Choose a folding bike with a comfortable riding position, stable handling, and appropriate gearing for your typical routes. 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 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 higher the torque, the faster the acceleration and the more powerful the bike will feel. 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 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. 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. With origins dating back to the early 20th century, these transformer-style bicycles have come a long way in terms of design and functionality.
The steel frame is hand-brazed and ready to ride in wet weather, thanks to full-coverage fenders. For a smooth ride, an easy-to-use 18-speed indexed derailleur is integrated with a Shimano rear derailleur. The shifting is smooth, and the beginner finds the right gear to ride huffy trail runner in terrain with varying gradients without feeling like she’s pedaling too softly or too hardly. 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.
The massive 720Wh battery means it has the juice to power through longer rides, while the powerful 750W motor easily supports 20 mph using the throttle or up to 28 mph with pedal assist. Ride1Up gives you options, and you can choose between a step-over or step-through style and two frame sizes. It features highly adjustable components, allowing the perfect fit for most riders.
Additional baskets and rack attachments are available as add-ons to maximize your cargo-carrying capabilities. This bike’s comfort and convenience-oriented features add some weight, but good handling and balance compensate for the extra pounds. It also has features like a rear rack, fenders, and lights, so you’ll be ready for anything. Ride1Up used to offer the 500 Series, which was a little lighter, more agile, and less expensive. However, it was also slower, had a shorter range, and wasn’t so much less expensive than the 700 Series that, ultimately, Ride1Up discontinued it. The Blix Packa Genie looks identical to the original Packa but comes with upgrades like a more powerful motor and a larger battery.
This budget-friendly bike surpassed several more expensive models in our review, earning it a top rating. With a powerful 750W motor, this Class 3 model accelerates quickly up to 20 mph with the throttle and as fast as 28 mph using pedal assist. The sleek and stylish frame includes a 614 Wh battery that provides a respectable range. The 27.5-inch wheels are fast, and the high-volume tires offer a smooth ride with vibration damping.
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. 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. 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.