Folding electric bikes: how to choose one that fits your life

Who a folding electric bike suits

A folding electric bike solves a storage problem first and a riding problem second. It makes the most sense if one of these sounds like you:

• You live in an apartment with no bike room, or up a flight of stairs.
• Your commute mixes riding with a train or bus, and you need to carry the bike part of the way.
• You want a bike in the car for trips, an RV or a boat.
• You store it at work, under a desk or in a closet.

If you have ground floor storage and ride long distances, a full-size frame usually rides better for the same money. Our guide on how to choose an electric bike covers those models.

Shop the collection: browse all our folding electric bikes, with current prices.

Folded size

Measure the space before you compare bikes. For a car, measure the trunk opening as well as the floor, because the opening is often the tighter fit. For a closet or a hallway, measure the depth too.

Then compare that with the folded size on the listing. The Phantom P14, for example, folds to 31.5 x 23.6 inches. Not every listing gives a folded size, so ask us if the one you want does not.

Folding designs differ. The Gyroor C33 folds at the frame and the handlebar stem, the Hiboy EX6F folds in three places, and the Teewing T20 uses a concealed folding joint.

Weight

A folding frame does not make an electric bike light. The motor and battery still weigh what they weigh. The Phantom P14 lists a net weight of 46.6 lb and the Gyroor C33 50 lb. The Hiboy EX6F, a folding fat tire model, weighs about 71 lb, and the ASAP Zebra lists 121.3 lbs.

• Carrying it up stairs or onto a train every day: aim for the lightest model that covers your trip.
• Lifting it into a car now and then: a heavier model with a bigger battery can work, especially if the battery comes out first.
• Storing it folded at ground level: weight matters least, so comfort and range can lead.

Wheel size

Wheel size is the biggest trade off between compact and comfortable.

• 14 inch wheels fold the smallest and keep the weight down, but you feel more of the road. The Phantom P14, Gyroor C33 and Hiboy C1 all use 14 inch wheels, with suspension to soften bumps.
• 20 inch wheels ride more like a regular bike and still fold to a reasonable size. The NANROBOT N1 20-Inch uses them, and the Hiboy EX6F, ASAP Zen and ASAP Zebra pair them with 4 inch fat tires.
• 26 inch wheels are rare on folding bikes. The ASAP Pioneer uses 26 x 4.0 inch Kenda fat tires with full suspension, for riders who want a folding bike that can leave the pavement.

Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.

Battery removal and charging

A removable battery helps twice: you can charge it indoors while the bike stays in the car or the hallway, and the bike is lighter to lift without it. The Hiboy C1 battery comes out for charging indoors, the Hiboy EX6F uses a removable 48V 14.5Ah battery, and the NANROBOT N1 a removable 48V 10.4Ah LG battery.

Look for a listed safety standard. The Phantom P14 lists UL 2849, and Gyroor lists UL 2849 for the C33 and UL 2271 for its battery. Charge with the supplied charger, on a hard surface, away from exits. Our battery care guide covers charging and storage, and the advice applies to e-bikes too.

Trains, cars and the office

• Trains and buses. Transit agencies set their own rules on folding bikes, e-bikes and batteries, and some limit them at rush hour. Check your agency rules before you rely on the train, and fold the bike before you reach the platform.
• Cars. Lay the bike flat or strap it so it cannot slide, and take the battery out if you can. Protect the paint and the trunk lining with a blanket.
• The office. A folded 14 inch model fits under many desks. Ask before you charge at work, as some buildings have battery rules.

If you ride in New York City, our NYC street legal page lists the rides in our catalog that meet the city rules.

Folding e-bikes in our catalog

• Phantom P14: a 350W motor, 14 inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear and a 265 lb maximum load.
• Gyroor C33: a 450W motor (700W peak), three riding modes, an LCD for speed and battery, and a 265 lb maximum load. A lock and a phone holder come in the box.
• Hiboy C1: a 350W motor (648W peak), front suspension and a sprung seat, with throttle and pedal assist modes.
• Hiboy EX6F: a low-step frame at 15.7 inches, 20 x 4 inch fat tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a fit for riders from 4 ft 9 in to 6 ft 5 in.
• ASAP Zen: fat tires, full suspension, torque or cadence pedal assist and a 440 lbs maximum load.
• ASAP Pioneer: a 750W motor, 26 inch fat tires, full suspension and a 300 lbs maximum load.
• ASAP Zebra: a 1000W motor, hydraulic disc brakes and dual suspension. At 121.3 lbs, it folds for storage, not for carrying.
• Teewing T20: a carbon fiber frame and fork, a 250W torque sensor motor and a Gates carbon belt drive, with a 7Ah or 9.6Ah battery.

A checklist before you buy

• A folded size that fits your trunk, closet or train rules.
• A weight you can carry wherever you need to carry it.
• A wheel size that matches your roads: 14 inch for compact, 20 inch for comfort, 26 inch for trails.
• A removable battery if you charge indoors.
• Disc brakes front and rear, and a folding latch that locks firmly.
• A class your state and city allow. Our guide to e-bike classes explains the limits.

On a budget? See our picks of the best electric bikes under $1,000, several of which fold. Browse every model in the electric bike shop. Every order ships free to the lower 48 states, and you can split the cost with Pay in 4 at 0% APR or monthly payments with Affirm.

Questions riders ask