Should You Get a Foldable Ebike? The Pros and Cons
If you’re looking for a new way to get around town, you may consider getting a foldable bike. Ebikes are becoming more and more popular and for good reason! They’re a great alternative to cars, buses, and trains, and they’re perfect for short trips around town. But before you decide whether or not to buy an ebike, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of foldable bikes. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of owning a foldable ebike so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of bike is right for you.
Electric bikes that fold up are relatively small and simple to transport and store. They fold up small and are convenient for taking on the subway, bus, or train. Your electric bicycle can be folded up and transported like a suitcase.
Key Takeaways
- Foldable e-bikes are small and simple to transport and store.
- They are convenient for taking on the subway, bus, or train and can be folded up like a suitcase.
- There are many pros to owning an electric bicycle such as reducing your carbon footprint, increasing fitness levels, providing transportation at all times, and reducing costs associated with public transit. But, there are also some cons to owning an electric bicycle such as the cost, the frame is not as strong, and lower battery capacity.
Are foldable e-bikes worth it?
If you’re an avid cyclist, you know the importance of having a bike that’s easy to ride and maintain. You also probably know that bikes can be expensive. So, when you’re looking for a new bike, you might be tempted by the idea of getting a foldable e-bike instead.
However, before you make any decisions about whether or not foldable e-bikes are worth it, you need to consider what they have to offer. In this article, we’ll discuss how these bikes work and whether or not they’re worth buying.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Folding E-Bike?
Folding e-bikes are one of the most popular types of electric bike, because they offer the convenience of a regular bike that can be folded up for easy storage. But there are some downsides to these bikes. Here’s what you need to know about them.
Pros of Folding E-Bikes
Portability
Folding e-bikes are great for those who want to be able to take their bike with them. They’re great for people who live in small spaces, or who need to travel by their bike.
They’re also fantastic for those who want to use their bikes for exercise and then store them in a small space when they’re done—and that’s really the main advantage of folding e-bikes over traditional bikes. You can easily fold them up and put them away when you’re finished riding, so you don’t have to worry about where you’ll store your bike when you’re not using it.
Less Prone to Theft
This is because they can be safely stored away when not in use.
Because of this, they are a great option for people who live in urban areas and want to take their bikes with them on public transportation or into buildings that don’t allow regular bicycles.
Less Space Required to Store
One of the biggest benefits of folding electric bikes is the reduced amount of space it takes up when stored. This means that you can easily store your bike in a closet, under your bed, or even in the trunk of your car.
Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of an electric bike is that it can make your ride much more convenient. Although they are heavier than regular bikes, they don’t require pedaling and can be ridden at full speed without having to exert any effort on your part. This means that you’ll be able to get places faster and with less effort on your part.
Cons of Folding E-Bike
Here are some of the disadvantages of a folding e-bike:
Frame not as strong as strong
It could be argued that folding eBike frames are not as stiff or strong as “double diamond” frames because of the need to fold the bike up for transport. Most riders should be fine on a folding eBike, but those who engage in aggressive off-road riding (think jumps) should look into non-folding models instead.
Reduced performance
The ride quality of a folding bike is less smooth and more rigid than that of a standard bicycle. The issue primarily stems from the wrong-size tires.
Wheel sizes on folding bikes tend to range from 10 inches all the way up to 26 inches. Tire sizes of 16, 20, and 24 inches are most common on folding bikes.
Compared to larger wheels, these smaller ones aren’t as good at absorbing shock, so the ride may be choppy than usual. I wouldn’t recommend electric folding bikes if you’re looking for a buttery ride. Neither your fat-tired cruiser nor your full-suspension mountain bike will have the same level of comfort.
Lower battery capacity
There isn’t room for a battery or controller because of the hinge and latch mechanism. As a result, the available battery capacity (and the e-range) of bikes may be reduced, and on less expensive models, the controller — the e-“brain” bikes — may be awkwardly strapped to a frame tube.
Doesn’t look as neat
I think that one of the biggest cons of folding e-bikes is how they look. Because they have to fold in order to be safe and secure, they don’t look as neat as other bikes. I think this is especially true when they are folded up and put away.
Can be more expensive
The price of folding e-bikes can vary a lot, but they usually cost more than a standard model. This is because they are often made with higher-quality materials that add durability and strength while maintaining their compact size. They also have more features than other bikes — things like integrated lights or USB charging ports.
Folding the Ebikes can be complicated for some models
The first time you fold an e-bike, it can be a little confusing. Most models have a manual that walks you through the process step by step, but even then it may take some trial and error to get right. Some bikes come with an app that allows you to control certain features — like lights or speed — while riding.
How to Choose a Folding Electric Bike?
1. Size when folded
If you’re looking to choose a folding electric bike, you’ll want to consider the size of the bike when it is folded up. This will be important for two reasons. First, it will determine how easy or difficult it is for you to store your bike when not in use. Second, it will affect how much space you have available in your home or apartment when it comes time to store your bike.
2. Riding range
The range of an electric bike is a key feature that you should look for when deciding which bike to buy. The range refers to how far you can go on the bike before you have to recharge it. You should consider how far you travel each day and whether or not the bike can reach your destination before it needs another charge.
3. Price and features
The first thing you need to do when choosing an electric bike decides what you want to do with it. If you’re interested in commuting, then you may want a folding e-bike that is lightweight and compact so that it’s easy to carry on public transportation or store on your commute. If you’re looking for something more recreational, then having a backpack option might be more important than having gears or a throttle.
What Type of Rider Are You?
Next, think about what kind of rider you are. If you’re someone who likes to go fast and doesn’t want to worry about pedaling, then look for an electric bike that has a throttle option instead of gears. If you’d prefer a more leisurely ride, then having some gears could be useful for getting up hills or going faster than walking speed without having to pedal too hard.
What Are Your Needs?
Finally, think about what your needs are when it comes to an electric bike. Do you need something lightweight because of arthritis or other physical limitations? Then consider getting one with fewer features and less weight so that it will be easier for you to use every day without becoming overwhelmed by its capabilities or feeling like there’s no room left for your own needs. Do you plan to use the bike for longer rides, or are you just looking for something that can be used for short errands? If it’s the latter, then consider getting a cheaper model that doesn’t have as many features and won’t weigh too much on your budget.
4. Ease of folding
If you’re planning to use your electric bike as a commuter and will be carrying it around on public transport, then consider getting one that’s easy to fold and store when not in use. This way, it won’t take up too much space or get damaged while being carried around by others.
5. Ride experience
If you’re planning to use your electric bike for longer rides, then consider getting one that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The last thing you want is to get tired out from riding too much or feeling sore because of the way the bike handles itself.
6. Warranty and Support
If you’re planning to use your electric bike for a long time or if you plan on using it regularly, then consider getting one that comes with a good warranty and support. This way, if anything does go wrong with the bike, you’ll be able to get it fixed without having to spend extra money out of pocket.
Our Top 3 Foldable Electric Bikes
1. Brompton Electric
When folded, Brompton bikes are the most compact of any folding bike available. Folded, a Brompton takes up only 585mm x 565mm x 270mm (23 inches x 22.2 inches x 10.6 inches). A typical folding bicycle, such as a Dahon or Tern, has dimensions of 290 x 660 x 890 mm (11.3 x 25.7 x 31.2 inches) when folded.
It’s hard to tell from looking at a Brompton, but it folds up to almost half its normal size. The Brompton takes up 89 liters of space, while a standard folding bike takes up about 170 liters. In a side-by-side comparison, the two bicycles’ differences jump out at you. When compared to other types of folding bikes, Brompton is extremely compact.
2. Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru 2
In the form of the RadMini Step-Thru 2, Rad Power Bikes has created a foldable electric bike that is ‘fat’. It’s perfect for city dwellers in search of a commuting bike, thanks to its sleek and practical design, and perfect for trail riders, thanks to its all-purpose fat tires and overall durability. In addition, it can be folded into thirds, making it extremely portable and convenient for stowing away until you’re ready to ride it.
The versatility of the new Mozo front shocks and Bafang mag wheels give the Sierra Sport folding fat tire bike an edge over the regular Sierra model in terms of performance and style.
For those who want to take their off-road and trail riding to the next level, the Sierra now comes in Sport trim. Add the rugged, off-road capable, and foldable Sierra Electric Folding Fat Tire Bike to your collection of E-Lux Electric Bikes today! Perfect for long trips in an RV, tenting, trail riding, and even the beach or boardwalk. These bicycles are extremely portable and simple to store. It can be stored in the trunk of your vehicle and launched in a matter of seconds, providing you with hours of entertainment. As an added bonus, fenders (a $159 value) are included, and a front rack can be purchased separately if desired.
Foldable Ebikes Pros And Cons FAQs
What Is the Lightest Folding Electric Bike?
“The One” is the name of the electric folding bike that weighs in at a meager 12.5 kilograms and holds the record for being the lightest in the world. This bicycle, which was produced by the Swiss company United City Bikes, has a single-tube frame, 16-inch wheels that are reduced in size, and a 250-watt hub motor that weighs only 2 kilograms.
Do folding e-bikes break easily?
Folding bicycles have sturdy frames and are carefully crafted to withstand repeated use. They are not easily broken unless an excessive amount of weight is placed on top of them.
Is it harder to pedal a folding e-bike?
Folding bicycles are built with sturdy frames and are designed to last for a long time. Unless you have placed an excessive amount of weight on them, they will not break easily.
Are folding e-bikes high maintenance?
The battery and the motor, fortunately, are both durable and need very little in the way of regular maintenance. Since the electronics are housed in weatherproof and impact-resistant enclosures, they should last much longer than the traditional, wearable components of a bike.
Does pedaling an electric bike charge the battery?
In general, no, electric bikes do not charge while you ride. There are, however, a few cases where this response does not hold. Some models allow you to stop pedaling at any time while the bike continues to move forward on its own.
Learn more about the truth while riding your e-bike to charge here.
Conclusion
Aside from a few drawbacks, foldable e-bikes offer many advantages that might make them the best choice for your needs. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to get one, consider taking a test ride at your local bike shop. And if you have any questions about foldable e-bikes, feel free to contact us – we’d be happy to chat! In the meantime, why not check out some of our other blogs? We’ve got plenty of articles about all things biking, so there’s bound to be something that interests you.
If you’re looking for a new way to get around town, you may consider getting a foldable bike. Ebikes are becoming more and more popular and for good reason! They’re a great alternative to cars, buses, and trains, and they’re perfect for short trips around town. But before you decide whether or not to buy an ebike, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of foldable bikes. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of owning a foldable ebike so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of bike is right for you.
Electric bikes that fold up are relatively small and simple to transport and store. They fold up small and are convenient for taking on the subway, bus, or train. Your electric bicycle can be folded up and transported like a suitcase.
Key Takeaways
- Foldable e-bikes are small and simple to transport and store.
- They are convenient for taking on the subway, bus, or train and can be folded up like a suitcase.
- There are many pros to owning an electric bicycle such as reducing your carbon footprint, increasing fitness levels, providing transportation at all times, and reducing costs associated with public transit. But, there are also some cons to owning an electric bicycle such as the cost, the frame is not as strong, and lower battery capacity.
Are foldable e-bikes worth it?
If you’re an avid cyclist, you know the importance of having a bike that’s easy to ride and maintain. You also probably know that bikes can be expensive. So, when you’re looking for a new bike, you might be tempted by the idea of getting a foldable e-bike instead.
However, before you make any decisions about whether or not foldable e-bikes are worth it, you need to consider what they have to offer. In this article, we’ll discuss how these bikes work and whether or not they’re worth buying.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Folding E-Bike?
Pros of Folding E-Bikes
Portability
Folding e-bikes are great for those who want to be able to take their bike with them. They’re great for people who live in small spaces, or who need to travel by their bike.
They’re also fantastic for those who want to use their bikes for exercise and then store them in a small space when they’re done—and that’s really the main advantage of folding e-bikes over traditional bikes. You can easily fold them up and put them away when you’re finished riding, so you don’t have to worry about where you’ll store your bike when you’re not using it.
Less Prone to Theft
This is because they can be safely stored away when not in use.
Because of this, they are a great option for people who live in urban areas and want to take their bikes with them on public transportation or into buildings that don’t allow regular bicycles.
Less Space Required to Store
One of the biggest benefits of folding electric bikes is the reduced amount of space it takes up when stored. This means that you can easily store your bike in a closet, under your bed, or even in the trunk of your car.
Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of an electric bike is that it can make your ride much more convenient. Although they are heavier than regular bikes, they don’t require pedaling and can be ridden at full speed without having to exert any effort on your part. This means that you’ll be able to get places faster and with less effort on your part.
Cons of Folding E-Bike
Frame not as strong as strong
It could be argued that folding eBike frames are not as stiff or strong as “double diamond” frames because of the need to fold the bike up for transport. Most riders should be fine on a folding eBike, but those who engage in aggressive off-road riding (think jumps) should look into non-folding models instead.
Reduced performance
The ride quality of a folding bike is less smooth and more rigid than that of a standard bicycle. The issue primarily stems from the wrong-size tires.
Wheel sizes on folding bikes tend to range from 10 inches all the way up to 26 inches. Tire sizes of 16, 20, and 24 inches are most common on folding bikes.
Compared to larger wheels, these smaller ones aren’t as good at absorbing shock, so the ride may be choppy than usual. I wouldn’t recommend electric folding bikes if you’re looking for a buttery ride. Neither your fat-tired cruiser nor your full-suspension mountain bike will have the same level of comfort.
Lower battery capacity
There isn’t room for a battery or controller because of the hinge and latch mechanism. As a result, the available battery capacity (and the e-range) of bikes may be reduced, and on less expensive models, the controller — the e-“brain” bikes — may be awkwardly strapped to a frame tube.
Doesn’t look as neat
I think that one of the biggest cons of folding e-bikes is how they look. Because they have to fold in order to be safe and secure, they don’t look as neat as other bikes. I think this is especially true when they are folded up and put away.
Can be more expensive
The price of folding e-bikes can vary a lot, but they usually cost more than a standard model. This is because they are often made with higher-quality materials that add durability and strength while maintaining their compact size. They also have more features than other bikes — things like integrated lights or USB charging ports.
Folding the Ebikes can be complicated for some models
The first time you fold an e-bike, it can be a little confusing. Most models have a manual that walks you through the process step by step, but even then it may take some trial and error to get right. Some bikes come with an app that allows you to control certain features — like lights or speed — while riding.
How to Choose a Folding Electric Bike?
1. Size when folded
If you’re looking to choose a folding electric bike, you’ll want to consider the size of the bike when it is folded up. This will be important for two reasons. First, it will determine how easy or difficult it is for you to store your bike when not in use. Second, it will affect how much space you have available in your home or apartment when it comes time to store your bike.
2. Riding range
The range of an electric bike is a key feature that you should look for when deciding which bike to buy. The range refers to how far you can go on the bike before you have to recharge it. You should consider how far you travel each day and whether or not the bike can reach your destination before it needs another charge.
3. Price and features
The first thing you need to do when choosing an electric bike decides what you want to do with it. If you’re interested in commuting, then you may want a folding e-bike that is lightweight and compact so that it’s easy to carry on public transportation or store on your commute. If you’re looking for something more recreational, then having a backpack option might be more important than having gears or a throttle.
What Type of Rider Are You?
Next, think about what kind of rider you are. If you’re someone who likes to go fast and doesn’t want to worry about pedaling, then look for an electric bike that has a throttle option instead of gears. If you’d prefer a more leisurely ride, then having some gears could be useful for getting up hills or going faster than walking speed without having to pedal too hard.
What Are Your Needs?
Finally, think about what your needs are when it comes to an electric bike. Do you need something lightweight because of arthritis or other physical limitations? Then consider getting one with fewer features and less weight so that it will be easier for you to use every day without becoming overwhelmed by its capabilities or feeling like there’s no room left for your own needs. Do you plan to use the bike for longer rides, or are you just looking for something that can be used for short errands? If it’s the latter, then consider getting a cheaper model that doesn’t have as many features and won’t weigh too much on your budget.
4. Ease of folding
If you’re planning to use your electric bike as a commuter and will be carrying it around on public transport, then consider getting one that’s easy to fold and store when not in use. This way, it won’t take up too much space or get damaged while being carried around by others.
5. Ride experience
If you’re planning to use your electric bike for longer rides, then consider getting one that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The last thing you want is to get tired out from riding too much or feeling sore because of the way the bike handles itself.
6. Warranty and Support
If you’re planning to use your electric bike for a long time or if you plan on using it regularly, then consider getting one that comes with a good warranty and support. This way, if anything does go wrong with the bike, you’ll be able to get it fixed without having to spend extra money out of pocket.
Our Top 3 Foldable Electric Bikes
1. Brompton Electric
When folded, Brompton bikes are the most compact of any folding bike available. Folded, a Brompton takes up only 585mm x 565mm x 270mm (23 inches x 22.2 inches x 10.6 inches). A typical folding bicycle, such as a Dahon or Tern, has dimensions of 290 x 660 x 890 mm (11.3 x 25.7 x 31.2 inches) when folded.
It’s hard to tell from looking at a Brompton, but it folds up to almost half its normal size. The Brompton takes up 89 liters of space, while a standard folding bike takes up about 170 liters. In a side-by-side comparison, the two bicycles’ differences jump out at you. When compared to other types of folding bikes, Brompton is extremely compact.
2. Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru 2
In the form of the RadMini Step-Thru 2, Rad Power Bikes has created a foldable electric bike that is ‘fat’. It’s perfect for city dwellers in search of a commuting bike, thanks to its sleek and practical design, and perfect for trail riders, thanks to its all-purpose fat tires and overall durability. In addition, it can be folded into thirds, making it extremely portable and convenient for stowing away until you’re ready to ride it.
The versatility of the new Mozo front shocks and Bafang mag wheels give the Sierra Sport folding fat tire bike an edge over the regular Sierra model in terms of performance and style.
For those who want to take their off-road and trail riding to the next level, the Sierra now comes in Sport trim. Add the rugged, off-road capable, and foldable Sierra Electric Folding Fat Tire Bike to your collection of E-Lux Electric Bikes today! Perfect for long trips in an RV, tenting, trail riding, and even the beach or boardwalk. These bicycles are extremely portable and simple to store. It can be stored in the trunk of your vehicle and launched in a matter of seconds, providing you with hours of entertainment. As an added bonus, fenders (a $159 value) are included, and a front rack can be purchased separately if desired.
Foldable Ebikes Pros And Cons FAQs
What Is the Lightest Folding Electric Bike?
“The One” is the name of the electric folding bike that weighs in at a meager 12.5 kilograms and holds the record for being the lightest in the world. This bicycle, which was produced by the Swiss company United City Bikes, has a single-tube frame, 16-inch wheels that are reduced in size, and a 250-watt hub motor that weighs only 2 kilograms.
Do folding e-bikes break easily?
Folding bicycles have sturdy frames and are carefully crafted to withstand repeated use. They are not easily broken unless an excessive amount of weight is placed on top of them.
Is it harder to pedal a folding e-bike?
Folding bicycles are built with sturdy frames and are designed to last for a long time. Unless you have placed an excessive amount of weight on them, they will not break easily.
Are folding e-bikes high maintenance?
The battery and the motor, fortunately, are both durable and need very little in the way of regular maintenance. Since the electronics are housed in weatherproof and impact-resistant enclosures, they should last much longer than the traditional, wearable components of a bike.
Does pedaling an electric bike charge the battery?
In general, no, electric bikes do not charge while you ride. There are, however, a few cases where this response does not hold. Some models allow you to stop pedaling at any time while the bike continues to move forward on its own.
Learn more about the truth while riding your e-bike to charge here.
Conclusion
Aside from a few drawbacks, foldable e-bikes offer many advantages that might make them the best choice for your needs. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to get one, consider taking a test ride at your local bike shop. And if you have any questions about foldable e-bikes, feel free to contact us – we’d be happy to chat! In the meantime, why not check out some of our other blogs? We’ve got plenty of articles about all things biking, so there’s bound to be something that interests you.
