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These convenient and compact bikes make travel, commutes, and life easier. Folding Bikes For Adults
Folding bikes, not surprisingly, have become increasingly popular among urban commuters, frequent travelers, and apartment-dwellers—all the kinds of riders who might have limited storage space.
But folding bikes are hardly new. With origins dating back to the early 20th century, these transformer-style bicycles have come a long way in terms of design and functionality. Today, they provide a practical solution for those who want to combine cycling with public transportation, or simply save space in their living or work environment. Often, with a folding bike, you can unobtrusively bring it into many places that otherwise wouldn’t allow bicycles inside.
A folding bike offers a convenient, space-saving solution for people who want to incorporate a bike ride into their daily routine, without compromising on performance or quality.
The bikes recommended below range from $300 to $5,400. Cost depends on build quality, size, functionality, and additional features like electric assistance and cargo space. There is a wide range of options, so consider your specific needs and prioritize your preferences. From lightweight singlespeeds to cruisers to e-bikes, almost every kind of bike can be found in a folding version.
Look at wheel size to help determine which folding bike is best for you. The smaller the wheel, the smaller the bike will fold. On the other hand, larger wheels allow the bike to tackle rougher terrain but won't fold as compactly.
Many folding bikes use 20-inch wheels to ensure they fold down to a manageable size and stay relatively light when commuting or traveling on public transport. If you plan on riding longer distances, 700c wheels will offer a smooth ride and maximize your pedaling input.
Alternatively, a folding e-bike offers some pedal-assist to save energy and ensures you don’t show up to work with sweaty clothes. If you plan to ride off paved paths, then a folding fat bike with 4-inch tires can smooth out a bumpy trail.
Most folding bikes come “one size fits all” with lots of built-in adjustability. A model with a lot of versatility might even be suitable for more than one member of your family.
The bikes included in this roundup range from 23 to 74 pounds. Super light models like the Zizzo Liberte are designed to fold for easier carrying and transport, and weigh much less than folding cargo bikes like the Tern GSD, which only allows the handlebar to fold down in order to help increase storage options.
A folding bike's overall weight will typically decrease when it's composed of higher-quality parts and lighter frame materials, such as carbon fiber and titanium, but this also means the bike gets more expensive. If you climb stairs more often than you climb hills, opt for a singlespeed or a model with fewer gears. This can also trim weight.
Additionally, check how quickly and easily the bike folds down, especially if you’re the type who gets to the train at the last minute. Most folding bikes operate via a single hinged joint in the frame or at the handlebar stem, like the Montague Boston: The hinge allows you to fold it in half quickly, but it doesn't fold down quite as small as the Brompton models, which require a few more steps and takes a bit more time, but result in a more compact folded dimension.
More importantly, don’t confuse a folding bike with a travel bike. While a folding bike can absolutely be your travel bike, the term 'travel bike' typically describes bicycles with full-size frames that are able to be disassembled into smaller pieces. This allows riders to pack a full-size bike into a case that is under the TSA size limit for oversized luggage.
While a folding bike, like its name says, is designed to be folded quickly and easily without the use of tools, a travel bike will require tools to be disassembled, and the process can take quite a bit of time depending on your level of mechanical skill.
Most electric folding-bike options come with a 250-watt motor and enough torque for safe but fast acceleration. The higher the torque, the faster the acceleration and the more powerful the bike will feel.
Most folding e-bikes are Class 1, meaning they top out at 20 mph and are acceptable on bike paths. If you encounter several flights of steps during the course of an average day, keep in mind that a battery and motor will add to the bike’s overall weight.
Not only have my experiences helped me discover the qualities I prefer in a folding bike, but I've also learned a few tricks for getting the most out of a bike in a certain price range. I’ve tried out a wide variety of folding bikes while also gaining valuable insight as both a tour guide and skills instructor working with riders along the full spectrum of experience and ability. All of that has familiarized me with the factors and features of bikes that influence comfort and utility across all levels, and guided me in choosing the folding bikes selected here.
Additionally, I relied on the previous test work of the Bicycling test editors who have used their own experiences with folding, unfolding, carrying, stashing, and of course, riding these bikes to determine the best options. Bikes that haven’t been tested were selected based on value, quality of parts, and the collective experiences of our team riding similar models, in addition to how the overall package meets the needs of the intended buyer. These are the best folding bikes available now.
Brompton bikes are much sought after due to their overall high quality, and because they pack down really small—so small you can commute to and from the airport and wedge one into the overhead compartment for a long-distance, car-free commute. The brand offers a variety of drivetrain setups, color schemes, handlebar shapes—and a full lineup of luggage systems.
What stands out with the popular C Line Explore model is its six-speed drivetrain and U-shaped handlebar, which puts the rider in a comfortable, upright position. The steel frame is hand-brazed and ready to ride in wet weather, thanks to full-coverage fenders. Plus, all Bromptons are assembled at the brand’s London factory.
Decathalon routinely delivers products at affordable prices. If you’re on a tight budget and need a simple, easy-to-maintain folding bike to get you through the last few miles of your commute, this is a great option. The Btwin Tilt 100 has a steel frame that is simple to fold.
There is only one gear, although the frame does have a derailleur hanger for potential future upgrades. If the ride you're looking to do on your folding bike involves a lot of hilly terrain, consider spending $50 more for the Tilt 120, which features six gears.
There are lots of reasons why this popular Dahon folder deserves your attention—the aluminum-frame bike has brand-name parts, a quick-folding design, and everything you need for a convenient commute, like fenders and a rear rack.
The bike’s Shimano Altus rear derailleur shifts smoothly with trigger shifters, and its 8-speed gearing is more than capable of tackling urban climbs. Thick, 1.75-inch-wide Schwalbe Citizen tires on 20-inch wheels are burly enough for city riding.
There’s a lot to take in with the RadExpand 5. It’s an electric-assist bike, a cargo bike, and a folding bike—with 4-inch-wide tires that would make a Lunar Rover jealous. The RadExpand has something for everyone. City riders will appreciate how easily the fat tires roll over potholes and other road imperfections. Its rear rack is capable of hauling quite a bit of cargo, and the full bike has a load capacity of 275 pounds.
Basically, this is ideal for anyone who wants in on the e-bike action but is limited on storage space. It’s also a great option for RVers who want something they can use to zip around the campsite or for a quick trip into town. This Class 2 e-bike top outs at 20 mph and has both pedal assist and a throttle.
Want the convenience of a folding bike minus the tiny-wheeled look? The Montague Boston might be for you. It’s a folder using standard 700c wheels with a flip-flop hub for fixed-gear or singlespeed riding.
No, you won’t get the ultra-compact folded size of a bike with 16- or 20-inch wheels, but the bike will still pack down much smaller than a traditional bike, and will fit easily into your trunk. A pivot point on the seat stay allows the back of the bike to fold toward the front in one move; just remove the front wheel and it’s ready to stow. The Boston comes in two sizes and features a riser handlebar for a comfortable riding position.
With a front suspension fork and 4-inch-wide tires, Aventon’s Sinch folding e-bike broadens the types of terrain on which you can ride your folding e-bike. A 500-watt motor gives you the power and torque needed to climb hills, and a throttle gives you the option of not pedaling at all.
Its off-road stature means the Sinch isn’t the most portable folder recommended here; it weighs 66 pounds and takes up nearly 17 cubic feet while folded. Bottom line: the Sinch is better for those who are buying a folding e-bike to take up minimal space in an RV or apartment, not folks who need to carry their bike or bring it inside with them.
If your commute features a hill (or hills) that take some of the fun out of the ride, the Blaupunkt Henri may help you overcome that obstacle. The bike features a rear hub motor that provides three levels of assistance, which can take the sting out of inclines on your route.
The bike's 20-inch wheels ensure stability and smooth handling, while the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain offers a versatile range of gears to help you maintain momentum whether you're climbing uphill or cruising downhill. The Henri also boasts a sturdy aluminum frame and durable components that can withstand the rigors of daily commuting.
With the new HSD, Tern combines all the best traits of a folding bike, e-commuter, and cargo bike in the ultimate bid to replace your car. Its Bosch Active Line Plus motor is one of our favorites: It’s smooth and quiet as the bike accelerates up to 20 mph. Also, the Gates belt drive and Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared hub are as high quality as they are low maintenance.
A midsize cargo bike, this has everything that is best about the older GSD, like plenty of cargo and kid capacity, but in an even more compact, convenient package that feels less overbuilt for a smaller family or solo rider. The bike can handle up to 374 pounds, with space for one child seat.
The bike has a 400Wh battery with a 69-mile range and fits riders 4-foot-11-inches to 6-foot-5-inches. With all that, it’s still a great folder—it feels as nimble as a regular bike when riding, but once you’re done, you can lower the handlebar, and stand the bike on its rear rack to fit into compact spaces.
The Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0 Long-Range eBike is an awesome option for riders seeking a smooth ride. Its step-through frame design, which ensures an easy time getting on and off when you’re loaded down with groceries or your commuter bag, makes it accessible to a wider range of riders. Additionally, a suspension fork with 40mm of travel soaks up bumps in the road for a smooth ride. The 850W motor helps you accelerate swiftly and climb hills without getting your blazer sweaty.
With a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge, the Lectric is ready for long commutes and short cruises to the farmer’s market. Its 20-inch fat tires deliver a comfortable ride by absorbing road vibrations, while the foldable design makes it convenient for storage and transportation.
The ZIZZO Liberte stands out among these recommendations as the lightest option, making it ideal for people who want to solve that “last-mile problem” of getting from public transit stops all the way to their destination.
At 23 pounds, it's one of the easier folding bikes to carry, so it’s ideal for folks who live in a walk-up building or for those who have limited storage space. The Liberte features an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain for smooth gear shifting and the ability to tackle various terrains with ease.
The 20-inch wheels provide a maneuverable ride, while the quick and simple folding mechanism is designed for seamless transitions between cycling, carrying, and storing. With a sturdy aluminum frame and reliable components, the ZIZZO Liberte offers a perfect blend of affordability, weight, and convenience for riders in search of a budget-friendly lightweight folding bike.
What is most important when buying a folding bike?
Considerations will differ per rider depending on a person’s specific situation and expected uses of the bike. Price, weight, and folded size tend to be the deciding factors for most buyers, but if you’re not picky about those, consider performance and ride quality. Choose a folding bike with a comfortable riding position, stable handling, and appropriate gearing for your typical routes.
Where is the best place to store a folding bike?
Tuck them wherever they fit, but preferably indoors to prevent rust and corrosion. A few easy storage places at work and home include under a desk or table, or in a closet. If you use your bike frequently enough, it makes sense to store it near your front door so you can unfold and go whenever you’re ready. You can even get a wall-mounted bike rack to ensure easy, quick access that won’t take up more floor space.
Is a folding bike more challenging to ride than a regular bike?
It might feel different to ride a folding bike versus a regular one, but a folding bike is not necessarily more challenging. Folding bikes typically have smaller wheels (16- to 20 inches) compared to regular bikes (26- to 29 inches). Smaller wheels may result in a slightly less stable and more responsive ride, which can take some getting used to.
Folding bikes often have a more upright riding position due to their unique frame geometry. This can be more comfortable for some riders, but for others it may feel different compared to a regular bike and require some adjustment.
Sometimes folding bikes have fewer gears than regular bikes as well, and that can make hills more challenging. That’s why it’s important to take gear ratio into consideration when selecting the best folding bike for your area.
Additionally, some of the folding bikes we’ve selected are designed to be one-size-fits-all, and that may result in a less-tailored fit compared to a regular bike. However, many folding bikes have adjustable components, such as the seat post, stem angle, and handlebars to improve fit and comfort.
Riley is a writer and outdoor adventure guide currently based in Tucson, Arizona where she leads mountain bike rides, rock climbing, and hiking trips. In her spare time, she writes stories and reviews outdoor and fitness gear. Find her writing in publications including Outside, Lonely Planet, SHAPE, Bicycling, Runner’s World, and others. When she’s not playing in the mountains, she’s probably laying down somewhere or eating (or both).
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