Folding bikes can be an incredibly convenient method of transport without taking up much space when not in use. The new Blix Vika X gives us a full-featured, fun-to-ride bike with a powerful motor in a compact package. Despite being a small, folding model, the Vika X has impressive features like electronic shifting and the ability to modulate power and shifting independently.
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The Vika X uses a 500-watt motor that cranked out an impressive watts of power in our dyno test. This bike has powerful acceleration, and you can ride with pedal assist up to 28 mph or 20 mph with the throttle alone. Using a steel fork and 2.4" tires, the Vika has a remarkably nice ride quality for a 20" wheeled bike. The Vika X is well-suited for year-round use with features like fenders, lights, hydraulic disc brakes, turn signals, and even a horn. The bike is also quite practical, with an MIK-compatible rack and 614Wh battery that propelled us 24.7 miles by throttle alone.
Like its predecessor, the Vika + Flex, the Vika X is feature-packed but still remarkably easy to transport. With a folded size of 35" x 20" x 26" and a weight under 56 pounds, it hasn't lost sight of its convenience. The Aventon Sinch Step-Through with its 4" tires and suspension fork is a more comfortable ride but it's much larger and weighs 68-pounds. Folding the Vika X requires no tools and can be done in seconds. The bike arrived almost completely assembled; unfolding it and completing the final steps took just 13 minutes. Blix gave the Vika enough adjustability to accommodate riders between 4' 10" and 6" 2", but riders at the top of this range felt more awkward on its 45" wheelbase.
&#;The Blix could offer more comfort or range, but we're pleased with how it stays true to being a convenient folding bike,&#; says tester Lesley Robinson. This bike's torque sensor and quality display give it a premium feel that sets it apart from the competition. If you want to spend less, check out the Lectric XP 3.0 Step-Thru, which is several hundred dollars less but has similar adjustability and range.
Read more: Blix Vika X review
Our testers were unanimous with this one; we all agree that the Lectric XP 3.0 is award-worthy. It covers the most important bases well, with excellent ride quality, smooth power delivery, and a respectable range. It is Class 2 and Class 3 capable, allowing speeds up to 28 mph in pedal assist. The 500-watt motor impressed us with its torque, providing an unexpectedly peppy ride. A suspension fork and 3-inch wide knobby tires provide a smooth ride over varied surfaces, and a large range of fit ensures that users of varying heights can ride comfortably. It also includes integrated lights, fenders, and a cargo rack capable of carrying 150 lbs. The bike arrives completely assembled, and the large, integrated display screen keeps your speed, distance, and other data available at a moment's glance. Lectric crushes the competition at this price point.
The XP 3.0 falls slightly in the range department due to its moderately sized 500 Wh battery. Exclusively using the throttle (no pedaling), we got 24.51 miles down our range test track. We expect significantly more range by utilizing the pedal-assist modes. Despite its space-saving folding design, it still weighs over 62 pounds, which can be challenging to move around or load in the trunk. Still, electric bikes are expensive, and if you want to pay significantly less than average while getting above-average performance, the Lectric XP 3.0 is our Best Buy recommendation.
Read more: Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 review
The biggest disadvantage of the Aventon Sinch is its significant weight. Folding bikes have portability as a large part of their appeal, and this model's nearly 70-pound weight makes it tough to lift in and out of car trunks and trailers. Its folded size is also one of the largest we measured, though it can still more easily fit where non-folding bikes cannot. We were disappointed at the lack of included features, although Aventon sells accessories to customize your ride. Yet, for the smoothest and most stylish ride in a category not known for either, the Aventon Sinch will satisfy.
Read more: Aventon Sinch Step-Through review
A folding electric bike that's more adventure-ready than its competitors, the Rad Power RadExpand 5 is our recommendation for those looking for more versatility. With its knobby, extra-wide tires, this bike excels on pavement, fire roads, mixed conditions, and smooth trails. Wide handlebars contribute to controlled and stable handling, adding to the damp and pleasant ride quality. The parts chosen for this bike contribute to its versatility in urban environments, with integrated lights, fenders, and a stout rear cargo rack. The 750W motor easily pushes this Class 2 bike along at up to 20 mph using the throttle or four levels of pedal assist. Most impressively, this bike stunned in our range test, gobbling up over 31 miles on our standardized test track thanks to its large capacity 672 Wh battery.
With a super wide recommended user height range of 4'10" to 5'10", the RadExpand 5 has a huge range of fit, though it is less than ideal for taller riders. While functional, the LED display is quite basic compared to the screen-equipped competition. Like most fat-tire bikes, the wide knobby tires create more noise than models with narrower or smoother tires. While the bike folds down to reduce its size significantly, it's among the largest in its folded position, and at 64 lbs and 8 oz, it can also be challenging to carry or load into a vehicle. These minor drawbacks aside, we recommend this adventure-ready model for those seeking a versatile bike that's as adept at riding across town as it is tackling dirt roads from your RV.
Read more: Rad Power RadExpand 5 review
We started testing e-bikes in . Since then, we have tested over 100 different e-bikes across several electric bike categories. Here, we started this folding electric bike review with extensive research into the category, looking up specs and comparing models at multiple price points while reading feedback to glean what consumers want regarding performance. We then purchase our selection of top models, unbox them, and assemble them as we begin our extensive testing process. Each bike is charged and ridden repeatedly for several weeks as our testers incorporate them into daily life, using them on commutes to work and evening joy rides. We also set up standardized circuits to uniformly assess each model. After conducting all our tests, we compile notes and score each product across several predetermined metrics, resulting in a cumulative score for each bike in the test fleet.
We divide our folding electric bike testing among six different rating metrics:See our how we test article for more detailed info on our test processes.
Joshua Hutchens, our Senior Bike Review Editor at GearLab, heads up this review. Joshua spends much of his time atop two wheels for work, fun, commuting, and training. Over the past thirty-six years, Joshua has served almost every role in the bicycle industry. He has competed in nearly every discipline of cycling and owned and operated several cycling businesses, from bicycle shops to indoor bicycle parks. He has professionally tested and reviewed electric and non-electric bikes of all forms, with well over 100 electric bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes, commuter e-bikes, e-MTBs, and more since . Joshua's vast experience building, fixing, and riding bicycles has produced a discerning eye and an uncanny ability to assess and highlight the differences in performance between models. When he's not traversing the Western United States for the best riding, he resides in South Lake Tahoe, where he coaches mountain biking through the local community college.
In an ever-expanding e-bike market, we have you covered. Our cycling specialists have tested a wide variety of electric bikes, buying the best electric commuter bikes, class 3 electric bikes, and top-rated electric mountain bikes to assess hands-on. For those looking to save some cash, we even have a review committed to bringing you the best budget electric bikes available today. And remember to check out the review of our favorite bike helmets to keep that noggin safe.
We tested these bikes side by side, which helped us determine the pros and cons of each bike. This way, testing provides quantitative and qualitative data that allows us to use a comparative scoring model.
Electric bikes of all forms start at a high price tier, and folding ones are no different. Paying more in this category gets you a more powerful motor and a larger battery, improving acceleration, speed, and the all-important range. More expensive bikes have higher-quality features and offer more sophistication in user interfaces, such as LCD screens that track speed and display trip data. Bucking this trend, however, is the Lectric XP Step-Through 3.0. This model costs about half of the top-tier folding bikes we tested. Yet, its performance is within striking distance of the costlier models in ride quality, range, power, and user interface.
Our Ride metric is all about the feels and what the bike offers to make the ride more enjoyable. Each bike's design, components, and features combine to affect ride quality and convenience. We examine these aspects while riding every e-bike over varied terrain, from city streets to off-road trails. Notably, the larger 20-inch wheels scored higher in ride quality than the models with smaller wheels. We also test each model's handling ability at low and high speeds and assess their turning radii. Brake quality and smooth shifting are also factors that we evaluate. Smooth rides that keep the rider comfortable and confident are the heart of this performance metric. Additionally, comfort plays a factor, as do included features that enhance the user experience.
The cushiest ride accolades go to the Aventon Sinch. A modest but effective 45-mm of suspension travel dampens cracks and bumps in the road, and the bulbous 4-inch wide tires have a lot of air volume to further smooth out the ride. This bike is very stable, handling turns at speed and maneuvering around obstacles easily. The mechanical disc brakes aren't the most powerful but function well. It has a nice, comfy saddle, too. Our main gripe is that its height range is more limited than Aventon suggests, as our six-foot-tall tester (with long legs) could have used a little more seat height adjustment. Also detracting from its score is a somewhat disappointing feature set that lacks integrated bike lights, fenders, or a cargo rack. Bonus points are scored here, though, by the sharp look of this bike and a quieter ride compared to the competition. Look good, ride good.
The Blix Vika X offers great ride quality via other avenues than the Aventon Sinch. With its greater range of height adjustments, tall and long-legged riders will likely feel that this bike fits them better, greatly impacting ride comfort. Its top-notch features also make this model convenient for regular commuters. We are big fans of bike lights that run off the bike's battery power, and this bike has them. The rear light also functions as a brake light as the dependable and powerful hydraulic disc brakes are applied. Other features like front and rear fenders, a rear cargo rack, a USB charger for your , and a bell are also handy additions. It handles quite similarly to the other top-rated models. However, with a rigid frame and slightly narrower tires, it can feel jarring over rough surfaces.
The Rad Power RadExpand 5 also excels in ride comfort, bringing fat-bike vibes to this category. The fatty tires provide cushioning underneath, while the extra wide handlebars grant this bike very steady handling. This handling control is great on city streets, especially on trails and fire roads that often require more heads-up navigation around obstacles. This bike's off-road versatility makes it shine. Another impressive model is the Lectric XP 3.0. Despite being cheaper, it provides ample ride quality with a front suspension fork with 80 millimeters of travel. These models also have useful features like lights, fenders, and cargo racks.
If you like wandering rides or have a long commute, hone in on this metric. Knowing an e-bike's range lets you plan how far you can go on one charge. We create a standardized range test using the same course with the same rider (so rider weight is not a factor) for every model, starting with a fully charged bike and riding until the battery is dead. During this test, we note distance traveled, elevation gain/loss, average speed, and the elapsed time of the entire ride. We only use the throttle in this test to remove the variable of rider input through pedaling. Therefore, the results of the range tests represent the baseline of each bike's range potential. Using the pedal-assist modes, you can almost always extend the distances each model can cruise before the power runs out.
The large, 672 Wh battery of the RadExpand 5 went the furthest in our range test. We hummed along at a fast average speed of 17.1 mph. We traveled 31.2 miles with 1,627 feet of elevation gain, only engaging the throttle. Its power remained strong until its final 1-2 miles, where it slowed down some. Most e-bikes drop off power significantly in the final watts of battery life, making this model stand out even more.
The Aventon Sinch followed next in the distance traveled in our range test, going 30.1 miles with just a twist of the throttle. The Aventon's battery is the same size as the RadExpand 5 so it makes sense that they're close. Also showing admirable performance in our Range metric was the Blix X. Its 614-watt-hour battery chewed up 24.7 miles and feet of vertical gain on our test course. It also maintained its power well until the end of battery life.
Our Power metric considers acceleration, max speeds, and overall power output in pedal assist and throttle modes. A powerful motor helps in traffic conditions on the road and improves riding in hilly areas. Our tests measure time from a complete stop to reaching top speed and uphill speed tests. Smooth acceleration also scores bonus points here, as too-aggressive acceleration can feel jumpy. Having more levels of pedal assist allows the rider to fine-tune their speed to match their effort, too.
The Lectric XP 3.0 stands out in this metric, boasting a top speed of 28 mph in its Class 3 configuration with the pedal assist (Class 2 status is also an option) from its 500-watt motor. Its five levels of speed assist give the rider a great range of controlled support while pedaling away. When pedaling, the pedal assist kicks in quickly within a quarter rotation of the cranks. It quickly accelerated from a stop up to 20 mph (its top throttle-only speed). It maintained an average of 15.5 mph on our uphill test.
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The Blix Vika X is another powerful model, hitting 19.7 mph in our uphill test and having four levels of pedal assist that can support up to 28 mph (in Class 3 setting). The RadExpand 5 has a larger 750-watt motor. It did not outperform the other top models in our acceleration and uphill tests, though it hung with them. It has four levels of pedal assist. The Aventon Sinch and Ride1Up Portola performed admirably in our Power metric, too, getting up to 20 mph in about 12 seconds from a dead stop and having five levels of pedal assist. We are confident that any of these top five performers in this metric have adequate power for the needs of most riders.
The portability of folding electric bikes is a significant part of their appeal to many riders. The ability to quickly fold, store, and later deploy this model allows it to be packed into a car trunk or stuffed into smaller storage spaces. While all models here pack down much smaller than non-folding bikes, we found large differences in this metric, mostly due to weight but also in their collapsed size. Smaller, lighter bikes fared better here, as they are easier to carry upstairs or lift into a trunk or RV.
Another impressive model here is the Blix X. Yes, it's heavier than the abovementioned models at 55 pounds 9 ounces. However, it's also much more manageable than the other top-rated models that all weigh over 60 lbs and fold down smaller. Its pedals fold inward in its collapsed format, saving some space. It also has small magnets that help hold the bike in its folded formation, and a bottom bracket allows it to stand on its own when collapsed. If you don't want to sacrifice performance and portability is a priority, the Vika X is our pick.
The user interface consists of everything the rider uses to interact with the bikes. This includes the display, controls, and battery. Some models have basic displays with LED lights, while others shine brighter with LCD screens. The layout of controls and how intuitive they are factor into our Interface metric, too. Removable batteries also allow off-bike charging and add security when locking your wheels outside.
Our favorite user interface is on the Aventon Sinch. Its control unit on the left-hand side of the handlebar is easy to reach and manipulate while riding. The five single-function buttons intuitively toggle through walk mode, pedal assist modes, and changing data fields on the LCD screen. The display screen itself is located in the middle of the handlebars. The speedometer and battery life are easy to read, and you can customize the in-field data extras to fit your needs (trip distance, average and max speed, trip time, calories burned, etc.). This bike stands out for the Aventon app compatibility, where you can easily change your 's screen and bike settings. We also like the battery integrated into the frame, adding to the bike's good looks. It is still easily removable to charge off the bike if desired.
The Blix Vika X has the nicest screen in our test; the color display features intelligent auto-adjust backlighting and shows a wealth of information. The Aventon also has a functional, readable LCD screen that we found easy to use. The three buttons of the control pad have room to improve ergonomically. However, we like that we can turn the lights on and off with these controls, and operating them is intuitive. The built-in USB port is very convenient for charging a mobile while riding. The battery locks in place, or you can remove it for charging and safe storage.
The Lectric XP 3.0 impresses in this metric, too. We're glad Lectric didn't skimp here despite its lower price tag. The left-hand controls are intuitive and ergonomically placed, and the large 2 x 3-inch display screen has large text that we can read easily, even on bright, sunny days. This bike has a twist-throttle on the right handlebar, and you can set the cruise control to ride at a constant speed, too. Its battery is hidden in its frame, too, which helps in the looks department. The battery can still be removed once the bike is folded.
Ordering these folding electric bikes online means they come in a box and require some assembly. This only happens once for most users, so it's not a major consideration, but still noteworthy. Suppose you are unfamiliar with bikes and their components. In that case, selecting a bike with easy assembly may be easier. We timed how long it took to get each bike set up from its boxed state to assess this metric and noted the accompanying difficulty.
Two bikes took the lead in ease of assembly: the Aventon Sinch and the Lectric XP 3.0. These bikes do not require assembly tools (beyond a bike pump). Just open the box, remove the packaging, and unfold them. Handlebar and seat heights must be adjusted easily with quick-release levers. Once you charge the battery, you are ready to ride. These bikes took roughly ten minutes to set up. The most difficult part is moving them in their heavy boxes.
The Blix Vika X falls closely behind, taking about thirteen minutes to set up and requiring only installing the handlebar and pedals. The most time-consuming model to assemble was the Rad Power RadExpand 5, but it comes with detailed instructions and tools and only took us 45 minutes to complete.
A key feature of folding bikes is how easy they are to stow. But electric scooters are even easier to stow and more compact. Putting an electric scooter in the back of a ride-share is much faster and easier than a folding bike. An electric scooter that meets most people's needs generally only costs $300-600, much less than most folding bikes. That said, electric scooters have some big drawbacks compared to folding bikes. Scooters generally feel unstable if going faster than 20MPH, and many electric scooters won't even go that fast. All the more expensive electric scooters generally perform poorly on hills, and most can not climb hills greater than 15%. Finally, most electric scooters handle rough terrain very poorly compared to a folding bike. Hit a pothole on a folding bike, and you get a jolt, but hit the same one on a scooter, which might cause a crash.
In summary, folding bikes will still offer much better handling and hill climbing. But for many people, especially on small trips, a scooter might be all they need at a much better price. Read GearLab's Best Electric Scooter Review to see a side-by-side comparison of the best scooters.
In recent years, folding electric bicycles have gained the favor of many cyclists, especially urban commuters, while a number of debates around their functions also exist. Many users believe that foldable electric bikes are slower in speed and difficult in ride. In this post, let's explore the truth of this popular e-bike model.
It is more possible to build misconceptions around folding e-bikes when you do not understand how it works. Folding e-bikes are specially designed from the regular bike framework. The components are flexible, allowing you to fold them into smaller sizes. You can enjoy a smooth ride while easily folding and unfolding your e-bike. Many folding e-bikes are also adjustable, providing the maximum comfort for riders as much as possible. If you often have a stressful day, you need a folding e-bike for some leisure time.
In terms of speed, e-bikes have a bigger advantage than regular bicycles. Therefore, the speed of folding electric bicycles can definitely meet your daily needs. Honbike products can be ridden at 25km/h, which is also a limited range in most countries. If you experience any lag in your e-bike speed, you can get around this with the engine. Also, you may need some time to get used to your electric motor so you can ride at a reasonable speed.
Some potential users believe that the folding e-bike is easily damaged. If you're buying one on the cheap price, you may be in for such misfortune, but most of the foldable electric bikes on the market are built with sturdy and durable components. There are less burdensome due to the absence of extra weight in the hinge and joint areas, making them much stronger on the road than regular electric bikes. As for the Honbike HF01, we used the Monotork shaft drive system on this folding electric bike, which not only improves durability but also creates a cleaner ride.
Commuting has been challenging for many people who work on-site. As a result, many companies encourage their staff to commute with e-bikes. Since folding bikes are portable, they occupy a small space. You can create a space for it in your workplace, provided it does not break the official rules. Fortunately, some office buildings have e-bike racks, so every bike owner would not need to worry about parking fees.
Vehicles are not easy to move around like folding e-bikes, and the enormous amount of parking fees can be discouraging. There is nothing as user-friendly as having an easy-to-use transportation mode. Since you can place your e-bike close to your working space, it reduces the risk of theft.
If you are looking into investing in the transportation sector, you should consider buying a folding e-bike. A folding bike holds much more value than most other e-bike models. You can be sure to purchase foldable e-bikes now and be able to resell them at a higher value in the nearest future.
Ebike manufacturers have kept producing new designs and frames in recent years. Hence, there is a high possibility of upgrading your e-bike to a more preferred model. This is particularly true for e-bike enthusiasts who want to enjoy the product value as much as possible.
One of the responses of e-bikes to post-covid adoption is enhanced mobility. The government placed strict rules on transportation, and every individual is required to maintain social distance. If you are in a congested area, you must carry the e-bike. Hence, e-bike supports post-covid adaptability by reducing the risk of spreading diseases. It also prevents the stress of joining public vehicles, especially in poor weather. You also help to reduce the number of people queuing for public transport.
Many countries do not require a license from e-bike riders. You can easily carry your folding e-bike everywhere without worrying about legal documents. However, few countries may request ownership proof from specific age groups, usually between 14 and 16 years of age. They are considered regular bicycles, so no strict laws surround them like mopeds or motorcycles.
There is no license obligation on e-bikes because it is operated manually. They use no fuel and can cover a reasonable distance range.
Folding e-bikes can be used for several commuting purpose, but it is mainly employed for vacation and trips. Traveling long distances can cover some part of the journey with a vehicle. It allows you to camp without worrying about the high fuel cost. You can purchase the ChainFree One folding bike designed by Honbike. It has a charging cord that allows you to plug your bike battery into a charging area. It is much better when you have dual batteries. You will surely enjoy your trip without worrying about running out of power. Also, cyclists who often park their e-bikes in a car while going for training can get the folding e-bike instead. It is also a good option for training commuters.
Although the e-bike is not only for recreational purposes, it is known to serve more benefits in such aspects. Folding e-bikes are also best for sporting activities, including cycling, fishing, and hunting. It also suits city students who want to ride around campuses easily. Some campuses could be small, and you do not wish to be delayed as you ride to your lecture area. Hence, it will help you ride faster and beat time.
Knowing the benefits of folding bikes and their uses, a possible decision is to purchase a product for yourself. The most important thing you should consider is durability and cost. It is a common assumption that folding e-bikes do not last long since the parts can be compressed. Meanwhile, this is not the truth for a premium brand product. The Honbike ChainFree One has a two-year warranty. This means the manufacturer is responsible for any technical fault during these two years. A poorly built e-bike will not give a guarantee, nor for as long as that period. The e-bike may quickly damage due to frequent wear and tear.
Intending folding e-bike owners should worry about e-bike offers that seem too good to be true. However, some brands offer discounts, especially to first-time users and loyal customers. For instance, Honbike gives &#;400 off for purchasing two e-bikes or above. The transportation sector is expanding, and you may need to be careful of cybercriminals. You can visit the Honbike official website to order your folding bike. The company ships e-bikes to Europe and UK. Hence, residents in these areas should learn about the necessary shipping policies.
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