Expert consulted: In today's multi-modal world, folding bikes have become the go-to choice for city slickers, frequent flyers, and anyone tight on space. But did you know these handy bikes have been around since the early 1900s? Yup, they've evolved from clunky military contraptions to sleek, space-saving marvels for the everyday commuter.
Today, these versatile bicycles offer a convenient option for individuals seeking to integrate cycling into their daily routines without the hassle of storing a full-sized bike. Their compact designs enable riders to easily combine cycling with public transportation, and discreetly store their bikes indoors. Sure, you'll sacrifice some performance compared to a traditional bike with a solid frame, but they more than make up for that with enormous flexibility. Whether hopping on the subway or squeezing into a tiny apartment, a folding bike is practical, it's convenient, and it's stylish—it's the ultimate urban accessory.
The Best Folding Bikes
- Best Overall: Brompton C Line Explore
- Best Folding E-Bike: Tern Vektron S10
- Best Budget Folding E-Bike: Lectric XPremium
- Great Value: Tern Link C8
- Affordable and Convenient: Dahon Mariner D8
The Expert: As a semi-regular bike commuter and former Bicycling test editor, I’ve spent many hours hauling groceries, getting to work, and going on dates on electric and/or cargo folding bikes—I even raced a crit on a folding bike once.
What to Look For in a Folding Bike
The bikes in this guide cost anywhere from $430 to $3,699. Their prices vary based on their build quality, size and functionality, as well as additional features like electric assistance and cargo space. There are lots of options, so consider your specific needs and prioritize your preferences. There are folding versions of almost every type of bike, from lightweight singlespeeds, to fat bikes and cruisers, and plenty of e-bikes.
How We Selected The Best Folding Bikes
I’ve tried and tested a wide variety of folding bikes while working as a tour guide and skills instructor, and that has experience has informed how we picked the bikes for this guide. Working with cyclists who have a wide range of experience and ability has given me valuable insight into factors and features that make these bikes useful and comfortable for all kinds of riders.
Additionally, I worked with Bicycling test editors, who have contributed their own knowledge and experiences from folding, unfolding, carrying, stashing, and of course, riding a large number of bikes day in and day out.
Lastly, we selected a few bikes prior to testing, based on value, the quality of their parts, and our collective experiences with similar models. All things considered, these are the best folding bikes to buy now.
Our Folding Bike Reviews
Brompton C Line Explore Folding Bike
Brompton C Line Explore Folding Bike
Pros
- Folds smaller than any other folding bike
- Plenty of options to customize yours
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 27 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 25 x 23 x 11 in. |
Brompton bikes are highly coveted for their overall high quality, and because they pack down really small—so small you can commute to and from the airport and wedge one into the overhead compartment for a long-distance, car-free commute. The brand offers a variety of drivetrain setups, color schemes, handlebar shapes—and a full lineup of luggage systems.
The popular C Line Explore stands out thanks to its six-speed drivetrain and U-shaped handlebar, which puts the rider in a comfortable, upright position. The steel frame is hand-brazed and ready to ride in wet weather with full-coverage fenders. Plus, all Bromptons are assembled at the brand’s London factory.
Pros
- Responsive, powerful motor
- Hauls up to 59 pounds
- Adjustable fit accommodates riders 4 ft 10 in. to 6 ft 5 in.
Cons
- Triple the price of many other options in this list
Key Specs
| Weight | 49 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 16 × 34 × 27 in. |
The Tern Vektron S10 is an all-around awesome, capable bike. With its Bosch Performance motor, you will glide up steep hills with a rack load of groceries (or a small child) and barely break a sweat. You can easily switch between riding modes, track your speed and monitor battery level with its Purion onboard computer.
The durable Shimano Deore Shadow+ rear derailleur ensures a smooth ride, while the Bosch PowerPack 400 long-range battery will give you the freedom to explore for up to 68 miles on the lowest assistance level. The reliable Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes let you control your speed with confidence. And with 360-degree battery powered lighting and built-in reflectivity, you'll feel confident riding anytime, anywhere.
Lectric XPremium
Pros
- Very long range (100+ miles)
- Suspension fork
Cons
- Pretty heavy to carry
Key Specs
| Weight | 75 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 40 x 22 x 32 in. |
If a folding e-bike is what you dream of but the Vektron S10 is not in your budget, consider the Lectric XPremium. It offers much of the same functionality for less than half the price. A seven-speed drivetrain and reliable hydraulic disc brakes give you smooth control of your acceleration and modulation.
It also has a few features you won't find on the Vektron, which will appeal specifically to off-road riders. It has 4-inch-wide knobby tire that can grip dirt paths and pavement, and the 80mm suspension fork compresses to soak up bumps in the road and for a smoother ride.
On top of that, it features two batteries, which translates to a very long battery range. Go ahead and embark on some all-day adventures—you won't have to worry about heading home early because you're out of juice. If you’re really trying to book it to your next destination, the XPremium can go up to 20 miles per hour without you even having to pedal–just use the thumb-lever throttle, and she’ll go.
Pros
- Single size with adjustable fit accommodates riders 4 ft 8 in. to 6 ft 3 in.
- Rack and fenders included
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 28 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 16 x 32 x 29 in. |
You get your money’s worth with the Tern Link C8. For less than $900, this aluminum, 8-speed folding bike features lots of smart details that add to its functionality and durability. Shimano rim brakes and twist-operated shifters hold up against the daily knocks and bangs your bike might take getting off the subway or into your trunk, and its included fenders keep you dry on rainy commutes.
Attach a basket to the rear rack for extra carrying capacity. And if your roommate, significant other, or little nephew wants to borrow it, they totally can—the saddle height and handlebar angle adjust to fit riders as short as four-foot-eight to as tall as six-foot-three.
Dahon Mariner D8 Folding Bike
Dahon Mariner D8 Folding Bike
Pros
- 8-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Fenders and rear rack
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 27 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded Dimensions | 26 x 13 x 32 in. |
There are lots of reasons why this popular Dahon folder deserves your attention—the aluminum-frame bike has brand-name parts, a quick-folding design, and everything you need for a convenient commute, like fenders and a rear rack.
The bike’s Shimano Altus rear derailleur shifts smoothly with trigger shifters and its 8-speed gearing is more than capable of tackling urban climbs. Thick, 1.75-inch-wide Schwalbe Citizen tires on 20-inch wheels are burly enough for city riding.
Zizzo Liberté Folding Bike
Pros
- Easier to carry
Cons
- Bare bones
Key Specs
| Weight | 23 lb |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 27 x 31 x 12.5 in. |
At 23 pounds, the Zizzo Liberté is the lightest bike we recommend, making it an ideal option for anyone who want to solve that “last-mile problem” on their commute by riding to work from their bus or train stop. The lighter load also makes it easy to store in tight spaces, and for apartment dwellers to carry up stairs.
With a sturdy aluminum frame and reliable components, the Zizzo Liberté offers a perfect blend of affordability, weight, and convenience for riders in search of a budget-friendly lightweight folding bike. It features an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain for smooth gear shifting and the ability to tackle various terrains with ease. The 20-inch wheels provide a maneuverable ride while the quick and simple folding mechanism is designed for seamless transitions between cycling, carrying, and storing.
Motobecane EF3
Pros
- High quality, dependable motor
- Fits riders 4’11” to 6’1”
- Integrated rear rack
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 45 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 36 x 18 x 34 in. |
The durable, dependable Shimano STEPS motor makes the Motobecane EF3 a solid investment for riders who want a drive system they can really trust to take on camping trips and longer rides. This top-tier, reliable motor is of the same quality as the Bosch motor that comes on the Tern Vektron, but is featured here on a bike that's half the price and folds smaller.
The EF3 has hydraulic disc brakes that keep you in control of your speed, and three-inch-wide tires offer traction and stability on dirt and sand. A single hinge in the middle of the frame folds the bike in half laterally, and then the handlebar tucks down and the seat sinks all the way through the frame for a neat little package you can toss in a trunk for car camping or even stash inside a medium-sized tent while you rest between adventures.
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Folding Bike
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Folding Bike
Pros
- Big tires are good on a wide variety of terrain
Cons
- Not as compact as other folding bikes
Key Specs
| Weight | 62.5 lb (with battery) |
|---|---|
| Folded Dimensions | 29 x 25 x 41 in. |
There’s a lot to take in with the RadExpand 5. It’s an electric-assist bike, a cargo bike, and a folding bike—with 4-inch-wide tires that would make a Lunar Rover jealous. The RadExpand has something for everyone. City riders will appreciate how easily the fat tires roll over potholes and other road imperfections. Its rear rack is capable of hauling quite a bit of cargo, and the full bike has a load capacity of 275 pounds.
This is a perfect bike for anyone who wants in on the e-bike action but has limited storage space. It’s also a great pick for RVers who want a way to zip around the campsite or take a quick trip into town. This Class 2 e-bike top outs at 20 mph, with both pedal assist and a throttle.
Read Full Review View 30 Images
Expert Riley Missel Talks Folding Bikes: Comfort, Convenience, Storage, and More!
Riley is a writer and outdoor adventure guide currently based in Tucson, Arizona where she leads mountain bike rides, rock climbing, and hiking trips. In her spare time, she writes stories and reviews outdoor and fitness gear. Find her writing in publications including Outside, Lonely Planet, SHAPE, Bicycling, Runner’s World, and others. When she’s not playing in the mountains, she’s probably laying down somewhere or eating (or both).
Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer.
