Electric Folding Bikes

Electric Folding Bikes

Key Takeaways

Love the convenience of an electric bike but lack the space to store it? An electric folding bike offers the best of both worlds – compact storage with power assisted pedaling.

E-folding bikes shrink for transit, stowing at home, or taking inside offices and stores in seconds. Clever hinges allow the frame to collapse into a package half the riding size or less. The electric motor adds easy power when needed to flatten hills and extend your range.

This guide explores the appeal, features, and leading models of electric folders. Read on to see how a folding e-bike can be the solution for space-saving urban mobility.

What is an Electric Folding Bike?

Also called e-foldies, electric folding bikes have hinges in their frame and components that allow them to collapse into a compact size. This makes storage, transport and security far easier than a regular e-bike.

Once folded, they stand freely or can be wheeled along upright. The motor and battery pack also fold away to minimize the folded bundle dimensions.

When unfolded, electric folding bikes look and ride much like any other quality e-bike with stable handling and electric pedal assist. Just park and fold it in seconds when not riding.

Benefits of Electric Folding Bikes

Electric folding bikes offer many advantages over both regular bicycles and non-folding e-bikes:

• Compact folded size – Takes up little space at home, work or on transit
• Portability – Easy to carry into buildings or up stairs
• Theft deterrence – Can be safely taken inside rather than left outside
• Public transport friendly – Many trains and buses allow folded bikes
• Car rack compatible – Folds up small to fit bike carriers
• Power assisted – The electric motor flattens hills and extends range
• Commuter practicality – No need to shower after or find bike parking
• Air travel allowed – Can take e-folding bikes on planes
• Quick storage – Folds and unfolds fast when needed

Leading Folding E-Bike Brands

Major manufacturers producing quality electric folding bike models include:

• Brompton – Originator of compact folding bikes now with electric versions
• Tern – Folding experts offering electric Tern Vektron models
• GoCycle – Innovative British mini folding e-bikes
• RiDE – New Zealand’s top electric folder brand
• Volt – Australian designed metro and off-road e-folders
• SWFT – Affordable electric folding bike company
• E-JOE – Wide range of folding e-bike designs
• Xiaomi – Popular Chinese brand making budget e-foldies
• Halfords – Leading UK bike retailer with Apollo folders
• Carrera – Impressive value folding e-bike from this British marque

Frame and Component Design

Electric folding bikes need a compact yet robust frame plus special components optimized for frequent folding:

• Hinges – Allow frame and components to pivot and fold up quickly
• Clamps – Secure sections together when unfolded
• Lengthwise fold – Reduces wheels to wheel size apart
• Vertical fold – Halves height but maintains wheelbase
• Suspension – Important for small wheels and comfort
• Mid drive motor – Prevents compromised frame strength
• Integrated locks – Prevent unwanted unfolding

Stored energy in linkages and magnets can assist folding to save effort. Quality e-foldies feel tight and rattle-free when unfolded.

Buying Considerations

Factors to weigh up when choosing an electric folder include:

• Folded size – Ensure it fits your storage space and needs
• Weight – Lighter models under 15kg suit multi-modal commuting
• Wheel size – Larger wheels roll better but increase folded size
• Range – Real world distance per charge based on battery
• Power – Motor wattage dictates hill climbing ability
• Gears – More ratios make climbing easier with small wheels
• Load capacity – Some robust folders double as light cargo bikes
• Build quality – Sturdy frames and clamping withstand folding cycles
• Ease of fold – Quick release clamps speed stowing
• Wheels – Models with wheels dismounting shrink smallest

Riding Safety

Ride electric folding bikes safely by:

• Unfolding fully and engaging all frame locks before riding
• Watching for small wheels affecting handling if used to larger bikes
• Not overloading compact frames beyond rated weights
• Remembering short wheelbase affects stability
• Exercising care on wet roads as small contact patches reduce grip
• Allowing extra braking time due to shorter wheelbase
• Being highly visible to other road users
• Periodically checking clamps and hinges remain tight

Security Advantages

Unlike regular bikes, electric folding models offer great security advantages:

• Can be safely stored inside homes rather than risk theft outside
• Office friendly – fold and take to your workspace
• Public transit compatible – take e-foldies on trains and buses
• Theft deterrence – folding deters grab and go thieves
• Folds up small for safe airline transport
• Can be taken into shops and cafes then stowed under tables
• Hotel room storage – folds smaller than regular suitcases
• Car touring – fits inside when overnighting away from the van

For safe urban living and transport, folding e-bikes are a cyclist’s best friend.

Folding Etiquette

Be considerate of others when folding your e-bike in public:

• Check for pedestrians before unfolding so you don’t strike them
• Unfold away from busy thoroughfares to avoid blocking access
• Carry rather than wheel if space is tight
• Avoid oily drips onto floors by using a drip tray
• Be aware of grease marks rubbing off on clothes when carrying
• Move clear of doors and foot traffic when folding
• Fold quickly out of courtesy for others in congested areas
• Apologize if you occasionally bump someone – accidents happen

Advantages of Mid-Drive Motors

Electric folding bikes overwhelmingly use mid-mounted motors rather than hub drives. Reasons include:

• Better weight distribution – Improves handling
• Gear integration – Uses bike’s gear ratios effectively
• Better balance – Central motor aids stability
• Power transfer – More efficient transfer to rear wheel
• Less strain on frame – Important for frequent folding
• Better hill climbing – Uses gears to optimize torque
• More ground clearance – Important with small wheels

Mid-drives match the folding concept well while maximizing riding performance.

Disadvantages of Folding E-bikes

Downsides to consider before buying an electric folder include:

• Small wheels – Less stable and bumpy over obstacles
• Short wheelbase – Twitchier steering needing accommodation
• Less cargo capacity – Small frames limit load carrying
• Fastidious storage – Must be kept dry and clean to avoid damage
• Prone to damage – Lots of pivots and clamps can break
• Riding noise – Hinges and clamps can creak or rattle
• Higher cost – All the folding hardware adds expense
• Recharging inconvenience – Batteries often don’t dismount
• Frequent maintenance – Moving parts need more attention

Are Folding Bikes Allowed on Planes?

In most cases, yes. Provided batteries are certified safe and can be disconnected, folding bikes can be checked as luggage or even taken onboard as hand luggage if folded compactly enough.

Always check size limits and battery rules with the specific airline. Hard shell bike cases may be required.

Comparison of Folding vs Regular E-Bikes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of electric folding bikes?

Compact storage, easier transport, theft deterrence, and power assisted pedaling. E-foldies are ideal for urban commuting and apartment living.

Do folding bikes fold up smaller than regular bikes?

Yes, good quality folding e-bikes shrink to around a third of their riding size and half the height by folding the wheels and frame.

How much do electric folding bikes cost?

Entry-level around $1000 up to $5000 for premium models. Mid-range offerings balance price, weight and performance.

Can you take electric folding bikes on public transport?

In most cases yes, as their folded size fits requirements for trains, buses, trams etc. But always check local transit policies.

Are folding bikes less durable than regular bicycles?

The folding joints introduce some vulnerabilities but quality frames stand up well. Avoid overloading and maintain the hinges.

Final Thoughts

Electric folding bikes perfectly meld compact stowability with power assisted riding performance. With models from portable commuters to nearly full-sized folders, there’s an e-foldie to suit many needs.

If space-saving storage at home or work plus portability sound attractive, consider test riding an electric folder on your commute. The ability to stash them virtually anywhere can be life-changing.