Best Electric Folding Bikes That Don’t Disappoint in 2024

Best Electric Folding Bikes That Don’t Disappoint in 2024

Electric Folding Bikes stand out as incredibly adaptable personal electric vehicles, offering unparalleled convenience and user-friendliness.

One of their greatest advantages is portability. Forget about cumbersome bike racks or needing a large vehicle for transport. An electric folding bike can be easily tucked away in a closet at home or stored discreetly in a corner. They are also generally more budget-friendly compared to their non-folding counterparts, without sacrificing essential features.

For many, especially those living in smaller spaces like apartments or students mindful of expenses, a folding e-bike might be the perfect, or even only, electric bike solution needed.

However, it’s important to note that not all folding electric bikes deliver on their promise. This article aims to guide you through the best options currently available in the market. We’ve categorized our top picks based on different priorities, from affordability to comfort, advanced technology, overall value, and riding enjoyment.

Our selection starts with a model from Lectric, a leading and top-selling ebike brand globally. In fact, two bikes from this US-based company feature in our list. Alongside Lectric, we’ll explore offerings from GOTRAX, Heybike, and Ride1Up – all reputable brands known for producing high-quality electric bikes with reliable components at accessible price points. These are electric folding bikes that genuinely impress, so let’s dive in.

Top Electric Folding Bikes of 2024: Our Picks

Image Bike Name Best For Price
Lectric XP Lite Best Budget $799 from Lectric
GOTRAX F3 2.0 Most Comfortable $1299 from GOTRAX
Heybike Mars 2.0 Most Fun $749 from Amazon
Lectric One Best Technology $2199 from Lectric
Ride1Up Portola Best Overall $995 from Ride1Up

Best Budget Electric Folding Bike | Lectric XP Lite 2.0

Man comfortably riding a Lectric XP Lite electric folding bike on a paved path.Man comfortably riding a Lectric XP Lite electric folding bike on a paved path.

Simplicity at Its Finest – An Electric Bike for Everyone

Lectric XP Lite 2.0 – Starting at $799

Kicking off our list is the best budget-friendly option. For those seeking an electric folding bike under $800, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is our top recommendation.

In my original review of this model, I stated that it’s the kind of ebike that should be in everyone’s garage, and I still stand by that statement. It perfectly embodies the original purpose of personal electric vehicles: providing a simple, reliable, and low-maintenance way to handle short trips, whether it’s a quick run to the local grocery store or a short daily commute.

For its price point, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 offers unbeatable convenience, especially considering its user-friendly design that feels familiar to anyone who has ridden a standard bicycle. This ease of use means you can purchase one and start riding almost immediately without a steep learning curve.

The primary limitation of this electric folding bike, common among others in its category, is its size suitability for taller riders. Individuals exceeding 6’1″ (185cm) and 200 lbs (90kg) might find the bike feels a bit compact.

However, in terms of weight capacity, it supports riders up to 275 lbs (125kg). So, if you are a larger rider and the slightly smaller frame is not a concern, the XP Lite 2.0 can still comfortably accommodate you.

Read our full review: Lectric XP Lite – An Everyday Essential Electric Bike

Most Comfortable Electric Folding Bike | GOTRAX F3 2.0

The Ideal Folding Ebike for Extended Rides

GOTRAX F3 2.0 – Priced at $1299

If weight is less of a concern and your priority is ride comfort, especially for longer distances, then fat tire electric folding bikes are the way to go. Among these, the GOTRAX F3 2.0 stands out as one of the most, if not the most, comfortable option available.

The F3 2.0 has been recently updated, boasting a refined, premium feel, and a new color display, all while remaining under the $1,300 mark. It features a 13.6Ah battery, which is larger than typically found at this price, coupled with an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a robust 500W rear hub motor, and an unlockable top speed exceeding 25mph.

Its standout feature is the inclusion of a torque sensor. This advanced technology detects the rider’s pedaling force and proportionally adjusts the motor power, offering a more intuitive and natural riding experience compared to systems that solely rely on riding modes.

This torque sensor is a premium feature rarely seen at this price point and is particularly appreciated by riders seeking a more organic and responsive feel. The GOTRAX F3 2.0 is the perfect electric folding bike for those who enjoy longer rides, offering superior comfort and extended range for its class.

The added benefit of its folding capability makes it an excellent companion for travel, RV excursions, and camping trips, providing both comfort and portability.

Explore our comparison: Which GOTRAX Folding Ebike Should You Buy? F1, F2 & F3 Compared

Most Fun Electric Folding Bike | Heybike Mars 2.0

Speed and Versatility in an Amazingly Affordable Package

Heybike Mars 2.0 – Available for $749

The Heybike Mars 2.0 is designed for fun, equipped with 4-inch wide fat tires and 65mm of front suspension to effectively absorb bumps even at high speeds. These wide, knobby tires make it exceptionally capable as an off-road electric folding bike.

Other components are reliably standard and of good quality, including a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, a clear black-and-white center display, and upgraded hydraulic disc brakes.

In my experience, the Mars 2.0 is one of the few folding electric bikes that has genuinely impressed me with its performance, especially considering its price. Available well under $1200, it’s one of the best deals currently on the market for a truly fast and enjoyable e-bike. There’s also a slightly more budget-friendly version of the Mars, featuring a 750W motor and priced under $1000. Even this more affordable option offers more power than typical motors in its price range and would still provide a very fun riding experience for those looking to spend less than $1K.

Overall, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is a robust electric folding bike that delivers impressive performance at a surprisingly low price, especially when purchased through Amazon.

Best Technology in an Electric Folding Bike | Lectric One

Lectric One electric folding bike showcasing its innovative design and technology.Lectric One electric folding bike showcasing its innovative design and technology.

The Most Intuitive Electric Bike Riding Experience

Lectric One – Retailing at $2199

Lectric has truly pushed the boundaries of innovation with the Lectric One. This model is packed with high-tech features, including 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 these advanced components are integrated into a surprisingly lightweight and portable folding design.

It’s worth noting that the Lectric One does not fold at the frame itself; only the handlebars fold down. This means it’s not as compact as other electric folding bikes on this list. However, the folding handlebars significantly reduce its overall height, making it easier to fit into smaller cars.

The Lectric One provides, without a doubt, the most intuitive e-bike riding experience I’ve ever encountered. The automatic shifting feature is something I didn’t realize I needed until I tried it – it makes riding incredibly seamless and enjoyable.

The Gates carbon belt drive eliminates the need for chain maintenance, and the enclosed drivetrain protects components from damage during transport and removes concerns about derailleur adjustments.

True to Lectric’s reputation, all these features are housed in a polished, high-quality frame and design.

The price point is also remarkably competitive. At around $2200, it would be nearly impossible to purchase all the individual high-end components separately for the same cost as this fully assembled bike. The Lectric One is not only one of my favorite electric folding bikes but also ranks as one of my all-time favorite e-bikes in general. If you’re seeking a top-tier riding experience with cutting-edge technology, the Lectric One is the definitive choice.

Read more in our first look: The Lectric One, “It’s Gonna Spoil You”

Best Overall Value Electric Folding Bike | Ride1Up Portola

Just a Step Above in Every Aspect

Ride1Up Portola – Available at $995

Our pick for the best overall value in electric folding bikes is the Ride1Up Portola. The Portola embodies Ride1Up’s core philosophy of delivering more for less, consistently outperforming competitors by offering enhanced features and components at a lower price.

For under $1000, the Portola provides a more powerful motor, superior and larger brakes, increased suspension travel, an extra gear, and a higher rack weight capacity than typically found in this price range.

Overall, the Portola exudes a level of quality and refinement that is significantly above the generic, off-the-shelf components often seen on Amazon and other online marketplaces. From its thoughtful design and robust welds to its sleek paint finish, it’s clearly a superior electric folding bike.

Small details like the secure and easy-to-use folding handlebar mechanism with an added safety lock, the comfortable locking palm rest grips, and the ergonomic placement of shifters and brakes that are reachable without adjusting hand position, all demonstrate a meticulous and thoughtful design process.

The Ride1Up Portola represents the best value for money in the electric folding bike market. Ride1Up consistently offers exceptional value across their entire product line, making them a leader in affordable quality e-bikes.

See our review: The Ride1Up Portola – The Best Value Folding Ebike

Final Thoughts

These are our top recommendations for electric folding bikes in 2024. However, we are continuously testing new models and striving to identify the very best electric bikes on the market. If you have a particular model in mind that you think we should review, please reach out and let us know!

For detailed video reviews of each of these bikes, visit our YouTube channel. You can find direct links to all the bikes mentioned above and explore more of our ebike buying guides just below.

The Best Cheap Fat Tire Ebikes of 2024

Top Moped-Style Ebikes Under $2600

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *