Best Folding Electric Bike: Buyer’s Guide For 2023

Best Overall Electric Folding Bike

1. Aventon Sinch Folding Electric Bike

Our Rating

9.5/10

$1,499

KEY SPECS

The Aventon Sinch takes the cake as one of the best-designed folding electric bikes available. To my eye, its compact yet sleek silhouette and tan sidewall fat tires enhance the bike’s aesthetic, setting it apart in an otherwise crowded marketplace. Under the surface, the Sinch boasts similar power and battery specs to other competing models and comes in at a solid $1,499 price point (with a current $100-off sale).

The Sinch— aptly named for its compact and foldable profile— is available with standard or step-thru geometry. I like the look of the step-thru version better, and there’s the added benefit of it being easier to mount and dismount, especially for riders with limited mobility. The front suspension fork provides 45mm of travel to smooth out bumpy roads and float over city potholes.

A key function of the Sinch is its ability to collapse to fit easily in car trunks, apartments, or office corners. It utilizes the traditional foldable design with a hinge and handlebars in the middle of the frame. The 20×4” wheels are large enough to roll fast while still being small enough to fold down small— there’s a useful kickstand beneath the pedal to prop up the bike when folded. The lack of hydraulic disc brakes and weight of nearly 70 lbs. causes the Sinch to miss out on full marks.

Curious cyclists may learn more about adjusting bike brakes and bicycle handlebars. 

A 500W rear hub motor peaks at 750 watts and has a top speed of 20 mph. Riders can toggle between five levels of pedal assist and a thumb-actuated throttle mode. The battery has a capacity of 14Ah which isn’t the highest in the industry but offers a decent range given the compact size of the bike. The battery is neatly hidden inside the downtube and hooks up to a color display that can link to the Aventon mobile app, a major plus.

OUR VERDICT

Competitively priced foldable e-bike with an attractive aesthetic and quality specs.

 Most Versatile Foldable Ebike

2. Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Folding Ebike

Our Rating

9/10

$1,549

KEY SPECS

Rad Power Bikes is one of the biggest players in the e-bike space, and their foldable electric bike doesn’t disappoint. The RadExpand 5 comes fully loaded with all-terrain fat tires, a rear rack, fenders, and integrated lights so you can ride this bike just about anywhere. In the city, space is at a premium, and this bike’s foldability allows riders to transport or store the versatile two-wheeler easily.

The RadExpand 5 is only available with a step-thru frame design, and I think that’s the right choice. The black and white color scheme and additional features give this bike more of a rugged appearance in contrast to the Aventon Sinch’s bolder paint job and sleeker profile. This model folds in a similar way and is a bit lighter. However, the mechanical disc brakes and less sleek silhouette drop my overall rating slightly.

This foldable e-bike wins out with its impressively powerful 750W rear hub motor. That’s 50% more powerful than the Aventon Sinch, so you can easily make it up hills and reduce motor strain on steep gradients. The RadExpand 5 has four-pedal assist levels instead of five and includes a twist throttle for on-demand speed.

One of the most noticeable elements of the e-bike is the externally-mounted battery underneath the seat. It’s a smart and out-of-the-way placement of the 672Wh battery pack, but I, like many other e-bike riders, favor integrated batteries hidden inside the downtube. It’s a matter of personal preference, though, and many users won’t be bothered by the external battery— the added benefit is that it’s easier to remove for charging off the bike. 

The RadExpand 5 comes ready for almost any type of riding, from city errands to off-road exploring. While accessories can always be added later to any bike, this comprehensive package has a useful rear rack, fenders, and lights to hop on and ride simply.

OUR VERDICT

Versatile fat tire e-bike that folds down small and comes with a powerful motor.

Best High-End Folding Electric Bike

3. Tern HSD P9 Electric Bike

Our Rating

8.5/10

$3,699

KEY SPECS

The Tern HSD P9 is the perfect choice for urban riders who carry cargo and require serious performance from their bike. This model is a significant step up from the Aventon Sinch and RadExpand 5 in terms of componentry quality, but those upgrades come with a big jump in price. The Tern P9 costs $3,699, which is competitive compared to other premium foldable e-bikes, but could be beyond the budget of some riders.

The defining characteristics of this city ebike are its foldability and cargo-carrying capacity. A compact cargo bike may seem like an oxymoron, but Tern has achieved a great balance in serving busy urban riders who need to conserve space. The P9 doesn’t fold in the middle of the frame but at the handlebar stem/steerer tube area. The seat tube is designed to be shorter, and the 20” wheels keep the bike’s footprint to a minimum. 

If you’re searching for electric mountain bikes instead of foldable e-bikes, check out our roundup of the best eMTB models on the market.

Perhaps most importantly, the Tern P9 is the only bike with a mid-drive motor on this list. Mid-drive motors are higher quality than rear hub motors and help preserve a bike’s natural center of gravity for better handling. The P9 relies on the Bosch Active Line Plus 250W motor— that wattage may seem low, but its premium quality ensures a reliable and ultra-smooth ride. Pedal assistance tops out at 20 mph, and the range can reach upwards of 60 miles on a single charge.

Other premium foldable e-bikes at REI include the Brompton Electric C Line Explore and Tern Vektron S10. 

There’s an extended rear rack to carry large items, and the battery is mounted neatly underneath. One big difference is the narrower tires that measure 2.2”. This makes the bike more agile and rolls faster over smooth surfaces, a key advantage on city roads. The P9 weighs a respectable 56 lbs. which is excellent for a motorized cargo bike.

OUR VERDICT

Premium foldable cargo electric bike that’s worth the splurge.

 Most Affordable Cargo Foldable Ebike

4. Aventon Abound Ebike

Our Rating

8/10

$2,199

KEY SPECS

Cargo-carrying cyclists who are on a tighter budget may fall in love with the Aventon Abound Ebike. Priced nearly $1,500 cheaper than the Tern HSD P9, this model doesn’t come with as premium of components but is an excellent value. The Abound is a creative solution for riders looking to replace car trips or shuttle their kids via e-bike.

An upgrade from the Aventon Sinch, this bike is powered by a 750W rear hub motor with a top speed of 20 mph. There’s no throttle mode, but there are four new pedal assist levels: eco, tour, sport, and turbo. I also appreciate the inclusion of a torque sensor for smoother power delivery. A color LCD display compatible with the Aventon mobile app is at the center of the handlebars.

Regarding safety features, the Aventon Abound Ebike has powerful hydraulic disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power even at high speeds. The bike also features a bright LED headlight and taillight that help riders stay visible and safe while riding at night or in low-light conditions. The taillight also functions as a turn signal to indicate your next move to other motorists and cyclists on the road— cool!

The Abound has an extended rear rack and wide footbeds for carrying cargo or small passengers. Aventon also sells many accessories so riders can customize their setup to their needs— items like front racks, seat pads, baskets, and handrails. 

An extra savvy feature is the integrated storage bag behind the seat post that fits ride essentials. It’s a great use of additional space due to the elongated frame and fits well with the bike’s profile. There’s also a dropper post lever to adjust seat height on the fly and easily collapse that part of the bike during storage. The Aventon Abound Ebike is an excellent entry-level electric bike that offers exceptional performance, comfort, and style at an affordable price.

OUR VERDICT

Well-priced cargo electric bike that’s partially foldable and compatible with many customizable accessories.

Most Affordable Foldable Ebike

5. Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5

Our Rating

7/10

$479

KEY SPECS

The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is a compact and versatile e-bike that is perfect for commuters and urban dwellers who are short on space. This bike is designed to be lightweight and easy to fold, making it ideal for those who need to transport their bike on public transit or store it in a small apartment or office. 

The over-the-top model name is a bit cringe for my liking, but I’m willing to see past the “swaggy” branding because of the affordable price point. With that lower price, however, come some cost-saving measures, such as rim brakes and extra small wheels, which remove a few points from my overall rating.

One of the standout features of the Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is its lightweight aluminum frame, which weighs just 37 pounds. This makes it one of the lightest foldable e-bikes on the market, and it’s easy to carry or maneuver when folded. The bike also features a powerful 250-watt motor that can reach up to 15 miles per hour.

Another great feature of the Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is its ability to fold to a compact size in just a few seconds. This makes it easy to store in a closet, under a desk, or in the trunk of a car. The bike also has a convenient carrying handle that makes it easy to transport.

Overall, the Swagcycle EB-5 is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a compact and versatile e-bike for commuting or urban riding. Its lightweight frame, powerful motor, and easy folding design make it a top choice for those who want a bike that is both convenient and practical.

OUR VERDICT

Affordable foldable e-bike that collapses down small yet has lower quality parts.