11 of the best folding e-bikes

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Admittedly, e-bikes are gradually becoming more popular. It is possible that someday such vehicles will become more common than conventional bicycles. That is why we decided to help our readers in choosing an e-bike. At the same time, today we will restrict ourselves to folding models. They are noticeably more convenient in transportation – you can easily transport such a bicycle in a train or car. The rating was compiled on the basis of an analysis of the technical characteristics of electric bicycles on the website https://rankquality.com/bikes/.

Ranking of the best folding e-bikes

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Ranking of the best folding e-bikes	1	Volteco Bad Dual New (2020)	RUB 94,900
	2	Cyberbike Fat 500W	RUB 64,900
	3	Volteco Intro 500W	RUB 57,900
	4	Eltreco XT850 New (2020)	RUB 54,900
	5	SHULZ E-Goa	RUB 49,000
	6	IconBIT K7	RUB 39,990
	7	Xiaomi QiCycle	RUB 41,998
	8	Eltreco Good 250W Litium (2018)	RUB 49,900
	9	Hoverbot CB-19 Genus (2018)	RUB 36,990
	10	xDevice xBicycle 14 (2019)	RUB 44,990
	11	Unimoto fly	RUB 28 800

Volteco Bad Dual New (2020)

Rating: 4.9

This bike hybrid has very thick tires, which automatically makes it look like a fat bike. Such a vehicle has a number of serious advantages. In particular, a fat bike allows you to overcome many common obstacles – curbs and potholes on the road. As you know, many bicycles with thick tires do not have a suspension fork – thus the manufacturer strives to reduce weight. Well, the creators of Volteco Bad Dual New took a different path. They did not deprive their creation of such an important component, even though the mass increased to 32 kg. If you think about it, this is not that much weight for an e-bike with this design.

This model has a sturdy aluminum frame. The manufacturer claims that his vehicle is capable of supporting a person weighing up to 120 kg. At the same time, the bike does an excellent job of braking. Thanks to the rear and front disc brakes, which are hydraulic here. As for overclocking, it is provided by two 500-watt motors, which are powered by a 12.5 Ah lithium-ion battery. The motors accelerate the bike to a maximum speed of 42 km / h. This will be quite enough – do not forget that the bicycle should not compete in this regard with mopeds and other vehicles that cannot be moved on the sidewalks. A full charge of the battery should be enough to cover approximately 50 km. And if you pedal from time to time, you can roll even more distance.

Coming back to the tires, it should be noted that they are manufactured by ChaoYang. Connoisseurs will say this is a good off-road choice. Such rubber is soft and durable, it can boast a very deep tread. Well, when hitting good asphalt, it is recommended to block the front fork – in this case, absolutely all your strength will go into pedaling. However, this applies to those cases when the battery was discharged. The only pity is that acceleration in any case will be quite difficult, because there are only 7 speeds here – the electric bike does not have a front derailleur.

Advantages

• There is a fingerprint scanner;
• Excellent hydraulic braking system;
• Installed a very roomy trunk;
• Acceleration to high speed is possible;
• Decent mileage on a full charge;
• Ideal for off-road use;
• A reliable folding system is used;
• There is front shock absorption;
• A large number of color options.

disadvantages

• Few gears when pedaling;
• No rear cushioning
• The price will not suit everyone;
• Very heavy weight.

Cyberbike Fat 500W

Rating: 4.8

The main advantages of this model can be found already by its name. This is essentially a fat bike, excellent shock absorbing already only due to its wheels. And here there is also a spring-elastomer fork! In short, you can easily overcome curbs and other obstacles without getting up from a saddle made of artificial leather. Well, as for the engine, its power is 500 watts. It is powered by a 36 Ah battery. Alas, a full charge is only enough for 30-45 km of run, depending on the speeds you reach. However, this should be enough to get around the city. And do not forget that sometimes you can pedal yourself, almost completely shutting off the motor.

Unlike the one discussed above, the Cyberbike Fat 500W weighs 28 kg. This somewhat simplifies the transportation of the device. And don't forget about folding your bike! As for the differences for the worse, we can note the maximum speed, which does not exceed 30 km / h. This will especially sadden those who have tried a road bike or an advanced electric scooter.

As expected, the possibility of raising the steering wheel is implemented here. You can also adjust the spring rate of the fork. There are disc brakes on both wheels. They are mechanical, but hydraulics are not required at such a relatively low speed. A folding electric bike is also capable of boasting a good trunk.

It remains to add that when pedaling, only the rear derailleur, consisting of seven stars, is used. Alas, almost all e-bikes that exist today lack a front derailleur, which would not interfere with descents and ascents.

Advantages

• Overcomes off-road well;
• There is a trunk;
• Installed a powerful engine;
• There is a front suspension fork;
• Reliable disc brakes;
• Supplied with fenders and footrest;
• Not very heavy.

disadvantages

• Not very high maximum speed;
• The price cannot be called particularly low;
• No rear cushioning
• There is no front derailleur;
• I would like more mileage;
• The rear wing is not full size.

Volteco Intro 500W

Rating: 4.7

While the two e-bikes discussed above seem stiff, the Volteco Intro 500W is not. This model is similar in design to a mountain bike. It has an 18 “aluminum frame and 26” wheels. Of course, all this imposes some restrictions. In particular, the Kenda tires fitted here are unlikely to be suitable for off-roading. But no one will forbid you to change them for rubber with a more aggressive tread! Or smoother tires if you are constantly driving on good asphalt.

Most of all, this electric bike pleases with a 20-kilogram weight. This allows the vehicle to be stored in an apartment, for example on the third floor. Even if there is no lift in the house. The significantly lightweight design had a positive effect on speed performance. This model is capable of accelerating up to 45 km / h as much as possible! The 500-watt motor is powered by a battery with a capacity of 11 Ah. From a full charge, an electric bike covers 40 km. Or a little more if you agree to pedal yourself from time to time.

Experts advise using the electric drive exclusively on inclines. If you are going downhill or driving on a flat road, then you can use momentum by lazy pedaling. By the way, only the rear 7-speed derailleur is traditionally used here.

Volteco Intro 500W is in demand not only because of the folding mechanism, but also due to the presence of two shock absorbers. The usual spring-elastomer fork is installed at the front, the rigidity of which can be adjusted. Well, at the back is the HLT-620 shock absorber. In short, you will be able to safely overcome common urban obstacles, even with not very large wheels installed here.

Any folding e-bike must have good brakes. In the case of the Volteco Intro 500W, they raise some questions. Yes, they are disk-based. But they are set in motion using ordinary cables. It seems that at a speed of 45 km / h, hydraulics are already required. Of course, the buyer can replace the cables with it on his own, but this is an extra hassle.

Volteco Intro 500W is sold at a fairly low price – about 60 thousand rubles are asked for it. It comes in two color options, although orange and white framed versions are difficult to find. All you get with your e-bike is a kickstand. However, in order to increase interest in this model, some stores still supply it with a trunk or at least fenders.

Advantages

• Acceleration to high speed is possible;
• Robust aluminum frame
• Relatively light weight;
• The bike is two-suspension;
• A powerful electric motor is used;
• The battery is hidden in the frame.

disadvantages

• Disc brakes are not hydraulic;
• Supplied without roof rack and fenders;
• The motor uses a plastic gear.

Eltreco XT850 New (2020)

Rating: 4.6

This bike looks even more like a mountain bike. A completely similar frame is already used here. This leads to the main drawback – the battery is not hidden in the frame, it is outside. This makes at some moments afraid that it will be wetted by rain or splashes from puddles. In short, you will have to drive carefully or only in dry weather.

It should be noted that this model usually comes with a trunk. And it's a very nice accessory – it's attached to the frame, not the seatpost. Also included with the e-bike is a footrest. The manufacturer did not forget about the wings, albeit relatively small ones.

Eltreco XT850 New is available in a variety of color options. Youngsters will love the yellow frame version, while the rest of the bikes seem a little more relaxed. This model is set in motion by rotating pedals, which are connected to the rear wheel by a familiar chain. Additionally, the bike received a rear derailleur with 7 speeds. Well, when you get up to speed, you can activate the 500-watt motor. It gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 10 Ah. The maximum motor can spin the wheel up to 38 km / h, and even then only under ideal conditions. The bike can cover 50 km from a full battery charge. Again, at best. However, all these parameters should definitely suit, especially after looking at the price tag, which cannot be called too high.

The design of the bike is quite simplified. In particular, the aluminum frame has no rear shock absorber. Hand blows are only cushioned by a spring-elastomer fork. I am glad that some of the components are still quite advanced. For example, the disc brakes are hydraulically operated here. This means that you can definitely stop in a very short period of time. It should also be noted that the diameter of the wheels increased to 27.5 inches, which makes the roll forward more prolonged. And you can also note the weight of the Eltreco XT850 New, which is only 21 kg. In a word, despite the not very high cost, this model looks very impressive – a rare buyer will complain about it, it is extremely difficult to find reasons for this.

Advantages

• There are fenders and a quality trunk;
• Robust aluminum frame
• The bike is not particularly heavy;
• Decent mileage on a full charge;
• A very powerful engine is used;
• Increased wheel size;
• Installed disc hydraulic brakes;
• There is a good bicycle flashlight.

disadvantages

• Not the best tires;
• There is no rear shock absorption;
• The wings are not full size.

SHULZ E-Goa

Rating: 4.5

Another urban-type bicycle, which makes it look like a child's brother. Only here are the usual thin tires used, which is why this vehicle cannot be called a fat bike. The manufacturer assures that the SHULZ E-Goa electric bike will suit you if you are going to ride it to work. If you like country trips, then it is better to look for some other model.

This vehicle is driven by 20-inch wheels with aluminum alloy rims. On the wheels you can see the usual V-Brakes – the so-called pads. This once again proves that the SHULZ E-Goa bike is not designed to achieve any high speeds. This is hinted at by the rear derailleur, which consists of only three stars. By tradition, there is no front at all here.

The small dimensions have a positive effect on the vehicle's weight, which does not exceed 17.5 kg. You can easily carry such a bike to the fifth floor of the Khrushchevka, not to mention the train carriage. And don't forget the folding mechanism, which makes transporting your e-bike even easier! For the sake of weight reduction, the manufacturer even abandoned cushioning – a conventional rigid fork is used here.

As you might guess, this model received a very weak electric motor. Its power is only 249 watts. In this regard, the bike only accelerates to 24 km / h. However, this parameter is enough in the city. When commuting to work, it becomes much more important to have a trunk. Also, chain protection looks not superfluous, thanks to which you will definitely not get your pants dirty. Also, this model is equipped with fenders, a footboard and a bell. As for the battery used here, its capacity barely reaches 7.8 Ah. Again, the manufacturer was thinking about weight savings and not any decent range. However, let's remember the minimum vehicle weight – this is the case when you can accelerate the bike by pedaling, this process will not seem complicated. If you correctly distribute your forces, then you can overcome at least 80, even all 100 km in a day without any problems. But we must remember that this model is still not intended for such trips.

Advantages

• Very light weight;
• Folded dimensions – minimum;
• There are no extra sounds even when driving over bumps;
• Robust aluminum frame
• There is a trunk, fenders and other accessories;
• The price is not very high.

disadvantages

• It does not accelerate to particularly high speeds;
• No front derailleur;
• There is no depreciation at all;
• V-Brake brakes are used;
• Inconvenient control of the bike computer.

IconBIT K7

Rating: 4.5

This electric bike was assembled in the image and likeness of an electric scooter. The first thing the buyer is struck by the very small wheels. At the same time, there is still a pedal unit here, so you don't have to push off with your feet. And here they simply have nowhere to put them – there is only a place for them on the pedals. The vehicle will also delight with a footboard and fenders that perfectly protect against splashes.

This unusual design allowed the manufacturer to save on the materials used. Aluminum alone is used here half as much as in a traditional bicycle! As a result, this model turned out to be very inexpensive – they ask for 40 thousand rubles for it. And she is also able to boast that the scales under her show only 17.7 kg. Not bad! But how did all the simplifications affect the speed and amortization characteristics?

For starters, this e-bike doesn't soften bumps and potholes in any way. It uses a rigid fork, and there is no shock absorption in the rear. Well, 12-inch wheels make you dismount to overcome almost every curb. Do I need to say that this is not very convenient?

If we talk about speed, then the maximum speed on such a bike can be up to 25 km / h. It is not capable of a larger vehicle even with active pedaling, because there simply is not a single speed switch, even a rear one. But on the other hand, there are good mechanical disc brakes! They do an excellent job of stopping such small wheels, there are no complaints about them.

The electrical part of IconBIT K7 consists of an engine with a power not exceeding 250 W and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 6 Ah. Most often, a full charge is enough for only 12-15 km of run, if you hardly use the pedals. Sparsely, but for commuting to work, this should still be enough.

Advantages

• Good inflatable wheels;
• Very light weight;
• The frame is made of high quality aluminum;
• The battery is secured with a combination lock;
• Reliable brakes;
• Low cost;
• The set includes a bell, footboard and fenders.

disadvantages

• The steering wheel can wobble;
• A weak battery is used;
• Maximum speed will not suit everyone;
• There is no suspension fork;
• There are no speed switches.

Xiaomi QiCycle

Rating: 4.4

This bike also has a very unusual design. But in this case, it can no longer be said that the manufacturer tried to make an electric bike out of an electric scooter. He just tried to minimize the vehicle that everyone is familiar with so that it could be easily transported in a car or public transport. He also tried to reduce the weight of the e-bike. As a result, he was only 14.5 kg! With such a mass Xiaomi, QiCycle can be easily dragged to the fifth floor of an old panel or brick house without an elevator!

Despite the rather small wheels, one of them has at least three stars. This allows you to change gears, making life easier for yourself and the electric motor. However, do not think that you will be able to accelerate to some very high speed – in this regard Xiaomi QiCycle is inferior to brothers with larger wheels. The maximum can be reached 25 km / h, and even then only in ideal conditions. But on the other hand, this model is able to please with a good mileage on one charge – under certain conditions it can dry out only after 45 km. And don't forget that the Chinese company Xiaomi has quality batteries available. Installed here charges in just 3 hours. Competitors spend much longer on this.

Alas, the design did not allow the manufacturer to introduce at least some kind of shock absorption – only 16-inch wheels with inflatable chambers and relatively good tires soften bumps and potholes. Well, the brakes used here are of the caliper and roller types. It sounds scary, but in practice there are no special complaints about them. Maintaining speed here is provided by a 250-watt motor. By the way, the battery has a capacity of only 5.8 Ah. It's amazing that such a battery is enough for the above mileage!

Everyone knows that the company Xiaomi produces a huge number of smartphones. Unsurprisingly, her e-bike can sync with them. Information from the bike computer used here can be transferred to both Android and iOS – this is done using Bluetooth 4.0 LE. Well, while driving, it is displayed on a 1.8-inch screen with a resolution of 160×128 pixels. In total, the e-bike offers four riding modes.

Advantages

• Decent mileage can be achieved;
• The cost cannot be called prohibitive;
• Short charging time;
• Minimum weight;
• Convenient foldable design;
• The frame is made of good aluminum;
• Can be synchronized with a smartphone;
• Extremely reliable brakes.

disadvantages

• The maximum speed will not suit every customer;
• There is no amortization;
• Very few gears;
• Supplied without fenders and trunk.

Eltreco Good 250W Litium (2018)

Rating: 4.3

This is a typical city bike with a folding mechanism. The only difference is the presence of a battery and an electric motor. Both a man and a woman can ride on such a vehicle. 20-inch wheels will allow you to overcome not particularly high curbs. Only the absence of any shock absorption is capable of confusing – even the fork is rigid here. But on the other hand, they ask for only 36 thousand rubles for this electric bike!

Here, as expected, a chain drive is used. Alas, a 250-watt electric motor cannot accelerate a bike more than up to 25 km / h. The heavy weight of the vehicle must be affected, reaching 21.5 kg. As for the battery, its capacity is only 7 Ah. Usually its charge dries up after 35 km. However, you can help it with the pedals, reducing power consumption. By the way, the bike has a rear derailleur with seven speeds, so you can use your energy as efficiently as possible. Returning to the battery, it should be noted that it takes a long time to recharge – this process takes about seven hours.

Since this model is not capable of accelerating to high speed, then the V-Brake brakes may well cope with stopping. Yes, in most cases their capabilities are sufficient. But we'd rather see normal disc brakes here. I am glad that the manufacturer did not save at least on the bundle. Eltreco Good 250W Litium is a rather rare case when the buyer will also receive a trunk. Also, the e-bike is supplemented with very long wings that protect well from splashes.

Advantages

• The saddle is supplemented with springs;
• The kit contains everything you need;
• Low cost;
• The frame is made of high quality aluminum;
• There is a rear derailleur.

disadvantages

• Large weight;
• Not particularly impressive top speed;
• The mileage is not very decent;
• There is no normal depreciation;
• Instead of disc brakes, pads are used.

Hoverbot CB-19 Genus (2018)

Rating: 4.3

Another electric bike that looks like a mountain brother. At the same time, it does not differ too much from it in price – for this model they usually ask no more than 37 thousand rubles. For this money, you get a good kit that includes a footboard, fenders and even a bicycle flashlight.

This e-bike is built around a high quality aluminum frame. The steering wheel here is inserted into a shock-absorbed steel fork with a travel of 100 mm. She belongs to the elementary class, so there is no need to expect serious blow mitigation. But that's better than nothing.

This model is driven by rotating 26-inch wheels. It is recommended to accelerate by pedaling, and then you can activate the 250-watt electric motor. It is curious that the engine receives energy from a battery, the capacity of which reaches as much as 10.4 Ah. If you choose the driving modes correctly, then a full charge can be enough for 70 km! Quite unexpected for such a relatively inexpensive e-bike!

The Hoverbot CB-19 Genus also resembles a mountain bike due to the presence of two derailleurs. 21 speeds allow you to adapt to any descents and ascents. The only pity is that the weight of the vehicle with all these attachments, including electric ones, was 25 kg. You no longer want to lift such a bicycle anywhere on the fourth floor of a house that does not have an elevator. And when pedaling, you feel that you are spending too much energy, no matter which gear you choose.

Advantages

• Supplied with footrest and fenders;
• There are rear and front derailleurs;
• The frame was created from high quality aluminum;
• Decent mechanical disc brakes;
• Long run from full charge.

disadvantages

• Very impressive weight;
• The trunk would not hurt;
• Would like to get rear shock absorption;
• Acceleration is not impressive;
• The wings are fairly short.

xDevice xBicycle 14 (2019)

Rating: 4.2

Another vehicle that resembles an electric scooter. Here, too, there is absolutely no shock absorption – only inflatable wheels soften bumps and potholes. The good news is that the battery is housed inside an aluminum frame – a good innovation to protect the most important electrical part from splashing. The manufacturer also added a trunk. But you shouldn't rely on it too much, its size is too tiny. The creators did not stint on the wings.

It's nice that the 14-inch wheels are equipped with disc brakes. They are mechanical, but more is not needed with this design. Also, it should be noted that the tires are put on alloy wheels – this makes the appearance of the electric bike more expressive.

This vehicle is not designed for incredibly fast travel – it has a maximum acceleration of 30 km / h. You will not be able to accelerate more with pedaling. This process is generally not very convenient here, since there are simply no speed switches. But then there is an excellent battery with a capacity of 7.8 Ah – usually enough to conquer a 60-kilometer distance. However, the result may be less overwhelming, it all depends on how competently you switch between the seven modes of operation. The charging time is 4 hours. This can be considered a good result – you already know that many e-bikes take almost twice as long to charge.

What else can this 18-kilogram vehicle boast of? Yes, nothing really. The kickstand is a matter of course. A small bonus can be considered a smartphone holder with a USB port for charging it. As for the motor, its power is 250 W.

Advantages

• A very long run from a full charge;
• The battery is in the frame;
• Rich enough equipment;
• The price is not insanely high;
• The frame is made of good aluminum;
• High quality disc brakes;
• The electric bike is not very heavy.

disadvantages

• No depreciation;
• I would like a more powerful motor;
• No speed switches;
• Inconvenient folding.

Unimoto fly

Rating: 4.1

Great folding city bike with electric propulsion. It exists in several color options, and its cost is usually equal to the quite affordable 29 thousand rubles. On the ground, it moves with 20-inch wheels, which have good 'rubber'. There is a 10 Ah battery under the seat. It is from him that the 250-watt motor is powered. I must say that this is a very voracious motor – a full charge is usually enough for 22 km. It should also be noted that it will take about 6 hours to recharge.

Unimoto Fly has received a huge number of simplifications. For example, the manufacturer did not even try to reduce the weight of his creation. As a result, he was already 29 kg! Even dragging a bicycle into a train carriage is another challenge! And there is no question of raising the vehicle to the fifth floor without an elevator. The use of steel led to such a mass – it was from it that the frame and some other elements were made. The fork is also simplified – it is rigid, and therefore you will have to forget about depreciation. The manufacturer also saved on brakes. There are pads in the front, and a foot brake at the back, like on some old teenage bike.

Do I need to say that this model is completely devoid of switches? As for the package bundle, it is not as bad as it might seem. It includes a kickstand, fenders, chain guards and even a decent trunk.

Advantages

• The saddle is supplemented with springs;
• Good equipment;
• Comfortable fit;
• Easy to fold.

disadvantages

• The bike is very heavy;
• No speed switches;
• The engine is weak;
• Not very high mileage from a full charge;
• Not the best brakes.

Conclusion

This is a list of the best foldable e-bikes. It seems that any of our readers will be able to find in this list the vehicle that is 100% consistent with its requirements. We tried to tell you about the top-end models, and about fairly inexpensive ones. But do not forget that budget bicycles have a weak electric motor and a not very capacious battery, so you should not count on fast and long-distance riding. Fortunately, once the charge is complete, you can start pedaling and continuing to drive.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.