E-Bike Folding bike

Buying advice for: City / Urban: Folding bike

• Frame material

  Aluminium is the most commonly used frame material for folding e-bikes. It is lightweight, robust and corrosion resistant, making it ideal for use in a variety of environments. Aluminium frames are often a good choice for folding bikes as they offer a balanced combination of strength and weight while being relatively affordable. Steel frames are also an option for e-bike folding bikes. Steel is known for its durability and strength and can provide a smooth ride as it is good at absorbing vibrations from the road. However, steel frames are often heavier than aluminium frames and can therefore increase the overall weight of the bike

• Suspension

  The suspension of an e-bike folding bike, also known as the suspension system, is crucial for the rider's comfort and control while riding, especially when the bike is used on uneven terrain or in urban environments. Many folding bikes have a suspension fork at the front to absorb shocks and vibrations from the road or terrain. Some more advanced folding bikes also have rear suspension to provide additional comfort and control, especially when travelling over rough terrain or uneven roads. Some folding bikes are designed to allow a more upright riding position, which can improve comfort for the rider, while others are designed more for speed and efficiency.

• Wheels

  The size of the wheels on e-bike folding bikes can vary, with the most common sizes being 20 inches or 16 inches. The choice of wheel size can affect the manoeuvrability, handling and portability of the folding bike. Smaller wheels tend to make the bike more compact and easier to fold and carry, while larger wheels may offer better riding dynamics. Rims should be robust and strong to cope with the demands of cycling, especially on an e-bike which may be carrying extra weight from the motor and battery. Therefore, aluminium alloys are a popular choice. High quality spokes also play an important role in ensuring the strength and stiffness of the wheels. A sufficient number of spokes and their arrangement contribute to the stability of the wheels.

• Tyres

  The tyre size often depends on the wheel size of the folding bike. The most common sizes for folding bikes are 16-inch and 20-inch tyres. It is important to choose tyres that are suitable for the specific wheel size to ensure optimum fit and performance. The tread pattern of the tyres can also vary depending on the area of use of the folding bike. For use in the city or on asphalt roads, smooth or slightly profiled tyres with low rolling resistance may be preferred. For riding on unpaved roads or uneven terrain, tyres with a coarser tread can provide more traction and stability. For more comfort, wide tyres are ideal for the folding e-bike. Narrower tyres, on the other hand, are usually more efficient on smooth surfaces.

• Brakes

  Disc brakes offer excellent braking performance and are therefore widely used on e-bikes. Disc brakes are also ideal for e-bike folding bikes. They generally offer consistent braking performance and are also effective in wet conditions. Rim brakes are a more traditional type of brake in which the brake pads are attached to special brake blocks on the wheel rims. These brakes are simpler and less expensive than disc brakes, but may not offer the same braking performance and are more susceptible to wear in wet conditions. Some e-bike folding bikes have a hub gear with a coaster brake. Coaster brakes are easy to use and require no additional levers, but usually do not offer the same braking performance as disc or rim brakes.

• Battery motor

  Folding e-bike is equipped with a powerful motor that can provide a typical output of 250 to 750 watts, depending on the model type. These motors are specially designed for use on compact and foldable bikes and provide adequate support and acceleration for riding in urban environments or for transport on public transport. Together with a robust battery, they provide a reliable power supply for daily rides and short excursions.