A folding e-bike is a smart buy. Such transport is characterized by portability, low price, and at the same time, it is not inferior to cars and regular commuter transport. If you intend to buy a folding e-bike, you should pay attention to how good is the folding ability of the bike. However, this is just one of a huge list of selection criteria. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose an electric folding bike.
What should I look for in a folding e-bike?
Folding mechanisms should be easy to fold when needed and not too heavy. When folded, your vehicle should be compact and roomy. Above all, a folding e-bike should fully meet your goals. To achieve this, you should take a good look at the main and additional criteria.
Varieties of Folding Electric Bikes
There are several types of folding e-bikes depending on your travel goals. If, for example, you want to buy a bike for regular trips to work, then the best solution for you is a commuter bike. This transport is the best way to ride on the roads in urban traffic.
If you do not have enough space to store your folding e-bike, you should choose a mini bike. This transport is compact enough and will not take up much space in the room. Elements such as wheels and frames, usually have less, which also has a positive effect on the weight and size of the products.
If you do not know exactly what terrain will move, or you often move from place to place, then it makes sense to consider the option of an electric mountain bike. These models are designed for use both on level roads and off-road. Electric mountain bikes are the third most popular. The range of mountain bikes from manufacturers is very large, so you will be able to choose from them.
In addition, differentiate folding e-bikes with fat tires, which are necessary for use on difficult terrain. Such tires are characterized by the ability to resist, which makes them not so effective on other types of ground.
Pedal or throttle assist
As you know, e-bikes can be pedal- or throttle-assisted. If your folding bike is equipped with pedal assist, it requires effort in the form of pedaling by the cyclist to ride. This is necessary to power the engine. Throttle-assisted e-bikes function by operating the motor to spin the wheel while the throttle is depressed. These models of folding e-bikes do not require pedaling. This option is very good if you just want to enjoy the ride without any extra effort.
The advantage of pedal-assist e-bikes is the huge health benefits. When you pedal on your folding bike, it gives you exercise, keeps you toned, and ensures good fitness. You have full control over the level of motor assistance on your bike’s LCD display. This helps to increase your range of travel because you can choose a more appropriate setting when power is not important to you.
Pedal assist e-bikes adapt the degree of assistance given how hard you pedal. If you’re pedaling hard at high speeds, the motor will give you more power. If you pedal slowly, the motor’s power will be noticeably less. This increases the range you get from the battery and a smoother ride is achieved.
Folding bikes with pedal assist are equipped with torque sensors or cadence sensors. The first option will cost more, but it is more responsive to exactly how you pedal, ensuring a smoother ride. The second option is worth choosing if you plan to ride at a constant speed. If you are in doubt about which folding bike to choose: one with a torque sensor or a cadence sensor, then you can buy a hybrid.
Motor type
There are three types of motors: front hub, rear hub, and mid-drive. Front hub motors are located on the front wheel and function so that it pushes you forward when you step on the gas. It’s worth considering that this greatly increases the entire front end of the folding e-bike. The upside is the easy installation, which makes their price more attractive. The motor located on the front wheel is not usually found on pedal-powered electric bikes.
The rear hub motor is located on the back wheel and encourages it to spin faster. They increase the weight of the rear end of the folding e-bike, which is more natural and familiar to us. Such motors are used on e-bikes with pedal or throttle assist.
Mid-drive motors can be found on pedal-assist folding bikes. They are preferred by cyclists because they offer a significant advantage. With the motor positioned in the middle, the weight is distributed more evenly. This means that pedaling and cornering will be more natural.
Front and rear hub motors are equipped with a gearbox or direct drive. The first option is noisy, but it is more effective because it generates torque at low speeds. This makes it easier to turn the wheel through the motor. It also suggests that they have better range and lightness.
Direct-motor hubs are quiet in operation, but they show poor efficiency, especially at low speeds. They are also considerably lighter in weight.
Motor power
Another important criterion to consider when choosing a folding e-bike is engine power. This element of the folding e-bike can be up to 750 watts, but the maximum values depend on the legislation of the area in which you live.
A high-wattage motor will allow you to accelerate your folding e-bike easily and without problems, but at the same time, the range will be reduced because you will need more power from the battery.
When choosing the best power, it is worth paying attention to the distance you plan to cover on your folding bike. The terrain is also important. If you do not need an e-bike for long rides, but your terrain is hilly, then you should prefer a more powerful motor.
You should take into account the fact that most e-bikes are limited in speed. So even with a powerful motor, there is no way you can ride at high speeds.
Battery range
Before you buy an e-bike, you should familiarize yourself with the range of a particular model. It should be greater than the distance you plan to cover. This will prevent the battery from running out while riding. Also, many manufacturers specify a range under good operating conditions, so the actual range you can hope for will be lower.
Some bike manufacturers offer batteries with more range at an additional cost. This is something you should pay special attention to if you need a folding bike for long range.
Battery location
The location of the battery on a folding bike undoubtedly affects its functionality. On folding bike models, the battery is either located above the rear wheel or on the main frame.
If the battery is located above the rear wheel, it makes it much easier to remove it, but at the same time seriously affects the weight of the bike.
The location on the frame balances out the weight, resulting in a more controllable bike. However, removing and installing the battery can be somewhat difficult.
Battery replacement cost
Folding electric bike batteries are of excellent quality. However, they still have to be replaced every few years. This is probably one of the biggest costs of maintaining a bike.
On average, it will cost you about $300 to $800 to replace the battery.
How to choose an electric folding bike? Other criteria for choosing folding e-bikes:
In addition to the above factors, you should also pay attention to the following points:
Bike weight
Folding e-bikes have a much lower weight limit than other models. Accordingly, the weight of your luggage may be more than you bargained for. It is important to clarify this point before buying a bike.
In addition, you should pay attention to the actual weight of the product and consider whether it will be heavy for you or not. If lightness is crucial for you, then you should choose a mini folding bike.
Storage
Think carefully about the future place where your bike will be stored. Because you want to buy a folding bike, you most likely do not have a lot of space.
Before you pay for the purchase, it is worth looking at the dimensions of the product when folded to make sure that it will fit where you need it.
Also, think about the safety of the space in which you will be storing your bike. If it is not secure and you will be storing your bike in a garage or yard, for example, then it makes sense to choose from budget options. In the case of that, you will not be too upset and it is easy to replace your bike with a new one.
Test ride
If you have never ridden a folding electric bike in your life, you should test it before you buy it. To do this, try it out in the store to make sure you like it.
Pricing policy
Of course, any buyer pays attention to the price of the product when buying. If your folding electric bike consists of many features, then the high price is justified. Think about the features and functions you need.
If you want your ride to be as rewarding and safe as possible, you need to know what speed figures, battery life, and automatic detection can provide. Either way, having all these options will result in a higher price tag.
The cost-to-quality ratio largely determines the practicality and usefulness of the electric bike’s features. If the criterion of bike aesthetics is important to you, this is also of great importance. The value of the purchase also depends on how much it satisfies your needs. Even if your bike is not in the high-end segment in terms of price, it may also be the best solution for you.
In addition, you should also pay attention to good warranty terms from the manufacturer. If the bike comes with a 2-3 year warranty, it is definitely a good option.
Once you know exactly what type of folding electric bike you need, you will automatically narrow down your options without much effort. Although folding e-bikes are not as expensive as other types of e-bikes, many of them are expensive. Be sure of what you need, because the electric bike you buy will have to be ridden for a long time.
FAQ
What are the advantages of a folding bike?
Folding e-bikes have undeniable advantages:
– it’s a great way to get to work;
– saving money, because you do not need to spend money on gasoline and to pay for transportation;
– easy storage due to compactness;
– folding mechanisms quickly assembled and disassembled.
And of course, like any other bicycle, the folding version allows you the opportunity to keep yourself in great physical shape.
In this article, you will find out more about the best folding electric bikes.
What is a Class 1 electric bike?
Class 1 e-bikes are models that operate using a pedal-assist system only without a throttle.
Which folding e-bike has the longest range?
Folding electric bikes are just as good for long rides as conventional bikes. The Rad Power Bikes Rad Mini 4 and the Fiido D11 folding e-bike have proven themselves in practice.