Foldable electric bikes stand out as exceptionally adaptable personal electric vehicles, prized for their unparalleled convenience and user-friendliness.
Forget about cumbersome bike racks or needing a spacious car for transport. A foldable e-bike can be neatly tucked away in a closet or a discreet corner of your home. They often present a budget-friendly option, retaining many of the sought-after features found in their non-folding counterparts.
For many, especially those in compact living spaces like small apartments or students watching their finances, a folding e-bike might just be the perfect, or even only, electric bike needed.
However, the reality is that not all foldable e-bikes live up to expectations. This article dives into the best folding electric bikes currently available, categorizing them to help you find the ideal match for your needs, whether you prioritize budget, comfort, advanced technology, overall value, or just sheer fun.
Our exploration begins with Lectric, a leading and top-selling e-bike manufacturer globally. We feature two of their models in our selection.
Alongside Lectric, we highlight folding e-bikes from GOTRAX, Heybike, and Ride1Up – brands recognized for producing high-quality electric bikes with reliable components at accessible prices. These are genuinely impressive folding electric bikes that you’ll be glad to own. Let’s jump right in and explore the best options.
Best Folding Electric Bikes of 2024: Top Picks
| Bike Model | Category | Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectric XP Lite | Best Budget | $799 from Lectric | Lectric |
| GOTRAX F3 2.0 | Most Comfortable | $1299 from GOTRAX | GOTRAX |
| Heybike Mars 2.0 | Most Fun | $749 from Amazon | Amazon |
| Lectric One | Best Technology | $2199 from Lectric | Lectric |
| Ride1Up Portola | Best Overall Value | $995 from Ride1Up | Ride1Up |
Best Budget Foldable Ebike | Lectric XP Lite 2.0
Man riding the Lectric XP Lite foldable electric bike on a paved path
Simplicity Redefined – An Essential Ebike for Everyone
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 – $799
Kicking off our list with the best budget option, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 takes the crown as our favorite foldable e-bike under $800.
In my initial review of this model, I asserted it as the one ebike everyone should own, a sentiment I wholeheartedly stand by. It perfectly embodies the original intention behind personal electric vehicles: offering a straightforward, high-quality, and low-maintenance solution for quick trips to the store or short commutes to work. For its price point, the XP Lite’s convenience is unmatched, presenting itself in a familiar form factor that most individuals are comfortable riding immediately upon purchase.
The primary limitation, shared with many in its category, is its size. Larger riders, typically anyone exceeding my dimensions of 6’1″ and 200 lbs, might find the bike somewhat compact. Despite its size, it supports riders up to 275 lbs. Therefore, if you’re a larger individual and the size doesn’t deter you, it remains a viable option.
Read Our Full Review: The Lectric XP Lite – An Everyday Essential**
Most Comfortable Foldable Ebike | GOTRAX F3 2.0
GOTRAX F3 2.0 fat tire folding e-bike in an outdoor setting
The Folding Ebike Designed for Extended Rides
GOTRAX F3 2.0 – $1299
If you prioritize ride comfort and are willing to accommodate a heavier bike, fat tire e-bikes are the optimal choice. Among them, the GOTRAX F3 2.0 distinguishes itself as arguably the most comfortable fat tire foldable e-bike on the market.
The F3 2.0 has been recently refined, boasting a more polished and premium feel, complete with a new color display, all while staying under the $1,300 mark. It features a larger 13.6Ah battery than typically found at this price, an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a 500W rear hub motor, and an unlockable top speed exceeding 25mph.
Its standout premium feature is the torque sensor. This sophisticated component detects pedaling force, adjusting motor output accordingly, offering a more intuitive power assist compared to systems that rely solely on riding modes. This feature is rare in this price range and significantly enhances the riding experience for those seeking a more natural feel. The GOTRAX F3 2.0 is ideal for riders who enjoy longer journeys, providing superior comfort and extended range in its class.
The added benefit of its foldable design makes it an excellent companion for travel, RV adventures, and camping trips.
Read Our Review: Which GOTRAX Folding Ebike Should You Buy? Comparing the F1, F2 & F3
Most Fun Foldable Ebike | Heybike Mars 2.0
Heybike Mars 2.0 foldable e-bike with fat tires and front suspension
Speed and Adaptability in an Amazingly Affordable Package
Heybike Mars 2.0 – $749
The Heybike Mars 2.0 is engineered for fun, featuring 4-inch wide fat tires and 65mm of front suspension, adept at absorbing shocks at high speeds. These broad, knobby tires make it one of the most capable off-road foldable bikes available.
It also includes quality standard features such as a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, a clear black-and-white center display, and upgraded hydraulic disc brakes. In my experience, this folding bike delivers surprising performance, especially considering its price point under $1200. It stands out as one of the best deals for a genuinely fast e-bike you can find. For those aiming for an even lower budget, a slightly more affordable version of the Mars with a 750W motor is available for under $1000. Even this model outpowers most motors in its price range and promises a thrilling ride.
Overall, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is a robust folding bike that offers impressive performance at a remarkably low price on Amazon.
Best Technology in a Foldable Ebike | Lectric One
Lectric One foldable e-bike showcasing its sleek design and features
The Most Intuitive Electric Bike Riding Experience
Lectric One – $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 potent 1300W peak power motor, a 14Ah battery, a color display, and premium hydraulic disc brakes, all ingeniously integrated into a surprisingly lightweight and portable folding design.
It’s important to note that the Lectric One does not fold at the frame; only the handlebars fold down. This means it’s not as compact as other foldable e-bikes on this list. However, the folding handlebars still significantly reduce its height, making it easier to fit into smaller vehicles.
The Lectric One offers, without a doubt, the most intuitive e-bike riding experience I’ve ever encountered. The automatic shifting is a revelation – a feature I didn’t realize I needed until I experienced it. The belt drive eliminates the hassle of chain maintenance, and the enclosed drivetrain protects components from damage during transport and removes the need for derailleur adjustments.
As is typical with Lectric, all these advanced features are encased in a refined, high-quality frame and design. The price is also incredibly competitive. At $2200, assembling a bike with comparable components would be nearly impossible. The Lectric One is not just a top-tier folding bike; it’s one of my all-time favorite e-bikes. For those seeking a premium, cutting-edge riding experience, the Lectric One is the definitive choice.
Read Our Review: The Lectric One, “It’s Gonna Spoil You”
Overall Pick for Best Value | Ride1Up Portola
Ride1Up Portola foldable e-bike in indigo color, side view
Superior Quality and Features Across the Board
Ride1Up Portola – $995
Our top recommendation for the best value foldable e-bike is the Ride1Up Portola. True to Ride1Up’s philosophy, the Portola delivers more for less, outperforming much of its competition by offering enhanced features and components at a lower price point.
Priced under $1000, the Portola boasts a more powerful motor than typically found in this range, superior and larger brakes, greater suspension travel, an additional gear, and a higher rack weight capacity. The overall fit, finish, and feel are a significant upgrade from the generic, low-quality bikes often found on Amazon and other online marketplaces. From its thoughtful design to the quality welds and sleek paint finish, it’s clearly a superior bike.
Thoughtful details, such as the secure folding handlebar mechanism with an extra safety lock, the comfortable locking palm rest grips, and the ergonomic placement of shifters and brakes within easy reach, highlight the careful and deliberate design of every aspect of the Portola. These subtle yet impactful features demonstrate a commitment to rider experience that is often overlooked.
The Ride1Up Portola represents the best value in foldable electric bikes, with Ride1Up consistently offering exceptional value across their entire product line.
Read Our Review: The Ride1Up Portola – The Best Value Folding Ebike
Final Thoughts
These are our top picks for foldable electric bikes this year, but our quest to find the best bikes on the market is ongoing, with continuous testing of new models. If you have a foldable e-bike model in mind that you believe we should review, please reach out and let us know!
For in-depth video reviews of each of these bikes, visit our YouTube channel. You can find direct links to all the bikes mentioned above, and further e-bike buying guides are available below.
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