Electric bikes are such an amazing and energy-efficient option for both city and adventurous riding. However, with an electric folding bike, you can do so much more, but more importantly, save a lot of space.
Still, it can be quite confusing picking out the best ones that check many boxes such as reinforced durability, peak performance, and phenomenal functionality at a pocket-friendly price. We took the liberty of reviewing some of the best options on the market, and hopefully, they’ll wow you too.
Editor’s 1st Choice
Lectric XP 2.0
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Motor | 500W Brushless Geared Rear Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 45+ Miles per Charge
- Battery | 48V, 9.6Ah Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 28 MPH
Learn More!
Editor’s 2nd Choice
EBE1 Electric Bike
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Motor | 350 Watt Motor
- Range | Up to 27.9 Miles per Charge
- Battery | 36V, 7.5Ah Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 15.5 MPH
Learn More!
Editor’s 3rd Choice
XP™ Step-Thru 2.0
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg
- Motor | 500W Brushless Geared Rear Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 45+ Miles per Charge
- Battery | 48V, 9.6Ah Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 28 MPH
Learn More!
Show Editor’s Recommendations From Amazon
Table could not be displayed.Also Related:
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#1. Lectric XP 2.0 Black
The Lectric XP 2.0 is the second generation of Lectric’s original flagship offering—Lectric XP. This is an e-bike for the ordinary rider; if you’re not an avid cyclist with a stuntman personality, this is an ideal e-bike for you as it can do everything you’ll need it to do, on or off-road.
The XP 2.0 keeps the 500W brushless geared rear hub motor from its predecessor: the Lectric XP. This motor has a peak power output of 850W, 50W more than the XP’s peak power. This helps the XP 2.0 reach its advertised maximum speed of 28mph—keep in mind that there are other bikes in its category that go much faster than this, though.
The 48V/9.6Ah li-ion battery is integrated into the bike’s center frame and produces up to 45+ miles of range in ideal circumstances. It attains a full charge from empty in 4 to 6 hours. A few real-world testers have complained, though, that this battery doesn’t deliver as much range as the XP.
Its braking power comes from its Tektro 160mm mechanical disc brakes. This new generation of Lectric e-bikes also comes with an adjustable hydraulic suspension fork in the front end to boost comfort when riding on any terrain type. Lectric has also included puncture-resistant CST 20″ × 3″ fat tires to boost the e-bike’s terrain versatility and ride smoothness.
The throttle, five levels of pedal assist, and the 7-speed shifter combine to deliver excellent performance with the least amount of effort from the rider. There’s also a large backlit LCD display in the middle of the handlebars where you can track all important metrics from your riding.
The simple three-button control panel is to the left of the handlebars, and the Shimano speed shifter is to the right.
The XP 2.0 was also designed to be optimally portable and functional. It’s a folding e-bike that doubles into itself to become about half its length. There’s a large hinge in the center of the e-bike, foldable pedals, and quick-release mechanisms to collapse the handlebars and seat tube. These combine to make this e-bike portable and easy to store in narrow spaces.
The fact that it also weighs only 64lbs makes it lighter than many other electric folding bikes (there are a few other folding bikes that are lighter, though). The XP 2.0 is designed to carry 330lbs of maximum weight and also comes standard with full fenders and a rear rack.
Considering the e-bike costs around the $1000-mark, this is a really good e-bike overall.
Pros
- Its 500W motor can output up to 850W of peak power.
- It has decent headlight and taillight fixtures for better visibility in low-light conditions.
- Adjustable front hydraulic suspension and fat CST 3-inch tires for improved ride comfort regardless of terrain
- It has 5 pedal-assist levels, a 7-speed shifter for seamless gear changes, and a throttle.
- Can carry up to 330lbs of weight.
- Large backlit LCD display.
- An efficient folding design helps it fold into half its size for easy storage.
- It’s an affordable folding e-bike option compared to options from other brands.
- It has .IP65 water and dust resistance rating
- Wider handlebars than the XP, which is great for mounting more accessories.
- The foldable mechanism allows it to be shipped fully assembled.
Cons
- There are lighter e-bike options than the XP 2.0.
- At 28mph, it’s not the fastest e-bike available.
- If you ride frequently, a charging time of up to 6 hours may not be ideal for you.
- Various ride tests have proved its 48V/9.6Ah battery not to be as efficient as the base XP’s battery.
- Absence of a locking mechanism to keep it in place when folded.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Motor | 500W Brushless Geared Rear Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 45+ Miles per Charge
- Battery | 48V, 9.6Ah Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 28 MPH
Also Related:
Best Electric Bike Under $800 – Never Over Pay for Entry Level Ebike
#2. EBE1 Electric Bike
Most cyclists that have been leaning towards purchasing e-bikes through the years have a few things in common. They love adventure, style, technologically advanced motorable options, and increased versatility.
Popular brands like Rad Power Bikes, Aventon, and Gotrax to name a few, tick off all these requirements.
However, not all these brands have such an affordable foldable e-bike that still delivers on power, speed, and comfortable style. Some foldable e-bikes will even cost you in excess of $4000. Not the Gotrax EBE1.
This foldable electric bike costs just $799 and comes with a lot of cool features including a rear air suspension. Let’s delve into some other features this e-bike has to offer.
Features of the EBE1
1) Design and Engineering
If you want to know the truth, many affordable foldable e-bikes won’t be the stallion of your dreams. They are smaller, slimmer, and simply more compact than the un-foldable options.
This is great if you don’t mind small e-bikes, which is the very definition of the EBE1 foldable e-bike. However, if you love zooming around in an e-bike that screams strong and mighty, this is not the one.
The frame measures a compact 33.9″ x 15″ x 33″ length width and height respectively. This e-bike could practically fit in your closet without causing a hassle. Which is probably a win for cyclists who prioritize storage over design.
2) Performance
When it comes to speed and functionality, this foldable e-bike sure has some cool features under all those foldable crevices.
First of all, we find that the suspension was incorporated in the rear wheel, this enhances traction for riders and helps them achieve clean, prompt, and safe stops. Additionally, the handlebar comes fully equipped with pedal assist controls.
This means you can drive faster and smarter on your own terms whenever there’s a need for a little extra boost.
Pros
- The rear suspensions are reportedly very helpful when cycling through portholes and cracked roads.
- It’s more compact and portable than RadpowerBike’s Radmini, Aventon’s Sinch, and Lectric options according to a verified user.
- The 29.5 miles per charge is relatively impressive even though it runs slower than some e-bikes.
- There’s a two-key option for the removable battery.
Cons
- As mentioned above, the speed may be about 20% less than what most riders are accustomed to with larger e-bikes.
- Some buyers were slightly disappointed that there were no integrated rear lights.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Motor | 350 Watt Motor
- Range | Up to 27.9 Miles per Charge
- Battery | 36V, 7.5aH Battery
- Speed | 15.5 MPH
Also Related:
Cheap Fat Tire Electric Bikes That are Affordable and Under $1000
#3. XP™ Step-Thru 2.0 White
The most significant difference between the XP Step-Thru 2.0 and the XP 2.0 isn’t just in their names. This one has a unique step-through design that allows shorter riders to mount, dismount, and straddle the e-bike with ease.
Like the XP 2.0, it has the standard 500W brushless geared hub motor with an 850W of maximum output, producing a max speed of 28mph. Also, according to several reviews and tests, this bike isn’t the best for climbing inclines.
On one particular test, the bike had an average speed of 10.2 mph when going up a 12-15% incline on full throttle, slowing down to under 5mph on the steepest portions of the hill. Using the fifth level of pedal assist, it achieved an average speed of 13.4mph, going just under 10mph sometimes.
There are other e-bike options better calibrated for people who frequently take hilly terrains, especially if you like to avoid pedaling altogether as often as possible.
The batteries are also the same as the XP 2.0’s. It’s a 48V/9.6Ah integrated battery with 4 to 6 hours of charge time and 45+ miles of range at the most. This battery pack would actually be considered below the current industry standard and may turn some buyers off.
The e-bike comes with 160mm mechanical disc brakes for braking power. Due to the bike’s weight, though, there’s a fair amount of skid when a rider applies the brakes at around 20mph. Some ride tests report an average braking distance of around 23 ft.
There’s a suspension seat post, an adjustable hydraulic front fork suspension system, and puncture-resistant CST fat 20″ × 3″ tires for ride comfort. The Lectric XP had 4-inch fat tires, but the 3-inch tires on this electric bike make them more versatile and nimble to ride and control on any type of surface.
This step-through bike also has a 7-speed shifter, a throttle, and 5 different levels of pedal assistance, which help riders cope with most terrains without sacrificing performance and comfort. It also has an adjustable seat post and stem, utilizing simple quick-release clamps.
Like the XP 2.0, this step-through variant has exactly the same LCD display, headlamp and tail light fittings, net weight (64lbs), and payload capacity (330lbs). The bike frame measurements are the same: 67 × 25 × 47 inches when unfolded and 37 × 18 × 28 inches when folded. The only difference here is that the folding mechanism in the center frame is a few inches lower to the ground on the XP 2.0 Step-Thru than it is on the XP 2.0.
The rear rack and fenders also come standard with this electric bike. Also, the extra accessories you can get for this bike—like the comfort package seat post, front rack, and baskets—are relatively affordable.
This is clearly not the option for the high-performance e-bike rider, but it’s a solid low-maintenance e-bike that offers good value especially considering its current price of $999 (the original price is $1099)
Pros
- Its step-through design makes this bike much easier to handle for shorter riders.
- Can climb hills of up to 15% grade.
- The presence of a hydraulic suspension front fork and seat post add to ride comfort.
- Portable when folded and easy to store away in places with less space.
- Good value for money at a price point of $999.
- Can carry 330lbs of weight and is IP65 water and dust resistant.
- A relatively affordable accessories marketplace.
Cons
- Even when folded, this e-bike weighs about 64 lbs which might be a bit heavy for the average rider.
- Its advertised range of 45 miles was barely achieved in real-world tests while set at the lowest pedal assist level.
- Its 9.6Ah battery offers less than the 10.4Ah battery on its predecessor.
- The motor gets noisy when climbing hills and can slow down to as low as 5mph depending on the hill grade.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Motor | 500W Brushless Geared Rear Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 45+ Miles per Charge
- Battery | 48V, 9.6Ah Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 28 MPH
Also Related:
Best Electric Bikes Under $500: Who Says It Should be Expensive
Pedal Assistance
Pedal assistance is the signature advantage of most e-bikes. The power exerted from the motor makes pedaling a lot easier and relatively faster. Of course, you may have to turn it on first.
The pedal assist should feel like an extra push or support for the feet as you pedal.
Different motors guarantee various levels of motor assist, and for some foldable e-bikes, there may not be many options to choose from. This means there’ll be more reliance on the throttle for extra speed.
Are Folding Bikes Good for Long Rides?
In most cases, foldable e-bikes are more suitable for shorter rides, however, they have the capacity to go the extra mile. They are still quite practical and, depending on the range and gear speeds, you’ll probably still enjoy a good tour around the city.
Best Folding Electric Bike Under $1000
There are quite a good number of options to choose from when thinking of reliable electric folding bikes. However, for a budget option, the list is more streamlined because some cheaper options may compromise on quality.
However, we found that the Nakto 250W, though small and slender, really offers impressive features for such an affordable price. The large comfortable seat is a plus.
Additionally, the powerful motor and reliable battery make it an excellent option for riders that want a quality budget, foldable, and highly compact e-bike with a rack, good mileage, and suitable pedal assist.
Choosing the right electric bike under $1000 that yet still needs to be foldable can feel a little intimidating, especially considering that many folding e-bikes are way expensive.
Typically, getting a folding e-bike means shelling out a pretty penny, which is a real concern for those on a budget.
The high cost is also a real concern for beginners since they don’t want to pick an expensive model without knowing what is at stake.
However, with the growing demand for convenient mobility, many e-bike manufacturers are now producing more affordable folding electric bikes under $1000 that weren’t available years ago.
Here Is My List Of The Top Cheap Folding Electric Bikes That Don’t Break The Bank.
How Low Can The Price Of A Foldable E-Bike Go?
First, understand that you get what you pay for, and in most cases, low prices mean quality issues.
However though, when it comes to electric bikes, “cheap” is quite a relative measure.
Typically, a decent foldable e-bike can cost over $2,500.
However, there’re some excellent folding electric bikes under $1000 available if your budget doesn’t stretch that far.
Most affordable folding e-bikes tend to be hybrids- these are bikes designed for everyday commuting and casual riding instead of a specific task like rugged, off-road terrain.
Generally, most of the affordable folding bikes are within the $500 and $1,000 range.
Of course, there’re some lesser expensive models such as Bestkucky Mini Electric Bike, Kepteen 350W Electric Bike, or TrekPower Folding Electric Bike.
But remember, we’re also looking at other elements such as practicality, ease of use, mileage, etc.
Yes, some of the mentioned cheap folding electric bikes models go as low as $300, but you’ll soon realize they’re not reliable, and can’t even handle the slightest of the rugged terrains.
On the other hand, affordable folding electric bike models under $1000 but within a $500 to $1,000 range strike a balance between cost and functionality.
Most of them have a motor rating from an upward of 250W, so they’re quite reliable even in the tough terrains, and will give you plenty of miles.
They also won’t disappoint you with their build quality or aren’t plagued by dodgy electronics.
For most models at this range, expect some common characteristics in their componentry such as:
1) Hub Motor
Many of the best folding electric bikes under $1000 use original industry standard and affordable hub motors instead of mid-drive motors.
Unlike the mid-drive, the hub motors don’t allow natural maneuverability because they concentrate their weight on the front or the rear.
Also Related:
Electric Bike Hub Motor VS Mid Drive Motor – Which One to Pick?
2) Cheaper Components
Folding electric bikes under $1,000 normally have cheaper design componentry.
But this doesn’t mean you’ll be riding around on a rattling tin can.
It just means the manufacturer puts the money where it matters most.
3) Range and Battery Integration
Most of the budget-friendly folding electric bikes don’t hide their batteries with much elegance; instead, the battery sticks out at the top of the down tube, easily noticeable.
The range is also somewhat limited; most of them have a pedal-assisted range of 30 to 40 miles, but some might reach 50 miles (80 km).
What to Search for in a Good Folding Electric Bike Under $1000?
There is a diverse range of affordable folding electric bike available in the market suiting your different needs. The best way to determine which ones best for you is to balance the features that are extremely important to you according to your usage (listed below) with the budget in hand.
Battery
One of the most important factors to consider before buying an folding e-bike is the runtime since it determines the amount of time you can use the powered product for. The greater the battery life- the further you will be able to ride the electric bike (range).
Since battery capacities drain over time), it is better to invest in batteries from reputable companies with warranties; prolonging their usage.
Range
The range of your folding electric bike is dependent on the amount of assistance needed and the terrain that is being ridden hence, it is crucial to choose a bike that offers enough range to help you reach your preferred destination. Most e-bikes offer a range between 20 miles and a little over 200 miles for the high end ones.
Speed
For regular usage a folding electric bike with a speed of 20mph is ideal however, it solely depends on your usage. Keep in mind that a higher speed would mean a faster battery drain.
Portability
A lightweight collapsible would be an ideal choice since it is easier to transport and store.
If you are planning to use your folding e-bike for inner-city transportation then foldable electric bikes are the way to go.
Weight
A folding e-bike weighing less 20 kg would be considered light weight making it easier to carry around and easier to navigate through pot holes and rough roads.
Durability
Budget friendly electronics can be faulty and dubious hence, it is important to buy a folding electric bike from a reliable brand to ensure the products reliability. The motor, battery and electronics in an e-bike determine the longevity of its use. E-Bikes with Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular choice as they have a longer life and generate more power than others.
However, there is no pre-defined standard that warns you whether the internal components of the folding electric bike are of high quality or not.
Also Related:
Best All Terrain Electric Bikes: Off Road Ebikes for Adventurous Riders
What Is The Best Folding Electric Bike To Buy If Your Budget Can Go a Little Further?
If a folding electric bike had all of the following features, it’d be closer to “best” than most others;
- Motor: The motor is the major determinant in an electric bike’s performance. It should feature a mid-drive motor with a power rating of 1000-watts to 750-watts with speed capped at 28mph. This will guarantee a smooth riding experience.
- Battery: Its battery should be nothing less than 48V to 64V. Most high-functioning electric bikes feature batteries from renowned manufacturers such as Samsung, LG Chem, et cetera.
- Range: The powerful motor and large-capacity battery should provide nothing less than 65 miles range per full charge.
- Brakes: The best electric bike must use the best materials in every aspect of its assembly. Hence, it should utilize more durable hydraulic brakes.
- Hardware: It should feature the best materials, hardware-wise. Steel and titanium alloys are among the best materials used for electric bikes.
- E-Systems: The best electric bike should feature cutting-edge software to manage its functions. It may have Bluetooth functionality along with an interactive TCD or LCD that allows you to switch modes, gears and lock the bike and battery.
Here is my top list if I were to have a bigger budget:
No products found.
Alternative Options We Also Like:
Nakto Electric Bike
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 250 lbs (114 kg)
- Motor | 250 Watt Brushless Motor
- Range | 16-20 Miles per Charge
- Battery | 36V, 10AH Lithium Battery
- Speed | 16-20 MPH
Learn More!
Ecotric Electric Bike
Overall Rating:
- Riders Weight Limit | 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Motor | 500 Watt Rear Hub Motor
- Range | 19-21 Miles per Charge
- Battery | 36V, 13AH Lithium Battery
- Speed | 15.5 MPH
Learn More!
#1. Nakto 250W Fashion Foldable City Electric Bike
Foldable e-bikes are one of the most sought-after electric cycle types in the industry. The reason is simple, in extremely busy and populated towns, everyone is trying to save space. This is one of the reasons the Nakto Foldable E-Bike stood out.
This e-bike is quite compact in its full form, which makes it assume an even smaller size when folded. However, the Nakto is not just ‘small’ and convenient, there are other qualities that may attract avid cyclists to its slim and classy frame.
Features of the Nakto 250W foldable electric bike
1) Motor and Power
Transitioning from a standard bike to an electric bike may seem a bit daunting for beginners. However, it just requires a little practice and some muscle memory to adapt to the pedal-assist option.
Thankfully, the Nakto’s motor which is located inside the rear wheel makes things a lot easier. As opposed to e-bikes that have the motor at the front wheel, this design allows a push-forward motion that makes it easier for new e-bike riders to adjust.
Plus, the motor can generate up to 250 watts of continuous power, backed by a reliable 10 amp-hour lithium battery. Besides, Lithium-ion batteries are known to be one of the most efficient in the industry.
They know how to hold a long charge and are equally a bit durable. It’s safe to say that until the all-new post-lithium era is actualized, lithium-ion batteries are still the top choice for manufacturers that want to stay in the electric products race.
2) Frame Geometry
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Nakto e-bike is its compact size. Of course, this may not deter fun-sized riders, but may be a downer for much taller and relatively larger users.
Although there’s no point making exaggerated promises, the seats are at least adjustable from 23” to 26” for riders who need a little bit more height for a conveniently comfortable ride.
It seems that the e-bikes frame was intentionally reduced to ensure it fits into smaller spaces and is stored easily for easy portability and mobility. The 42” long, 48” wide, and 30” high e-bike should conveniently fit in the trunk of your car, transport easily, and fit better in tighter spaces.
Pros
- The Nakto features dual V brakes on the front and rear tires for enhanced security.
- Despite its compact size, there’s still a suitable rear rack for running errands and other lightweight hauling operations.
- The e-bike’s tires are about 6” smaller than most e-bike tires which somewhat increases maneuverability in tight spaces, easy flow through traffic, and acceleration as well.
Cons
- This may not be the best e-bike to ride on rough terrains.
- The compact size allows an overall weight limit of 250 lbs, which may not favor riders on the heavy side.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 250 lbs (114 kg)
- Motor | 250 Watt Brushless Motor
- Range | 16-20 Miles per Charge
- Battery | 36V, 10AH Lithium Battery
- Speed | 16-20 MPH
#2. Ecotric 500W Dolphin Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike
For regular commuters, you’re probably already acquainted with the safety measures required for commuting to and from work or errands. However, it’s not always a walk in the park, there are real dangers to avoid. Especially if you have a hulk of an e-bike.
However, with extra compact e-bikes like the Ecotric 500W Electric Bike, there’s literally less to fear on the road. First of all, the extra slim and compact form makes it easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
It also helps cars avoid certain areas because of the possible proximity of the e-bike to tight corners. But, apart from the laudable compact form, what else is desirable about this e-bike? Let’s find out.
Features of the Ecotric Dolphin
1) Design and Engineering
This extra compact foldable electric bike stands out from the crowd with 20×4.0’ fat tires that guarantee more convenience on the road. There’s a usual trade-off with foldable e-bikes, the choice to go with small, slim tires or fat, durable, tires.
The latter ensures more ride smoothness and helps keep those vigorous hits and bumps silent. The former helps to maintain a compact form through the entire frame. However, the fat tires should tone down road impact and hold up more weight.
Additionally, there are the front and rear fenders to rave about. That extra protection from elements like stones, broken glass, dust, or mud helps immensely when you’re speeding down different terrains.
Then there’s the thoughtful step-through design that makes mounting a lot easier. It may be true that this is a relatively low and compact e-bike, yet it’s still nice to know that stepping in and out comes with no strain whatsoever.
2) Motor and controls
The 500W rear hub motor in conjunction with the 7speed derailleur promotes more throttle/speed control when riding. Plus, thanks to the Ecotric smart LED display, the controls are quite accessible.
You can keep tabs on statistics like time, distance, speed, and more while cycling long distances. Many aren’t so convinced about the braking system though, as they passed on hydraulic disc brakes and chose mechanical disc brakes instead.
Still, if it’s any consolation, at least the battery promises long runtimes and efficient pedal assist efficiency with a simple twist on the throttle.
Pros
- All potential customers are promised a free bicycle lock on every purchase of this fat tire foldable e-bike.
- The aluminum alloy frame is reportedly quite sturdy and reliable.
- Verified purchasers confirm quick delivery periods.
Cons
- The weight capacity is slightly disappointing at 200lbs.
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Motor | 500 Watt Rear Hub Motor
- Range | 19-21 Miles per Charge
- Battery | 36V, 13AH Lithium Battery
- Speed | 15.5 MPH
