Folding bikes are a top choice for commuters looking for a combination of portability and functionality thanks to their collapsible nature. There are various options on the market, from single-speed folding bikes to electric-assist ones at different price points.
Understanding that choosing the best one that suits your needs can be tiresome, I’ve made a list of top 11 best folding bikes for you.
Don’t forget to scroll down for more in-depth reviews as well as buying advice.
Table of Contents
Why You Need A Folding Bike?
Space-saving: the unique aspect to a folding bike lies in its foldability. With smaller living space, a folding bike is definitely the life-savior. This type of bike can be stored underneath the table or even hung on the wall.
Portability: Another great feature to folding bikes that make them second to none is the portability. Simply collapse it and carry it to practically anywhere you want.
Ease of operation: Folding bikes are probably the easiest to use. The process of folding and unfolding may take up to 10 minutes at first, but once you get used to it, it only takes less than a minute.
Huge selections: Many stock base models grant customers the choice to customize the bike to their taste, including color, seat post extension, rack attachment, etc.
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What Are The Best Folding Bikes To Buy?
Stop right there! Take a look at this label chart of top 11 best folding bikes I’ve carefully picked for today:
- Best Low-Budget: Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bikes
Kickstand, Durable steel hinges, 7-speed Shimano RevoShift Twist Shifters and Shimano Derailleur
- Best Compact: Vilano Urban Folding Bikes
Single coaster brakes, nimble, solid, Velcro strap included
- Best for Urban Riding: Columba Folding Bikes
Quick and removable handle stem, 18-speeds Shimano gearing system
- Best Multi-Purpose: DJ 750W Folding Bikes
Lithium battery with lock key, 1000W max power Befang brushless motor, Tektro disc brakes, Mozo fork suspension with preloaded lock and adjustment
- Best All-Terrain: Max4out Folding Bikes
Dual suspension system, 21-speeds gearing mechanism, front and rear alloy linear pull brakes, quick-release clamp supports folding
Best Folding Bikes Comparison Chart 2021
I’ve also included a comparison chart for you to see the difference between them, and that you can easily make a buying decision.
Top 11 Best Folding Bikes Reviews In 2021
Let’s wait no more and jump right into it.
Best Low-Budget: Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bikes
Pros
- Suitable for most tall riders, even 6ft. riders
- The seat can be adjusted to maximize comfort
- Self-explanatory assembly instructions
- Gears roll smoothly and effectively
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- The handlebars are non-adjustable
Schwinn is well known for its high-quality product line of various bike breeds, and its folding bikes are no exception.
It’s the perfect solid basic bike with commuter features.
It has a double lock on the frame fold as well as a kickstand and durable steel hinges.
Unlike the Dahon Bike, this Schwinn Loop’s seat isn’t too close to the handlebars, a decent distance between rider and the handlebars that doesn’t cause pain in the back.
Switching between gears isn’t rocket surgery, and the right pedal is foldable, which will fit better when stored.
Overall, it’s a great value bike that helps save money from parking and time walking.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 35 x 15 x 35 |
| Weight (lbs) | 33 |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
| Wheels size | 20’’ |
| Gear | 7-speed Shimano Tourney |
| Features | Kickstand
Durable steel hinges 7-speed Shimano RevoShift Twist Shifters and Shimano Derailleur |
EuroMini ZiZZO Campo 28lb Folding Bikes
Pros
- Comes fully assembled
- Lightweight, easy to carry around
- Great customer service
Cons
- None so far
The bike is awesome and beyond my expectations.
It comes pre-assembled, and all you have to do is sit on and enjoy the ride.
Folding or unfolding the bike only takes you literally 30 seconds, very quick and convenient.
Featuring the genuine 7-speed Shimano components and ergonomic rubber grip, switching between gears is smooth and effective.
Plus, it’s very lightweight thanks to the lightweight aluminum frame.
Overall, it’s a great combination of price and quality.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 31 x 27 x 12.5 (folded size) |
| Weight (lbs) | 28.5 |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
| Wheels size | 20’’ |
| Gear | 7-speed Shimano Tourney |
| Features | Alloy V-style brake
EuroMini ergonomic saddle Resin folding pedals Magnet catcher |
EuroMini ZiZZO Via 27lb Folding Bikes
Pros
- Water bottle rack included
- Comes with reflectors for safe night riding
- Thick wheels good for buffering bumpy roads
- Cool fenders provides protection against splash
Cons
- Squeaky front-brake pads
- The seat could be better
Welcome to another product from ZiZZO, which is more of a refined product from the previous model.
It comes in 2 color choices: black and sky blue. I particularly like the sky blue version because the blue part makes the bike stand out.
An excellent design feature is the magnetic widgets holding 2 halves of the bike together.
Furthermore, it features a water bottle mount, super handy for those who travel long distances.
Also, the bike is equipped with Kenda ultra-light multi-terrain tires, which makes it an all-purpose folding bike.
While it includes everything like its sibling, this one even features an adjustable stem that adapts to riders up to 6.4ft tall.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 31 x 27 x 12.5 |
| Weight (lbs) | 27 |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
| Wheels size | 20’’ |
| Gear | 7-speed Shimano Tourney |
| Features | Kenda Khan Tires
Kickstand Front and Rear fenders Reflectors |
Xspec 20″ 7 Speed Folding Bikes
Pros
- Affordable quality
- 7-speed gears suitable for various riding styles
- Available in 3 color options to suit your taste
Cons
- The seat is not sturdy enough
The Xspec 20’’ 7 Speed Folding Bikes are much better than expected.
There is virtually no assembly, and the bikes appear to be very well-built.
Equipped with 7-speed Shimano gear alone, it is well-suited for not only for casual rides, but also tricky terrains, inclines and bumps.
Plus, the bike is super lightweight, but it can hold a max load of 220lbs.
Make sure to install the right pedal clockwise and the left one counter-clockwise since the pedal threads are different.
For a price under $300, you just can’t expect more from it.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 29 x 24 x 13 |
| Weight (lbs) | 36 |
| Frame material | High Tensile Steel Folding Frame, 20’’ |
| Wheels size | 20’’, Alloy wheels with High Grade |
| Gear | 7-speed Shimano Tourney |
| Features | Folds in seconds
Genuine 7-Speed SL-TX30 Shifter, RD-TZ50 Rear Derailleur Adjustable seat adapts to riders from five feet to over six feet tall |
Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Bikes
Pros
- Brakes are faster and stronger than traditional ones
- Provides nice double lock feature when folded
- Offers greater number of gears – 21 speeds
- Fits most tall riders
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- Adjusting gears is difficult
Though similar to its previous sibling, there are some distinct features to this 26” folding bike.
The bike is stronger, faster, and more powerful in terms of its stopping power. The wheels roll smoothly and silently on grass.
The gear system is great, with 21-speeds suitable for all kinds of riding conditions.
Also, the wheels are also larger compared to the 20” version, reducing bumps and shocks significantly.
The product comes with reflector pads, which are particularly useful for safe, night riding.
If you ride occasionally, this folding bike might be a better option than the previous model.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 41 x 32 x 22 (folded) |
| Weight (lbs) | 42 |
| Frame material | High Tensile Steel Folding Frame, 26’’’ |
| Wheels size | 26’’, Alloy wheels with High Grade |
| Gear | 21-speed Shimano Tourney |
| Features | Dual Steel Suspension system
Alloy double-wall rimmed wheels with High Grade Alloy handlebars Dual Disk Brake system |
Best Compact: Vilano Urban Folding Bikes
Pros
- Great bang for bucks
- Sturdy construction with aluminum frame
- Super lightweight that can be carried around
- Comes assembled, stays well-packed when folded
Cons
- The thread could be better
- Brakes don’t give immediate stop
Vilano Urbana is a Spanish-made bike ideal for urban riders on flat surfaces.
At a glance, the bike appears to be simple and lightweight.
Equipped with a single coaster brake, the bike is nimble, fast yet unexpectedly solid.
Also, the handlebar is adjustable, meaning that it can be extended just like the seat. I’d recommend you add some material to its base so that it doesn’t wiggle during the ride.
Once folded, the bike is compact (12 x 32 x 25 inches) and way narrower than some other folding bikes.
There is an included Velcro strap for you to tie two halves of the bike; that means you don’t need to spend money on buying one.
Overall, with a bit of tweaks, this Vilano folding bike is perfect.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 34 x 26 x 14 |
| Weight (lbs) | 21.5 |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
| Wheels size | N/A |
| Gear | N/A |
| Features | Single coaster brake |
unYOUsual Folding Bikes
Pros
- Worth the money
- Adjustable, comfortable seat and handlebar
- Stylish look with grey finish
- Fits riders between 5” and 6”ft tall
Cons
- Pedal holes easily get damaged
I have a competitor to the Vilano folding bike – unYOUsual folding bike. This one is also a Spanish-made bike. Let’s see what distinguishes it from the previous model.
Taken out of the box, the bike is fully assembled, and all you need to do is to inflate the tires to make it work.
Featuring 20” wheels, it is most suitable for casual ridings, such as rolling around in the park or exercising in the morning.
I really appreciate the rear rack that comes with the bike, very convenient for storing and transporting items.
Make sure to screw in the pedals correctly as one of them has reversed thread.
If you’re planning to take a bike with you somewhere, this one is probably one of the best choices.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 32 x 13 x 23 |
| Weight (lbs) | 32 |
| Frame material | N/A |
| Wheels size | 20’’ |
| Gear | Shimano 6-speed shifter and derailleur |
| Features | Quick removable front handle stem
Grip lever |
Best for Urban Riding: Columba Folding Bikes
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Folding or unfolding is a piece of cake
- Includes a bell
- Can mount water bottles
- Available in 4 color options
Cons
- The seat is a bit stiff
Don’t be surprised when I introduce you to another bike brand from Spain. Keep reading or you might miss an excellent option.
The Columba folding bike has the largest wheels compared to the two previous models, which are 26”.
Moreover, it features Shimano 18-speed shifters and derailleurs, meaning that it’s more capable of handling rough terrains, especially downhill rides.
The folding feature also makes it great for storage; it fits in the car trunk easily for transportation as well, perfect for taking it out occasionally.
I like the fact that it comes with a bell, and storing water bottles is possible by mounting it to the down post.
In short, it’s probably one of the best of the three Spanish bikes I’ve tested.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 52 x 8 x 27 |
| Weight (lbs) | 34 |
| Frame material | N/A |
| Wheels size | 26’’ |
| Gear | 18-speed Shimano shifters and derailleurs |
| Features | Quick and removable handle stem
Shimano gearing system with 18 speeds |
DJ 750W Folding Bikes
Pros
- Great investment in the long run
- Durable and powerful with 1000W Befang motor
- Super comfy and cushioned seat
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- The battery construction could be better
Folding bike also comes in the form of electric bikes, let’s see what’s special about the DJ 750W model.
It’s a 5-star bike for many reasons, from the shipping process to assembly and eventually riding quality.
Though it’s an electric bike, the DJ 750W is very easy to assemble without any instructions. The battery also comes partially charged; you just need to attach some small parts.
Moreover, the front suspension, fat tires and suspension-based seats are excellent; the motor is more than powerful enough to get you up hill with no difficulty.
Lastly, the battery is detachable, and can be charged while on the go, a nice feature which I really like.
Trust me, you won’t find a better high-performance electric bike at a low cost like the DJ 750W.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | N/A |
| Weight (lbs) | 57 |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
| Wheels size | N/A |
| Gear | Shimano 7 gears |
| Features | Lithium battery with lock key
1000W max power Befang brushless motor Tektro disc brake Mozo fork suspension with preloaded adjustment and lock |
EuroMini ZiZZO Urbano 24lb Folding Bikes
Pros
- Robust construction
- Beefy tires to tackle rough terrains
- 8 gears make travelling up or downhill a breeze
- Fits almost all riders’ height
Cons
- No rack
- Fenders not included
Don’t be taken aback when I introduce you to another product from ZiZZO; it’s a great company producing great products.
The bike seems to be well-built, sturdy, and functional out of the box – excellent.
The multi-gearing mechanism is what sets it apart from the other 2 sibling models. It works smoothly and powerfully, which makes a huge difference when travelling downhill.
Plus, the bike is surprisingly lightweight and can be carried up the steps to the train or stored in the back of your truck with ease.
It also features adjustable stems to adapt riders of different heights from under 5ft to 6.4ft tall. How versatile it is.
Product specifications:
| Dimension (inches) | 31 x 12.5 x 27 |
| Weight (lbs) | 24 |
| Frame material | Aluminum; 20” |
| Wheels size | 20” |
| Gear | 8-speed Shimano shifter and derailleur |
| Features | Ultra-light and ultra-purpose Kenda tires
Iron V-brake compatible fork Adjustable stems Max weight capacity: 240lbs |
Best All-Terrain: Max4out Folding Bikes
Pros
- Multiple gears for different riding conditions
- Pedals and seat are included
- Great for various riding conditions – mountain, road, trail, city and beach
Cons
- Assembly is quite difficult
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Folding Bikes In 2021
When it comes to purchasing a folding bike, there are several key factors you need to take into consideration. Don’t drop your coins on something just because it looks cool!
Using purpose
Many folding bikes come with luggage racks for storage and transportation. Should you want to carry heavy grocery bags, they are there to help you.
Some do offer lights, fenders and possibly a water bottle cage to facilitate comfortable riding experience.
Component choices
Number of gears
For short commutings in the city, or on flat surfaces, a single speed is definitely the best choice since it helps shave maintenance and weight.
Those who want to conquer rough terrains, hills or mountains, it’s better to go with 11-32 wide-ratio cassettes as well as triple cranksets.
Keep in mind that the more gears, the more heavy your bike will become.
Brakes
Before the advent of Disc brakes, V-brakes (or Rim brakes) were used. They are less expensive, easy to maintain and replace, even on the go.
Disc brakes, on the other hand, are better than V-brakes in some aspects. Weather extremities won’t be a problem because these brakes are unaffected. Plus, they’re fairly easy to install and configure, and they do not damage the tire rims.
Frame materials
There are 3 most common materials being used: steel, aluminum, carbon fibre, and titanium.
Aluminum is widely used for its balance in weight and resilience. Steel, on the other hand, is heavier than aluminum and is more prone to rust. There is also a carbon-framed version, making the bike the lightest in the 3 material choices, but it’s easier to damage.
In short, there are both advantages and disadvantages to each frame material. See what you really need to pick the best one.
Size & Weight
Size
Most folding bikes are one-size-fits-all with a great deal of adjustability. A wide range of adjustability enables you to share your bike with other people (i.e family members) since it’s easy to use.
Weight
As I’ve mentioned above, the number of gears you choose mainly determines the weight of your bike. If you intend to climb stairs instead of hills, then a single-speed or models with fewer gears would do the job. Plus, you don’t want to carry a heavy folding bike on and off the train, right? Make sure you pick the right one.
Folding time and folding size
The whole selling point of the folding bike lies in its foldability. Some only take you a few seconds, whereas others take a lot more steps.
A rule of thumb is that the more joints there are, the smaller the bike can be folded.
If you prefer to fold within seconds, then Tern or Brompton might be the best choices for you.
Electric bikes
Electric bikes have grown in popularity in recent years. The addition of a motor adds to the mass of the bike, but the power increases dramatically.
However, there have been major improvements that help reduce the weight yet boost the performance to a great extent.
FAQs
Which is the best folding bike?
There are several great models of folding bikes on the market:
- Dahon: Dahon’s folding bikes are designed for longer and leisure trips, which is the reason why they are constructed using advanced components and technology.
- Brompton: The market leader in folding bike products. Brompton’s products are commonly used for shorter trips due to their small design.
- Tern: Excellent product with ultra-foldability and small design.
- Schwinn: Features gorgeous and retro look and design. Its product is low-priced which makes it the best-seller.
It all depends on what you are looking for – a bike for light travel, or for hardcore riding. Picking from one of these brands will be easier for beginners.
Is a folding bike worth it?
For those who want to combine a folding bike with other means of transport, then this is the ideal solution. For non-folding bikes, you have to mount it on a rack, either a hitch rack or a roof rack, which means you have to spend more money and effort.
What is the best Dahon folding bike?
The most versatile Dahon folding bike currently on the market is the Dahon Mariner D7. It’s ranked as the bestseller bike due to its sturdy construction, compact, 7-speed gearing mechanism, a rack and fenders.
How far can you ride a folding bike?
It partially depends on the size of the bike. The smaller the bike, the less suited it is for long distance rides.
Some compromises have to be made among foldability, size, weight, and drivetrain to ensure the best performance.
How do I choose a folding bike?
Think how frequently you travel by bike. If you use public transport more often, opt for a small-sized one to maximize compact and portability.
Please refer to our buying advice to find out which folding bike is for you.
My Top Pick
The Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike is the best bike I have ridden so far. Featuring a wheel size that perfectly fits my living space and the gearing mechanism with 7 speeds for daily commuting, this bike has improved my life to a great extent.
That’s it. I hope you enjoy reading this review of top 11 best folding bikes in 2021.
Please feel free to share your thoughts about the products listed above, or the one you are using to see the difference.
Stay tuned for more updates!