Folding Ebike Recommendations/Things to Look for (2023) ?

askvictor on 31/03/2023 - 11:20

I'm in the market for a folding electric bike for use as a run-around/town bike. Hoping to get people's recommendations, or things to consider. I don't care too much about range (~30km should be sufficient), nor weight. Suspension would be nice given they tend to run small wheels.

I rode one a few years ago for a few weeks and found that with the very upright riding position that a short bike has, I had more weight on my bum than I found comfortable - are there any foldables out there that have a longer reach (saddle to handlebar distance)?

Sports & Outdoors Electric Bicycle

Comments

  • EggMan28 on 31/03/2023 - 11:26

    Bought a used one and happy with it - https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/fortis-shimano-6-speed-20-folda…
    I don't fold it to bring it about as much as I thought I would as it's quite heavy to lift to put in the boot though. But great for cycling around.

  • ZippyRoo on 31/03/2023 - 12:27

    I had a Xiaomi folding e-bike. Bought it second hand just after the pandemic started to use for grocery shopping. Bought some cheap wire baskets for both the front and back and did some retro fitting to get the back baskets on securely. As the result, can't really fold the bike any more but it was super convenient to go to the shops which would've taken 30 minutes to walk on foot. The tiny tires were a bit difficult to get used to at the start, I lost balance once with a full load of shopping, but luckily saved myself just before completely toppling over. The bike is now servicing my mum for her grocery runs, and apparently she had a couple of near misses at the start too, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Overall good bike for short distance, definitely not comfortable for longer rides.

  • Euphemistic on 31/03/2023 - 19:28

    Why folding? You generally get to choose conveniently folding or comfortable to ride, not both. Adding suspension is a bit of a furphy, it adds unnecessary complexity and weight and won’t provide a lot of benefit. If you want a softer ride, look for fatter tyres and run a lower pressure.

    • askvictor on 31/03/2023 - 20:01

      Yeah, I know it's a compromise, but it's not for everyday or long distance riding. I want folding to be able to hop onto a tram or peak hour train if I need to. Might look into fat tyres as an option, thanks.

      • Euphemistic on 01/04/2023 - 07:15

        Are you sure you want an e-bike then? Not convenient for logging onto public transport while folded. IMO they are good for motor homes where space is a premium, but too heavy for carrying.

        Might as well get a non folder and ride a bit further but more comfortably

  • OzHan on 03/04/2023 - 17:40

    If you must get a folding bike, may consider NCM Paris (2in wheel) or ET-cycle F720/F1000 (fat tyre). not many good quality folding ebikes around.

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