Selection Guide
Discover which electric folding bike suits you best
What do you want to use the bike for?
How Do You Choose a Good Folding E-Bike?
According to the ANWB, Consumentenbond and Fietsersbond, these are the most important characteristics when purchasing an folding e-bike:
Wheel Diameter
16 inch for compactness, 20 inch for a good balance between comfort and compactness, 24 inch for maximum comfort. Smaller than 16 inch is unstable; larger than 24 inch is a normal bike.
Weight
Varies from about 15 kg to 22 kg. Note: Quality components do bring some weight. Less than 15 kg always means compromises on motor, battery and components.
Range
Folt bikes have a range between 30 and 140km, depending on battery choice, model and configuration. Always compare the battery capacity between brands for an objective comparison.
Important Considerations
Here are more factors to consider when choosing your folding e-bike:
Low Step-Through
Popular for easy mounting and dismounting, regardless of gender.
Motor and Battery Position
Crucial for grip and stability. Ensure the center of gravity is just in front of the rear wheel.
Folded Dimensions
Don't be caught by surprise. Measure your available space carefully and/or come by to try fitting.
Components
Choose quality brands like Shimano, Tektro, Bafang, Ananda, and Samsung.
Chain or Belt Drive
Chain is cheaper and easier to replace, belt is cleaner (no grease) and maintenance-free.
Production Location
Choose for assembly in the Netherlands for quality assurance and local standards.
Difference Between 16, 20 and 24 Inch Electric Folding Bikes
The wheel size largely determines the compactness, comfort, and intended use of your electric folding bike.
16 Inch Electric Folding Bikes (Ultra Compact)
Best for: Daily commuting, public transport, limited storage space
16 inch models like the FOLT Piccolo are the most compact option. Weighing from 15.4 kg, they are light enough to carry onto the train or up stairs. When folded, they take up hardly any space - perfect for under your desk or in the closet. The downside is that smaller wheels are less comfortable on longer distances and bumpy roads.
20 Inch Electric Folding Bikes (Balance)
Best for: Versatile use, camping, city traffic
20 inch is the most popular size for electric folding bikes. Models like the FOLT Classic and Elite offer an excellent balance between compactness and riding comfort. They already feel almost like a regular electric bike but are still compact enough for the camper or car. Ideal for vacations where you cycle longer distances.
24 Inch Electric Folding Bikes (Maximum Comfort)
Best for: Longer rides, people with back issues, maximum comfort
24 inch models like the FOLT Maxx offer the comfort of a regular electric bike while remaining foldable. These are perfect for campers who have enough space and value comfort over extreme compactness. With a low step-through frame, they are also ideal for people with limited mobility or knee/back problems.
Customer Groups
Who Chooses What?
Different users have different needs. Let's look at the preferences of various groups when choosing an folding e-bike.
Campers and campers with space
Often choose 20 inch models with large range. With spacious garages in the camper, they sometimes opt for 24 inch for maximum comfort.
Campers with limited space
Usually opt for compact 16 inch models. Ideal for short trips and easy to store in smaller spaces.
Boat owners
Often choose 16 or 20 inch models. With a smaller boat, the 16 inch is common, and with sufficient space, the 20 inch for more comfort.
Commuters
Prefer compact 16 inch models. These are easy to take on public transport and fold under a desk at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Folding Bikes
The range varies from 30 to 140 kilometers, depending on the model, battery capacity, your weight, terrain, and weather conditions. FOLT models offer between 30 km (Piccolo basic) and 140 km (Elite with large battery).
Yes, an electric folding bike can be taken on the train for free, as long as it is fully folded. This also applies during rush hours when regular bikes are not allowed. You don't need to buy a separate bike ticket, saving you €7.50+ per day.
Electric folding bikes weigh on average between 15 and 22 kilograms. FOLT's lightest model (Piccolo) weighs 15.4 kg, perfect for daily use on public transport. The 20 inch models weigh around 19-20 kg and the 24 inch Maxx weighs 21.7 kg.
Most electric folding bikes are fully charged within 4 to 6 hours. The battery can easily be removed from the bike, so you can charge it inside while the bike stays outside.
Absolutely. Electric folding bikes are designed for daily use, whether that's commuting or trips with your camper. They are just as reliable as regular electric bikes but offer the added advantage of compactness and portability. With high-quality components from A-brands like Shimano, Samsung, and Bafang, they last for years.
The main difference is that an electric folding bike can be folded, making it easier to transport and store. In terms of performance, they are comparable, with larger models (20 or 24 inch) offering the same comfort as a regular e-bike.
Most quality models like FOLT's electric folding bikes can be folded within 10 to 20 seconds. With some practice, this goes even faster, ideal for quickly getting on and off public transport.
16 inch is ideal for daily public transport use and maximum compactness. 20 inch offers the best balance between comfort and compactness for versatile use. 24 inch is perfect for maximum comfort and people who mainly cycle longer distances.