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Electric folding bikes, or folding e-bikes to give them another name, are a very popular option for cycling in cities, especially for commuters who also use public transport to get to work.
That said, folding e-bikes are also helpful for RV owners and adventurers – anyone who likes to get outdoors but is short for space for that matter.
But like many electric bikes these days, they can cost a fortune. That’s why we’re here to point you toward seven of the best folding e-bikes priced under $1000. Can you even buy something for under $500? Read on and find out.
Best Folding Electric Bikes under $1000
So, which is the best budget folding electric bike? We haven’t been able to distill it into just one, so here are 7 of the best, all under $1000.
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Neat city runabout
Fiido D4S
With its 20″ wheels, slim tires and disc brakes this is a folding e-bike perfect for urban riding and living.
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E-bike with fat tires
Lectric XP 3.0
The first e-bike on our list with fat tires. The model is a popular bike of Lectric’s and has been through a number of revisions.
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Low range, but feature packed
BTWIN 20″ Folding Electric Bike
Another folding e-bike that would suit a commuter down to the ground. Whilst the range isn’t great, the mudguards and lights are a welcome touch.
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Weighs under 40lbs
Mycle Compact
Mycycle’s compact looks great and should perform well too. Fitted with guards, pannier rack and lights its ready to take on the daily commute.
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500W motor
Ecotric Cheetah
This folding e-bike features both throttle and pedal assist mode. A powerful 500W motor gets you over steep hills or aids pedalling when weighed down with baggage.
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All terrain folding e-bike
Heybike Mars
With a max load of 330lbs the Mars is an e-bike that can handle serious loads and because it folds, it stores much easier than full-sized e-bikes.
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Standout looks
ADO A20+
Thanks to three different riding modes this folding e-bike can get you places fast, or provide a gentle push when time is less of the essence.
Folding E-Bike Cost
How much do folding e-bikes cost? Well, how long is a piece of string?
Arguably, Brompton – yes, those guys again – make the best folding electric bike around. The design cleverly uses the front carrier block to mount the battery and other electrical gubbins – a space that is usually reserved for a bag on standard, non-electric Brompton.
If this all sounds too good to be true, well, it is to some extent. An electric Brompton folding bike can easily set you back $3800 or £3000.
Other brands tend to focus their folding electric bikes on specific features like making them as light as possible, as powerful as possible, or even as small as possible (when folded).
That said it’s still possible to come by a cheap folding electric bike – just don’t expect too much from it. It certainly won’t be one of the lightest folding electric bikes on the market nor one with the longest range between charges.
Folding e-bikes with fat tires are particularly in vogue at the moment, but given their sheer size and bulk, there don’t tend to be many priced below our $1000 ceiling.
Best Budget Folding Electric Bike: Top 7
1. Fiido D4S
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£492
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$599
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€569
Prices are approximate
- Folded Size: 850cm x 450cm x 40cm.
- Weight: 40.5lbs. (18.5kg)
- Range: 50 miles.
- Gearing: 5-Speed.
- Brakes: Disc brakes.
375Wh battery for decent range.
250W motor.
Folds small.
Although fairly simple, this folding electric bike ticks many of our boxes – especially when it comes to something designed for use on the pavement in towns and cities.
The really great thing about the D4S is that it’s been fitted with a decent-sized battery – one that if stored, charged and used correctly could achieve 50 miles of range before it needs recharging. That may well be enough for a whole week’s worth of commuting!
Pros
- Usually priced much cheaper.
- Plenty of positive customer reviews.
- Fits riders from 5′ to 6′ plus.
Cons
- 250W motor won’t be powerful enough for some.
- No mudguards.
2. Lectric XP 3.0
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£820
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$999
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€948
Prices are approximate
- Folded Size: Not Stated.
- Weight: 64lbs. (29kg)
- Range: 65 miles.
- Gearing: 7-Speed.
- Brakes: Disc brakes.
500W motor.
3″ wide tires.
7-Speed gears.
Now on its third revision (hence the 3.0 name), the XP is a really versatile folding electric bike that would suit a variety of different bike riders.
City dwellers who haven’t ridden a bike in a while will appreciate the reassuring handling and comfort provided by the 3″ tires. Those who prefer to ride out in the country will enjoy the fact that those very same tires (and front suspension fork) will soak up the bumps and see them through the mud off-road.
Pros
- Hydraulic disc brakes.
- Rear rack can hold 150lbs.
Cons
- $999 is an on-sale price.
- US only.
3. BTWIN 20″ Folding Electric Bike
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£799
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$972
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€923
Prices are approximate
- Folded Size: Not Stated.
- Weight: 41lbs. (18.6kg)
- Range: 21 miles.
- Gearing: 6-Speed.
- Brakes: Rim Brakes.
Low price.
Great for the odd trip.
Fits most riders.
If you aren’t too picky and you are after a simple e-bike then perhaps this option from BTWIN could deserve your attention.
Whilst it doesn’t have the most powerful motor, nor the longest of ranges, its adaptability means it could probably be used by a few members of the family or even as a pool bike at work.
Pros
- BTWIN are well regarded.
Cons
- Not on sale in the US currently.
- Small range.
- Low torque motor.
- Max 100kg weight.
4. Mycle Compact
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£999
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$1,215
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€1,154
Prices are approximate
- Folded Size: 85cm x 67cm x 44cm.
- Weight: 38lbs. (17.5kg)
- Gearing: 7-Speed.
- Range: 18 miles.
- Brakes: Disc brakes.
Lightest e-bike on our list.
Looks the business.
Neat battery integration.
Arguably the best-looking folding electric bike on our list, the Compact from Mycle has a design that belies its price.
With a battery neatly tucked away in the bike’s seatpost, you’d be hard-pressed to realise that this was an electric bike.
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks, namely a low range and mechanical disc brakes (not hydraulic) but there’s plenty to like about the Compact.
Pros
- Low weight.
- Neat battery integration.
- Gutsy motor.
Cons
- Not shipped to the US currently.
- Only certain colours below £1000.
- Low range.
- Battery in seatpost poses some security questions.
5. Ecotric Cheetah
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£731
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$890
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€844
Prices are approximate
- Folded Size: Not stated.
- Weight: 56lbs. (25kg)
- Range: 35 miles.
- Gearing: 7-Speed.
- Brakes: Disc brakes.
500W motor.
Pedal assist and throttle mode.
4″ wide tires.
Powered by a 500W motor, the Cheetah, like its animal namesake is ready to take the pace up a notch. Whether ridden in throttle or pedal assist mode this is a folding e-bike that’s a blast to ride, irrespective of the terrain or the surface.
If you can forgo the lights and pannier rack and you like the idea of an e-bike with fat tires then perhaps give this model a closer look.
Pros
- Easily removable battery.
- 4″ tires offer versatility.
- Everyday great price.
Cons
- 4″ tires might be sluggish on tarmac.
- No pannier rack.
- No lights.
- Bulky looks.
6. Heybike Mars
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£738
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$899
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€853
Prices are approximate
- Folded Size: 94cm ×79cm × 47cm.
- Weight: 56lbs. (25kg)
- Range: 48 miles.
- Gearing: 5-Speed.
- Brakes: Disc brakes.
500W motor.
Pedal assist and throttle mode.
48 mile range.
The last e-bike on our list to feature fat tires, the Mars is another model that could be used for a variety of different uses. Take it to the shops, take it to work, take it for work errands, take it on holiday – even take it fishing.
With the acceptable range, power and folding size, there isn’t much that holds this folding e-bike back.
Pros
- Suspension fork.
- Pannier rack.
- Suspension fork.
- Different colours.
- Decent range.
Cons
- Humdrum looks.
7. Ado A20+
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£726
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$883
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€838
Prices are approximate
- Folded Size: 90cm x 70cm x 43cm.
- Weight: Not stated.
- Range: 49 miles.
- Gearing: 7-Speed.
- Brakes: Disc brakes.
250W motor.
Pedal assist and throttle mode.
49 mile range.
Back to something more suited to towns and cities now and the last bike on our list is the ADO A20+.
This is a folding e-bike that clearly stands out thanks to its wheels with bladed spokes. Other than this, the bike is similar to other city e-folders on our list, other than the fact that it doesn’t come with a pannier rack as standard.
The bike features an easy-to-read display on which there is a port to charge your smartphone on the go.
Three different riding modes enable the rider to get the most out of the bike’s battery life, extend the riding range when needed or ampin up the power when time is running out.
Pros
- Comes with phone holder.
- Folding pedals.
- Suspension seat post.
Cons
- Not shipped to the US currently.
- No pannier rack as standard.