Folding electric bikes are revolutionizing personal transportation thanks to their incredible versatility and user-friendliness. These innovative machines eliminate the need for bulky car racks or large vehicles for transport. Simply fold them down and store them in a closet, a corner of your apartment, or the trunk of almost any car. Folding electric bikes are also surprisingly budget-friendly, offering many of the same features found on their full-sized counterparts.
For many, especially those in urban environments, smaller living spaces, or with budget constraints, a Folding Bike Electric might be the ideal, or even the only, electric bike needed. However, the market is flooded with options, and not all folding ebikes deliver on their promise.
This guide cuts through the noise to present our top picks for the best folding electric bikes available in 2024. We’ve categorized them to help you find the perfect fit, whether you prioritize budget, comfort, fun, cutting-edge technology, or overall value.
Our selection starts with Lectric, a leading name in the ebike industry, featuring two models in our list. We also highlight exceptional folding electric bikes from GOTRAX, Heybike, and Ride1Up – brands known for delivering quality components and enjoyable rides at accessible prices. These folding bike electric models definitely stand out from the crowd. Let’s dive into the best options for 2024.
2024’s Top Folding Electric Bikes: At a Glance
Lectric XP Lite: Best Budget Folding Electric Bike
GOTRAX F3 2.0: Most Comfortable Folding Electric Bike
Heybike Mars 2.0: Most Fun Folding Electric Bike
Lectric One: Best Technology in a Folding Electric Bike
Ride1Up Portola: Best Overall Value Folding Electric Bike
Best Budget Folding Electric Bike: Lectric XP Lite 2.0
Man comfortably riding a Lectric XP Lite folding electric bike on a paved path, showcasing its simplicity and accessibility.Simplicity and Affordability Combined: The Ideal Entry-Level Folding Ebike
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 – Starting at $799
For those seeking an affordable entry into the world of folding bike electric convenience, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 stands out as our top budget pick, priced under $800. This model embodies the core principles of personal electric vehicles: providing a simple, reliable, and low-maintenance solution for short trips and commutes.
As highlighted in our detailed review, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is an ebike that offers essential functionality without unnecessary frills. Its user-friendly design and familiar form factor make it incredibly accessible, even for those new to electric bikes. You can hop on and quickly master riding it, making it perfect for errands or a quick commute.
The true value of the XP Lite 2.0 lies in its convenience at an unbeatable price. It’s hard to find another folding bike electric that packs this level of practicality into such an affordable package. Its compact size when folded makes storage and transportation a breeze.
However, it’s worth noting that the XP Lite 2.0, like many ebikes in this category, has a smaller frame. Riders taller than 6’1″ or heavier than 200 lbs might find the bike feels a bit compact. Despite its size, the bike boasts a weight capacity of 275 lbs, meaning larger riders within this limit can still utilize it effectively if the size is not a concern.
Read our full review: Lectric XP Lite 2.0 – An Everyday Essential Folding Ebike
Most Comfortable Folding Electric Bike: GOTRAX F3 2.0
Prioritizing Ride Quality: A Folding Ebike Built for Comfort and Range
GOTRAX F3 2.0 – $1299
If ride comfort is your primary concern and you are willing to accept a slightly heavier bike, then fat tire folding bike electric models are the way to go. Among these, the GOTRAX F3 2.0 emerges as a leader in comfort. It’s arguably the most comfortable fat tire folding ebike currently available.
The F3 2.0 has recently been upgraded, featuring a refined aesthetic, enhanced build quality, and a new color display, all while remaining competitively priced under $1,300. It boasts a larger 13.6Ah battery than typically found at this price point, extending your ride range. The inclusion of an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a robust 500W rear hub motor, and an unlockable top speed exceeding 25mph further enhance its performance.
A standout premium feature of the GOTRAX F3 2.0 is its torque sensor. This intelligent system detects pedal input and proportionally adjusts motor assistance, delivering power based on your pedaling effort rather than relying solely on pre-set riding modes. This feature, uncommon at this price, provides a more natural and intuitive riding experience, particularly appealing to riders seeking a traditional cycling feel with electric assist.
For those who enjoy longer rides, the F3 2.0 excels in comfort and extended range, making it an excellent choice for leisurely explorations. Its fat tires absorb bumps and vibrations, contributing to a smoother ride on varied terrains. The added benefit of its folding capability transforms it into a versatile companion for travel, RV adventures, and camping trips.
Explore our comparison: GOTRAX Folding Ebike Comparison: F1, F2 & F3 – Which is Right for You?
Most Fun Folding Electric Bike: Heybike Mars 2.0
Thrilling Performance on and Off-Road: A Fun and Affordable Folding Ebike
Heybike Mars 2.0 – $749
If you’re looking for a folding bike electric that prioritizes excitement and versatility without breaking the bank, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is our pick for the most fun. This model delivers impressive speed and capability in a surprisingly affordable package.
The Mars 2.0 is equipped with 4-inch wide fat tires and 65mm of front suspension, effectively absorbing shocks and bumps even at higher speeds. These wide, knobby tires make it exceptionally capable for off-road adventures, setting it apart from many other folding bikes.
Beyond its off-road prowess, the Mars 2.0 includes a suite of quality components, including a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, a clear center-mounted black-and-white display, and upgraded hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable performance and control.
Having experienced the Mars 2.0 firsthand, we were impressed by its performance, especially considering its price point under $1200. It’s truly one of the best deals available for a genuinely fast and enjoyable folding bike electric. For even greater value, a slightly more affordable version of the Mars with a 750W motor is available for under $1000. Even this slightly less powerful option surpasses the average motor power found in this price range and still delivers a thrilling riding experience.
Overall, the Heybike Mars 2.0 is a solid and remarkably fun folding bike electric that offers impressive performance at a shockingly low price, readily available on Amazon.
Best Technology in a Folding Electric Bike: Lectric One
Lectric One folding electric bike showcasing its advanced technology and sleek design.
Innovation and Intuitive Design: The Smartest Folding Ebike on the Market
Lectric One – $2199
When it comes to pushing technological boundaries in the folding bike electric category, the Lectric One stands alone. Lectric has gone all-out with this model, packing in high-end components and innovative features into a portable, albeit not fully folding, design.
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 technology is integrated into a frame that maintains a surprisingly light and manageable profile.
It’s important to note that the Lectric One doesn’t feature a frame hinge for folding. Only the handlebars fold down, meaning it’s not as compact as other folding bike electric models on this list. However, the folding handlebars significantly reduce its height, making it easier to fit in smaller cars and storage spaces.
The Lectric One delivers the most intuitive ebike riding experience we’ve encountered. The automatic shifting gearbox is a revelation, seamlessly adjusting gears without rider input, a feature you’ll quickly appreciate. The Gates carbon belt drive eliminates chain maintenance and provides a smooth, quiet ride. The enclosed drivetrain also protects components from damage during transport and eliminates the need for derailleur adjustments.
Lectric has masterfully integrated these advanced features into a polished and high-quality frame design. The price of the Lectric One is also remarkable. At around $2200, the sum of its individual components would likely exceed the cost of the complete bike.
The Lectric One is not just a top-tier folding bike electric; it’s one of our favorite ebikes overall. If you seek a premium riding experience with cutting-edge technology, the Lectric One is an investment that will spoil you.
Read our first impressions: The Lectric One, “It’s Gonna Spoil You” – First Look Review
Best Overall Value Folding Electric Bike: Ride1Up Portola
Exceptional Features Without the Premium Price Tag: The Smart Choice in Folding Ebikes
Ride1Up Portola – $995
Our top pick for the best overall value folding bike electric is the Ride1Up Portola. The Portola embodies Ride1Up’s commitment to offering more features and higher quality components than competitors at a more accessible price point.
Priced under $1000, the Portola delivers specifications that typically exceed bikes in its class. You get a more powerful motor, larger and more responsive brakes, longer suspension travel, an extra gear for varied terrain, and a higher rack weight capacity for carrying cargo.
The overall fit and finish of the Ride1Up Portola is a significant step up from generic, lower-quality bikes often found online. From its thoughtful design and smooth welds to its sleek paint finish, the Portola exudes quality.
Small details further highlight the Portola’s well-considered design. The folding handlebar mechanism with an added safety lock, the comfortable locking palm rest grips, and the ergonomic placement of shifters and brakes – all demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail and user experience.
The Ride1Up Portola truly represents the best value in folding bike electric models. Ride1Up consistently delivers exceptional value across their entire product line, and the Portola is a prime example of this philosophy in action.
Read our full review: Ride1Up Portola – The Best Value Folding Ebike – In-Depth Review
Final Thoughts on Folding Electric Bikes
These are our top recommendations for folding bike electric models in 2024. However, the ebike market is constantly evolving, and we are continuously testing new models to identify the best bikes available. If you have a particular folding bike electric in mind that you think 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 explore more of our ebike buying guides below.
Further Reading:
The Best Cheap Fat Tire Ebikes of 2024
Top Moped-Style Ebikes Under $2600
