Folded Electric Bikes: Easy To Pick Up, Easier To Ride?

Electric bikes are a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, especially in crowded cities. They are also a great way to combine exercise with your daily commute. Folding electric bikes are particularly useful as they can be easily transported and stored. When folded, they can be carried onto public transport, put in the trunk of a car, or stored in a closet or under a desk. When choosing a folding electric bike, it's important to consider the weight, ease of folding, and size when folded. While some bikes are as light as 10.3kg, others weigh as much as 66 pounds. The time taken to fold a bike can also vary, from 30 seconds for the Brompton Electric to several minutes for other models. The size of the bike when folded can also vary, with some models taking up nearly 17 cubic feet.

Weight and design

The design of a folding electric bike should also consider how compact it can be when folded. Folding e-bikes are designed to be compact and convenient, allowing them to be easily transported and stored in small spaces. Smaller, lighter bikes tend to fare better in this regard, as they can be more easily carried up stairs or lifted into a trunk or RV. Some bikes have additional features that aid in their compactness, such as pedals that fold inward or magnets that help hold the bike in its folded formation.

The Blix Vika X is a good example of a folding e-bike that combines a powerful motor with a compact design. It uses a 500-watt motor that can crank out 1010 watts of power, has a top speed of 28 mph with pedal assist, and can go up to 24.7 miles by throttle alone. It also has features like electronic shifting, turn signals, and a MIK-compatible rack. The Vika X is well-suited for year-round use, with fenders, lights, hydraulic disc brakes, and even a horn.

Another example of a well-designed folding e-bike is the Eovolt Afternoon, which features a rear-wheel motor, an 80km battery range, and upgraded Shimano MT-100 Hydraulic Disc Brakes. The bike's aluminium frame supports Schwalbe Pick-Up tyres, which offer durability and versatility for varied terrains. The Lectric XP 3.0 is also worth mentioning, as it offers a powerful 500W motor, five levels of pedal assistance, and a throttle, all while being easy to pack and fun to ride.

Wheel and frame stability

When it comes to wheel and frame stability in folded electric bikes, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, wheel size plays a crucial role in stability. Larger wheels, such as 20-inch wheels, offer better directional stability and provide a smoother ride, akin to a standard bike. They also make the bike less susceptible to bumps and holes in the road, enhancing the overall ride quality. However, it is important to note that larger wheels result in a slightly larger overall package when the bike is folded. On the other hand, smaller wheels, such as 16-inch wheels, will make the bike more compact when folded, but may compromise stability and ride smoothness to some extent.

The weight of the bike is another important consideration for wheel and frame stability. Heavier bikes tend to provide better stability, especially on uneven terrain. However, weight can also impact portability, as lighter bikes are generally easier to carry and transport. Therefore, when considering wheel and frame stability, it is essential to strike a balance between weight and portability. Lighter bikes, such as the Prodrive with a weight of 10.3kg, are highly portable, making them easy to carry up stairs or lift into a trunk. On the other hand, heavier bikes, like the Blix Vika X, which weighs 55 pounds 9 ounces, offer improved stability but may be less convenient for transportation.

Additionally, the design of the wheels and tires can also impact wheel and frame stability. Tires with thicker widths, such as the Lectric XP 3.0's 4-inch-wide tires, provide better traction and stability on rough surfaces like city streets and off-road trails. The inclusion of suspension forks, such as the 80mm suspension fork on the Lectric XP 3.0, further enhances stability and comfort by absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road. Moreover, features like hydraulic disc brakes, found on the Blix Vika X and Eovolt Afternoon, provide powerful and sensitive stopping power, contributing to overall stability by allowing for precise speed control.

Lastly, the frame design of a folded electric bike can also impact its stability. Some bikes, like the Vektron, have frames designed to allow the bike to rest in an upright position and be wheeled around, eliminating the need to carry the full weight of the bike. This design enhances stability by distributing the weight evenly across the wheels when the bike is in its upright position. Additionally, features like magnets on the hubs, found on the Blix Vika X, help secure the wheels when folded, preventing the bike from unfolding unexpectedly and enhancing stability when being transported in its folded state.

Ease of folding

The ease of folding is a critical aspect of electric bikes, as it determines their portability and convenience. Folding electric bikes are known for their clever designs, allowing them to be stored in minimal spaces. This feature is especially advantageous for those living in apartments or facing space constraints at home. The ability to quickly fold and unfold these bikes sets them apart from their non-folding counterparts, making them highly sought-after in urban areas.

When it comes to folding, some models stand out for their exceptional ease of use. The Blix Vika X, for instance, offers a smooth folding experience and boasts a compact folded size, making it easy to hide in an office or car trunk. Its predecessor, the Vika + Flex, is also remarkably simple to transport. The Aventon Sinch, with its 4-inch tires and suspension fork, delivers a powerful performance but falls slightly short in terms of portability due to its weight.

The RadExpand 5 is another excellent example of a folding electric bike that strikes a balance between performance and ease of folding. Its simple yet sturdy construction makes it easy to fold and store, whether for camping, travelling, or placing in the trunk of your car. The Raleigh Stow e-Way is another notable option, blending classic commuter styling with stability, thanks to its 20-inch wheels. While the larger wheels enhance stability, they do slightly reduce the compactness of the bike when folded.

Weight plays a significant role in the ease of folding, with smaller and lighter bikes generally being easier to carry and manoeuvre. The Prodrive, for instance, weighs only 10.3kg, making it super easy to carry and transport. On the other hand, heavier bikes, such as the Aventon Sinch at 66 pounds, may be more suitable for those seeking minimal folded size without the need for frequent carrying.

Overall, the ease of folding in electric bikes varies across different models, with weight and folded size being key factors. Some bikes, like the Blix Vika X and RadExpand 5, excel in both performance and portability, while others, like the Aventon Sinch, prioritize power but may be less portable due to their weight. Ultimately, the "easiest" folding bike will depend on the user's specific needs and priorities.

Cost and maintenance

The cost of maintaining a folded electric bike will depend on several factors, including the type of bike, its components, your location, and how often you use it. Basic maintenance practices include keeping the battery charged, and the chain clean and oiled. It is also recommended to regularly check that the tyres feel right and that all the fasteners are still snug.

The cost of servicing an electric bike can vary depending on the type of service required, parts and components, labour costs, brand and model of the bike, battery health, usage, warranty coverage, specialised services, location, and preventive maintenance. In New York City, the average hourly rate for a bike mechanic is around $20. For example, cleaning supplies and lubricants are usually free, tyre changing can range from $20 to $60, brake pads cost between $10 and $50 each, and battery replacement can range from $200 to $800. Motor replacement can cost a few hundred dollars, and the price of different electric components can range from $50 to $200. A fine tune-up can be free or cost up to $150. The annual cost of servicing an e-bike typically ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the level of maintenance required and the frequency of use. This includes expenses for tune-ups, tyre and brake pad replacements, and minor repairs.

To reduce maintenance costs, it is recommended to invest in high-quality, durable tyres, such as puncture-proof bicycle tyres, which will save you money on replacing punctured tyres. It is also worth spending a bit more on good brake pads and parts, as lower-end ones may need to be replaced very frequently.

Battery and range

The battery is the heart of any electric bike system. The battery capacity of an e-bike is measured in Watt Hours and Volts. Watt Hours (Wh) indicate the total energy stored in a battery, while Voltage (V) indicates how quickly that energy can be discharged from the battery. A higher Wh rating means you can ride longer, and a more powerful motor system will come equipped with a higher-voltage battery, usually 48V versus 36V.

When it comes to the range of a folded electric bike, there are several factors that come into play. Firstly, the efficiency of the motor drive system is integral to the range of an electric bike. A motor drive system transfers energy from the battery to the wheels, propelling you forward. Optibike, for example, has introduced a patented Motorized Bottom Bracket (MBB) system that extends the range of electric bikes by offering the highest power to volume ratio of any drive system.

Torque is another critical measure of e-bike performance. It indicates how quickly a motor will get you going from a stop or how it will speed you up a hill. More powerful motors with higher torque will draw more power, and using your e-bike on higher power settings will limit your overall range by discharging the battery faster. Most folding e-bikes cut off pedalling assistance at 20 mph for safety reasons and due to restrictions in some municipalities.

To maximize the range of your folded electric bike, there are several tips you can follow. Firstly, avoid using the throttle excessively, as it drains the battery quickly and significantly reduces your range. Instead, use pedal assist, which conserves your battery and optimizes the efficiency of your electric bike. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is also essential, as it makes your battery use less energy to accelerate and can add a few extra miles to your range. Consistent speed, similar to fuel consumption in a car, can also positively impact your e-bike's range.

Frequently asked questions