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In today’s increasingly multi-modal world, folding bikes have cemented their place as a smart, space-saving solution for urban commuters, frequent travelers, and anyone navigating tight living quarters. Their roots stretch back to the early 1900s, when early models were used by military forces for tactical mobility. Since then, these compact machines have undergone a dramatic evolution—from utilitarian tools to thoughtfully engineered bikes designed for everyday life.
Modern folding bikes offer a practical and efficient way to integrate cycling into daily routines without the challenges of storing or transporting a full-sized frame. Their portability makes them ideal for combining with public transit, stowing in small apartments, or fitting into office spaces. While they may sacrifice some of the performance of a traditional rigid-frame bike, they more than make up for it in versatility. For the urban rider, a folding bike isn’t just a convenience—it’s an essential tool for navigating city life.
The Best Folding Bikes
- Best Overall: Brompton C Line Explore
- Affordable and Convenient: Dahon Mu D8
- Best Lightweight: Zizzo Liberté Folding Bike
- Best Folding E-Bike: Tern Vektron S10
- Best Budget Folding E-Bike: Lectric XP 3.0
How We Selected The Best Folding Bikes
At Bicycling, riding isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. We ride to train, race, commute, run errands, blow off steam, hang with friends, and find just about any excuse (some more reasonable than others) to throw a leg over a bike. If there’s a way to squeeze a ride into our day, you better believe we’ve found it.
That’s why we love folding bikes. They let us ride in situations where a full-sized bike just won’t cut it. Our team has been using them for decades—for everything from last-mile commutes when visiting our New York City office to cruising through vacation towns. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of folding bike innovations come and go. We know what’s smart engineering—and what’s just a gimmick.
For this list, we selected folding bikes based on firsthand experience: folding and unfolding them, dashing on and off public transit, carrying them through crowded streets, and stashing them under desks or in tight apartment closets. We evaluated each model for value, component quality, and how it compares to others we've tested. These are the best folding bikes you can buy right now.
Our Folding Bike Reviews
Pros
- Easier to carry
Cons
- Bare bones
Key Specs
| Weight | 23 lb |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 27 x 31 x 12.5 in. |
At 23 pounds, the Zizzo Liberté is the lightest bike we recommend, making it an ideal option for anyone who want to solve that “last-mile problem” on their commute by riding to work from their bus or train stop. The lighter load also makes it easy to store in tight spaces, and for apartment dwellers to carry up stairs.
With a sturdy aluminum frame and reliable components, the Zizzo Liberté offers a perfect blend of affordability, weight, and convenience for riders in search of a budget-friendly lightweight folding bike. It features an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain for smooth gear shifting and the ability to tackle various terrains with ease. The 20-inch wheels provide a maneuverable ride while the quick and simple folding mechanism is designed for seamless transitions between cycling, carrying, and storing.
Pros
- 8-speed drivetrain
- Light enough to easily carry through public transit
Cons
- Max rider weight is only 230 lb.
| Weight | 26 lb. |
|---|---|
| Folded Size | 32 x 15 x 27 in. |
There are lots of reasons why this popular Dahon folder deserves your attention—the aluminum-frame bike has brand-name parts, a quick-folding design, and everything you need for a convenient commute, like fenders and a rear rack.
The bike’s drivetrain is a mix of Suntour and SRAM parts, and its 8-speed gearing is more than capable of tackling urban climbs. Thick, 1.75-inch-wide tires on 20-inch wheels are burly enough for city riding.
Pros
- Rear rack that can carry a passenger
Cons
- Pretty heavy to carry
| Weight | 64 lb. |
|---|---|
| Folded Dimensions | 37 x 18 x 28 in. |
If you're dreaming of a folding e-bike but the Vektron S10 is out of your budget, consider the Lectric XP 3.0. It offers many of the same features for less than half the price. The 4-inch-wide knobby tires provide stability and perform well on both rough city streets and cinder trails, while the 80mm suspension fork adds extra comfort. We also appreciate the integrated front and rear lights. Though it’s not a cargo bike, the rear rack is very sturdy, supporting up to 150 pounds. Add the optional Passenger Package (sold separately), and a friend can ride along with you. However, keep in mind that the motor will struggle if you max out the bike's 330-pound payload capacity on hilly terrain.
The 500W motor offers five levels of assist, with a top speed of 28 miles per hour, and the half-twist throttle lets you cruise at 20 miles per hour without pedaling. The claimed range of 45 miles is respectable, and for an extra $140, you can purchase your bike with a long-range battery that adds another 20 miles. While most of the bike's components are on the lower end and may feel cheap, the brakes stand out. Lectric deserves credit for outfitting the XP 3.0 with hydraulic disc brakes and large 180mm rotors front and rear. Although it isn't as refined as the more expensive bikes on this list, the XP 3.0 is a compelling opion for those looking for a folding e-bike without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Folds smaller than any other folding bike
- Plenty of options to customize yours
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 27 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 25 x 23 x 11 in. |
Brompton bikes are highly coveted for their overall high quality, and because they pack down really small—so small you can commute to and from the airport and wedge one into the overhead compartment for a long-distance, car-free commute. The brand offers a variety of drivetrain setups, color schemes, handlebar shapes—and a full lineup of luggage systems.
The popular C Line Explore stands out thanks to its six-speed drivetrain and U-shaped handlebar, which puts the rider in a comfortable, upright position. The steel frame is hand-brazed and ready to ride in wet weather with full-coverage fenders. Plus, all Bromptons are assembled at the brand’s London factory.
READ BROMPTON C LINE EXPLORE REVIEW
Pros
- Responsive, powerful motor
- Total payload capacity of 275 lb.
- Adjustable fit accommodates riders 4 ft 10 in. to 6 ft 5 in.
Cons
- Triple the price of many other options in this list
Key Specs
| Weight | 49 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 16 × 34 × 27 in. |
The Tern Vektron S10 is an all-around awesome, capable bike. With its Bosch Performance motor, you will glide up steep hills with a rack load of groceries or a small child - the rear rack can fit a Thule Yepp Maxi or Dash RM child seat without any adapters - and barely break a sweat. You can easily switch between riding modes, track your speed and monitor battery level with its Purion onboard computer.
The durable Shimano Deore Shadow+ rear derailleur ensures a smooth ride, while the Bosch PowerPack 400 long-range battery will give you the freedom to explore for up to 68 miles on the lowest assistance level. The reliable Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes let you control your speed with confidence. And with 360-degree battery powered lighting and built-in reflectivity, you'll feel confident riding anytime, anywhere. The Vektron S10 packs the power and functionality of a full-sized e-bike into a small-enough package that's easy to live with if storage space is tight. But at 49 pounds, it's a bit hefty to lug in and out of busses and trains.
Pros
- Single size with adjustable fit accommodates riders 4 ft 8 in. to 6 ft 3 in.
- Rack and fenders included
Cons
- A little on the heavy side
Key Specs
| Weight | 28 lb |
|---|---|
| Folded dimensions | 16 x 32 x 29 in. |
You get your money’s worth with the Tern Link C8. For less than $900, this aluminum, 8-speed folding bike features lots of smart details that add to its functionality and durability. Shimano rim brakes and twist-operated shifters hold up against the daily knocks and bangs your bike might take getting off the subway or into your trunk, and its included fenders keep you dry on rainy commutes.
Attach a basket to the rear rack for extra carrying capacity. And if your roommate, significant other, or little nephew wants to borrow it, they totally can—the saddle height and handlebar angle adjust to fit riders as short as four-foot-eight to as tall as six-foot-three.
Pros
- Range of up to 70 miles
- Includes lots of extras like fenders, rack, and lights
Cons
- Rear rack only rated to carry 60 pounds
| Weight | 61 lb. |
|---|---|
| Folded Size | 36 x 21 x 29 in. |
Thanks to a 500-watt rear hub motor and folding mechanisms in the downtube and stem, the Vika Flex goes fast, folds fast, and stows well. Its 614Wh battery delivers up to 70 miles of range, and a throttle provides on-demand blasts of oomph—helpful on steep climbs or when leaving stop lights.
It comes with a seven-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain, a rear rack rated to carry up to 60, integrated LED lights with brake indicator and turn signals, a bell cleverly integrated into the left brake lever, front and rear fenders, ergonomic grips, and 2.4-inch tires. And the new version uses hydraulic disc brakes, an upgrade over the previous version’s rim brakes.
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Folding Bike
Pros
- Big tires are good on a wide variety of terrain
Cons
- Not as compact as other folding bikes
Key Specs
| Weight | 62.5 lb (with battery) |
|---|---|
| Folded Dimensions | 29 x 25 x 41 in. |
There’s a lot to take in with the RadExpand 5. It’s an electric-assist bike, a cargo bike, and a folding bike—with 4-inch-wide tires that would make a Lunar Rover jealous. The RadExpand has something for everyone. City riders will appreciate how easily the fat tires roll over potholes and other road imperfections. Its rear rack is capable of hauling quite a bit of cargo, and the full bike has a load capacity of 275 pounds.
This is a perfect bike for anyone who wants in on the e-bike action but has limited storage space. It’s also a great pick for RVers who want a way to zip around the campsite or take a quick trip into town. This Class 2 e-bike top outs at 20 mph, with both pedal assist and a throttle.
READ RAD EXPAND 5 REVIEW
Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer.
