Folding Electric Bikes 2023

Folding Electric Bikes: Are They Worth It?

Folding e-bike recommendations have gotten complicated with all the weight claims and portability promises flying around. As someone who bought one last year for a specific problem, I learned everything there is to know about the real tradeoffs after commuting on a train that doesn’t allow full-size bikes during rush hour.

The folding e-bike solution has worked out, though with some tradeoffs I didn’t anticipate.

Why Folding + Electric

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Regular folding bikes require more effort on hills. Regular e-bikes are heavy and don’t fold. The combination solves both problems – motor assistance for easier riding, folding capability for storage and transit.

The target use case: mixed-mode commuting. Ride to the station, fold and carry onto the train, unfold and ride to the office. Or apartment living where carrying a bike upstairs is part of daily life.

The Weight Reality

Here’s the catch nobody advertises clearly: folding e-bikes are heavy. The battery alone weighs 5-10 pounds. Add the motor and reinforced frame, and most folding e-bikes weigh 40-65 pounds.

That’s a lot to carry up subway stairs. When they say “portable,” they mean rollable more than carryable. Make sure your actual commute route accommodates rolling a heavy folded bike.

Some models have removable batteries, which helps – take the battery off before lifting the bike.

Folding Mechanism Quality Varies

Brompton’s folding mechanism is famously elegant – folds in seconds to a tiny package. Most other folding e-bikes are clunkier. They fold, but not as compactly, and the process takes longer.

Practice folding before buying. Some mechanisms are frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. Others become second nature quickly.

What I Use

I went with a Tern Vektron S10 after researching options. Bosch motor (reliable), decent range, folds small enough for my needs. Not cheap, but the Bosch system has good dealer support.

Weight is about 48 pounds – manageable for short carries but not something I want to lug up three flights of stairs daily. Fortunately my apartment has an elevator.

Other Options Worth Considering

Brompton Electric: The gold standard for compact folding. Smallest fold, lightest weight in the category. But expensive and the range is moderate. If your commute is short and compactness matters most, this is it.

Gocycle GX: Futuristic design, quick fold, app integration. Unique look that people either love or hate. Clean drivetrain design means less maintenance mess.

RadMini: Budget-friendly with fat tires. Heavy at 67 pounds, so not ideal for carrying. But cheap and capable if you’re mostly riding, not carrying.

Range and Battery

Claimed ranges are optimistic. Manufacturer says 40 miles? Expect 25-30 in real conditions with hills and stop-start riding.

Commuting range needs include a safety margin. If your round-trip commute is 20 miles, you want a bike rated for at least 35-40 to account for headwinds, cold weather (which reduces battery capacity), and not charging to 100% every time.

Charging usually takes 3-5 hours. Overnight charging works for most commutes.

What I’d Do Differently

That’s what makes folding e-bikes endearing to us commuters who’ve committed to them. I’d have bought lighter. The Vektron is great to ride but heavy to carry. If I had to do subway stairs daily, I’d pay more for something lighter or rethink the whole approach.

Also: try the fold in person. Videos don’t capture how awkward some mechanisms feel in practice. If your situation matches the problems these bikes solve – mixed-mode transit, limited storage, last-mile connections – they’re excellent.