Find out the best folding bikes of 2023 out there that can be folded in a matter of seconds.
Folding bikes, also known as collapsible commuter bikes, are more than just a gimmick. Being able to fold your bike up and carry it along side you like a briefcase is incredibly useful in big cities and bustling downtown areas.
If it’s impractical for you to bike all the way to work, for example, you can ride your folding bike part way, then hop on a train or a bus for the rest of the commute. Also, they take up a lot less space if you’re in a smaller apartment, another fixture of urban life.
There are many considerations to keep in mind when you’re choosing best budget folding bikes, so stick around and we’ll get you all caught up.
In a hurry? The test winner after 17 hours of research:
Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike
Why is it better?
94/100
our score
Our Buying Guide
Foldable bikes are a great way to get around town, and they’re also an excellent option for commuters. They can be folded up when not in use so you don't have to worry about them taking up too much space or being damaged by the elements. You can fold your bike into its own carrying case that fits easily inside of most cars, which makes it easy to transport from place to place.
There are many different types of folding bicycles available on the market today, but there is one thing all these models share: their ability to collapse down small enough to fit into any car trunk. The best folding bikes will fold with ease and then unfold quickly without having to struggle with complicated mechanisms. This guide should help you find out what features make a good folding bicycle before buying one.
At Bikes Reviewed, we are dedicated to serving you with the best-rated products with surety. All these products have gone through comprehensive research and the opinions of real customers using these bikes.
How We Picked
The best folding bicycles are the ones that can be folded up and carried in a backpack or bag. They're great for commuting, running errands around town, or just taking on short trips to nearby parks or trails. We tested 16 product models from top brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Brompton, Surly, and more to find out which fold-up bike is right for you.
Our picks include some budget options as well as high-end road bikes with carbon frames. All our recommendations have one thing in common: they all fold easily into their own backpacks or bags so you don't need any extra space when traveling light.
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Last Updated: November 24, 2021
By Max Shumpert: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding foldable bikes available for those who are interested in lightweight and portable bikes. The best 8 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best folding bicycles currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
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SCHWINN 20-INCH LOOP FOLDING BIKE
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Best Folding MTB
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Best Folding MTB
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FOLDING MOUNTAIN BIKE 26 INCH
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Best Folding Road Bike
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Best Folding Road Bike
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UNYOUSUAL TRANSFORMER FOLDING CITY BIKE
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ZiZZO VIA 26LB FOLDING BIKE
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OUTROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE
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COLUMBA 26 INCH FOLDING BIKE
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TERN VEKTRON D8 FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKE
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TERN HSD S+ FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKE
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Our Top Folding Mountain Bike Picks For 2021
Folding mountain bikes have come a long way.
Today’s models offer all or most of the same characteristics you'll find on a standard best budget mountain bike, only with the added advantage of maximum portability.
These two are easily our favorites.
1. Folding Mountain Bike 26in 21 Speed Bicycle Full Suspension MTB Bikes
Folding Mountain Bike 26in 21 Speed Bicycle Full Suspension MTB Bikes
This is one of the best foldable bikes on our list. If you’re going to rely on a lightweight folding mountain bike, you probably want it to be one that is durable enough to give you the best performance to take the rough terrains like a pro.
The Folding Mountain Bike 26in 21 Speed Bicycle Full Suspension MTB Bikes, as its name implies, is fashionable and a full suspension bike.
The high carbon steel frame is a design that looks like it’s full suspension, the area where a shock would be is where the bike folds. A 31.8 bold front fork offers plenty of travel on the shock to absorb impacts.
Shimanos Derailleurs and shifters are used and both are very responsive and precise. Tolan Disc brakes come standard this bikes, offering improved control with less maintenance.
Another notable aspect is the 3 spoke Magnesium wheel size with a wide tires that are lightweight and more durable.
Folding Mountain Bike 26in 21 Speed Bicycle Full Suspension MTB Bikes is a full size mountain bike instead of a compact. This makes it a legitimate mountain bike that is suited for singletrack trails and moderate to advanced off-road terrain.
You can read more about the similar bike's durability and performance in our Montague Paratrooper in-depth review.
2. Outroad Mountain Bike
Outroad mountain bike has achieved something truly extraordinary, designing a high-quality full suspension folding mountain bike that keeps its price in a moderate range. The bike’s aggressive look is a perfect match for its performance.
Outroad mountain bike
The frame is crafted from carbon-steel and helps to keep the weight down somewhat. The bike's total weight is around 20kg so don't expect to be moving this one around all day.
It comes with 21-speed gears rear derailleur for soft gear shifts on every ride and 26 Inches 6-spoke fashion rims are used for fast and safe rides.
The suspension system on the Outroad mountain bike is impressive. Shimano elements build up the drivetrain, which flaunts 21 total gears. This provides the rider enough gear choices when facing portions of the ride with the most variation. The shifting is fast and precise thanks to the Shimano system.
The Wheels are one of our favorite parts of the 26-inch bike along with the 6-spoke magnesium alloy rims that give the bike the perfect amount of durability.
Further components such as the Tolan’s disc brakes, ergonomic handles, and comfortable saddle all add to its overall power and comfort during any riding setting.
The Outroad mountain bike is not just the best folding bike -- it’s a great mountain bike, period. Riders can buy this bike with confidence knowing they have a true workhorse manufactured for daunting trails, with the added capability of a folding bike.
Best Folding Road Bikes
Foldable road bikes have come a long way.
While you can opt for a full bike version that has all the features you’d find on a standard road bike, you can also get a much more simple version that is still very much a road bike. These two folding road bikes represent both of these types to the fullest.
1. Tern HSD S+ Folding Electric Bike
tern hsd s+ folding electric bike
The Tern HSD S+ Electric Folding Bike scores on all records, resulting in a light, a quick folding road bike that is excellent for going around in a rush on town streets.
The Tern HSD S+ is a full-sized bike along with its 20in of wheel size while including its distinguished folding technology that is very easy to adapt, use, and lessens the bike’s size in a matter of seconds.
The bike is highly useful and surprisingly small than a standard bicycle. However, the bike can carry a whole lot of weight while riding smoothly.
The best performance line motor delivers pedal to speed up to 20mph which is highly ideal for you to carry your stuff and ride hills without any excess sweat.
The bike is designed with a 500 power-pack battery for longer rides that can offer a range of up to 74 mi. Customized Suspension from the system smooths out the bumpy roads with 70mm of your travel.
The Magura hydraulic brakes offer consistency and power while using your brake even in wet conditions. The bike has a belt drive system to last for a longer time plus you get to have a greasy and dirt-free ride.
The bike fits perfectly for 4'11 to 6'5 inches riders. The bike offers automatic shifting across a great range of 380% with its enviolo AUTOMATiQ Shifters.
2. unYOUsual U Transformer Folding City Bike
No products found.
The frame of this bike is crafted from aluminum, helping it keep the weight down to a manageable level. The frame material gives it a very active ride, without making it feel too light or uncertain.
And of course, there’s the weight aspect, it weighs around 32lbs and is very easy to carry around. It is a lightweight folding bike.
The 6 speed Shimano gearing setup on this bike is surprisingly efficient. The bike’s wheelset of the bike includes WANDA 20 inches x 1.75 tires that have a smooth, rounded tread, that also deflects water with ease giving you added traction in wet conditions if needed.
The brake system, or lack thereof, is what helps keep this bike simple. There are no handbrakes, but rather a coaster brake system, which many are familiar with from their childhood BMX bikes they first learned on.
The handlebars and seat add another dimension of comfort, helping improve the overall ride quality of this bike.
Although easy, this bike is created to let you travel practically everywhere, by being both being light in weight, and very compactable. Along with this, you get the bike at a low price, and you have yourself the best folding exercise bike, regardless of type.
The bike can be stored anywhere and can be transported to any place.
Best folding commuter bikes
The commuter style is where it all starts for folding bikes. Simple, light, and quick to assemble, these two represent the best of what a folding commuter bike should be, on varying price levels.
1. EuroMini ZiZZO Via 26lb Folding Bike
EuroMini ZiZZO Via 26lb Folding Bike
The best way to own a commuter folding bike is to keep everything simple and to opt for the best feature bike version that consists of everything you need in a commuter bike. It is the best folding bike for touring.
The EuroMini ZiZZO Via 26lb Folding Bike is a fast speed folding bike. The bike easily abandons the city traffic and works efficiently with 7-speed folding including a rear carrying rack.
EuroMini ZiZZO has aced the specialty of the foldable bike and will take you to the last stop without any headache.
Extraordinarily smooth, simple to overlap, tires prepared for the rigors of the street. This lightweight bike folds into an unfathomably convenient bundle that is perfect for easy transportation in the city.
You can also fold the bike and can easily be placed under your seat in bus or train or under the desk of your office.
There is a gauge nylon bag provided with the bike to carry it with convenience. Schwinn Adapt gives you an amazing breeze with its 7 gears. Hence it is a good option due to its major versatility and ease of pedaling.
Shimano Tourney 7-speed rear Derailleur handles the gear switching, which is very crisp and decisive with each click of the shifter. It also has Shimano twist shifter in the perfect position for convenient shifting without straining when needed.
Alloy V-Style Brakes are mounted at both the front and back, so you always have plenty of control over stopping when navigating your way around traffic and other obstacles.
The bike’s wheels used Kenda Khan 20x1.95" wheels. The smooth tread design ensures a better grip on pavement, while also directing water away. The bike weighs 26 Lb.
One of our favorite features is the included fenders. When you're commuting, the last thing you want to do is get wet or muddy when there is wet weather or puddle, the full wrap fenders, and reflective side-walls are an effective part of the bike.
2. SCHWINN 20-INCH LOOP FOLDING BIKE
- Lightweight foldable bike, step-through frame, folds for convenient storage, fits riders 4'8" to 6'2" in height
- Experience smooth gear changes with the 7-speed twist shifter, ensuring effortless shifting on your rides
- Enjoy secure and confident stops with the front and rear linear pull brakes, providing reliable braking performance on this bicycle
When it comes to best foldable bikes portability and convenience, have to rule above performance and aesthetics. The Schwinn folding bike recognizes that which is why their frame folds down into a compact area only a little larger than the rear wheel.
If you’re commuting or just don’t have space to store a full bike, the Schwinn folding bike is an ideal choice because of its size. But just as important is how quickly and easily you can fold it down and reassemble.
Unlike many of the cheaper folding bicycle which require you to pull apart components, this Schwinn folding bike is indeed effortless. Reviewers consistently mention how easy it is to fold and unfold.
Perhaps one of its most appealing features, when compared to other folding bikes, is its low stand over the frame. For most the tip of the structure will only come up to your mid-thigh, making it incredibly easy to get on and off quickly on your commute.
When you are cycling in traffic, as many of us do on commutes, it’s convenient to be able to put your feet on the ground without an issue so that you can be more careful around traffic.
To keep fold up bikes lightweight you’ll often find that they sacrifice brake quality, but this Schwinn model features “sure stopping” alloy linear pull brakes. This style of brake gives you greater control for a safer ride.
It also has a seven-speed drive train which is vital for versatility. You’ll need those lower gears for climbing hills more efficiently on a folding bike which isn’t going to be as nimble and speedy as a road or fixed gear bike.
Conveniently, you’ll receive a nylon carrying bag when you order this bag which while probably not useful for an everyday commute, is helpful for transporting in your car or on a long journey.
Schwinn recognized that most of their customers would be wearing work clothes, which is why this model features a pant guard and front and rear fenders to keep dirt and scratches away. Plus, it has a sizable rear rack which you can mount your bag onto.
With all these features there must be something wrong? Well, no and if there were chances are it would be covered by their limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike.
In the in-depth review of the Schwinn Loop we take a look at the a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain, along with the rest of its many great features.
best folding electric Bikes
For those that need a little assistance with their travels from time to time, there are electric folding bikes.
If you want to get better idea of which electric folding bike is best for you, be sure to also look at our E-bike buyers guide. We review Ancheer and Cyrusher's folding and unfolding e-bikes, in addition to the Prodeco Phantom which we reviewed below.
1. Tern Vektron D8 Folding Electric Bike
tern vektron d8 folding electric bike
Tern Vektron D8 folding electric bike is better than ever, combining some stellar engineering with impressive design, and of course some very quality components as well.
The company is known for making various conventional folding bikes, but the folding aspect takes it to a new level.
This full-size bike is meant to be versatile, while also retaining some rugged aspects that allow it to handle some tougher terrains when needed too.
The frame of the Tern Vektron D8 folding electric bicycle is made from Hydroformed 7005 aluminum, with a Hydroformed aluminum along with the suspension fork offering plenty of travel to help keep the ride as smooth as possible.
The bike’s drivetrain features a BAFANG M400 Drive System with 8 total speeds shifters, which are more than enough for city riding, providing you with sufficient differential to sustain high speeds or rise the steep.
The wheelset includes an extra reinforced rear wheel to support the added weight from the battery and engine, and the Schwalbe Big Apple with puncture resistance, Reflex tires are thick and durable, supplying a high amount of traction on pavement surfaces.
Now for the exciting part. A 400 watt-hours motor powers the bike when you don’t want to pedal, and engages whatever gear you have the bike in. In the high gear, you can accomplish the speed of 20 mph and can travel up to 25-56 miles on a single charge of the lithium-ion battery pack.
The motor itself is very quiet, and most won’t even know it’s on, or even notice that the bike has it when you pass them. For those that have ever ridden an obnoxious, loud electric bike, this is welcome news.
Overall, this bike is a prime example of what an electric bicycle should be. It has an economical price and also offers consistent performance.
best folding hybrid bikes
The best hybrid bikes are a seamless meshing of road and mountain bikes, retaining their most useful characteristics to create an ideal commuter and travel bike that can also handle some light off-road trails.
This is one of our best foldable bikes models.
1. Columba 26 inch Folding Bike
- 26 inch wheels
- 18 speed shifter and derailleur, alloy front and rear V-brake.
- Kenda 26 tires
The Columba 26 inch folding bike represents one of the most versatile classes of best folding bikes, which are the hybrids. These go-anywhere bikes are equally suited for both paved and off-road riding, eagerly taking on whatever comes your way.
This bike showcases true innovation in a variety of ways, right down to its drive-train. The 18-speed SP26S is a full-size bike in every way, but can still fold down to a fraction of its size thanks to a release mechanism located on the rear chain stays.
Within about 10 seconds, you can have the bike fully broken down and ready for transportation. Its frame folding features allow the bike to fold itself by easily detaching the handlebar from the head-tube and taking out the seat and saddle from the seat tube and fold pedals.
The bike's frame is crafted from steel, giving it a light overall weight that falls around 33 pounds when fully equipped. This is an ideal weight for a full-sized hybrid, as it’s light enough to carry easily, but not so light to where the bike feels unstable or flimsy.
The bike is designed with 18-speed shifters, giving you more than enough gears to navigate a variety of terrains and slopes. The bike is the best when you have to commute through the city, park, or traverse through the mountain trails.
The bikes wheel-set consists of 32 hole black alloy rims, coupled with KENDA 26 tires that are among the most versatile on the market.
why you need to choose your Best Folding bikes carefully?
Just because a bike is a folding bike, it doesn't automatically make it similar to other models. The folding aspect of the bike is unrelated to the other components and build, so don’t think that you can just purchase some random folding bike with good reviews and come out okay.
Folding bicycles are just like other types of bikes; they have their own characteristics and components that are suited for certain usages and styles of riding. So, if you end up purchasing a folding mountain bike, and you need it for commuting, you’re selling yourself short on your overall riding experience.
For the most part, folding bicycles are not inexpensive, so you need to be completely sure that you are getting the right one that is best for your needs, so you don’t end up getting half the value out of your money.
important aspects to consider Before you Buy Best Folding Bikes
We’ve identified some key characteristics that will help you narrow down the type of collapsable bike that you’ll get the most out of.
This involves everything from the kind of riding you’re doing, to the way it folds, and more.
WHAT ARE YOU USING IT FOR?
The primary thing you need to cross off your checklist first is what your primary use and environment will be for your folding bike.
COMMUTING with a folding bike
Commuting is by far the most popular reason that someone gets a folding bike. In most cases, riders seek out folding bikes if they regularly use multiple forms of transportation to get around their city.
This could refer to someone who consistently rides from their home, and then to a bus, subway, or train station, where they board and arrive at their next destination. From there, they either walk or ride the rest of the way to get where they are going.
As you’ve probably guessed, this can be difficult if you are lugging around a full size bike that can’t fold. Commuters who primarily ride in an urban setting, and transfer between other travel types will be better off looking for commuter folding bikes.
MOUNTAINEERING/HIKING/MOUNTAIN BIKING
Prior to best folding bikes, it was inconceivable to think that you could bring a mountain bike with you while you are hiking or making your way through mountains. However, this idea actually harkens back to the original folding bikes, which were designed for paratroopers to use during combat when they reached the ground.
Foldable mountain bikes are simply folding versions of actual, legitimate entry level mountain bikes.
Initially, this really only meant a folding bike that had some knobby tires and a few gears, but you can now purchase actual full suspension folding mountain bikes that are just as capable of handling the trails.
So, if you are someone who would like to take a few shortcuts during your hikes when the opportunity presents itself, you can add a folding mountain bike to your gearset.
Or, you can simple use the bike for singletrack trail riding, and not have to worry about getting a roof rack, pickup truck, or other method what other riders have to employ to transport their mountain bikes to the trails.
ROAD BIKING/TRAVEL
We’ll use this time to again highlight the progression that has occurred in best folding bikes over the last decade or so. Folding bikes used to be considered the opposite of a road bike, but you can now find folding versions of road bikes, in both compact and full sizes.
That means you can acquire a fully functional road bike, complete with skinny tires, drop down handlebars, and numerous gears, in a folding format.
Savvy road bikers and travelers who need a more portable way to transport their bike when not in use will definitely appreciate a folding road bike in more ways than one.
LEISURELY RIDE
Sometimes you don’t really need a reason to enjoy a folding bike, other than for leisurely purposes. In fact, there are numerous road, mountain, and even BMX riders who purchase folding bikes to keep around for whenever they may need one, or just for fun.
Even if you're just using the bike for the occasional stroll around the neighborhood, or to run an errand or two when the weather is nice, you a still experience all of the many functional and convenient benefits that a folding bike offers.
In this case, you’ll only need a basic folding bike with a minimal setup, or perhaps a hybrid.
FOLDING MECHANISMS
The style of folding mechanism that’s used on the bike has a great effect on how it’s compacted, along with how quickly.
- Half and mid-folding is the most widely-used folding mechanism. The frame folds at the midway point of the frame, and the remaining components collapse.
- Vertical folds work almost the same way, but rather than swing from the side, the hinge goes upward instead.
- Triangle folds are a little more complicated, but are actually intended to be quicker. These sometimes use folding front forks as well.
- Magnet folds use a intricate magnet setup to aid in the collapsing of the bike, and also usually leave the back wheel on the ground so you can roll the bike on the ground after it’s compacted.
- Breakaway folds are found on diamond-shaped frames, and usually employ a folding seat post in addition to a folding frame. These may or may not require the removal of the front wheel when folding.
WEIGHT
The weight of the best folding bikes is a crucial aspect, which figures into its overall portability. Ideally, it’s best to keep things under 30 pounds, with 20 pounds being the best weight range.
If you are going to be carrying your bike for long distances on a consistent basis, it's’ best to pay the extra money for a lighter model. Aluminum is the most prevalent choice, with carbon fiber and titanium offering even more weight savings, albeit at a higher price.
Steel frames are the cheapest, but will typically weigh the most as well. Swapping out components such as seatposts, handlebars, and wheelsets can help you trim down the total weight if needed.
RIDER SIZE
For the most part, fold up bikes are one-size-fits-all. However, there are a growing number of manufacturers that are making best folding bikes in varying sizes, helping ensure a more ideal fit.
Most folding bike product listings will have a size chart included to help you make sure that it will fit you. The bike’s seatpost and handlebar stem are used to fine tune the fit once the bike is assembled
GEARING
Folding bikes that aren’t full sized will use smaller drivetrains with higher gear efficiencies to make up for the lack of size. This means that while the drivetrain may look like you have to pedal twice as much to go the same speed as a full sized bike, you are actually getting the same amount of power with each pedal rotation.
Common FAQs
Which is the best folding bike?
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conclusion
We hope this best folding bikes guide has helped to steer you in the right direction towards the folding bike that is the best for your riding style and needs.
We fully endorse every bike on this list, and encourage you to check out our reviews section for a moe in-depth look at our favorites.
Before going through with a purchase, double check your riding needs and the bike’s capabilities one more time to make sure you are truly getting the bike that will give you the riding experience that’s needed.
We know that there are tons of other models out there aside from what we’ve covered. Have any folding bikes you’d like to recommend to us, or see us review? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!
Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API