These convenient and compact bikes make travel, commuting, and life much easier.
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In today's multi-modal world, folding bikes have become the go-to choice for city slickers, frequent flyers, and anyone tight on space. But did you know these handy bikes have been around since the early 1900s? Yup, they've evolved from clunky military contraptions to sleek, space-saving marvels for the everyday commuter.
Today, these versatile bicycles offer a convenient option for individuals seeking to integrate cycling into their daily routines without the hassle of storing a full-sized bike. Their compact designs enable riders to easily combine cycling with public transportation, and discreetly store their bikes indoors. Sure, you'll sacrifice some performance compared to a traditional bike with a solid frame, but they more than make up for that with enormous flexibility. Whether hopping on the subway or squeezing into a tiny apartment, a folding bike is practical, it's convenient, and it's stylish—it's the ultimate urban accessory.
The bikes in this guide cost anywhere from $430 to $3,699. Their prices vary based on their build quality, size and functionality, as well as additional features like electric assistance and cargo space. There are lots of options, so consider your specific needs and prioritize your preferences. There are folding versions of almost every type of bike, from lightweight singlespeeds, to fat bikes and cruisers, and plenty of e-bikes.
Wheels for Road or Trail
Look at wheel size to help determine which folding bike is best for you. The smaller the wheel, the smaller your bike will fold. Keep in mind, though, that larger wheels will handle uneven terrain better.
Many folding bikes feature 20-inch wheels to ensure they fold down to a manageable size and stay relatively light when commuting or traveling on public transport. If you plan on riding longer distances, 700c wheels will offer a smooth ride and maximize your pedaling input.
Alternatively, folding e-bikes offer pedal-assist to save energy and ensure you don’t show up to work with sweaty clothes. On the other hand, the battery and extra tech will make any folding e-bike substantially larger and heavier.
If you plan to ride off paved paths, then a folding fat bike with 4-inch tires can smooth out a bumpy trail.
Size, Weight, and Folding Mechanism
Most folding bikes have a “one size fits all” design with lots of built-in adjustability. A highly versatile model might even be suitable for more than one family member.
The bikes we selected range from 23 to 74 pounds. Super light models like the Zizzo Liberté are designed to fold for easier carrying and transport, and weigh much less than folding cargo bikes like the Tern Vektron S10, which has an integrated motor and cargo rack that adds weight.
A folding bike’s overall weight will typically decrease when it’s composed of higher-quality parts and lighter frame materials, such as carbon fiber and titanium. Of course, these lighter materials also make a bike much more expensive. If you climb stairs more often than you climb hills, going for a model with fewer gears or even a single-speed bike can also trim weight.
More importantly, don’t confuse a folding bike with a ‘travel bike.’ While a folding bike can absolutely be your travel bike, the term travel bike typically describes bicycles with full-size frames that are able to be disassembled into smaller pieces. This allows riders to pack a full-size bike into a case that is under the TSA size limit for oversized luggage.
Unlike folding bikes, which are designed to pack up or expand quickly on the fly, you usually need tools to assemble and disassemble a travel bike, and the process can take quite a bit of time depending on your skill as a mechanic.
Consider where you expect to carry your bike. If it needs to go upstairs then check the weight and portability. Multiple flights of stairs a day will most likely rule out a folding e-bike for most people because of the weight.
If you choose to go electric, you will need to determine which class of e-bike best fits your needs. In the U.S., there are three e-bike classifications defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you.
Most electric bikes are defined as class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750w) that assists while pedaling up to 20 miles per hour. Class 3 bikes (sometimes known as “speed pedelecs”) can have up to a 750w motor (aka 1-horsepower), but can assist you up to 28 mph. Both are allowed in most states and cities without a license.
Class 2 models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to 20 mph without needing continuous pedaling. These have become more popular with riders, especially at lower prices. Some bikes blur the lines between the classes. Aventon’s popular Pace 500.3 cruiser, for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike that reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it features a removable throttle and comes "locked" at a max speed of 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle) out of the box, giving you the option to "switch" between class 2 and class 3 functionality when you want or need to do so.
I’ve tried and tested a wide variety of folding bikes while working as a tour guide and skills instructor, and that has experience has informed how we picked the bikes for this guide. Working with cyclists who have a wide range of experience and ability has given me valuable insight into factors and features that make these bikes useful and comfortable for all kinds of riders.
Additionally, I worked with Bicycling test editors, who have contributed their own knowledge and experiences from folding, unfolding, carrying, stashing, and of course, riding a large number of bikes day in and day out.
Lastly, we selected a few bikes prior to testing, based on value, the quality of their parts, and our collective experiences with similar models. All things considered, these are the best folding bikes to buy now.
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.
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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) 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.
If a folding e-bike is what you dream of but the Vektron S10 is not in your budget, consider the Lectric XPremium. It offers much of the same functionality for less than half the price. A seven-speed drivetrain and reliable hydraulic disc brakes give you smooth control of your acceleration and modulation.
It also has a few features you won't find on the Vektron, which will appeal specifically to off-road riders. It has 4-inch-wide knobby tire that can grip dirt paths and pavement, and the 80mm suspension fork compresses to soak up bumps in the road and for a smoother ride.
On top of that, it features two batteries, which translates to a very long battery range. Go ahead and embark on some all-day adventures—you won't have to worry about heading home early because you're out of juice. If you’re really trying to book it to your next destination, the XPremium can go up to 20 miles per hour without you even having to pedal–just use the thumb-lever throttle, and she’ll go.
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.
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 Shimano Altus rear derailleur shifts smoothly with trigger shifters and its 8-speed gearing is more than capable of tackling urban climbs. Thick, 1.75-inch-wide Schwalbe Citizen tires on 20-inch wheels are burly enough for city riding.
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.
The durable, dependable Shimano STEPS motor makes the Motobecane EF3 a solid investment for riders who want a drive system they can really trust to take on camping trips and longer rides. This top-tier, reliable motor is of the same quality as the Bosch motor that comes on the Tern Vektron, but is featured here on a bike that's half the price and folds smaller.
The EF3 has hydraulic disc brakes that keep you in control of your speed, and three-inch-wide tires offer traction and stability on dirt and sand. A single hinge in the middle of the frame folds the bike in half laterally, and then the handlebar tucks down and the seat sinks all the way through the frame for a neat little package you can toss in a trunk for car camping or even stash inside a medium-sized tent while you rest between adventures.
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.
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What is most important when buying a folding bike?
Every rider's priorities are different. Price, weight, and folded size tend to be the deciding factors for most buyers. If you aren't too focused on those factors, consider performance and ride quality. Choose a folding bike with a comfortable riding position, stable handling, and appropriate gearing for your typical routes.
Where is the best place to store a folding bike?
Tuck them wherever they fit! Ideally, you should store your bike indoors to prevent rust and corrosion. Some of our picks will fit under a desk or a table, and most should fit in closet. If you use your bike frequently enough, it makes sense to store it near your front door so you can unfold and go whenever you’re ready. You can even get a wall-mounted bike rack to ensure easy, quick access that won’t take up more floor space.
Is it more challenging to ride a folding bike than a regular bike?
Riding a folding bike may feel different than one with a solid frame, but isn't necessarily tougher. Folding bikes typically have smaller wheels (16-to-20 inches) compared to regular bikes (26-to-29 inches). The smaller wheels may make the bike slightly less stable, but also more responsive. Some riders need time to adjust to the change.
On top of that, some of the folding bikes we’ve selected are designed to be one-size-fits-all, which may result in a less-tailored fit compared to a regular bike. It's important to tailor your fit as much as possible using any adjustable components your folding bike may have, including the seat post, stem angle, and handlebars to improve fit and comfort.
Folding bikes also often have a more upright riding position, due to their distinctive frame geometry. This can be more comfortable for some riders, but others may, likewise, face a mild learning curve.
Riley is a writer and outdoor adventure guide currently based in Tucson, Arizona where she leads mountain bike rides, rock climbing, and hiking trips. In her spare time, she writes stories and reviews outdoor and fitness gear. Find her writing in publications including Outside, Lonely Planet, SHAPE, Bicycling, Runner’s World, and others. When she’s not playing in the mountains, she’s probably laying down somewhere or eating (or both).
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.
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