Folding E-bikes have emerged as a game-changer in personal electric vehicles, offering unparalleled versatility and convenience. Imagine an e-bike that doesn’t demand a bulky bike rack or a large car for transport. These ingenious machines neatly fold down, fitting snugly into closets, apartment corners, or car trunks. Economical and feature-rich, folding e-bikes often mirror the capabilities of their non-folding counterparts, making them ideal for city dwellers, students, or anyone seeking a space-saving transportation solution. If you’re navigating a compact living space or prioritizing budget-friendly commuting, a folding e-bike might just be the perfect – or only – electric bike you need.
However, the world of folding e-bikes is vast, and not every model lives up to its promise. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top folding electric bikes of 2024, categorized to suit various needs and preferences. From budget-friendly options to comfort-focused rides and tech-forward innovations, we’ve explored the market to bring you folding e-bikes that truly excel. Our selection features renowned brands like Lectric, GOTRAX, Heybike, and Ride1Up, all known for their quality components and accessible price points. These are folding electric bikes that not only meet but exceed expectations. Let’s dive into the best folding e-bikes available right now.
2024’s Top Folding Electric Bikes: At a Glance
| Bike Model | Best For | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectric XP Lite | Best Budget Folding e-bike | $799 | Check Price |
| GOTRAX F3 2.0 | Most Comfortable Folding e-bike | $1299 | Check Price |
| Heybike Mars 2.0 | Most Fun Folding e-bike | $749 | Check Price |
| Lectric One | Best Technology in a Folding e-bike | $2199 | Check Price |
| Ride1Up Portola | Best Overall Value Folding e-bike | $995 | Check Price |
A summary of the best folding e-bikes in 2024, featuring Lectric XP Lite for budget, GOTRAX F3 2.0 for comfort, Heybike Mars 2.0 for fun, Lectric One for technology, and Ride1Up Portola for overall value.
Best Budget Folding E-bike: Lectric XP Lite 2.0
Man riding a Lectric XP Lite folding electric bike on a paved path
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 – Simplicity and Affordability Combined
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 – $799
For those prioritizing budget without sacrificing quality, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 stands out as our top pick under $800. As highlighted in our original review, this folding e-bike embodies the essence of personal electric vehicles: a straightforward, reliable, and low-maintenance solution for everyday short trips. Whether it’s a quick run to the grocery store or a short daily commute, the XP Lite 2.0 delivers convenience in a familiar and easy-to-ride format. Its accessibility makes it an excellent entry point into the world of folding e-bikes.
The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 excels in simplicity and ease of use, making it a fantastic folding e-bike for beginners. Its straightforward design ensures minimal maintenance, and its compact folded size is ideal for storage in tight spaces. While incredibly budget-friendly, it doesn’t skimp on essential features, providing reliable electric assist for urban commutes and errands.
One point to consider is the size. Riders over 6’1″ or 200 lbs might find the XP Lite 2.0 a bit compact. However, with a max rider weight capacity of 275 lbs, it can still accommodate larger riders who prioritize portability and affordability in a folding e-bike.
Our Review: The Lectric XP Lite – An Everyday Essential
Most Comfortable Folding E-bike: GOTRAX F3 2.0
The GOTRAX F3 2.0 folding e-bike with fat tires, designed for a comfortable and stable ride, especially on varied terrains.
GOTRAX F3 2.0 – Comfort for Longer Journeys
GOTRAX F3 2.0 – $1299
If ride comfort is your top priority, and you’re willing to accept a slightly heavier bike, fat tire e-bikes are the way to go. Among them, the GOTRAX F3 2.0 emerges as a leader in comfort. This folding e-bike is engineered to provide a smooth and enjoyable riding experience, even on less-than-perfect roads.
The F3 2.0 boasts a recent upgrade, featuring a refined aesthetic, a high-quality feel, and a new color display, all while remaining under the $1,300 mark. It packs a larger 13.6Ah battery than typically found in this price range, coupled with an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a robust 500W rear hub motor, and an unlockable top speed exceeding 25mph. These components combine to deliver both performance and comfort.
A standout feature of the GOTRAX F3 2.0 is its torque sensor. This premium feature, uncommon at this price point, adjusts motor power based on your pedaling effort, offering a more natural and intuitive riding experience compared to systems that solely rely on riding modes. For riders who value a comfortable ride and extended range, the F3 2.0 is an excellent choice. Its folding capability further enhances its appeal for travel, RVing, and camping adventures.
Our Review: Which GOTRAX Folding Ebike Should You Buy? Comparing the F1, F2 & F3
Most Fun Folding E-bike: Heybike Mars 2.0
The Heybike Mars 2.0 folding e-bike showcasing its fat tires and robust frame, emphasizing its fun and versatile riding capabilities.
Heybike Mars 2.0 – Affordable Speed and Versatility
Heybike Mars 2.0 – $749
For riders seeking thrills and versatility without breaking the bank, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is our pick for the most fun folding e-bike. This model is designed to inject excitement into your ride, whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails.
The Mars 2.0 is equipped with 4-inch wide fat tires and 65mm of front suspension, effectively absorbing bumps and vibrations even at high speeds. These wide, knobby tires make it exceptionally capable for off-road adventures, setting it apart from many other folding bikes. It’s built to handle diverse terrains, adding an element of fun and adventure to your e-bike experience.
Beyond its off-road prowess, the Heybike Mars 2.0 includes quality standard features such as a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, a clear black-and-white center display, and upgraded hydraulic disc brakes. Its impressive performance, especially considering its sub-$1200 price tag, makes it one of the best deals available for a genuinely fast and enjoyable folding e-bike. A slightly more affordable version with a 750W motor is also available for under $1000, offering even more power than average for its price range. The Heybike Mars 2.0 is a solid, high-performing folding bike that delivers exceptional fun at a surprisingly low price, readily available on Amazon.
Best Technology in a Folding E-bike: Lectric One
Lectric One folding e-bike with automatic shifting and belt drive
Lectric One – The Pinnacle of Intuitive E-bike Technology
Lectric One – $2199
When it comes to cutting-edge technology in a folding e-bike, the Lectric One is in a league of its own. Lectric has truly pushed the boundaries with this model, integrating high-end components and innovative features into a portable package.
The Lectric One boasts a Pinion automatic shifting gearbox, a Gates carbon belt drive, a powerful 1300W max power output, a long-lasting 14Ah battery, a color display, and premium hydraulic disc brakes. All these advanced features are remarkably integrated into a design that remains deceptively light and foldable.
It’s important to note that the Lectric One does not fold at the frame. Instead, only the handlebars fold down, which still significantly reduces its height for easier transport in smaller cars. Despite not fully folding, the handlebar folding mechanism adds to its convenience and portability.
Riding the Lectric One is an incredibly intuitive experience, largely thanks to its automatic shifting. This feature, combined with the maintenance-free Gates carbon belt drive, eliminates the hassles of chain maintenance and derailleur adjustments. The absence of an external drivetrain also minimizes the risk of damage to components during transport. Lectric has masterfully combined these features within a sleek, high-quality frame design. Considering the sum of its parts, the Lectric One offers incredible value. For $2200, acquiring all the individual components and assembling them into a complete bike would be nearly impossible. The Lectric One is not just a top folding bike; it’s one of the best e-bikes overall, offering a premium riding experience that is truly spoiling.
Our Review: The Lectric One, “It’s Gonna Spoil You”
Overall Best Value Folding E-bike: Ride1Up Portola
The Ride1Up Portola folding e-bike in warm gray, highlighting its balanced design and features that offer excellent value for money.
Ride1Up Portola – Superior Quality and Features for the Price
Ride1Up Portola – $995
For the best overall value in a folding e-bike, we recommend the Ride1Up Portola. Staying true to Ride1Up’s philosophy, the Portola delivers exceptional features and components while undercutting much of its competition in price.
Priced under $1000, the Portola offers a more powerful motor, larger and better brakes, longer suspension travel, an extra gear, and a higher rack weight capacity than typically found in this category. It consistently outperforms similarly priced folding e-bikes, making it an exceptional value proposition.
The Ride1Up Portola stands out with its superior fit and finish. It avoids the generic, low-quality feel often associated with budget e-bikes found online. From its thoughtful design and clean welds to its sleek paint finish, the Portola exudes quality. Small details, such as the secure folding handlebar mechanism with an extra safety lock and the ergonomic locking palm rest grips, demonstrate careful and deliberate design. The intuitive placement of shifter buttons and brake levers, accessible without hand repositioning, further underscores the bike’s user-centric design. The Ride1Up Portola represents the best value for money in the folding electric bike market, embodying Ride1Up’s commitment to providing more for less across their entire product line.
Our Review: The Ride1Up Portola – The Best Value Folding Ebike
Final Thoughts on Folding E-bikes
These are our top recommendations for folding electric bikes in 2024, but our search for the best models is ongoing. We are constantly testing new e-bikes and updating our recommendations to reflect the latest and greatest in the market. If you have a folding e-bike model you believe we should review, we encourage you to reach out and let us know!
For in-depth video reviews of each 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 e-bike buying guides below to help you make the best choice for your needs.
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