If you’ve ever reconsidered your morning commute through a busy city whilst sitting idle in traffic or stuck on a bus, then a folding e-bike is well worth a look. For many city dwellers, a folding e-bike makes a logical choice. But are these folding electric bikes any good?
They’re fast, comfortable, easy to use, light enough that you can carry around town, and best of all, they are very compact, allowing you to take them onto public trains or easily stored at home or in the office. Let’s take a gander at some of the most common questions you’re likely to have when considering a folding e-bike.
Are Folding Electric Bikes Any Good?
Far from being a gadget or a gimmick, folding e-bikes are a real ‘thing’, and a reliable way to get around or do the daily commute. With extremely solid frames and, so long as you buy the right one, they are compact and portable enough to take onto a bus or train. These collapsible bikes are not ideal for all cyclists, however, bringing some problems for taller riders and a fairly steep price tag too.
The rest of this guide will dig deep into these points and help you work out if it’s worth your money to buy one.
What exactly is a folding e-bike?
Folding e-bikes are much like conventional folding bikes and are designed to ‘fold’ into a more compact form. Folding bikes usually use smaller wheels and gearing to achieve speeds comparable to conventional non-folding bikes.
You’ll get all the speed, comfort, and convenience of a normal e-bike with the bonus that they can be easily folded and stored.
Attach a motor, battery, and gearbox to a folding bike and you’ve got the ultimate commuter bike. Folding e-bikes are perfect for taking short trips across town and are easily folded up and taken onto public transport, or in the boot of a car.
Many even have a good enough range to cover 30 miles, which should get most people home from work wherever they live.
Who will get the most out of a folding bike?
Folding bikes are perfect for city dwellers, urban explorers, or those looking for a reliable commuter bike to get easily and comfortably around town.
If you’re using your bike for partway of a commute, then a folding bike is ideal. Folding bikes ‘fold’ into their compact form in a matter of seconds and they are permitted on trains throughout the UK.
[infoBox text=”You can easily cycle and then use an alternative means of transport such as a train (or the Tube) for the rest of your journey.”]
If you’re short on space for storing your bike while it’s not in use, then a folding bike is another incredibly practical solution. Once folded, their compact form makes them easy to store in cupboards, under a desk, or even under a bed.
Some folding bike models come with a folding tiller that connects the handlebars, allowing them to become even more compact.
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable commuting method to get quickly from A to B, then a folding e-bike is a perfect solution. They have a good range of around 25-30 miles and a 250-watt e-bike can travel at speeds of up to 15 mp/h (25 km/h).
Are you getting good value for money?
Folding bikes are typically more expensive compared to conventional bikes, mainly due to the fact they are harder to manufacture and have more components. E-bikes are designed to carry even more weight including the rider, motor, battery, and running gear.
Folding e-bikes will have a heavy-duty frame that is typically made from 6061 aluminium alloy and welded to the folding mechanism. Despite popular opinion, folding bikes are just as robust and sturdy as conventional bikes.
What is the average price of a folding bike?
Expect to pay around £500 for a decent folding bike and around £1500 for a folding e-bike. Bear in mind that the average cost of a folding bike will depend on a few factors, mainly the brand and model specifications.
Some makes have been around for years and are well-known for providing excellent quality steeds that last the test of time.
One such brand is Brompton, which for over 30 years has provided excellent folding bikes that effortlessly fold into a very compact form small enough to be welcomed onto public transport.
They’re not the cheapest, and the entry-level Brompton B75 pedals off the showroom floor for £850.00. If you’re looking for a little more zoom, then a Brompton M2L e-bike will set you back £2,875.00.
Another company worth considering is the UK-born company Axon Rides. They offer a wide range of mid-tier priced folding e-bikes that are a very comfortable ride and packed with features. Their entry-level Axon Eco e-bike rolls out the door for £1,499.00.
For your money, the Axon Eco features a lightweight and minimalist design with a 200-watt motor and a range of up to 25 miles. Like all e-bikes in the UK, the top speed is set to a maximum of 15.5 mph / 25kmph.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option for your first dapple into the world of folding bikes, then a trip to your local Decathlon could be worthwhile. For just shy of £200 you can hit the streets on a shiny new Folding Bike Oxylane 100 by BTWIN (not electric).
While it’s not the fanciest folding bike, it receives good reviews and is unbeatable for the price.
If you’re looking for a comfortable regular ride and can forego all the bells and whistles, then BTWIN’s electric Assistance Folding Bike Tilt 500 is an excellent budget buy at around £900.00. For that dough, you’ll get a comfortable weekday ride with a range of around 15 miles (25km).
What are the pros of a folding electric bike?
It’s always a good idea to list the pros and cons of any potential purchase and when it comes to folding electric bikes, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are our thoughts on what are the pros of folding e-bikes.
- Compact and easy to store
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Excellent range for city commuting
- Inexpensive alternative to car/taxi/publi transport
- Reliable mode of transport
- Beat the traffic
- Good for the environment (one less car on the road!)
- Comfortable
What’s not so great about folding bikes?
Here are our thoughts on what are the cons of folding e-bikes.
- Slightly more expensive compared to conventional bikes
- Not as lightweight as conventional bikes
- Not ideal for longer cycling routes or touring
- The upright riding position is not great for longer cycling routes
- May be too small for riders over 6 feet tall
Are e-bikes any good for getting to work?
Yes, if you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable commute while suited and booted then an e-bike is a perfect solution for your daily commute to work. They have an excellent range of around 25-30 miles and most can be easily folded up and stored under a desk in the office.
Need some space for the packed lunch and suitcase? No problem! Most e-bike manufacturers offer an excellent range of racks and storage accessories to cater to your every need. They even offer wet weather gear too for those ready to brave year-round cycling.
Verdict: Is it worth buying a folding e-bike?
There’s plenty to consider when purchasing a new folding e-bike, but one thing that’s certain is the comfort and convenience offered is second to none when compared to other transport options in urban centres.
Folding e-bikes are perfect for weekend warriors looking to explore their city too or when heading out to meet friends.
No matter how you look at it, investing in a folding e-bike is a perfect option for city dwellers looking for a greener and more pleasurable commute to or around town.