In dense cities where space is tight and mobility demands flexibility, folding e-bikes have quietly become one of the most compelling transportation tools available. They combine electric assistance with portability, letting riders navigate congested streets, hop on transit, and store their bike indoors with minimal hassle. Unlike traditional e-bikes, folding models solve the perennial problem of space: they fit in closets, under desks, and even on small balconies.
The best folding e-bikes no longer feel like compromises. They balance ride quality, range, and portability, often outperforming heavier full-size e-bikes in urban agility. From featherweight minimalists to carbon-fiber showpieces, adventure-ready folders, and affordable entry-level machines, here are five folding e-bikes that push the boundaries of design, engineering, and practicality.
If the future of folding e-bikes is about less, the DAHON K-Feather is already living in it. With a weight of just 12 kilograms (26.4 lb), it’s among the lightest folding e-bikes in the world, making it easy to carry upstairs, onto transit, or into your apartment without strain.
Its electric system is almost invisible: a Samsung 24V 5Ah battery integrated within the main beam powers a 250W rear hub motor, offering pedal-assist that responds to your effort within milliseconds. This torque-sensing system ensures hills and headwinds feel manageable, without turning the ride into a robotic experience.
The K-Feather’s 16-inch aluminum wheels, paired with optimized V-brakes, make city maneuvering precise, while the patented DELTECH cable support system increases frame rigidity and reduces flex, improving stability at speed and giving it more of a real bicycle feel. Small adjustments to the handlepost and saddle height make it comfortable for riders between 4’7″ and 6’0″, while the ultra-compact fold (28.7 × 16 × 24.8 in) fits neatly under desks, in closets, or even on public transit without occupying extra space.
Other standout features
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Single-speed drivetrain with smooth pedal assistance
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Optional fenders and racks for light commuting
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Color options: Slate, Lemon, Forest, Blush
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Minimalist aesthetic, designed for maximum portability and elegance
Best for: Commuters, apartment dwellers, anyone needing super lightweight, and urban riders who want electric help without adding bulk.
Price: $1,806US
DAHON K Feather folding e-bike
2. Tern Vektron P5i / P10 — The Next-Generation Gold-Standard
This past November, Tern introduced key upgrades to the 4th generation Vektron while retaining the ride quality and portability that made it a favorite among urban cyclists.
The P5i now features a Gates belt drive paired with a Shimano Nexus hub, eliminating grease and noise for a cleaner, low-maintenance ride. The P10 retains a Shimano Deore 1×10 derailleur, offering more sporty responsiveness for agile, city-focused cycling. Both models are powered by Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motors, giving smooth, hill-ready assistance with multiple levels of power output.
Tern has also improved comfort and stability. Borrowing design principles from its HSD and GSD cargo bikes, the Vektron P5i/P10 sports a taller handlepost, swept handlebars, and adjusted center of gravity for an upright, relaxed riding position. The reinforced frame and OCL+ joints minimize flex, delivering a quiet, confident ride that belies its compact folded size.
The folding mechanism is remarkably fast: under 10 seconds to collapse into a self-locking package that rolls easily on its own wheels. This allows commuters to slide the Vektron under desks, inside office corners, or onto trains and buses.
Other standout features
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Folded dimensions suitable for tight indoor storage
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Integrated Bosch Purion display with battery and assist info
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Front and rear lighting compatible with Tern accessory kits
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Extended warranty: up to 10 years on frame components
Best for: Urban commuters, multi-modal riders, and anyone who values low-maintenance belt drive convenience with full-size ride confidence.
Price: $3,549
Tern Vektron
3. Brompton Electric G Line — The Full-Size Feel, Folded
Brompton’s Electric G Line represents a bold evolution of the classic folder. While maintaining the legendary Brompton fold, it’s designed to ride like a full-sized city e-bike.
With 20-inch wheels, a longer wheelbase, and wider handlebars, the G Line provides stability and control rarely seen in small-wheeled folders. Hydraulic disc brakes and a reinforced steel frame ensure confidence on uneven pavement, light gravel, or even city slopes. The rear-hub motor paired with a detachable front-mounted battery delivers up to 60 km of range, letting riders tackle longer commutes or weekend adventures with ease.
The bike’s four-speed derailleur allows natural cadence across varied terrain, while clever design details such as wider pedals and a comfortable ergonomic saddle make every ride smooth. Despite its larger size, the fold remains compact enough for transit or home storage.
Other standout features
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Hydraulic disc brakes for precise stopping power
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Longer wheelbase improves comfort at higher speeds
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Removable battery for easy charging and travel
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Built-in Brompton accessories compatibility for racks, fenders, and bags
Best for: Riders who want Brompton’s signature fold but crave the stability, range, and comfort of a larger e-bike.
Price: $4,950
Brompton is set to transform the cycling landscape with its new G Line, an innovative folding bike featuring 20-inch wheels
4. CARBO Model X / Model S — The Ultra-Light Carbon Commuter
Montreal-based CARBO brings carbon-fiber engineering and minimalism to urban e-bike commuting. At just 13 kg, CARBO is extraordinarily light for an electric folding bike, but maintains a ride feel indistinguishable from a traditional bike.
The seatpost-mounted battery keeps the weight low and centered, giving precise handling and effortless maneuverability. Riders can choose between the belt-driven Model X for quiet, clean commuting or the chain-driven Model S with multiple speeds for varied urban or light trail terrain. Both fold quickly using a magnet-assisted lock, compact enough for closets, small apartments, or office storage.
Price: $969CAD
Carbo folding e-bike
Other standout features
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Carbon monocoque frame using EPS molding for optimized strength-to-weight
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Balloon-style Schwalbe tires for natural suspension and vibration absorption
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Hydraulic disc brakes for all-weather reliability
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Quick-release, upgradable components for effortless maintenance
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EN 15194 and UL 2849 certified for safety and performance
Best for: Commuters and city riders who want a premium, lightweight, and low-maintenance e-bike that still folds down for convenience.
5. Lectric XP Lite 2.0 — The Best Budget Folding E-Bike
For riders looking for a low-cost yet capable folding e-bike, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 delivers a surprising amount of performance and versatility for under $1,000 USD.
Built on a forged-aluminum frame, the XP Lite 2.0 features 20-inch wheels with 2.5-inch-wide tires, giving a stable ride across city streets and light gravel. The integrated 672 Wh battery powers a 300W hub motor, with peak power reaching 819 W, delivering up to 80 miles of range depending on riding style and assist level. A single-speed drivetrainminimizes maintenance, while a throttle allows for pedal-free riding when needed.
The fold is straightforward and compact (36 × 16 × 27 in), making it manageable for indoor storage, though at 49 lb, it’s heavier than premium lightweight folders. The XP Lite 2.0 also includes integrated lights, a color LCD display, and Class 2 pedal-assist (20 mph max), balancing safety, convenience, and affordability.
Lectric XP LIte 2.0 in blue
Other standout features
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Industrial-styled frame for rugged city commuting
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Large color LCD screen for battery, speed, and assist info
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Optional higher-tier models (XP4) offer more gears and power
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Quick folding system for apartments or small offices
Best for: Budget-conscious riders, first-time e-bike owners, or anyone who wants a reliable folding e-bike for city commuting without breaking the bank.
Price: $999