Folding Electric Bikes

An electric folding bike is an ebike that incorporates collapsing parts—including top tube, pedals, and handlebars—so it can be folded and stored without taking up much space. You can stash folding bikes in your car trunk, closet, or even under your bed. If storage and portability is your main concern, folding bikes can’t be beat!

While there are traditional folding bikes, electric folding bikes have the added benefit of electric motors to power your ride. Electric folding bikes like our off-road-ready Jax Rev can travel up to 46 miles on a single charge, and reach speeds of 20 mph with a convenient thumb throttle and five pedal assist levels.

Folding ebikes offer easy storage and portability, ideal for urban dwellers with limited space or commuters who mix transportation modes. They also make cycling accessible to those with mobility challenges, thanks to the electric assist motor. Their compact size when folded allows easy carrying on public transport or storing in offices or apartments. This also enhances security, as they can be kept indoors, reducing risk of theft. All in all, folding ebikes combine eco-friendly transportation with practicality, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

Folding ebikes prioritize compact size, light weight, and portability over performance and comfort, so they do have a few drawbacks. The smaller wheels and shorter wheelbase can feel less stable, particularly when riding fast or on bumpy terrain. Additionally, limited space for a battery usually means a shorter range compared to larger ebikes. You'll also have less room for carrying cargo or adding accessories like racks. If performance or comfort is your main priority, you may want to consider a traditional ebike.

It varies based on the bike, but in general, folding ebikes are much lighter than normal ebikes, and slightly heavier than non-electric folding bikes. Including batteries, our Judd Rev Folding Electric Bike weighs just 42 lbs, and our off-road-friendly Jax Rev Folding Electric Bike is 63 lbs. Many folding ebikes are 70 to 80 lbs, so you’re saving big on weight when you buy retrospec!

It’s very simple to fold and unfold a folding ebike. There are three main collapsing points: the top tube folds in half, the handlebars fold down to nest parallel to the bike, and the pedals fold upwards for a compact, lightweight package. This process can be accomplished in minutes.

It varies based on the bike. Our burly Jax Rev collapses to an ultra-compact 40” x 30” x 23”, while Judd Rev is even smaller, folding down to 34” x 28” x 20”.

No, folding ebikes don't break easily. Our folding ebikes are designed with robust, TIG-welded alloy frames and burly folding mechanisms, with critical areas reinforced to withstand regular use. Like any bike, a folding ebike will require proper care and maintenance, but you won’t see any reduced durability compared to a normal bicycle or ebike.

It depends on the brand of folding ebike, and what you’re comparing it to. Here at Retrospec, our folding ebikes cost between $1,000 and $1,200. This is slightly cheaper, on average, than the majority of our traditional ebikes. On the flipside, folding ebikes will almost always be more expensive than standard folding bikes, due to the electric motor. (Our non-electric Judd Folding Bike is just $329!)

No, folding bikes aren't inherently harder to ride than normal bikes. While they may feel slightly different due to their smaller wheels and compact frames, most people adapt quickly. The key is to adjust the seat and handlebars for your size. With a folding ebike, you also have the added benefits of pedal assist and a push-to-go thumb throttle, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting the hang of things.

Folding ebikes can certainly be comfortable for long rides, but their compact nature means smaller frames and wheelbase, and less adjustability overall, so in general they won’t be as comfortable as models that are purpose-built for this, like electric city bikes and electric commuter bikes. The electric assist definitely helps reduce fatigue, but folding ebikes are best used for shorter ventures, or urban commutes with mixed transit modes (buses, trains, metro).

Yes! In addition to their portability, folding ebikes are known for being highly adjustable. Our Jax Rev and Judd Rev both have 580mm-wide handlebars with 25mm of rise, and a 350mm adjustable seatpost.

Folding ebikes are designed for easy carrying. Once folded and locked in place, you can lift them by the frame or handlebars. For longer distances or public transport, you could also consider using a carrying bag or strap for added convenience.

Locking a folding bike is essentially the same as locking a regular bike. You'll want to use a high-quality bike lock—ideally a U-lock or chain lock—to secure the frame and at least one wheel to a solid, immovable object like a bike rack or sturdy pole. If your folding bike has quick-release wheels or a seat, it's wise to secure those components with additional locks or skewers. For enhanced security, you might consider using two locks of differing types. Finally, lock your bike in a well-lit and visible area whenever possible, and avoid leaving it locked up in public places overnight.

Unlike electric city bikes, hybrid ebikes, and commuter ebikes, folding ebikes aren’t designed for performance. However, they can still reach relatively high speeds! Both our gravel-focused Jax Rev and classic Judd Rev can hit a 20 mph top speed, thanks to multiple levels of convenient pedal assist and a thumb-operated throttle. If you're looking for top speed, a traditional ebike might be a better choice. But if convenience and portability are your priorities, a folding ebike will still offer a satisfying and efficient ride.

While folding electric bikes are increasingly popular, flying with any electric bike is unfortunately off-limits. Due to safety concerns, planes do not allow lithium ion batteries on board.

Usually, yes. Unlike planes, there are typically no restrictions on lithium batteries on trains. It depends on the carrier, but on Amtrak trains, for example, any electric bicycle under 50 lbs is allowed both in checked baggage and on trains with walk-on bicycle service. Many ebikes are far heavier than 50 lbs, but Judd Rev is just 42 lbs, so you’re in the clear here! Folding ebikes under the dimensions of 34” x 15” x 48” are also permitted in lieu of a piece of carry-on luggage. However, if luggage space is limited, you may have to check your folding ebike in the baggage car.

UL 2849 and UL 2271 are electric system certifications provided by the independent safety science company UL Solutions. UL 2849 is a certification for entire ebikes. It “provides fire safety certification by examining the electrical drive train, battery, and charger system combinations in ebikes, evaluating components including the drive unit, battery, battery management system (BMS), interconnecting wiring, and power inlet.” UL 2271, meanwhile, is focused specifically on the lithium-ion batteries within the bike. All current-gen retrospec electric bikes are UL 2849 and UL 2271 certified, meaning a UL-accredited lab has tested and approved them.