Buying guide
Folding electric bike – models in three weight classes at Wheelyshop
A folding electric bike is a compact electric bike with 14–20-inch wheels that folds in a few seconds and fits in the car, on the train or in the hallway. At Wheelyshop you will find folding models from many brands – from light 14 kg commuter bikes to full-suspension folding fat bikes of more than 30 kg. Range is 25–160 km according to the manufacturers, batteries 120–1,080 Wh and rated motor power 250–1,000 W. Many of the models count as bicycles in the EU and may be ridden on the cycle lane without registration. All electric vehicles ship with free delivery, a 2-year warranty and access to spare parts.
In short
- The range: folding electric bikes from many brands, including folding fat bikes, full-suspension models and bikes that weigh under 20 kg.
- The technology: a removable battery on most models, hydraulic disc brakes and app control on several, and an IP rating from IP54 to IP67 on every model.
- The need: DYU SP1 and OneSport OT02 if you carry the bike up stairs, ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro or OneSport OT16-2 for long commutes, and folding fat bikes such as the ENGWE EP-2 Boost for gravel, snow and forest roads.
- The rules: models with a 250 W rated motor and assistance up to 25 km/h count as pedelecs (bicycles) in the EU; the more powerful models are formally speed pedelec or moped class.
- Wheelyshop: free delivery on all electric vehicles, a 2-year warranty and spare parts for your folding electric bike.
Choosing the right folding electric bike – a guide in six steps
Start with three questions: how often will you lift and carry the bike, how far will you ride between charges, and do you want a model that may be ridden on the cycle lane. The answers determine weight class, battery and motor power. Torn between an e-bike and an electric scooter? Read our electric scooter vs e-bike comparison.
Light folding electric bike or folding fat bike – three weight classes
Under 20 kg you will find models you can carry up stairs: the DYU SP1 is the lightest at 14 kg despite 20-inch fat bike tyres, the OneSport OT02 weighs 14.5 kg with 16-inch wheels and a 36 V battery, and the DYU D3F with 14-inch wheels weighs 17 kg. The 20–25 kg class holds models such as the DYU T1 with a rear rack and 7 gears or the Onemile E2 with hydraulic disc brakes and 100 km of stated range. Above 30 kg are the heaviest models, mostly folding fat bikes with big batteries – think ENGWE ENGINE Pro 2.0 with 832 Wh and 8 gears or APEFOX RH20 with the biggest battery in the range at 1,080 Wh.
Range and battery on a folding electric bike
Batteries stretch from 120 Wh in the DYU SP1 to 1,080 Wh in the APEFOX RH20, and range from 25 to 160 km according to the manufacturers. Expect real-world range in a European climate to be 60–75 % of the stated figure because of cold weather, headwind and hills. A 15 km commute each way is handled by 360 Wh, as in the ENGWE ZIP, DYU T1 or ONEBOT Eagle. If you want to charge less often, the ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro with 720 Wh and 160 km of stated range is the long-distance rider of the range. Most models have a removable battery so you can charge indoors. More models with big batteries are under long-range electric bikes.
Motor, weight and performance
Rated motor power spans from 250 W, which is the limit for pedelec class in the EU, up to 1,000 W in the LOOKROAD L26. For city commuting a 250 W motor with a 36 V battery is plenty. A folding fat bike with 500–750 W, such as the VARUN S20-2 Pro or KOOLUX X12 Pro, pulls a heavy load through loose snow and gravel but weighs 32–36 kg. Check the maximum load: it varies from 75 kg on the OneSport OT02 to 150 kg on the ENGWE EP-2 Pro, ENGWE ENGINE X and VARUN S20-1, among others. If you weigh more than 100 kg or ride with luggage, choose a 150 kg maximum load. More models with wide tyres are under fat bike.
Comfort and equipment for commuting
Small wheels mean suspension matters more than on an ordinary bike. Several models have full suspension, among them the YANGOR H19 and VARUN S20-1 Plus, while the lightest have no suspension and suit tarmac best. Also look at:
- A rear rack is fitted to many models, and the DYU A1F Pro and DYU C9 also ship with a basket.
- Hydraulic disc brakes, fitted to several models, give more consistent braking in rain and cold than mechanical ones.
- IP rating: many models have IP54, and the ONEBOT Eagle stands out with IP67.
- App control on several models and NFC unlocking on the VARUN S20-2 Pro, KOOLUX X12 Pro and KOOLUX RK10.
- Indicators on the KOOLUX X12 Pro and KOOLUX RK10, cruise control on several models.
Also check the recommended rider height – many models cover 160–210 cm, but the smallest 14-inch models suit shorter cyclists.
Folding electric bike and the rules in Europe
Across the EU an electric bike counts as a bicycle (pedelec or EPAC) if the motor has no more than 250 W rated power, only assists up to 25 km/h and the throttle does not drive the bike faster than 6 km/h. Then you may use the cycle lane, no registration is needed and the helmet rules for cyclists in your country apply. Many of the models meet that – among them the DYU D3F, OneSport OT02, ENGWE ZIP, ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro, OneSport OT16-2 and ENGWE EP-2 Boost. The others, for example the ENGWE EP-2 Pro, the VARUN S20 series, KOOLUX X12 Pro and APEFOX RH20, have 350–1,000 W rated motors and are formally speed pedelec or moped class even when delivered limited to 25 km/h. On public roads they require registration, insurance, a helmet and a driving licence, with the details varying by country – without that they may only be ridden on private enclosed land. Several models also have a throttle that can drive the bike above 6 km/h. Read the road rules in your country, and pick a helmet from our helmets. Read more in our guide to e-bike laws in Europe.
Service, warranty and spare parts
All folding electric bikes at Wheelyshop ship with free delivery and a 2-year warranty. A folding electric bike has more moving parts than a rigid frame, so check the locking of the folding joints regularly, keep the chain lubricated and charge the battery at room temperature. We sell spare parts such as chargers, brake pads, tyres and displays for our brands, and customer service helps you find the right part. If you want a rigid frame instead of a folding electric bike, the full range is under electric bike, and the most lavishly equipped models under premium electric bike.
Frequently asked questions
Which folding electric bike is best?
It depends on how you use it. If the bike will be carried up stairs and onto trains, the DYU SP1 at 14 kg or OneSport OT02 at 14.5 kg are best. For long commutes the ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro with 720 Wh and 160 km of stated range gives the most, and for gravel and snow a folding fat bike such as the ENGWE EP-2 Boost is the strongest choice that still counts as a bicycle in the EU.
How far does a folding electric bike go on one charge?
The manufacturers state 25–160 km depending on model and battery, from 120 Wh in the DYU SP1 to 1,080 Wh in the APEFOX RH20. Expect 60–75 % of the stated figure in real European riding, since cold weather, headwind and a high assistance level reduce the range. A 360 Wh battery is plenty for a daily 15 km commute each way.
Can you ride a folding electric bike on the cycle lane in Europe?
Yes, if the model has no more than a 250 W rated motor, assistance up to 25 km/h and a throttle that only works at walking pace. Many of our models meet that, for example the DYU D3F, ENGWE ZIP, OneSport OT16-2 and ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro. Models with a stronger motor are formally speed pedelec or moped class and may only be ridden on private enclosed land without registration – check your national rules.
Does a folding electric bike fit in the car and on the train?
Yes, that is the whole point. Folded, the lightest models with 14–16-inch wheels take up less space than a suitcase and weigh 14–17 kg, which makes them easy to lift into the boot or take on the train. Folding fat bikes of more than 30 kg fold too, but are heavier to lift and suit riders who store the bike in a garage or shed.
Are there spare parts and accessories for a folding electric bike?
Yes. Wheelyshop sells spare parts such as chargers, brake pads, tyres, inner tubes and displays for the brands in the range, and customer service helps you find the right part for your model. Accessories such as helmets, locks, bags and lights fit all folding electric bikes. All electric vehicles also ship with a 2-year warranty.