Cities are growing, apartments are shrinking, and commute times continue to rise. But for some reason, we keep cramming more and more into each day. But it seems, at least, city dwellers who are tired of sitting in traffic, enduring long walks to and from the train, or are just trying to keep up with social distancing, are opting for an eco-friendly alternative — a bicycle.
So we're here to inform you city slickers that there's an even better option: the folding bike. These bikes stow easily in a small apartment, under your desk, and they're allowed on trains in peak times. A folding bike is the practical bicycle for urban dwellers who need something compact, lightweight, durable, and affordable.
Folding bikes come in all shapes and sizes, but vary greatly depending on their intended use. Most bikes are highly adjustable within their one-size-fits-all frame. We considered wheel size, weight, gears, and additional features, such as electric pedal assist, when choosing the best folding bikes.
Wheel size: Folding bikes were traditionally made with smaller 20-inch wheels, and that remains the standard. Some wheels are even smaller, and that equates to a more compact bike for storage and transport purposes. Technology has changed, though, and there are a few brands offering full-size bikes with 700c tires (29 inches) if the mini bike isn't your thing, but you'll pay for it in pounds.
Weight: As the quality of materials improves, so does price. An entry-level bike is made of steel, midlevel is made of aluminum, and expensive options may have some carbon or titanium parts. If you just need your bike to fit in a corner when not in use, a cheaper option is just fine. But if you climb stairs to the subway and your apartment, every pound counts.
Gears and Electric Motors: Most of these bikes come with a 1x7 or 1x8 drivetrain that is low maintenance. Electric motors are a great feature for long, hilly commutes. But an electric bike will make the bike significantly heavier and, in most cases, more expensive.
How We Chose
Our test team has been testing folding bikes for years. We've surveyed the market and thoroughly evaluated every option based on user reviews, speaking with product managers and engineers, and using our own hands-on experience of folding, carrying, and riding these bikes. We've ridden our fair share of collapsible bikes, from simple and affordable to burly and full-featured. And the ones we haven't personally ridden were carefully chosen based on value, quality of components, and our experience with similar models. Check out our picks, leave the car in the garage, save the planet, and simplify your commute when you ride a new folding bike.
A note on availability: Due to increased demand, some of these products may fluctuate between in and out of stock. We will be frequently checking and refreshing the links to these products as they become available again.
Looking for an affordable folding bike? Schwinn has answered the call. This easy-folding bike, built with a lightweight aluminum frame and 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, will simplify hill climbs and grocery getting. The rear cargo rack can carry your picnic supplies from the supermarket to the park.
This 20-inch Schwinn, with its intuitive components, simple assembly, and attractive price point, is a no-brainer for the entry-level folding-bike rider wants to minimize commute times and is dealing with limited storage space.
Hydraulic disc brakes stop on a dime in wet weather
Included cargo rack hauls heavy loads around town
Folds small to store in tight spaces
Weighs nearly 50 pounds, which makes stairs and train travel difficult
The Tern is one of the highest-quality folding bikes around. Its frame is actually the same length as a regular bicycle, so you won't feel like you're riding a circus bike. Yet it folds down to a third of its volume in less than 10 seconds, making this the perfect vehicle for anyone living in a small apartment.
This bike is electric, too, with a Bosch Performance Line Drive System and a Bafang 250-watt drive system and a battery that can travel up to 56 miles per charge, depending on use. With a maximum assist speed of 20 miles per hour, you can work as hard (or as little) as you want, yet still get to the grocery store in rush-hour traffic quicker than most vehicles, without covering your business suit in sweat.
Hybrid wheels and tires are versatile for varied terrain
Not nearly as compact
Flatbike has essentially redefined the way we think about folding bikes, thanks to the more-than-capable, full-sized Change 811.
The Change is classified as a hybrid bike, which means it's built for comfort on long rides, from gravel to trails, with build specs that you'd expect from a quality full-size bike. These include a lightweight aluminum frame, carbon fiber fork, sturdy 27.5-inch hybrid wheels, durable Kendo tires, a Shimano gear set for hill-climbing, and hydraulic disc brakes that stop on a dime.
When your ride is over, this bike folds down to fit in your trunk, and the included carry bag protects it from scratches while carrying it up three flights of stairs or storing in your closet. Did we mention it only weighs 27 pounds?
Electric, foldable, and affordable? Seems like a no-brainer. The FIIDO D11 is one of the better values in the electric bike market, while also being one of the most compact folding bikes.
Everything about this bike was designed to be streamlined for space-saving. The 250-watt brushless geared motor is hidden in the rear wheel, the battery is integrated into the seat tube and doubles as a tail light, a mini-LCD screen controls the 7-speed drivetrain, cables are routed within the frame. It’s a fully loaded beast hiding in a neat little package.
Though this isn't exactly a bicycle, we think it deserves your attention. Because what's better than two wheels? Three wheels. Given the current social distancing guidelines, this folding tricycle could be the future of big-city transportation for people looking for an alternative to a train or bicycle.
This tricycle weighs just 30 pounds, has three shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride, and it folds up small enough to fit under your desk. It has also been upgraded with 10-inch pneumatic tires for a smoother ride and better road clearance.
Did we mention it's electric? A single charge powers up to 18 miles of travel, depending which of the three speeds you choose. Imagine how much money you'll save by no longer taking 1-mile Uber rides.
Riding a folding bike doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality for convenience. This Dahon is hand-welded from space-grade aluminum alloy, making it the perfect combination of tough and lightweight (just 27 pounds). It folds down smaller than most others, yet is affordable and built to ride.
The Mariner features Flex Adjust technology, which lets you switch positions mid-ride to adapt to changing road conditions. When combined with beefy 20-inch wheels and a 8-speed Shimano gear set that shifts smoothly and quickly, the Mariner handles more like a true road bike in a compact, folding package.
Tern's C8 is the little brother of their tricked-out HSD P9 electric cargo bike (above), but it's top-of-the-line when compared with other non-electric folding bikes. It features a versatile 8-gear drivetrain, solid Impac tires on 20-inch wheels, a cargo rack, and some rain-fighting fenders.
But most notable about this bike is what Tern calls their Physis handlepost: the frame and handlebars are one made from one continuous piece of aluminum (rather than multiple pieces welded together), which makes the bike stiffer and stronger, and the handle bars more responsive to small movements.
Translation: You can maneuver with ease to avoid potholes, squirrels, and car doors opening into the bike lane.
Rich company history steeped in quality for over 40 years
Lightest and most compact, by a long shot
Expensive
If you're looking for one of the lightest, most compact folding bikes on the market, look no further. The M6L Superlight is one of the lightest folding bikes on the market (just 24 pounds total). For the M6L Superlight, multiple components have been swapped for lighter alternatives, including a titanium front fork, rear frame, and mudguard stays, plus lighter wheels. The resulting product is faster on the streets and lighter to haul up a flight of stairs.
Brompton's also have some of the best folding mechanisms around, enabling them to become more compact than any other bike. If you've ever seen someone stuff a bike into a plane's overhead luggage compartment, it was most likely a Brompton.
They have also been handmade in England since 1981, which means replacement parts are easy to come by. No wonder they have a cult following among folding bike riders on the busy streets of London.
Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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