Over the last decade, the global adoption of electric bikes has soared due to the increasing gas prices and environmental pollution. In this blog, we will brief you on how to choose a folding electric bike that is durable, low-maintainance, and helps you avoid the high cost of auto-parking spaces. 

Folding electric bikes are among the most energy-efficient modes of motorized transport. Despite a national policy that promotes car growth, most commuters still rely on foldable electric bike transportation. 

A folding electric bike typically has a top operating speed of around 30 km/hr and weighs around 30-80 kilograms. 

However, folding electric bicycles have been criticized on the grounds of safety, so it is recommended that you consider all their pros and cons before buying one.

Choosing the Best Folding Electric Bike

The best factor about a folding electric bike is that you can carry it on the train and

bicycle from the station to your workplace!

Many brands manufacture foldable bikes in a variety of shapes and sizes. We are here to help you differentiate between them so you can choose the best folding electric bike.

Team ACTbikes, an electric bicycle manufacturer, designs the most stylish, efficient, and durable folding e-Bikes. 

You should consider the following key factors before buying a folding electric bike.

1. Battery Life

The battery is the key component of any foldable e-bike for reliable performance, long vehicle lifetime, and low costs per mile. 

The low-cost lead-acid battery is better if you buy a folding electric bike for short-distance travel. However, it has to be replaced every year.

For daily commuting, a lithium-ion battery lasts longer.

A typical lead-acid battery completely discharged during every bicycle trip can roughly last for 100 charge-discharge cycles. Because it is made of low-cost materials, the lead-acid battery has to be replaced with a new battery.

A costlier lithium-ion battery could last for 20 years in the same service. However, Lithium-based batteries can be dangerous if overcharged, as lithium-ion cells carry risks of generating excess gas due to overcharge or over-discharge. 

Hence, Lithium-ion batteries are the better option for foldable electric bikes if you want a folding electric bike for your daily commute.

2. Motors

Early electric bicycles were heavy and had limited travel range because they were powered by dc motors of either the series or shunt-wound type that ran on energy stored in heavy lead-acid batteries. 

The motor power ranges from 200 Watts to 4000 Watts. However, there are two types of folding electric bikes. To eliminate any confusion, we will classify them into two categories: 

1. Pedal Assist (BSEB)

In 1990, Michael Kutter designed a motor he installed inside a bicycle's wheel hub. 

In this embodiment, a set of sprocket wheels driven by a crank pedal chain are integrated with the motor. 

A lever actuated by the rider engaged the chain's drive, combining the motor and the human power to pedal the bicycle. 

Also known as BSEB (Bicycle-Style Electric Bicycle), they have a motor power below 750 watts and speed slower than 30 km/h. The principal characteristic of bicycle-style electric bikes is that human pedaling propels them. 

They activate the motor only when the user pedals the wheels.

BSEBs also include an electronic controller that stops the motor support when the rider is not pedaling or the bike reaches a set speed. 

Pedal-assist folding electric bikes help keep your fitness on track and cut commuting costs. They are the cheapest and simplest folding electric bikes available on the market.

1. Motor Control

Motor control folding electric bikes are the best option when you want to travel longer distances without getting sweaty.

A motor control folding e-bike is the best option for the day you have a meeting with your boss.

 Also known as speed pedelecs, they come with an attached electrical motor and have a higher capacity concerning speed and motor power.

 The primary function of the motor is to provide all the power needed for transport. The pedals are a platform on which the user can rest their feet.

3. Road or Mountain Folding e-Bike?

Just like traditional bicycles, folding electric bikes also differ when it comes to where you want to ride them.

 If you live in a bustling city, the road bike is the best option since it is lightweight and travels much faster.

 If you plan to ride on the mountainside, the mountain folding electric bike is the better option since its wheels are designed to have a stronger grip on irregular surfaces.

4. Price

Plan your budget by how much you will be using the folding electric bike. Getting a top-end folding electric bike is recommended if you want to use it for your daily commute. Top-end folding e-bikes are durable and serve you better in the long run.

 Make sure you spend your money on the folding electric bike best suited for your needs.

5. Weight

Since you will have to lift your folding electric bike by yourself most of the time, choose one that is lightweight. But make sure you do not compromise on quality for weight, have a balance between the two.  

 If you need a ramp to help you get your folding e-bike into your vehicle, make sure it is strong enough to hold your folding electric bike’s weight.

Conclusion

In the 21st century, eco-friendly folding electric bikes minimize urban transport problems. Some people use folding electric bikes for recreation, whereas others use them for commuting to work or delivering goods.

 Knowing which folding electric folding bike is the best for you can be confusing, but having an idea of the capabilities of different types of folding electric bikes helps you pick the right option.

Although folding electric bikes can be a bit uncomfortable to ride due to their geometry designed to be folded, they save you the headache of not having a reserved parking spot.

Lastly, before getting a folding electric bike, consider asking a friend who has a foldable electric bike to lend it to you for a test ride.