Urban Bikes

10 Best Electric Folding Bikes

Portable bikes with the power to turn mountains into molehills

If you’ve been considering an electric bike but need it to be easily portable, you’ll be pleased to hear that the variety of folding electric bikes on the market has recently increased dramatically.

The market leader – Brompton – have yet to join the powered up revolution, but it’s common knowledge that they’ve got one in the making. You’ll just have to wait a bit longer for that.

What It’s Actually Like to Ride an Electric Bike

If you’re on the lookout now, we’ve rounded up the best on the market. These models are perfect for those who fancy an electronic boost to their commute, but need to take the train at some point, or those who simply want a bike that’s less trouble to store in the home.

A-Bike Electric Folding Bike

See it at Fully Charged for £699

Brought to market via a Kickstarter campaign, this electric folding bike is probably the most superhuman looking of the bunch. The battery is just 138W, but it’s the size of a water bottle, drastically reducing the weight of the overall bike to just 12kg. A dual chain drive keeps the pedalling feeling as close as possible to a ‘normal bike’, despite the teeny tiny wheels. Possibly one that’s got to be tried to be believed.

Gocycle Electric Folding Bike

Retails at around £3,299 – read more on the Gocycle website

The Gocycle G3 is probably the prettiest and cleverest of the bunch.

As well as a Shimano Nexus 3-gear hub and compact 300Wh motor, it also comes with inbuilt lights (for seeing and being seen) plus bluetooth connection so you can control assistance via your phone. The battery can go for up to 50 miles and the max speed is 15 mph. You get hydraulic disc brakes, too – and the whole thing weighs just over 16.3kg.

Riese Muller Tinker City Electric Bike

See it at ‘On Bike’ for £2,699.

This 20”wheel compact bike comes with folding handlebars, and is designed to provide flexibility in urban settings. The handlebars have three available positions, and a long seat post helps to provide extra adjustability that will suit riders from 1.5 metres to 1.95 metres in height.

The Tinker City comes with the Bosch Active drive, and a 400Wh battery though you can upgrade to 500Wh. A Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub provides a range of gears and the bike comes with a ‘Snap it’ rear carrier too plus front and rear lighting and an ABUS wheel lock. Available in metallic orange or metallic azure blue, it’s kind of a stunner too.

Whoosh Gallego Electric Folding Bike

See it at Whoosh Bicycles for £699

Folding bikes can be quite expensive, and so can electric bikes. But UK company Whoosh bicycles are able to provide a pretty good deal at just £699.

This 16″ wheel bike comes with 3-speed Nexus hub gears, and a hidden 270WH lithium battery that will carry you for 20 miles per charge. The motor offers three different speeds too, so you can select your level of assistance and still get a workout if you want.

LifeCycle Traveller Electric Folding Bike

See it at Electric Bike World for £1,399

This hand welded aviation grade alloy frame comes fitted around 20″ inch wheels and features an alloy fork with sprung suspension. The 250W motor will go for 45 miles on pedal assist mode (18 miles if you use more power) and you get mechanical discs. The whole package weighs 18kg, so it’s not lightweight – but the suspension means this one could be well suited to those wanting to take the path less travelled.

A2B Kuo+ Electric Folding Bike

See it at the A2B shop for £1,200

A2B specialise in electric bikes and their German design team aims to create models that are attractive as well as being functional.

The Kuo+ is a 20″ wheel bike that comes with a 250w 7-speed brushless DC hub motor. It’ll keep going for 37 miles, and has a maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour. The lightweight aluminum frame features Tektro V-brakes and Kenda tyres. See more product information here.

Designed to be highly portable, the Kuo conveniently folds down and comes with an optional bag for easy carrying or storage. Offering throttle and pedal assistance, this stylish, lightweight model increases both your journey options and enjoyment.

Benelli Foldcity Folding Electric Bike

See it for £999 at Fully Charged

A 24V Lithium Ion battery with Samsung cells powers a 250W motor on this entry level folder. The battery will take you about 30 miles, with a max speed of 15mph. There are 4 levels of assistance, all displayed on an LED screen. You get Shimano Tourney 7 speed shifting, and the whole bike folds – including the pedals which will be a handy feature for those commuting by train. The drawback? It does weigh in at 22kg so you do pay for the bargain with your carrying arm.

KTM Macina Compact Electric Bike

See it at On Bike for £2,349

If you’re after an electric folder that feels a little bit closer to a standard bike, then the KTM Macina Compact might be up your street with its 24” wheels. It’s designed more for boats and motor homes than for trains, as just the stem folds to reduce the bulk.

The bike is powered by a Bosch Active Motor, with a 400Wh battery. It’s got a Shimano Nexus 8 Hub gear set up, and comes with Magura HS 11 hydraulic rim brakes. The wheels are shod with Schwalbe Marathon Plus puncture resistant tyres and a Selle Royal Freeway City saddle is fitted as standard as well as mudguards, dynamo lights and rear rack.

Coyote Connect Folding Electric Bike

See it at Halfords for £500.

Back into the ‘fully folding world’, we’ve got the Coyote Connect. This 20″ bike comes with a 24V battery, has a max speed of 15 mph and will go for around 20 miles. It’s got a Shimano Tourney 6-speed gear system, Tektro V-brakes with Kenda tyres. The frame is alloy, but the forks are steel – which will add to comfort bit will be a tad heavier than most.

Raleigh Stow E Way Folding Electric Bike

See it for £1,249 at e-bikes direct

This clever Raleigh folds down to a mere 90x50x70cm and can still provide a electric boost of up to 24 miles. The Li-ion battery is hidden inside the frame, giving it the appearance of a normal bicycle. It comes with a Shimano Altus derailleur, a rear disc brake and front rim brake and extras like mudguards and a pannier rack.

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