Folding bikes are becoming increasingly popular in the world of cycling. These bikes have a unique design that allows them to be easily folded into a compact and portable form, making them ideal for urban commuters who need to bring their bike along with them on public transportation or in their car. Also, folding bikes are often lightweight & flexible, making them easy to store at home or in the office. The global folding Bike market was at a valuation of 134.8 USD million in 2019 and the market size will reach 224.9 USD million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%. We can see the rising market and the folding bikes are becoming the need of the hour.
Folding bikes were first introduced in the early 1900s as a way to make city transportation faster and more efficient. In the years since then, folding bikes have continued to evolve and adapt to the needs of modern riders. Today, there are many different types of folding bikes that cater to different needs and lifestyles. Some folding bikes are designed for speed, while others are built for comfort and portability. Moreover, when it comes to finding the best folding bike in 2023, there is no one-size-fits-all solution; it’s all about getting the right balance between portability and performance. So whether you’re looking for a commuting partner or a trusty companion on your next outdoor adventure, our o.bike experts have tested, reviewed and came up with the best 5 folding bikes for 2023.
Our Top Picks of the Best Folding Bike
In-Depth Review: Best Folding Bike
Here, we have listed the best foldable bike which you can think of buying in the year 2023. These bikes are tested by our experts at all terrains. The list of such folding bikes is as follows:
1. Schwinn Loop
| Folded Size | 32.5 in x 26 in x 16 in |
| Weight | 33lbs |
| Frame Material | Alloy |
| Fork | Unicorn Steel |
| Tires | 20 in x1.95 in |
| Brakes | Alloy, Linear Pull |
| Shifter | 7-speed SRAM MRX grip shift |
| Crankset | 3-piece alloy with chainguard |
The Folding Bike Schwinn Loop is a well-known bike from the American company Schwinn, known for developing fitness equipment. This brand lives up to its reputation by creating high-quality bicycles with exceptional performance. Moreover, this bike has various distinguishing features that set it apart from the crowd. Also, it is simple to use and portable. It is well-known for its ability to save space.
This feature shows that acquiring this bicycle ensures that it will take up a suitable amount of space in an apartment, room, or workplace. Besides, the Schwinn Loop bike has an appealing appearance and a low stand-over frame, making it ideal for urban commuters, particularly female riders. The frame appears to be composed of steel and feels quite strong and long-lasting.
2. IDS Home unYOUsual U Transformer Folding Bike
| Brand | IDS Home |
| Weight | 32lbs |
| Frame | Steel TIG welded; 20 x1.75” |
| Fork | Steel |
| Tires | WANDA 20” x 1.75 |
| Brakes | Semi-alloy lever; Front and Rear brakes |
| Wheel Size | 20 inches |
| Saddle | Black vinyl cover |
| Seatpost | Steel with a safety line |
| Gear set | Shimano 6 speed |
When you need a somewhat smaller bike with important features, this one could be precisely what you’re looking for. This folding bicycle features a 20-inch wheel size that makes it suitable for both commuting and exercising.
Moreover, it is simple to build and ride, with a basic Shimano 6 gear shifter and derailleur. Also, its smaller size makes it easier to travel. Furthermore, it weighs only 32 pounds, has an adjustable seat and handlebars, and folds down in four simple steps.
3. Xpec Folding Mountain Trail Bike
| Folded Size | 41 in x 32 in x 22 in |
| Weight | 42 pounds |
| Frame Size | 26” |
| Suspension | Dual steel |
| Tires | 26 in x 1.95 in High-grade |
| Brake | B-brake system |
| Number of Speed | 21 |
| Handlebars | 22.5 inches |
| Chainring | 48T |
| Assembly required | Yes |
This bike may be for you if you are a dual-threat rider who rides in the city as well as on the trail. This folding bike has front and rear shock absorbers to handle any terrain. Also, it is made up of a sturdy frame and aluminum double-wall rims.
Disk brakes provide the long-lasting and quick-stopping capability for the high speeds you’ll achieve on your next epic journey. This folding bike, which comes in different colors, is best suited for riders standing between 5 feet 3 inches and 6 feet.
4. ANCHEER 26” Folding Electric Bike
| Brand | Ancheer |
| Wheel size | 26” |
| Suspension | Dual |
| Number of Speed | 3 |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 21-speed |
| Battery | 36V |
This is a hybrid electric bike that may be used for a variety of activities. This is a folding bike that can be used on any type of terrain. We like this bike since it is easy to transport from one location to another and takes up very little room in your home.
Besides, the bike features a fairly nice saddle that makes the rider’s journey reasonably pleasant and comfortable. Also, it helps in maintaining an upright posture when cycling. As it is an electric bikes, it must be charged, although the battery on this bike is fairly powerful. After you have charged the bike, you may ride it for the following 30 kilometers at a speed of 15mph.
The bike has a 21-speed feature that you may utilize to enjoy an interesting and adventurous voyage. Furthermore, the bike features an excellent braking system that provides accurate stopping when required. You also receive fenders affixed to the bike, which keep dirt bikes away from the bike’s tires.
In addition, the bike incorporates an LED headlight that may be used to navigate the course at night or in poor light. All these robust features have earned this bike the title of the best folding electric bikes 2023.
5. Nakto 20” Folding Electric Bike for Adults
| Brand | DADA DIDO |
| Derailleur | Shimano 6-Speed |
| Tires | 20” BFT tires |
| Battery | 48V / 12.5Ah, Lithium |
| Weight | 47 lbs |
| Brakes | Front & read dual disc brake |
| Motor | 500W brushless motor |
If you are looking to upgrade your electric bike, Nakto folding bike is one of the best folding bikes you can consider for yourself. The bike is made of steel and weighs 30 pounds, making it both robust and lightweight to transport when folded. The weight of this bike doesn’t stop it from achieving a peak speed of 23 miles per hour.
Moreover, the Nakto Folding Electric Bike is constructed of high-strength carbon steel. The wheels are supplied with a two-layer aluminum alloy to protect them and keep them lighter, which is protected by the front V brake and rear expansion brake.
Furthermore, this bike is powered by a 36V/10Ah lithium battery that can travel up to 30 kilometers on a single charge. It will vary depending on the terrain, but at its peak speed, you can go for up to two hours. Overall, this tough bike was named the best folding bikes 2023 in the electric bike category.
After evaluating the best 5 folding bikes, it’s necessary to understand how worth these bikes are and how they are different from the regular ones.
Are Folding Bikes Worth a Penny? Pros and Cons
Essentially, foldable bikes are worthwhile if and only if, the following situations are satisfied:
- You work or live in or near the city.
- Moreover, you work or live a long distance from the bus or railway station, and walking is not an option.
- Also, your objective is to save money on transportation while traveling to work.
- Next, you intend to ride your bike to and from work.
- At last, there isn’t enough storage or parking space at home or at work.
The above pointers signify that folding bikes are efficient for traveling on urban roads, particularly over a short distance. Moreover, here are some of the benefits of folding bikes for commuting.
The Good Pointers
- Simple to transport
Foldable bikes are not just suitable for traveling by rail or bus. In fact, it is also used when you reach a point where you can bike, you may fold the cycles and put them in your car to save money on gas. Once you’ve found a safe parking location, you may leave your car there and ride your bike the rest of the way.
- Lightweight
To facilitate folding, these bikes have lightweight frames. This also makes it easier to transport and move the bike around. While most adult bikes weigh 30-40 pounds, foldable bicycles weigh 24-30 pounds and are so light.
- Can be used to carry luggage
You can easily use most folding bikes to transport a few items. As a consequence, you may bring your bags on short excursions.
- Good to Store
One big issue with conventional bikes is that they are frequently compelled to be secured outdoors and sometimes left unlocked. While a lock is secure, it is not theft-proof since skilled criminals may bypass it.
Now the question arises, why don’t you take your bike inside? With foldable bikes, this is feasible. You may fold them and carry them with you to your office or residence, keeping them secure.
- Highly adaptable
Foldable bikes are convenient to transport in congested regions. You need to fold the bike and carry it until you reach a location where you may ride freely. This is in contrast to normal bicycles, which are usually too large to carry or adapt in congested areas.
The Bad Pointers
It is not recommended to purchase folding bikes if:
- If you plan on riding off-road
Foldable bikes, as opposed to non-folding bikes, offer a bumpier ride. This is mostly owing to their tiny wheels, which cannot ride over bumps as well as bigger wheels.
This implies that the foldable bikes are only suitable for on-road cycling and not for off-road cycling. One of the other reasons folding bikes aren’t ideal for off-road riding is that they lack suspension. As a result, they do not absorb bumps and are therefore only appropriate for flat paved roads.
- If you are planning to cycle a long distance
Foldable bikes are not ideal for long-distance travel. This is due to the fact that the folding bikes have tiny wheels, which do not cover a lot of territories. They also have a narrower gear range, which makes them more suited for short journeys.
- If you are obese, tall, or both
Unfortunately, folding bikes cannot hold heavy loads, particularly those weighing more than 300 pounds. Moreover, they have smaller frames, which makes them inappropriate for taller men. Thus, if you are overweight and tall, you must seek standard bikes for heavy people as well as bikes for tall people.
After understanding the Pros and Cons of purchasing folding bikes, it is crucial to understand the difference between the folding bicycle and the regular bicycle, so that you can make an informed decision about purchasing one. So, without much delay, let us gain insight into the difference between the two.
Difference between Folding Bikes & Unfolded Bikes (Regular Bikes)
To understand the major difference between folded bikes and unfolded bikes, refer to the table below:
| Folding Bikes | Unfolding or Regular Bikes | |
| Pricing | Costlier | Less costly than folding bikes |
| Suspension | Does not have suspension | Most bikes have suspension |
| Long Distance Usage | Nost best for long travel | Best for long-distance travel |
| Off-road usage | Not suitable for off-road purposes except folding MTB | They are best suitable for all-terrains |
| Adaptability | Easily adaptable in congested regions | Not adaptable as compared to folding bikes |
| Security | Simple to move indoors for safety | As they are often locked or chained outside, they are not particularly safe. |
| Portability | Simple to carry and doesn’t require a rack | Often too large to transport, thus they certainly require a bike rack. |
| Speed | Not as fast as ordinary bikes | Generally, the faster alternative |
| Public transportation | Unrestricted on public transportation networks | Unless prior arrangements are made, it is frequently too large to transport on a bus or train. |
| Weight | Usually lightweight | Larger than foldable bikes |
Now you are aware of the best folding bikes available in the market, you can think of purchasing the best one for yourself in the year 2023. Moreover, a comprehensive guide will assist you to make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase the folding bike or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which foldable bike is the best to buy?
List down below are the best folding bike that you can think of purchasing:
- Schwinn Loop
- unYOUsual U transform Folding Bike
- Xpec Folding Mountain trail bike
- ANCHEER 26” Folding Electric Bike
- Nakto 20” Folding Electric Bike for Adults
Q2. Is it worth it to buy a foldable bike?
Yes, folding bikes are the perfect bike for commuters. Their features make them easy to transport on public transportation systems. Moreover, you can carry them with you and you won’t need to worry about them being stolen.
Q3. Is it difficult to ride a foldable bike?
Although folding bikes are smaller in size than ordinary or unfolded bikes, they are not difficult to ride. Other road users can see the cyclist just as well. As the ride experience might be more intense, some learning is necessary. However, their frames are built with the same safety requirements as regular bikes.
Q4. Is it possible to ride a foldable bike on a trail?
A foldable fat bike with 4-inch tires helps smooth out a lumpy track if you want to go off-road.
