Folding eBike users....what are you riding and what do you think?
Posted by WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 63 comments
You have a folding ebike? Have you had it for more than a year? What do you think about the bike that you have? Is it durable? Is the range that was advertised accurate? Do you feel safe on it? What do you like best about your bike and least? If you had to do it all over again would you buy the same bike you have or a different one? Any other things that you want to tell me because I'm considering upgrading from a folding Dahon Espresso 26" into a folding e-bike for my commute to work and errands...
gomerpyle09@reddit
I have a sub-$200 off brand folding eBike from Temu. It’s a bit small but it is still going strong after 4 months of daily use (5ish miles per day). Performance and quality are probably lacking compared to big name brands but I feel like I have already gotten my money’s worth in gasoline and vehicle maintenance.
question_23@reddit
Lmao what bike is this
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
This little Beast !! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
OldTune9525@reddit
how is it 7 months later
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
Just came back from a ride there funny I get this 😁 flying ! This bike is a beast the torque is insane and because she is smaller than a lot of e bikes out there it gets up them hills like it's a flat surface easily PVY's best bike I hope I can get replacement batt down the line and parts that's my only worry but not a thing wrong with her year even the brakes still super responsive pads still to wear down.
OldTune9525@reddit
interesting. the motor (not within uk legal limit ) put me off from buying unfortunately. they do limit it to 250W but the law clearly states it shouldn't be easily changeable :(
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
But I took the throttle off it so it can't be changed on the fly infact it's too much hassle to have the throttle on there Im telling once it's locked at 250 as mine has been out the box and you remove the throttle most police will give you a pass because it cuts out at 25kmh I'd be scared what this thing could at unlocked 750 it's a complete monster as is 🤣
OldTune9525@reddit
lmfao. tempting but they can still legally seize it without much fuss if they know it can be unlocked to 350 in the panel easily :(
maybe im taking it too literally, esp if you've been riding it this long without problems
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
How would they know it clearly states it's a 250 W motor on the actual motor it's stamped on it and unless they can actually prove it and do it themselves which they can't without any throttle because that is what unlocks it I think with this particular bike we are safe.🤣🤣🤣🤣
OldTune9525@reddit
Just found out that if the bike doesn't go over 15.5mph the police don't have the equipment to verify the motor W. Sounds like it is safe, fingers crossed!
OldTune9525@reddit
They can check the manufacturer site mate. The bike looks sick but my luck is not the best, all it takes is a grouchy copper 🤣 I'm looking at the ADO Air 20 pro, a estarli or a pedibal at the moment
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
I've been stopped and tested they had it up on the treadmill couldn't get it to run with no throttle can't peddle it on it so I said look at the motor and it's stamped 250 w. They took it off and sent me on my way! I'm telling you the no throttle is a cheat code
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
It's not done on the panel it's done with the throttle which no longer exits! sneaky but they are pretty much fucked if trying to physically prove it !
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
Sea_Following_3170@reddit
shambahlah2@reddit
I have a Magnum 48V from 2017 so I’ve had it now eight years. Put about 3500 miles on it. Replaced just about everything on it.
handy as heck, I use it to return from mechanics, take it to the grocery store and I do fold it often. It fits inside my Volkswagen. I also have a full size mountain E bike, but I use the folding one more.
LittleHank3@reddit
Hey man, I'm planning to buy a magnum Folding E Bike and I'm wondering if the folding mechanism is reliable and can I replace the pard if it breaks?
shambahlah2@reddit
The folding mechanism is solid. I have had it 7 years over 4K miles and I weigh 240lbs. Keep the tires inflated and you won’t have pinch flats like me. Solid rig overall. GL
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
This has not been on my radar and although on the higher side of my price range and there is a dealer about an hour from here so I can actually try one out!
shambahlah2@reddit
Yeah go check it out. Will at least give you a baseline that others should meet or exceed. Good luck!
Ordinary_Working_375@reddit
I have a Tern Vektron D8 that I use for my commute folds up nicely on the train
ZikaG@reddit
I have a Velotric Fold 1 Plus with a second battery, haven’t put enough miles on it but a folding bike was never on my radar until I bit the billet and got one. I’ve yet to use up both batteries on a trip, even using mostly throttle.
queen_inthen0rth@reddit
Do you feel like it rides like a “regular” e-bike? I’m super torn between this and the discover 2!
ZikaG@reddit
It does for sure. I never tried the Discover 2, but have no complaints about the Fold 1 Plus. If you have a bike shop that sells them, maybe try test riding them both?!
I’m 6.2 and it works great for me. I’m towing a trailer a lot of the time.
Being closer to the ground sort of feels more stable, if that makes sense.
Either one you go with, Velotric is a reputable and quality brand.
The_Rimmer@reddit
This loser rides an e-bike? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
grazzyphase@reddit
Mu velotric fold has enough torque and power to Carry me ans both my dogs.it has held up and it's been well over a year and the battery has been great range as well. No faulty hinges or anything. Really exceeded my expectations.
happy_killmore@reddit
I just got the same color but the plus version last week. Spent a few months looking into bikes and velo seems like a great deal. Its heavier than I was hoping for but I also appreciate that it’s a well built bike
Local_Help_9741@reddit
How do you like the Plus!! I just got the plus as well. I would love to know what accessories you use on it esp the back rack. Thank You
raleighone@reddit
I have a Lectric XP3 and a Hanevear...both folding. Both way too heavy and awkward to fold up regularly and move. It seems this is a pretty common opinion, but the folding aspect of these 80 pound-plus bikes isn't quite what it's cracked up to be. Good if you have to have it, but if you can, you may just get a bike rack and get a non-folding bike. (That said, the folding aspect hasn't hurt any of my rides...no harm in having it.)
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
Letric has the 4.0 out as of a few days ago apparently.....still 62 pounds before adding the battery but I see you don't have to have the key in to run the bike, which looked very susceptible to getting broken or dirt or goop or whatever into it as you ride.
I keep coming back to the lectric.... maybe it's the way to go
jimschoice@reddit
Watch some of the good reviews of it on. It seems like a lot of bike for the money, especially the upgraded version. But, I thought they said it was heavier than the specs. I’ll have to look again.
I just don’t know if I’d ever fold it, as I don’t think I could lift it into my car by myself.
People say get the harbor freight dirt bike hitch carrier with the ramp instead of a folding bike. 🤷
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
That would be weird to misrepresent the weight...I've sold my car and am going to commute on the subway which doesn't allow regular bikes, folding is allowed on all trains at all times.
But also, I had no idea Harbor Freight had anything for bikes, thanks
jimschoice@reddit
Electric Bike Review always weighs the bikes with and without the battery installed.
The new Lectric Off Road bike, the XPeak is listed at 64 pounds with the battery, but they find it to be about 70, and then with the battery makes it about 80 pounds.
One recent review they did, the bike was actually a half pound lighter, which is good. I think that was an Aventon.
I’d watch their review videos, as well as others, on all the folders you are interested in.
Also, people are probably going to upgrade from a previous Lectric XP 2 or 3 to the new 4.0, so you may be able to find a good deal on a used one.
MJ-Baby@reddit
All folding ebikes are worse than their non-folding counterparts in almost every aspect, durability, range, maintenance, failure points. The portability and anti-theft accompanied by the storage is the reason you buy these machines, it’s what they are designed for. As soon as folding bike technology gets to the point where it is better, you will know it, there will not be a point to not have one.
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
Imma still buy one anyway because my situation requires a folding bike since regular bikes aren't allowed on the subway here during rush hour
Fresh_Astronomer_733@reddit
You might consider the lectric xp lite 2.0. it's new. 41lbs with battery. Would be easier to move around in your situation.
Troubleindc2@reddit
That's a very niche scenario you should call out in your main post. Most "folding" ebikes are giant and probably still aren't allowed on your subway. Whatever country you're in...
A folded Dahon is tiny. Finding or building a folding ebike that is that size is tough, expensive, and very specific.
Top-Salamander-2525@reddit
Tern I believe inherited some people from Dahon and their folding e-bike the Vektron is great (but expensive).
Brompton is probably the most respected name in folding bikes and they offer folding e-bikes as well (also expensive).
Troubleindc2@reddit
The folding bromption ebikes are great. But I highly doubt the OP wants to spend $4k+.
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
4k for a bike isn't possible for me this year....but maybe next if I decide to keep riding the Dahon. And mine is a 26" Dahon Espresso
Troubleindc2@reddit
I'd convert the Espresso before buying any new bike.
It'd be great to throw a DM01 on it but that mid drive is going to add a fair amount of bulk when its folded. The Photon is tiny but more expensive. Or you can go with a rear hub motor to add the least amount of bulk.
Add a rear rack and a sharkpack so you can easily remove the battery when folding the bike up.
Troubleindc2@reddit
It is observed that factual posts on this subreddit consistently receive negative votes. Instead of downvoting, users should provide constructive feedback if a comment's structure is unsatisfactory.
This comment's assertions are accurate. I own both a high-performance and a folding ebike; these serve distinct purposes. The folding model prioritizes portability.
This content does not warrant negative votes. The voting patterns within this subreddit are becoming discouraging.
da4@reddit
XP Lite 2.0 is still my cargo/errand bike, feels rock solid after \~1200mi of pure city riding. Original battery still shows 53v on a full charge and PAS 3 gets me as far as I'd expect (PAS 4 in case of headwinds, 5 is actually makes me freewheel so I rarely use it).
WoollySocks@reddit
Heybike Ranger, got the folder so I could load it into the van more easily but I hardly ever do, it's a pretty heavy bike (70lbs) so it's a 2 person job to wrangle it in there. But I do love the bike, put 2300km on it so far in a year. My problem is that I'm short, so it's hard to find a bike that's small enough. The Ranger has more range than promised, comfortable for long rides, I have it fitted with a cargo package for grocery-getting and post-office package dropoffs. I like the fat-tire step-through form and would probably get another one of the same type - it suits my cargo needs and it's heckin' fun to ride.
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
Heckin fun to ride? Sounds great to me
bggdy9@reddit
2 and 3 lectric both over 1 year old no issue.
iron4948@reddit
Lectric xp lite 2.0 long range. Bought 2 recently a few weeks ago. Already have over 100 miles on it. My wife and I fold up our bikes into our car and have been exploring different bike trails nearby. Love it. Also love lectric’s customer service.
Downtown-Poet6668@reddit
Anyone have any thoughts on the eovolt range? Particularly the morning model?
DevelopmentLow214@reddit
Dahon Unio E20. Very pleasant to ride with a 36 V mix drive motor and seat post battery that realistically gives a range of about 50 km. Based on the usual Dahon frame which means tried and tested design. Folds easily to fit in the Dahon bag so you can take on buses and trains etc. I’ve just ridden mine 1000 km across China. Weighs about 17kg. Drawbacks: standard pedals and tyres are a bit ordinary. My main problem had been broken spokes on rear wheel because of the additional stress imposed by motor and extra weight. I paid $1200 for mine in China (made in Shenzhen) but MAGA tariffs will double that for US buyers.
professor_pouncey@reddit
I recently got a Hovsco Hovebeta in for review purposes. I've been wanting a folding bike but they lack features of the larger bikes. I'm really impressed with this little thing. Hydraulic brakes, 720whr battery, torque sensor, and 750w (1300w peak). It's a powerful little bike that feels every bit of 1300w to me all the time. So far it's the only legal bike that can make it up my driveway or many hills around me. I also found a hidden menu that unlocks the throttle. I'm guessing it's now 28mph with the throttle, I've had it to 27mph. Might post the review tomorrow. If power and speed is something you're interested in it's probably the one to get, lots of torque.
Serious-Spirit0@reddit
I have just over a hundred miles on my Jasion eb7, I like it, it's nice that I can fold it and put it in the backseat of my mom's cars, I ride it to work (about 6½ miles roundtrip) almost daily and she picks me up when I work closing shift.
I haven't had any problems yet, I read a lot of mixed reviews but like it so far.
DarkVoid42@reddit
carbo model x. liked it enough that i bought 4.
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
13.3 KG is really light, it is belt driven....that seems unusual, does that mean less maintenance?
DarkVoid42@reddit
put tannus airless on it and virtually zero maint
Significant_Bar6196@reddit
I have a pedibal folder (uk), great for the money and the only legal ebike I know of with a throttle - available on cycle to work scheme. Would evenift greatly from hydraulic brakes as I have found the tektro aries brakes require constant adjsutment. Biggest weakpoint is the folding stem which has noticeable wobble but can be adjusted if you have tiny thinspanners
Git_Lang_YeeBerry@reddit
Brompton. Excellent bike. Swytch bike kit unreliable.
WindowsVistaWzMyIdea@reddit (OP)
Yes, Brompton is probably the best but I can't really afford it these days.....Swytch looks like a great idea that was executed poorly....kinda gross unfortunately
TacoTimeCoupon@reddit
Lectric XP 3.0 owner for about a year. Close to 500 miles on it. My daily commute is about 4 miles. I’m a fair weather rider so it’s not every day.
I’m glad I got the XP 3.0 and I’m glad I went with the “long range” battery. The range is reasonably accurate, but there are a lot of hills in my area that quickly drain the battery if I’m using a lot of pedal assist power.
I’ve folded it up maybe 3 times over this year. Each time was to put it in the back of my car to take somewhere. Folding is a nice feature, but I don’t really NEED it. I probably will not get a folder as my next bike.
I chose the Lectric because I wanted to try bike commuting and I felt I couldn’t really go wrong for $1000. No real loss if I didn’t like it. Turns out I love it and I hope to get two years out of this bike before upgrading to something nicer.
elementarydeardata@reddit
I'm in the same boat. I'm very happy with my XP 3.0. I set mine up for dual battery and built a 20 Ah pack fo rmine, I can basically ride to the moon now. I honestly don't fold mine as much as I originally anticipated. Though I really like it, I wouldn't actively seek a folder next time; ebikes are heavy and it's a feature I don't use much. Overall, a good bike, especially for the price I got it for (black friday sale).
TacoTimeCoupon@reddit
Well said. I agree with your thoughts on weight and folding. Dual batter sounds very nice. 👍
Away-Revolution2816@reddit
Rad Mini 4, four years. Lectric XP Lite about two years, Gotrax F1. All fine, the only one with any problems was the Rad. I've only folded them a few times, the handlebars and pedals often.
bikethebridges@reddit
Ride a Tern Vektron (and about to go for a joyride on it in the afternoon sun!).
Pros: Great bike, Bosch motor is top quality, feels solid on paved roads / paths and gets better range than advertised. Tern accessory systems is unmatched for versatility. Easy to have fun on it as it's just a joyously configured machine that cants you just forward enough that you feel the need for speed, but then you look down and you're going maybe 18 MPH on a good day.
Cons: It's heavy for a folder (40 lbs. without battery) and the mechanism is workable, but not ideal for frequent use. I think of it more as a "regular bike that has the option to fold in a pinch" vs. "folding bike that I actually want to take places in a bus/car/train." No suspension - HSD is much more comfortable on anything other than smooth asphalt.