It is difficult to find any negative aspects of an electric bicycle: this is probably why this vehicle is revolutionizing urban mobility: it is cheap, it does not pollute, there are no particular management costs, and even if in a small part, it also gives the possibility of making some physical activity and enjoy the outdoors.
In this article, we will focus on folding electric bicycles, which in addition to the advantages listed above, also include portability. Let’s see everything there is to know on the subject and the best folding electric bikes to buy on Black Friday Deals.
Folding Electric Bicycle: What it is and how it works?
If you are looking for information on traditional electric bikes, read our article on the electric bicycle for men or on the electric bicycle for women.
How the ” assisted pedaling ” works
By electric bicycle, we mean a bike equipped with a motor and a battery that makes it work. These bikes are also commonly called pedal-assisted bikes (e-bikes): the motor is activated and works only when you were pedal.
The term assisted means that the pedaling is very light and light and does not at all resemble a real pedaling of a bike without an engine. Then you were pedal, but with a very light effort. In these models, the speed of the bicycle can be adjusted with the accelerator, but you can never stop pedaling, the battery will drain quickly.
In the new-generation models, equipped with a pedaling sensor, the engine is activated with the accelerator located on the right handlebar grip. It continues to work independently, regardless of pedaling. Our advice is to give some pedaling now and then, but just so as not to drain the battery instantly.
What speed does a folding electric bicycle make?
It is the European regulation 2002/24 CE that regulates the maximum speed of electric bicycles: whether it is foldable or not, with high or fat wheels, this cannot exceed 25 km/h (250 W of motor power); otherwise, they would all fall the benefits that this vehicle entails and would be equated to mopeds (or S-Pedelecs).
It is for this reason that we advise you to carefully evaluate the speed of the vehicle before purchasing: if it exceeds 25 km/h, it will be necessary to ensure it and license it. Fortunately, electric bicycles are equipped with a sensor that prevents you from exceeding 25 km/h so you won’t have to adjust. From 1 January 2020, electric scooters are also included in the same category of electric bicycles.
What is the difference between a classic and a folding electric bicycle?
A folding electric bicycle has the same characteristics as an electric bike. Still, in addition, it can be folded on itself and carried anywhere you want: once folded, it can be transported in the trunk of a car or train, or you can board the plane.
Types of folding electric bicycles
There are different types of folding bicycles:
- Mini folding electric bicycle: the wheels of the folding bicycle have a smaller radius than normal bikes, just to take up less space when folded. Normally, without an engine, smaller wheels would mean more effort, but in this case, they do not affect the performance of the engine, and the ” effort ” of the pedal assist. In addition to the wheels, the body of the folding bike, the one where the motor is housed, is placed much lower than a normal bike: consequently, the saddle and the handlebars stand out and seem much longer and slender than a normal bike.
- Folding electric mountain bike: electric mountain bikes are also called i-bikes, perfect for climbing mountains without difficulty and minimal effort. They are fun, also perfect for children.
- Folding three-wheeled bicycle: they have the same characteristics as a three-wheeled bicycle, but are also foldable, to store them in a small space after use. The only thing is that there are no three-wheel folding electric bicycles. So you just have to rely on the strength of your legs.
How to use the folding electric bicycle
We have already explained the use of the electric bicycle to you: giving a pedal revolution activates the bicycle motor, which can be kept running thanks to the accelerator or pedaling, depending on the model.
In most models, you can take advantage of three modes of operation: normal bicycle (although we do not recommend it because these bikes weigh slightly more than a normal bike, and it would not make sense to be pedal with extra weight), assisted pedaling (you were pedal with less effort) and e-bikes (you don’t pedal at all, but use the accelerator).
Once used, folding the bicycle is very simple: it usually folds on itself thanks to a joint on the frame that allows you to close the handlebar and saddle.
How to choose a folding electric bicycle: What to evaluate before buying?
The price of electric bicycles is very variable, so before buying, it is good to evaluate some characteristics.
Weight and portability
The weight is one of the main characteristics to evaluate for folding models, since you may find yourself having to lift it to store it in the trunk or to mount it on the train: the average weight of these bikes is about 55 lbs, even if it is easy to find models, which weigh up to 66 lbs.
Battery range and mileage
Electric bicycles are equipped with a lithium-ion battery that must be recharged via the appropriate electrical outlet: the average life of the battery is about 3 years. You will soon realize that it needs to be changed when it will drain more and more frequently.
The distance that can be traveled varies according to various factors, such as the type of road, the intensity of pedaling, and the user’s weight. Still, on average, the range is about 30 km: there are some models that even reach 100 km, but these are professional and very expensive models.
Engine
The motor power cannot exceed 250 W by law. In addition to power, also evaluate the position of the engine, which can be front, center, or rear. The front motor can make the bike slightly less stable on dirt roads (especially for i-bikes), the central motor gives more stability to the bike, while the rear motor is more inconvenient to reach, and in case you need to change the wheel.
Type of brakes
There are different types of brakes, so evaluate the one that best suits your needs:
- Disc brakes, recommended for those who choose an i-bike because they perform better in bad weather conditions.
- With the drum, perfect for city use even if they are subject to wear.
- V-Brakes, the best for city use and in bad weather conditions, wear less.
Presence of incentives
Why not? Very often, electric bicycles are part of the state incentives provided to encourage green mobility: so before buying, check for any discounts and incentives.
Is it easy to fold it?
Yes, as we have already said, the folding electric bicycle is one of the favorite models for those who have little space or for those who intend to transport it: with a couple of simple gestures, it closes on itself, and when needed, it reopens easily and is immediately ready for use. No tools are required for this operation.
The best folding electric bikes
Some brands of electric bikes are known as Atala or Valentini, but many also belong to little-known brands, but this does not mean that the quality suffers. Indeed, many niche production houses often market small jewels for everyday use.
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Other frequently asked questions
Electric bicycle legislation and highway code
Electric bicycles fall under the European Regulation 2002/24 EC. For the Highway Code, they must follow the same regulations as normal bicycles: the use of the appropriate under 14 years, the use of cycle path, and the prohibition use of the sidewalk.
To fall into the category of electric bicycles, it is necessary that the vehicle does not exceed 25 km/h and that the motor is no more powerful than 250 W. It is also necessary that they are equipped with a bell and lights if you drive in the evening. Bicycles that fall into this category are also called pedelecs.
Do you need a license plate?
For electric bicycles, the number plate is not needed, just as insurance is not needed: instead, if you use a moped (also called S-Pedelec), vehicles similar to electric bicycles exceed 25 km/h they will need to be labeled and secured.
What documents do I need to ride the electric bike?
In addition to the normal identity card, you do not need any type of specific document, given that, according to the highway code, they are equivalent to normal velocipedes without a motor.
At what age can you ride an electric bicycle?
Returning to the group of normal bicycles, there is no minimum age to ride an electric bicycle. For S-Pedelecs, a minimum age of 16 is required.
Can a normal bicycle be made electric?
The answer is yes: it is possible to transform a normal bike into an electric bike. Just use one of the many kits available that fit most normal bicycles. Yes, also to the folding ones.
And you, how do you feel with your folding electric bike?
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