Folding electric bikes have emerged as a game-changer in personal transportation, offering unparalleled versatility and convenience. Imagine an ebike that easily fits into your apartment closet, the trunk of your car, or even under your desk at work. This is the reality with the best E Bike Folding models available today.
They eliminate the need for bulky bike racks or large vehicles for transport. For those living in smaller spaces or seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich ebike, a folding e-bike might be the perfect – or even the only – solution. You gain most of the benefits of a standard electric bike, with the added bonus of exceptional portability.
However, the market is saturated, and not all folding ebikes live up to their promise. This article cuts through the noise, presenting our top picks for folding e bike models in 2024. We’ve categorized them to help you find the perfect match, whether you prioritize budget, comfort, cutting-edge technology, overall value, or just pure riding fun.
Our selection includes bikes from leading brands like Lectric, GOTRAX, Heybike, and Ride1Up, all known for producing quality electric bikes with reliable components at accessible prices. These are genuinely impressive e bike folding options that deliver on performance and convenience. Let’s dive into the best folding electric bikes of 2024.
2024’s Top Folding Electric Bikes: Quick Picks
Bike | Category | Key Feature | Price | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lectric XP Lite | Best Budget | Unbeatable Value | $799 | Check Price |
GOTRAX F3 2.0 | Most Comfortable | Plush Ride Experience | $1299 | Check Price |
Heybike Mars 2.0 | Most Fun | Agile and Versatile | $749 | Check Price |
Lectric One | Best Technology | Innovative Features | $2199 | Check Price |
Ride1Up Portola | Best Overall | Exceptional Value & Features | $995 | Check Price |
Best Budget Folding Ebike: Lectric XP Lite 2.0
Lectric XP Lite folding electric bike
Simplicity and Affordability: The Ideal Entry-Level Folding Ebike
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 – Starting at $799
For those seeking the most affordable entry into the world of e bike folding, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 stands out as the best budget option under $800. It embodies the core concept of personal electric vehicles: providing a simple, dependable, and low-maintenance mode of transportation for everyday tasks.
This folding e bike excels at short trips, whether it’s a quick run to the grocery store or a short daily commute. Its user-friendly design and familiar form factor make it accessible to almost anyone, regardless of their cycling experience. You can simply purchase the XP Lite and start riding immediately.
The primary limitation of the XP Lite, common among bikes in this price range, is its size. Riders taller than 6’1″ or heavier than 200 lbs might find the bike feels somewhat compact. However, with a maximum rider weight capacity of 275 lbs, it can still accommodate larger individuals who prioritize portability and affordability in a folding e bike.
Man riding Lectric XP Lite folding ebike in urban setting
Read our full review of the Lectric XP Lite: An Everyday Essential Folding Ebike
Most Comfortable Folding Ebike: GOTRAX F3 2.0
GOTRAX F3 2.0 fat tire folding e-bike
Prioritizing Ride Quality and Comfort in a Folding Design
GOTRAX F3 2.0 – Starting at $1299
If ride comfort is paramount, and you’re willing to accept a slightly heavier folding e bike, then fat tire models are the ideal choice. The GOTRAX F3 2.0 distinguishes itself as one of the most, if not the most, comfortable fat tire folding electric bikes available.
The F3 2.0 has been recently upgraded, boasting a refined, premium feel and a new color display, all while remaining under the $1,300 price point. It features a larger 13.6Ah battery than typically found at this price, along with an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a robust 500W rear hub motor, and the capability to reach speeds exceeding 25mph.
A standout premium feature of this folding e bike is its torque sensor. Unlike cadence sensors that simply detect pedaling, a torque sensor measures how hard you pedal and adjusts motor assistance accordingly. This provides a more intuitive and natural riding experience, a feature rarely seen at this price.
For riders who enjoy longer excursions and prioritize comfort and extended range, the GOTRAX F3 2.0 is an excellent choice. Its folding capability further enhances its versatility, making it perfect for travel, RV adventures, and camping trips.
Explore our comparison of GOTRAX Folding Ebikes: F1, F2 & F3
Most Fun Folding Ebike: Heybike Mars 2.0
Heybike Mars 2.0 folding ebike
Speed and Agility in an Affordable Folding Package
Heybike Mars 2.0 – Starting at $749
For riders seeking a thrilling and versatile folding e bike experience without breaking the bank, the Heybike Mars 2.0 delivers impressive fun at an incredibly affordable price.
The Mars 2.0 is equipped with 4″ wide fat tires and 65mm of front suspension, effectively absorbing bumps and vibrations even at high speeds. These wide, knobby tires make it one of the most capable off-road folding electric bikes in its class, allowing you to confidently explore varied terrains.
Beyond its off-road prowess, the Mars 2.0 features quality components, including a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, a clear black-and-white center display, and upgraded hydraulic disc brakes. This e bike folding model offers performance that truly stands out, especially considering its sub-$1200 price tag, making it one of the best value deals for a genuinely fast and fun ebike.
A slightly more budget-friendly version of the Mars is available with a 750W motor for under $1000. Even this version provides more power than typical motors at this price point and still promises a highly enjoyable ride for those aiming to stay under the $1K mark for a folding e bike.
Overall, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is a robust and high-performing folding electric bike available at a surprisingly low price on Amazon.
Best Technology in a Folding Ebike: Lectric One
Lectric One folding ebike with advanced technology
Innovation and Intuitive Design in a Folding Form
Lectric One – Starting at $2199
When it comes to cutting-edge technology in a folding e bike, the Lectric One pushes the boundaries of innovation and user experience. Lectric has incorporated top-tier components and features into a surprisingly portable package.
The Lectric One boasts a Pinion automatic shifting gearbox, a Gates carbon belt drive, a powerful 1300W peak motor, a long-lasting 14Ah battery, a color display, and premium hydraulic disc brakes. All of this advanced technology is integrated into a design that maintains a degree of portability.
It’s important to note that the Lectric One does not fold at the frame. Only the handlebars fold down, making it less compact than other folding e bike models listed here. However, the folding handlebars are a significant advantage, allowing it to fit into smaller vehicles by reducing its overall height.
The automatic shifting is a truly transformative feature, providing an incredibly intuitive riding experience. Combined with the maintenance-free Gates carbon belt drive, which eliminates chain maintenance and derailleur adjustments, the Lectric One offers unparalleled convenience and ease of use.
Lectric has seamlessly integrated these high-end components into a polished, high-quality frame and design. The price point is also remarkable; at around $2200, the Lectric One offers exceptional value, considering the individual cost of its components.
The Lectric One is not only a standout folding electric bike but also one of the most impressive ebikes overall. For riders seeking a top-of-the-line riding experience with advanced technology and a degree of portability, the Lectric One is the definitive choice.
Read our first look review of the Lectric One: “It’s Gonna Spoil You”
Best Overall Value Folding Ebike: Ride1Up Portola
Ride1Up Portola folding ebike for best value
Exceptional Features and Quality at an Unbeatable Price
Ride1Up Portola – Starting at $995
For the best overall value in a folding e bike, the Ride1Up Portola emerges as the clear winner. The Portola embodies Ride1Up’s philosophy of delivering more features and higher quality than competitors at a lower price point.
Available for under $1000, the Portola offers a more powerful motor, superior and larger brakes, longer suspension travel, an extra gear, and a higher rack weight capacity than typically found in this price range. This folding electric bike surpasses many competitors in terms of components and performance while maintaining an accessible price.
The overall design, fit, and finish of the Portola are a significant step up from generic, lower-quality folding e bikes often found online. From the refined frame design and smooth welds to the sleek paint finish, the Portola exudes quality.
Thoughtful details, such as the secure folding handlebar mechanism with an extra safety lock and the comfortable locking palm rest grips, highlight the careful design and engineering of the Portola. Even small touches, like the easy reach of shifter buttons and brakes without hand repositioning, demonstrate the bike’s user-centric design.
The Ride1Up Portola represents exceptional value for money in the folding electric bike market. Ride1Up consistently delivers more features and quality for the price across their entire ebike lineup, and the Portola is a prime example of this commitment.
Read our review of the Ride1Up Portola: The Best Value Folding Ebike
Final Thoughts on Folding Ebikes in 2024
These are our top recommendations for folding electric bikes this year, representing a range of categories and price points to suit diverse needs and preferences. We are continuously testing new models and staying updated on the latest advancements in the ebike market to bring you the best reviews and recommendations.
If you have a particular folding e bike model you’d like us to review, please reach out and let us know!
For more in-depth reviews and visual demonstrations of these bikes, be sure to visit our YouTube channel. You can find direct links to all the bikes mentioned above, and explore more of our ebike buying guides below to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Further Reading:
The Best Cheap Fat Tire Ebikes
The Best Moped-Style Ebikes Under $2600