Best Folding Electric Bikes of 2021

A folding electric bike, by definition, is an electric bike with a collapsible, folding frame.

But aside from their folding frame, folding ebikes stand out against standard electric bikes in a few key ways:

• They're more compact than other ebikes. Their frames tend to be around 14-16" and their wheels tend to be 16-20", giving them much smaller sizes than other ebikes- especially when folded.
• They offer adjustable stems. Because of their short stature, most folding ebikes also have adjustable handlebar stems. These help you find the optimal handlebar height for you.
• They're made for maximum storage and portability. With such compact features and a folding frame, these bikes are made specifically to fit under beds, in car trunks, even next to you on the bus or at the office. Even better, with the ability to take it with you, they're the least prone to theft than any bike you can lock up.

A folding electric bike takes the perks of e-bikes to the next level. Combining the standard benefits of standard e-bikes with the ability to fold in half, folding electric bikes are a must-have for anyone who is interested in a new way to commute to work, ride the trails, or just cruise around.

• Simplified Transportation. Folding electric bikes make transportation a breeze, allowing you to have your bike whenever you need it most. They're easy to store in the trunk of your car, and makes these e-bikes ideal if you want to drive to your favorite trail for a bike ride. Or if you need to catch a bus or ride the subway for part of your commute, just fold your e-bike up and carry it on board. Not to mention ride shares just got easier, because you can now take your bike with you instead of riding all the way back.
• Easier and Safer Storage. If you live or work in a place where space is limited, a folding electric bike is a great option. You can store a folding e-bike in a small living room, the trunk of your car, take it with you into work or class, or pack it in storage unit without worrying taking up too much space. And even better, instead of using a lock and hoping your ride is safe, you can carry your ebike with you can guarantee its safety.
• High Durability. Because these e-bikes are meant to be collapsed and carried around, folding electric bike manufacturers make sure all of the parts can withstand constant folding and opening. This is important because you'll be folding your bike at least twice a day, so they need to be able to open and close consistently. In some ways, folding electric bikes can be more durable than standard e-bikes.

As you've seen, there are tons of folding electric bikes out there. The number of options can be overwhelming, so we think it's helpful to begin your search by asking whether you want a compact folding ebike or a full sized folding ebike.

Compact folding ebikes are in the 16 and 20" range, and full-sized bikes are in the 26" wheel range. And once you know which type of folding electric bicycle you want, features like motor size, battery size, and safety components will fall into place.

In this section we'll compare these two types of folding ebikes and their motor sizes to see which type is best for your rides:

Now that you have all the tools you need find the size and the speed you need for the folding electric bike of your dreams, the only thing left to look for are the final touches.

And with our list of the top folding ebikes of 2021, you'll find the features you want in the ebike you need. From suspension to special features, this list has a bike that checks all the boxes any rider wants down to the dollar.

All that's left is choosing the one with the performance and features that fits your budget. So use this info and our list to find the folding ebike you've been looking for.

We have the best tech support and service in the industry. Most companies have salespeople that only know how to sell ebikes. At BikeBerry, our ebike experts know folding ebikes inside and out, so we can answer all the questions you have to pinpoint the exact bike for you and your budget. From sizing and performance needs to maintenance and repairs, we'll make sure to get you the perfect ebike and keep you riding for years to come.

We offer a wide range of folding electric bikes for any rider. While others only specialize in one type of folding ebike, BikeBerry makes sure we have a variety of models for a huge range of needs. From full-size cruisers to compact off-road models and everything in between, we have more folding electric bikes to fit your lifestyle and your wallet than others.

All folding ebikes come with a full year of coverage and lifetime assistance. Each folding electric bike we offer comes with 1 year of coverage against frame, motor, battery, and component defects. And while most companies cut off their service once your warranty expires, with BikeBerry's Lifetime Assistance we're here to answer any questions you need to keep you riding for years.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Easy stepover and good upgrade" Jim S.

The Ram SS has a stepover height eight inches lower than others, making for an easier safer mount and dismount, especially for anyone with hip or knee issues.

The frame is aluminum, rather than steel, which cuts about ten pounds from the overall weight - very helpful when wrestling it into a car. There is also a front suspension, an upgraded controller that now shows distance traveled and current speed, and allows five levels of assist rather than the previous three. The motor is now 750W at 48V, rather than the most that come with 500W at 36V. This means more horsepower when needs for the steepest inclines.

Overall, an excellent top of the line folding bicycle. Highly recommended!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great bike, I've had it for almost a year now!" -Anthony F.

I love the Lynx Pro, it's quick, responsive, comfortable. I go on the beach, dirt trails, in the city, take it on the train. 200 miles of smooth sailing. I love that it fold, because it fits perfectly in the back of my jeep. Having a great time everyday with my bike, and couldn't be happier.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "JUST LOVE IT" David P.

I have M.S. and am not able to walk without crutches. I thought the Nemo would be good because it has a low profile and I would be able to get on it easier. I’m 5’7 and the bike is great for me and I’m sure it would accommodate someone taller as well. Well I’ve had the bike for almost 2 years now and it’s a god send. It enables me to get out and do something even though I can’t walk. Haven’t had any issues with it and the tires hold air very very well in this model in nearly 2 years have only had to add a little air like 3 times.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "WOW!" - Lazette C.

I searched for months to find an ebike that was right for me. I decided on the Nakto Fashion to get me wherever I need to go. Assembly was very easy, only took me about 20 minutes. I took it out for my first ride and it was amazing. This bike is easy to ride and easy to control, even at top speed. I love it so much!

Q: How fast do folding electric bikes run?

A: Generally, folding ebikes can reach speeds of anywhere between 5-25+ MPH. That's a pretty wide range, right? Well, that's because there are wide variety of options.

Moreover, there are a number of factors that go into the top speed of a folding ebike.

Let's take a look at those options and factors to figure out how fast you can go on a folding electric bike:

• 250w to 350w motors reach speeds of 5-15 MPH.
• 500w to 750w motors reach speeds of 15-25+ MPH.
• The more weight a folding ebike has to carry- especially 16-20" bikes- the lower its top end will be. For example, rear hub motors are weighed down more than mid drives, and can be slower than mid drives.
• The less traction your wheels have on the road, the lower the speed will be. This is especially the case for off-roading and riding on loose terrain.

Q: What's the range on folding electric bikes?

A: The range of folding electric bikes is from 20 miles to over 65 miles per charge. And like speed, there are a number of factors that play into the distance you can travel per charge, including...

• Battery Size- The larger the amperage of an electric bike battery, the more energy it can hold. That means you can use your battery harder and longer the larger its amps are.
• Throttle Usage- The more you rely on your throttle, the more energy you're going to use. This is especially true the longer you ride using only your throttle.
• Carrying Capacity- A increase in the weight of a load- from rider weight to anything you're carrying/towing- means an increase in power usage. So the more weight you ask a motor to carry, the faster your battery will drain.
• Pedal Assist- Pedellic and pedal assist systems lessen the energy usage of an ebike's motor significantly. The more you can integrate throttle-less pedaling and pedallic use age, the longer you'll be able to travel.

Q: What's the weight limit on folding electric bikes?

A: Folding electric bikes have a weight limit of 223-300+ lbs. It's surprisingly high given such small wheels overall, but there are a few things to keep in mind when thinking of the weight limit on a folding ebike:

• Fat tire wheels- which most folding ebikes are equipped with- can hold more weight than standard wheels.
• Frame strength adds to how a bike bears the loads. The stronger the frame, the better it can distribute weight and hold more weight.

Q: Can I pedal an electric folding bike?

A: You can absolutely pedal a folding electric bike! In fact, most offer pedal assist options that help build torque and extend your range.

The only issue some riders have pedaling 16-20" folding ebikes is the short strokes they offer. The length of the chain is more compact than on larger bikes. This means there's less power behind each crank, which forces riders on smaller bikes to work twice as hard to pedal the same speed as larger bikes.

That's why most compact folding ebike riders rely mostly on their throttle, as pedaling is more for assistance than actual riding.

Q: What type of motor do folding electric bikes use?

Folding electric bikes use one of two types of motors: hub drive motors and mid drive motors. They offer their own advantages that help the overall performance of the bike, so let's take a look at what each bring to the table:

• Hub drive motors are mounted directly inside of a bike's wheel and have the ability to build upon speed as they drive. Especially in the case of rear wheels, these motors offer the best control over your bike, too. Overall, these are perfect for riders looking for the most speed out of a folding ebike.
• Mid drive motors are mounted directly within the cranks of a bicycle. By transferring power from your cranks to your rear wheel, your motor pulls your bike forward in a more powerful but natural way. This is what gives them better torque than mid drive motors, which is great for off-road riders and riders carrying heavy loads.

Q: Do folding electric bikes break easily?

A: While they may seem fragile, the truth is folding electric bikes are as well made as any electric bike. In fact, because of their foldability, these bike often have to go through stricter safety standard than other bikes to ensure their safe operation.

It should also be noted that both parts of a folding ebike are meticulously made. This gives you two extra tough sides of a bike, compared to one long frame that could have weak points. And thankfully with their reinforced locking mechanism, they're able to keep their shape safely without worry of folding in on itself.

So not only will these bikes take the same amount of damage as any other ebike, they may be a little safer and better made, too.

Q: What are the warranties on folding electric bikes?

A: Each folding electric bike on this list comes with a 1 year complete warranty against frame, component, and battery defects. We work closely with ebike manufacturers, so our warranty process is one of the fastest and easiest to complete. And we also offer Lifetime Assistance, helping you figure out the in's and out's of folding ebikes far past your warranty's expiration.