Best Folding Electric Bikes of 2024
Here are our top picks for the best folding electric bikes of 2024. These top five ebikes represent the best combination of features and value right now, but you can see all 133 of our detailed folding ebike reviews listed by date here. Reviewing electric bikes is our primary focus, EBR has the industry’s most complete and objective reviews. Since 2012, we’ve helped millions of people find and choose the best ebike for their needs and budget. Let’s go!
Table of Contents:
- Best Premium Folding Electric Bike
- Best Value Folding Electric Bike
- Best Affordable Folding Electric Bike
- Promoted Folding Electric Bike
- Honorable Mention Folding Electric Bike
Things to Consider:
- Intended Use. There are many variations of folding electric bikes to choose from… and each sub-category has its own strengths and weaknesses. The solution is to step back and think about your use cases. Do you need the lightest and most compact, even if it means less comfort? Would you prioritize traction and off-road stability, even if it meant adding weight and size? What about fenders and lights for commuting? I know people who never fold these ebike, but chose them only for their compact size and approachability (low stand-over height). Think about your situation, as you consider these top picks, and scan through our entire library of folding ebike reviews to really get it right.
- Battery. Cell quality is important. How far will it take you and last? How expensive is a replacement? Battery location also impacts performance. Those located near the rear wheel are easier to remove but shift weight towards the back. Having it on the main frame spreads weight evenly, improving handling, but makes attachment more difficult. Easy attachment is nice when you remove the battery for lifting the bike or to store and charge the battery separately.
- Size and Weight. How small does it collapse when it’s folded? Will it fit into your space? How heavy is it to lift? Will you be able to load or carry it? Can it be rolled when folded? Can the bike handle your weight and cargo?
- Component Quality. When portability it the primary focus, the quality of parts may be neglected. Make sure the core components can deliver the performance you need. is the the drivetrain, battery pack, shift mechanism, and display protected when the bike is folded?
Best Value Folding Electric Bike for 2024
Stepping down in price from the Gocycle G4i, the Magnum Classic 48 offers incredible value, comfort, and power. This folding electric bike has everything, including a vast network of dealers that assemble and support the product! While it is indeed heavier than the Gocycle, you don’t have to pay extra for the fenders, rear rack, or integrated lights. It even features a full sized suspension fork and suspension seat post. The external battery pack is easy to remove for lifting and charging, but not as beautiful as the frame-integrated batteries from some of the other top folding models I’ve reviewed. The powerful 48 volt drive system and 500+ watt motor make it zippy, which could be great for larger riders or those who expect to encounter hilly terrain. I think of it as a less active folding electric bike than some of the others, because of the increased weight but higher power combination… Gocycle in particular is excellent for people who want to pedal and need to fold and lift repeatedly with the battery still in the frame. The Magnum Classic (or upgraded Magnum Premium folder with cast rims and hydraulic disc brakes) are still stowable, but emphasize power and comfort more. For the money, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the Magnum folding products, and even though this particular review is a bit old, the bike remains in their line and hasn’t changed much. This is a company that I’ve been following and reviewing since 2015, so there’s a sense of trust and stability there for me as well. You can read more about it by clicking the title or image below, or add it to your compare list as you continue exploring the site.
Magnum Classic 48 Review
A value priced step-through electric folding bike from Magnum that comes in two colors, is also feature rich with fenders, rear rack, included lights in the front and rear, front suspension fork, suspension seat post, competitively priced at just $1,599, and uses a reliable drivetrain and electrical system. Driven by a powerful Bafang rear hub-drive motor that is rated at a 500-700 watts,…...
Best Affordable Folding Electric Bike for 2024
For those who seek comfort, stability, and off-road capability in an electric bike, while still being able to fold and stow it on a boat, in an RV, a crowded garage, or even a closet, the RadMini is a capable and reliable option. Interestingly, it’s also one of the most affordable folding ebikes from a name-brand company that I’ve seen! For these reasons, it easily wins the most affordable folding electric bike award on my list. The RadExpand used to be called the RadMini, and is now in its 5th generation. All of the kinks have been worked out, in my opinion, and I love that the battery pack and optional accessories are mostly cross compatible with many of the other Rad Power Bikes. The company is a stand-out in the ebike space, offering low prices with direct to consumer sales, but also expanding into mobile delivery service, partnering with “Pro Build” shops, and opening their own flagship locations. Since we are emphasizing money with this particular award, I want to point out that Rad will probably hold its value better than competing products that retail for slightly less. There’s no suspension fork, but the fat tires offer increased air volume that acts as a shock absorber and lower the attack angle compared to a shorter 1.75″ tire. The handlebar offers good reach adjustability, the long seat post provides a good range of fit options, and the included fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights make it practical in a wide range of locations and conditions. You can read more about it by clicking the title or image below, or add it to your compare list as you continue exploring the site.
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Review
An affordable folding electric bike with powerful geared hub motor, high capacity 48 volt battery pack, integrated lights with bright braking activation, custom plastic fenders, and a sturdy rear rack all included! Optional front tray, baskets, panniers, suspension seat post, child seat, mobile delivery service, and more.. Sturdy reinforced step-thru frame is approachable, offers a highly adjustable handlebar, and is available in…...
Promoted Folding Electric Bike for 2024
We only invite great products to our promoted spots on EBR, and Blix certainly earns their spot. The Vika+ is one of the stylish folding models on the list, with European influences in the frame colors and touch points. Just like the Magnum Classic 48, this folding ebike comes with lights, a rear rack, and fenders… but the fenders are paint-matched! I think the battery looks nicer, but still offers a very high capacity. What it doesn’t offer, is a suspension fork or seat post. Folding electric bikes tend to have smaller wheels, and that means the tires have a higher attack angle when you ride over bumps and cracks. For me, comfort is a big deal! So I really value the higher capacity tires and suspension elements of some folding electric bikes, but those do add to the weight and slow you down quicker due to rolling resistance and drag. With Blix, you get beauty, a responsive team, and a product that uses high quality parts. You can see the attention to detail here with matching silver motor casing, spokes, chainring and guide, the silver stem and handlebar, even a silver seat post. Notice the high-quality wire wrapping up front and the threaded sealed cable connectors. It’s easy to overlook the little things, but they all add up to a product that’s beautiful and surprisingly capable. One advantage of the common 20-inch wheel size that most folding electric bikes use is that they provide a mechanical advantage! This makes them capable climbers when combined with a hub motor. I love the pedal assist and twist-throttle on offer here, and the very approachable step-thru frame. Many of my friends have bought folding ebikes and never actually folded them! They just wanted something approachable, something that didn’t feel too overwhelming, something that would be flexible and offer utility. I think you definitely get all of those features with the Blix Vika+ and I recommend this as a top choice to consider.
Blix Vika+ Flex Review
An elegant folding electric bike sold in four classy colors with matching fork, rear rack, and aluminum alloy fenders. Velo brand ergonomic grips, Selle Royal gel saddle, and wider 2.4" CST tires provide enhanced comfort. Higher power, improved battery controller design, the bike has bottle cage bosses!. Excellent integrated lights front and rear. The headlight points where you steer and offers side…...
Honorable Mention Folding Electric Bike for 2024
The Montague M-E1 is a unique folding electric bike, because it uses full sized 28″ wheels vs. 20″ like the others on this list. This elevates the frame, increases the air volume, and lowers the attack angle of the tire as it encounters obstacles. Ultimately, it rides more like a traditional bicycle, with improved comfort. I also believe that taller bikes can be a little safer, because automobiles might be more likely to see you. All of these benefits do come with the cost of added weight and size, which is why it is listed as an honorable mention. The bike itself is professionally done with leading drive systems from Shimano, reflective tires, integrated lights and rear rack, it even comes with fenders! This thing is feature complete, and unique in that it uses a mid-motor vs. a hub motor. That should improve climbing torque, despite the taller wheels, and improve efficiency for longer range. Yes, the bike costs more than some of the others on this list, but it offers upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes. The biggest consideration might end up being availability, because it’s a brand that seems to be more rare in my experience. That could cause second thoughts if you are only able to make a purchase decision sight unseen, but I can vouch for the name brand components as being reliable, and the built quality really impressed me. The frame is approachable, the weight is positioned low and center, and the bike looks pretty good. You can read more about it by clicking the title or image below, or add it to your compare list as you continue exploring the site.
Montague M-E1 Review
A full sized folding electric bike with premium parts all around. The Shimano STePS E6100 drive unit is an efficient, quiet, lightweight, and narrow to keep the bike compact when folded. The 10-speed Shimano drivetrain uses a reliable Deore derailleur and offers a wide 11 to 32 tooth spread. Shimano Hydraulic disc brakes are reliable and easy to actuate.. Good ride comfort due to higher volume 28" x 1.75" tires, adjustable SR Suntour suspension…...
Each product covered on ElectricBikeReview.com includes a full list of specs that we measure by hand, an extensive album of photographs, and a detailed video with ride footage. You can compare any of our reviews side by side using the “Add to Compare List” checkbox. We’re doing our best here to serve the community, covering hundreds of electric bikes each year! For more help, visit our independent electric bike forums and share your height, weight, budget, intended use, and other details, so our moderators and members can give you some personalized feedback.
If you’re completely new to electric bicycles, check out my introduction video, which explains why I started EBR back in 2012. I’ve also posted an informal interview with my uncle Greg, who has been riding a full suspension electric mountain bike to work in Colorado, rain or shine, for several years! EBR makes money by listing shops on our directory map, charging for a limited number of promoted bike slots that will get more visibility, and getting paid by YouTube for ads that play before and after our videos. We believe in transparency, and appreciate your visit here! Good luck, ride safe, and thanks for visiting :)