Compact and Foldable Electric Bicycles

Foldable electric bikes are great because they’re practical. They complement the lives of people with limited storage space; those living in apartments or condos without a garage, for instance. Professionals in urban areas don’t have to leave their bike locked outside, but can carry it up to the office where they’ll be sure it’s safe and sound. They travel well too, eliminating the need for a bike rack on your car.

And as their popularity has grown, so too have the number of options available to consumers. You don’t have to settle for a tiny-wheeled, sit-down scooter-looking bike anymore because styles now run the gamut. Full-size, midsize, compact, there’s something out there to fit just about any need and taste.

We combed through the current market and selected 10 of our favorites, ranging from full-size to compact at a range of prices to fit any budget.

The full-size Prodeco Phantom X2 is fairly easy on the wallet and has a neat and tidy design. The 36-volt battery is housed within the rear rack, leaving the main frame looking like any other pedal-powered bicycle. It can run up to 35 miles on a charge and the 500-watt motor provides enough torque to allow riders to take this one out for some light off-roading. This eight-speed bike has RockShox front suspension, SRAM hydraulic disc brakes, Continental Traffic tires, and weighs out at 54 pounds.

Designers of the X-Treme Baja 48 Volt Folding Electric Mountain Bike were clever, integrating the removable 48-volt battery into the main frame and making it easily accessible when the bike is folded. The frame, handlebars, wheels, seat post, front sprocket, and pedals are all aluminum and you get front and rear suspension. It comes with nine gears and Tektro disc brakes as well. Plus, there are creature comforts like a cupholder, LCD instrument panel with USB port, variable-speed thumb throttle, aluminum rear rack, and a headlight.

The Gocycles GX is aimed more toward commuters than the first few full-size bikes we’ve selected. It’s a light 39.2 pounds without the kickstand, and designed with a sleek, clean aesthetic. All cables are routed through the aluminum frame, and the battery is housed within the frame as well. It’s got some light Gocycle suspension front and rear, hydraulic front and rear brakes, and multiple ride modes that can be controlled through the GocycleConnect app. It folds up fast into a compact package and is capable of a decent 40-mile range per charge.

Another full-size option is the Montague E-Crosstown. This bike is hardly recognizable as an electric thanks to the use of the Superpedestrian Copenhagen Wheel, which integrates both the motor and battery in the big red disc at the back. It leaves all other elements of the bike looking just as any regular pedal bicycle, and Montague even includes a standard rear wheel at purchase if you decide you want to ride analog. There are three frame sizes to choose from, seven gears, and Tektro brakes. When riding with the Copenhagen Wheel, you can manage ride modes and monitor battery levels with a smartphone app. The app even allows you to lock your bike while away for added peace of mind.

We included the Rad Power RadMini in our recent rundown of 10 mini electric bikes and it makes the cut here as well for its compact footprint while folded. The stout aluminum frame and wide Kenda tires make the RadMini a robust option, adjustable front suspension gives you options for different terrain, and a full LCD display lets you keep tabs on the bike's vitals. There are a lot of refinements throughout this bike, making its $1,499 MSRP a pretty compelling value. The only downside is that for a mini, it's somewhat beefy at 67 pounds. If you don't mind hefting the extra weight, you'll have a feature-rich and thoroughly polished bike to enjoy.

The GreenBike City Premium HD is another compact option that checks all the boxes. It’s got an aluminum alloy frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and Kenda tires. The 48-volt battery provides decent range and a charge time of 5.5 hours will have you fully juiced by the end of a work day. It’s also got a thumb throttle, LCD display, multiple ride modes, and a small footprint when folded up for storage. The 55-pound weight may be a little heavy for some, but it’s priced competitively and will be a solid choice if you don’t mind that bit of extra weight.

For a really lightweight option, the FuroSystems Furo X is a great choice. The all carbon frame puts this bike at 33 pounds total, making it a much easier carry after a commute. It’s top speed leaves a little to be desired, but it’s range is comparable to others we’ve selected. Plus, other creature comforts like a 5-volt USB port, five pedal assist levels, Shimano derailleur and brakes, and a roster of available accessory upgrades make this a compelling choice for riders in congested urban areas.

Enzo eBike’s Folding Electric Bicycle is the complete package. It’s got an aluminum frame, handlebar, and stem along with cast magnesium wheels. It’s packing seven speeds and has lots of accessories available including tool kits, phone holders, mud flaps, front suspension, and much more. It also has an LCD display and impressive 2.5 hour charge time. That’s not a bad deal for a sub-$2,000 bike, especially one that will get you up to 50 miles on a charge.

The G550 has everything you need in a folding electric bike. It's got a respectable range, middling overall weight, seven speeds, disc brakes, two charging options (on bike or with the battery removed), front and rear suspension, an LED headlight, and a horn. It's a solid option, especially considering the bike is often offered at a reduced price, making it a great choice for riders new to electric bikes who aren't looking to spend a fortune.

And finally, the Swagtron EB5 Pro City & Campus Folding eBike. This is by far the best deal of our selections, and the ideal choice for a rider unsure whether electric bikes are the right choice. It's a no-frills bicycle, the battery isn't removable, it's got smallish 14-inch wheels, doesn't have gears or suspension. But if you're making quick trips around town or jamming across campus from class to class, the EB5 may be a perfect fit. It folds up small and is one of the lightest of our top 10, so will fit perfectly inside an apartment or dorm room.