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Demand for folding bikes has boomed during the last couple of a long time. Though they nonetheless make up a comparatively small a part of the UK market (round 4% of bikes bought), international gross sales are predicted to exceed 1.6 billion US {dollars} by 2028.
There was a time within the not-so-distant previous when a folding bike was a curiosity. Now, they’re commonplace, notably in cities the place they’re a transparent winner amongst many city commuters.
However though they appear like a current phenomenon, folding bikes have truly been round for over a century – the primary fashions being utilized by the navy. However the first vital fashionable folding bike was the Stowaway, launched by Raleigh in 1971.
Quick ahead to the 80s, with the introduction of the Brompton and the Dahon, and the recognition of the folding bicycle started to shift in the direction of the mainstream. Widespread misconceptions that ‘folders’ are gradual or tough to trip are fairly merely, a factor of the previous.
It’s simple to see why folding bikes attraction to commuters. They’re simple to move and could be taken on public transport. And as they are often conveniently saved away indoors, there’s a particular safety benefit.
Most have a snug upright using model and low crossbar, which suggests you may put on just about something whereas using with out changing into dishevelled. That is one other bonus for commuters – a lot of whom cycle to work on their folding bikes within the outfits they’ll be carrying all day.
Tips on how to Select a Folding Bike
Folding bikes do differ tremendously from mannequin to mannequin. The kind of bike you select will depend upon how far you must journey, how typically you must fold it and the distances you’ll be carrying it over.
However with so many alternative manufacturers available on the market now, there’s something for everybody.
If You’re Utilizing Multi-Modal Transport
In case your commute is multi-modal, you’ve stairs to climb or a stroll by way of the workplace, you must select a light-weight folding bike that’s simple to hold. Some fashions even have wheels, and though this gained’t provide help to on the steps, it’ll definitely make a distinction on the flat.
Efficiency
In case you’re solely folding sometimes or don’t want to hold the bike round a lot, then efficiency could also be extra vital than a compact fold or weight. Most folding bikes have 16” or 20” wheels. If velocity is your precedence, you’ll need to select the 20”.
Storage
Is your bike going to be usually folded and saved? Not all folds are the identical, and a few are considerably smaller than others. If storage ease and space-saving is a precedence for you then select a motorcycle with a compact fold.
If You Have Longer or Hilly Commutes
Whether or not you’re commuting or using for leisure, should you’re dealing with steep hills or extreme distance, a typical folding bike might not reduce it. The variety of gears on folding bikes differ, however even these with a better vary aren’t actually suited to gruelling climbs.
If that is so, an electrical folding bike would be the reply. There are quite a few makes of folding e-bikes to select from, together with some light-weight choices and a few very respectable price range ones.
Full-Sized Folding Bicycles Some folding bikes are literally full-sized. These are appropriate for individuals who, fairly merely, need a full-sized bicycle with the choice of transporting it extra simply. They’ll go into the boot of a median automotive with out the necessity for a motorcycle rack, and are helpful for these solely eager to fold sometimes.
Finest Foldable Bicycle Manufacturers [Top 8]
Brompton was based in 1976 by Andrew Ritchie, a younger engineer with a imaginative and prescient to create a classy bike that might be reworked right into a compact bundle for versatility. And so the ingenious 3-part fold was invented.
After successful the a lot coveted Finest Product Award on the Cyclex Bike Present at Olympia, the corporate grew from energy to energy and by 1991 had 56 retailers within the UK.
The phrase “iconic” is nearly all the time used to explain the Brompton model, and deservedly so. It’s retained a persistently prime quality and a ravishing model, and so they now promote round 70,000 bikes per 12 months.
Brompton bikes are in style due to their distinctive design and high quality of construct. They’re elegant, stunning and intensely properly made, which provides them a excessive resale worth. A lot of the bikes have metal frames that are brazed fairly than welded, protecting them as gentle and robust as attainable.
The Brompton fold is compact, at 64.5 x 56.5 x 27 cm. When you’ve executed it a few instances it feels intuitive and all the course of takes lower than 30 seconds.
Relying on the mannequin the gears vary from single to six velocity. The weights of the bikes vary from 7.45 kg (the ultralight T-Line with a titanium body) to 12.1 kg.
Brompton Bikes Pricing
Brompton pricing begins at £850 ($1,040) for the A-Line mannequin, with premium fashions costing as much as £3,970 ($4,870). The common worth for a Brompton bike is round £1,300 ($1,600).
Does Brompton Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
Brompton presents two electrical folding bikes, the 2-speed C-Line City and the 6-speed C-Line Discover, with a spread of 20 – 45 miles. One of many smallest e-bikes when folded, the Electrical C-Line has a separate battery that sits in a pack on the entrance of the bike, making it simple to take away and cost.
Brompton Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Premium high quality supplies guarantee longevity | 16” wheels not appropriate for tough terrain |
| Compact, simple fold with wheels for larger mobility | Some fashions are heavier than different e-bike manufacturers |
| Snug, adaptable using place | Many elements are proprietary, making them tough to acquire if no entry to a dealership |
Finest Brompton Bikes
Why We Like Brompton
✅ 4 completely different handlebar choices and adjustable seat put up offers plenty of rider versatility
✅ The fold is intuitive and fast
✅ The lengthy wheelbase offers additional stability when using
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly in the UK
- 28-Day return coverage
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK
- ✅ North America
- ✅ Europe
Pricing: Excessive
Based in 2011, and named aptly after a small, light-weight fowl that holds the file for the longest migration, Tern supply environment friendly and light-weight folding bicycles with sustainability on the coronary heart of their philosophy.
Tern bikes are designed to be serviceable fairly than “land-fillable”, and Tern try persistently to scale back their environmental influence. In addition they donate no less than 1% of their web earnings yearly to environmental and social causes.
With over 30 fashions to select from, Tern presents an in depth bike vary with various kinds. Most of their bikes are folding, together with 9 flat-folding fashions and two with an ultra-compact fold, the smallest of which folds to dimensions of 33 x 81 x 51 cm.
Wheel sizes on Tern bikes vary from 20” – 26”. These bigger wheels, together with the choice for bigger tyres, means they’re versatile and could be ridden comfortably on a larger vary of terrain. Including to that is the spectacular gear vary, from 7 – 11.
Made out of sturdy and sturdy supplies, no less than 10% of that are recycled, Tern bikes are robust and may carry a great deal of as much as 120 kg. The rear half of the frames use a 3D construction known as DoubleTruss, leading to additional stiffness and higher energy switch from the pedals to the rear wheel.
And the vary of bikes accessible, together with touring, city and cargo, ensures that there’s something for everybody.
Tern Bikes Pricing
Tern’s non-electric folding bikes vary from round £450 ($550) at entry stage to round £2,200 ($2,700) for premium fashions, with a median worth being round £1,100 ($1,350). The electrical fashions vary from £2,800 ($3,430) to £8,600 ($10,550).
Does Tern Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
Tern have a spread of 14 folding electrical bikes on supply, 5 of that are cargo bikes and the remainder being the Lively and Efficiency strains. Most have a spread of round 34 – 68 miles with 400/500W motors and diagonally-mounted rear batteries.
Tern Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Light-weight and compact | Many fashions have a excessive price ticket |
| 20”+ wheels and bigger tyres permit for extra versatile using | Some fashions have a time-consuming fold |
| Nice for carrying heavy weights and cargo | They don’t retain their excessive worth |
Finest Tern Bikes
Why We Like Tern
✅ At the very least 10% of their supplies are recycled
✅ They’ve an in depth vary of over 30 fashions
✅ Their bigger, 20″ – 26″ wheels allow extra versatile using on completely different terrains
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly in Taiwan
- 30-Day return coverage
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK (accessible from Velorution)
- ✅ North America (customs charges apply)
- ✅ Europe (customs charge apply)
Pricing: Medium-to-Excessive
Hummingbird was based in London in 2015 with a mission to supply excessive efficiency and intensely light-weight folding bikes.
And so they succeeded, as they now produce the lightest folding bikes (and folding electrical bikes) on the planet, with the lightest single-speed weighing solely 6.9 kg. Hummingbird obtain this weight by utilizing carbon fibre for the body together with many different parts. It’s not solely light-weight, however sturdy and stiff with vibration dampening qualities.
Hummingbird bikes have a singular and really distinctive design which manages to be clear, minimalist and enjoyable all of sudden. There are two non-electric fashions – the unique Single-Velocity (with three completely different gearing choices) and the Multi-Velocity (weighing 9 kg) with an 8-speed Shimano Nexus gear hub.
All of the bikes have 16” wheels and the multi-speed is accessible with a carbon bolstered belt that’s low-maintenance and longer-lasting than chain drives. All of the fashions are available in 4 colors – together with the eye-catching hummingbird yellow – or a customized color at an additional price of £500 if a bespoke bike is your desire.
But it surely’s not solely their seems that make Hummingbird bikes in style. They might be super-lightweight however they’re additionally extremely sturdy, quick and agile.
These are expensive bikes, however they’re high quality and carry out exceptionally properly, providing a speedy, environment friendly and clean trip.
Hummingbird Bikes Pricing
The Hummingbird Authentic Single-Velocity is accessible for £3,495 ($4,280), whereas the Multi-Velocity prices £3,745 ($4,590). The Hummingbird Electrical is priced at £4,495 ($5,500).
Does Hummingbird Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
The Electrical Hummingbird is the only electrical folding bike accessible. Consistent with Hummingbird minimalist design, it’s the lightest folding electrical bike on the planet at 10.3 kg, with an in-built 158Wh battery, 250W motor and vary of 31 miles.
Hummingbird Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Lighter than every other folding bikes | Costly |
| Straightforward to fold in as little as 5 seconds | Small wheels unsuitable for tough terrain |
| 16” wheels for agile dealing with and swift acceleration | Folded dimension is just not as compact as another folding bike manufacturers |
Finest Hummingbird Bikes
Why We Like Hummingbird
✅ At 6.9 kg, the single-speed is the lightest folding bike accessible
✅ It has a 5-second fold and is straightforward to hold
✅ The minimalist design of the electrical model has no wires, motor or battery on show
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly in the UK
- 14-Day return coverage
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK
- ✅ North America (customs charges apply)
- ✅ Europe (customs charge apply)
Pricing: Excessive
Bickerton Portables is a household enterprise, began in 1971 by Harry Bickerton who designed and constructed the unique, light-weight Bickerton folding bike. Over the next 20 years round 600,000 bikes have been bought.
The Bickerton bicycle broke new floor with its weight and folded dimension, and was one of many inspirations for Andrew Ritchie within the creation of the Brompton bicycle. The model was relaunched in 2011 by Mark Bickerton (Harry’s son), utilizing up-to-date know-how with a contemporary vary of bikes.
At this time, Bickerton produce 5 completely different bike fashions, every with a singular design and three with completely different construct ranges. With sturdy aluminium frames and forks, the vary is impressively various to go well with completely different using kinds.
The gearing ranges from the single-speed Scout with 14” wheels, to the 24-speed, full-sized Docklands with 26” wheels. The Junction and the Argent have 20” wheels, and the Pilot has 16”, with speeds starting from 3 – 9.
With weights throughout the fashions starting from 9.3 to 14.3 kg, the bikes fold with a hinged latch (invented by Harry Bickerton), with a magnetic stopper holding the bike in place when folded.
Bickerton Portables are reasonably priced bikes which have retained reputation due to their stylish design, strong engineering and vary.
Bickerton Bikes Pricing
Entry-level Bickerton bikes can be found for round £500 (€580), with higher-end fashions costing as much as round £1000 (€1,160). The common worth for a Bickerton bike is round £700 (€810).
Does Bickerton Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
Bickerton don’t presently have a folding electrical bike of their vary.
Bickerton Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Reasonably priced costs | Folded dimension not as compact as another folding bike manufacturers |
| Snug to trip | Some fashions are on the heavy aspect |
| Good vary of bikes for various using kinds |
Finest Bickerton Bikes
Why We Like Bickerton
✅ Vary of gears nice for climbing and velocity
✅ Telescopic seatpost could be totally lowered
✅ Chain is on the within when folded, which suggests much less mess when carrying
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly in the UK
- Return coverage: Not specified
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK
- ❌ North America
- ✅ Europe (customs charge apply)
Pricing: Low-to-Medium
The British bicycle producer Raleigh, primarily based in Nottingham, is likely one of the oldest and most well-known bike manufacturers, producing bikes for over 130 years and together with many much-loved bicycles similar to the long-lasting and unforgettable Chopper.
Though most of Raleigh’s bikes are non-folding, they really launched the Stowaway in 1971, which was the primary vital fashionable folding bike accessible. And it’s nonetheless accessible now, together with Raleigh’s second folding bike, the Evo-2.
With simply two folding fashions to select from amongst an in depth vary of non-folding, Raleigh clearly aren’t attempting to dominate the folding bike market. However the Stowaway and the Evo-2 are each very reasonably priced bikes with 7-speed Shimano gears and 20” wheels for a snug and versatile trip.
The folding design is straightforward, with a single hinge and magnets to maintain the folded bike locked in place. The folded dimension is just not as compact as that of many different folding bike manufacturers, nor are they near being the lightest folding bikes available on the market, however at such an reasonably priced worth that is acceptable.
These are handsome bikes with a basic, considerably retro design. They’ve highly effective V-brakes, cozy padded saddles and likewise include mudguards and baggage racks. A terrific choice for commuters who don’t need to pay a small fortune.
Raleigh Bikes Pricing
The Raleigh Evo-2 prices round £300, and the Raleigh Stowaway prices round £500. The electrical fashions price round £1,600.
Does Raleigh Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
Raleigh promote two electrical folding bikes – the 7-speed Stow-E-Method and the 8-speed Evo. Each have exterior batteries, 250w motors and a most vary of as much as 30 miles.
Raleigh Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very reasonably priced worth | Heavier than many different folding bikes |
| 20” wheels for stability | On the cumbersome aspect when folded |
| Good vary of gears | Solely accessible within the UK |
Finest Raleigh Bikes
Why We Like Raleigh
✅ Bikes are geared up with mudguards and baggage racks
✅ Magnets maintain the bikes locked when folded
✅ 20″ wheels guarantee secure using
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly in the UK
- 14-Day return coverage
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK
- ❌ North America
- ❌ Europe
Pricing: Low
When brothers, David T and Henry Hon, gave up their careers in 1982 to deal with their imaginative and prescient for “folding inexperienced transportation”, risking their very own financial savings with the enterprise, they bought the primary 6,000 bikes in solely six months.
40 years on, Dahon is the most important folding bike producer on the planet. Based mostly in Illinois, USA, the brothers stay keen about pioneering environmentally-friendly transport and optimising the “excellent fold”.
Dahon has an enormous vary of motorcycle to select from with designs starting from basic to sporty. The bikes typically weigh round 12 kg, with a choice of completely different wheel sizes and gears. Dahon presents nice worth on entry and mid-level bikes, with alluminium frames and Shimano gears.
The alluminium frames of the bikes maintain the prices down, being inexpensive than prime quality metal frames, and considerably lighter than cheaper metal.
Dahon’s 4 decade milestone sees the launch of their lightest mannequin but, a full carbon fibre folding bike weighing solely 9.4 kg. The DAHON Anniversary 40 Particular Version boasts 11 speeds and Shimano DEORE hydraulic disc brakes.
With a folded dimension of 87 x 40 x 69cm, it’s not the smallest fold on the market, however that is however a sporty, nimble, top of the range bike that’s constructed for efficiency.
Dahon Bikes Pricing
Dahon folding bikes vary from round £400 ($500) at entry stage to as a lot as £1,800 ($2,300) for premium fashions, with a median worth being round £600 ($740). The electrical fashions price round £2,000 ($2,500).
Does Dahon Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
Dahon presents a small vary of electrical folding bikes. These embody the 9-speed Unio E20 and the 8-speed Ok-One Plus, each with an built-in battery, mid-mounted motor and prime velocity of round 20 mph.
Dahon Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Nice worth for cash | On common, not as gentle as another folding bikes |
| Vary of basic and sporty designs | Some fashions have a much less compact fold than different folding bikes |
| Straightforward to get alternative elements |
Finest Dahon Bikes
Why We Like Dahon
✅ Good vary of wheel sizes accessible, from 16″ to 26″
✅ They provide sporty folding bike fashions
✅ It’s simple to get alternative elements
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly within the USA
- 7-Day return coverage
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK (customs charges apply)
- ✅ North America
- ✅ Europe (customs charges apply)
Pricing: Medium-to-Excessive
Finest Finances Folding Bike Manufacturers:
Based mostly in Spain, FabricBike manufacture folding bikes in a spread of colors with a really reasonably priced price ticket. There are two fashions accessible, the single-speed and the 7-speed.
And as entry-level folding bikes they’re additionally surprisingly gentle, with the single-speed weighing 10.9 kg and the 7-speed weighing 11.5 kg. They’re unquestionably one of many lightest price range folding bikes accessible.
FabricBike folding bikes are uncomplicated and should not have the bells and whistles of a few of their dearer rivals, however the 20” wheels make them secure and enjoyable to trip, and so they’re an excellent choice for these beginning out with a folding bike who don’t need to pay a fortune.
The totally adjustable seat and handlebars, together with a alternative of broad wheels makes for comfy using. In addition they have a well-padded saddle and ergonomic tender consolation grips.
The folded dimension of the single-speed FabricBike is 81 x 36 x 63 cm, with the 7-speed being barely bigger at 83 x 40 x 63 cm. Not essentially the most compact, however you’d count on this for the value, and there are far dearer folding bikes on the market with comparable dimensions.
The excessive costs of so many folding bikes available on the market now sadly limits these on a price range. FabricBike presents an alternate, a really respectable bike that isn’t solely reasonably priced however is a pleasure to trip.
FabricBike Bikes Pricing
The only-speed FabricBike folding bike prices £300 (€350), whereas the 7-speed FabricBike folding bike prices £370 (€430).
Does FabricBike Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
FabricBike don’t have folding electrical bikes of their vary.
FabricBike Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very reasonably priced worth | Folded dimension is just not very compact |
| Light-weight | Just one mannequin accessible |
| Snug to trip | Much less options than mid / high-level folding bikes |
Finest FabricBike Bikes
Why We Like FabricBike
✅ Reasonably priced worth at £370 or much less
✅ 7-speed choice accessible
✅ Totally adjustable with 20″ wheels for a snug trip
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly in Spain
- 7-Day return coverage
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK
- ✅ North America (customs charges apply)
- ✅ Europe
Pricing: Low
B’TWIN is the Decathlon bike model, well-known for producing high quality and reasonably priced bikes and who’ve been doing so for over twenty years. The B’TWIN Village in Lille, France, is a big hub of exercise the place B’TWIN bikes are designed, examined and assembled. Most of the parts are additionally produced in-house.
Their folding bike vary varies from nation to nation, however are characterised by a basic, elegant design with interesting colors and 20” wheels. Some fashions have metal frames and a few have aluminium.
The weights of the bikes vary from 11.9 kg (the Tilt 900) to over 14 kg, so that they’re definitely not the lightest model accessible, nor have they got the smallest fold, at round 78 x 66 x 44 cm.
They’re nonetheless, simple and comfy to trip, with adjustable handlebars, foam padded seats and ergonomic grips. In addition they have an excellent vary of gears, giving plenty of versatility when using.
B’TWIN folding bikes are an excellent choice for these on a price range who need all the advantages of a good high quality folding bike. They’re each sensible and trendy – a convincing success story on the planet of reasonably priced foldies.
B’TWIN Bikes Pricing
Entry-level B’TWIN folding bikes price round £180 ($220), with the higher-end fashions costing round £400 ($490). The common worth for a B’TWIN folding bike is round £350 ($430), and the electrical mannequin prices round £800 ($980).
Does BT’WIN Promote Folding Electrical Bikes?
BT’WIN sells one folding electrical bike – the 6-speed BT’WIN 20” Electrical 500E, accessible in gray or black with a 187Wh built-in battery and a spread of as much as 22 miles. It additionally has mudguards and lights included, and a fast locking system to maintain the bike folded.
B’TWIN Execs + Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very reasonably priced worth | Fairly heavy |
| Good vary of gears for versatile using | The folded dimension is just not as compact as many different folding bikes |
| Steady and comfy to trip | The electrical mannequin has a reasonably quick vary |
Finest B’TWIN Bikes
Why We Like B’TWIN
✅ All fashions are affordably priced
✅ 20″ wheels and excessive vary of gears permit for a flexible trip
✅ Mudguards and lights are included
Delivery Notes:
- Based mostly in France
- 30-Day return coverage
- Ships to:
- ✅ UK
- ✅ North America
- ✅ Europe
Pricing: Low
