Folding electric bikes offer the best of both worlds - you have a bike that's compact enough to fit into a car boot, on public transport, or in your caravan or boat, but with the convenience of an electric motor so you can ride where you like.
There are many cheap electric folding electric bikes on the market, however the ride quality is often disappointing. Better quality bikes come from reputable manufacturers like Brompton, Tern and Riese & Muller - but which is the best for your needs? Read on to find out!
Brompton Electric
The Brompton Electric takes the crown for the smallest electric bike when it's folded. It's quick to fold, and the folded size is truly tiny. It makes it perfect for travelling on public transport where the folded size is the priority, or storing it in small spaces at home.
The Brompton uses a moderately-powerful front hub motor, which offers a good amount of assistance for most riders. It's available in three handlebar heights (low, mid and high).
When folded, the Brompton measures 27cm wide, 58.6cm high, and 56.5cm long.
Tern Vektron
The Tern Vektron S10 is a folding bike that uses the Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor. This is a nice powerful motor system that won't have a problem getting up Sydney's hills. The Vektron frame folds in half, and then the handlebars will fold down as well. The folded package isn't as small as the Brompton, but it's still easy to move around when folded, as you can use the saddle as a handle.
The Tern Vektron has larger wheels (20" compared to the Brompton's 16") so the ride quality is better on poor road surfaces. It's also more adjustable, as the handlebar height can be adjusted to suit the rider.
The folded size of the Tern Vektron is 41cm wide, 68cm high, and 86cm long.
Riese & Muller Tinker
Is the Riese & Muller Tinker a folding bike? Not exactly, but it's certainly a compact one. The handlebar folds down to be horizontal and can be removed easily, and the saddle can be dropped all the way down (or the seatpost removed entirely) to reduce the size of the bike. This makes it much easier to fit in the back of a car.
It features the Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor system, for a nice powerful ride.
The Tinker is our most popular compact e-bike, as the ride quality is super smooth and the handling is fantastic. The handlebar height and angle can be adjusted to the rider.
When the seatpost is removed, and the bars are folded and removed, the Tinker is 40cm wide, 80cm high, and 159cm long.
So which is the best folding e-bike?
The best folding e-bike for you will depend on your particular needs, which is why we always encourage people to test ride a range of bikes before making a purchase. To make a broad generalisation:
- The Brompton Electric is best if you need the smallest and quickest fold
- The Tern Vektron is the cheapest of the quality e-bikes
- The Tinker is best if comfort and quality are your priorities.
Are you interested in finding the perfect folding e-bike for your needs? Schedule a test ride, or visit the shop to find out more.