondering “Didn’t I already see this bike on the list already?” and you would be partially correct. The Rad Power Bikes’ Rad Expand 5 is the less expensive version of the RadExpand 5 Plus. It has a few different specs, but it’s still one of our favorites – and one of the bikes folding e-bikes we recommend.

The RadExpand 5’s 750W motor uses a cadence sensor to engage. Its motor is powerful, but it dispenses predictable doses of acceleration that keep the bike safely and firmly under your control. The 672 Wh battery provides enough energy to power the motor for up to 40 miles between charges.

Part of the allure of having a folding e-bike is the ability to take it almost anywhere to explore. With its 20×4” fat tires, the RadExpand 5 enables you to adventure on dirt roads as well as pavement and gravel – a key feature not always found on other folding electric e-bikes.

The RadExpand 5 has wide 660 mm handlebars with a 6.9” rise that provides remarkable control and stable handling. Smooth, reliable shifting is delivered to the 14-to-34-tooth rear cassette through a MicroShift 7-speed mechanical shift unit.

There is a ton of value for a bike priced in what we consider the affordable tier. The RadExpand 5’s simple but sturdy construction, its performance, and its reliability are a winning combination.
Rad Power Bikes also has a great reputation for customer service, which is the icing on the cake.

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The Tern Vektron S10 is a unique entry in our list of best folding bikes because it features a mid-drive motor, a rarity on folders these days. This is just one of the reasons it’s one of the more premium options on this list.

The S10 comes with several top-tier components, including a Bosch Performance Line mid-drive with 65 Nm of torque. In our testing, it was highly effective for accelerating up to the Class 1 speed limit of 20 miles per hour and powering uphill. The list of high-quality parts continues with Magura hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, and more.

Weighing in at 39 lbs, the Vektron is highly maneuverable and portable. The frame and cargo rack are also designed to allow the bike to rest in an upright position and be wheeled around instead of carried – though Tern also offers an oversized carry bag that can be slung over a shoulder.

The bike fits a surprisingly massive range of riders between 4’10” and 6’5”, thanks to a double set of telescoping seatposts with quick-release clamps.

Our time with the Vektron was brief, but the bike still made a solid impression. We only had the opportunity to take a test ride at an e-bike convention and weren’t able to perform our usual series of standardized tests, but that was enough of an experience to get a feel for the bike and its capabilities. The Vektron quickly earned a place among the best folding e-bikes we’ve tested.

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Finally, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is a budget-friendly option priced around the $1k mark. It’s packed with features that cater to both adventurous and practical-minded riders.

The Mars 2.0 is powered by a 750W rear hub motor with a cadence sensor. As a Class 2 and 3 e-bike, it has a throttle speed of 20 mph, but it can reach 28 mph with pedal assist. Heybike advertises that this bike can reach a top speed of 32 mph, making it a go-to choice for you speedsters out there.

In our testing, the bike gave us solid range, covering over 30 miles in our Range Test with its 600 Wh battery. Its braking performance is reliable thanks to its mechanical disc system. The Mars is designed to accommodate riders between 5’3″ and 6’1″, and it supports a payload capacity of 330 pounds.

What sets the Mars 2.0 apart is its innovative cargo rack, designed with a pegboard style for modular attachments, allowing for creative gear loading beyond traditional strapping methods. The bike also features a front suspension fork with 65mm of travel and 20×4” knobby fat tires, granting light off-road capabilities.

The Mars 2.0 is a serious contender for those who want a folding bike that does not compromise on features. It offers power, speed, and versatility for both on and off-road rides.

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We have ridden and tested these bikes across hundreds of miles, so our experience grants us a unique perspective. We assembled this list based primarily on the following factors:

• Value: How much e-bike are you getting for your dollar? The e-bike market has grown flush with overpriced and underperforming electric bikes that don’t offer much value. Every bike on this list offers excellent bang for the buck.
• Components and extras: What else comes with the e-bike? Does it come with racks, bags, lights, and fenders, and do those accessories make sense? We selected options with included features that make sense for the bike’s price and intended use.
• Unique Qualities and Features: In a market chock-full of options, what’s unique about this bike that sets it apart from the competition? The market is flush with copycat brands and plenty of e-bikes that just aren’t that special. We looked for the ones that are.
• Purpose Fulfillment: What was this bike designed to do, and how well does it execute that purpose? Of course, you can choose to use your bike however you’d like, but we made sure the e-bikes on this list function as advertised.
• Ride Feel: Last but certainly not least – does the e-bike ride well? After miles and miles on each bike, we know that these do.

It is important to keep in mind that not all folding e-bikes are created equal. A heavy folder capable of off-roading in rugged environments would not be suitable for a commuter who plans to fold their bike regularly and carry it on the subway.

Similarly, a lightweight folding bike with a rigid frame and street tires likely would not be suitable for camping or adventuring. Finding a bike that fits your needs – and your budget – is essential.

Another factor to consider is ride quality. While many of the bikes on this list performed nearly as well as their non-folding cousins, there are usually some tradeoffs in terms of power, feel, and overall capability. If you don’t need the defining features of a folding bike, you may want to consider a full-size model, but the option is great to have!

If you’re new to e-bikes in general, our buyer’s guide will help you to get your footing. If you have already done some studying and you think you have an idea of what you’re looking for, we have a huge catalog of full-length e-bike reviews to help you find a great fit, with more on the way all the time. Best of luck, and happy riding!

Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best page? Let us know in the comment section below!