Folding bikes are brilliant for anyone who needs a handy and versatile commuting option. They can get you from one point to another just as readily as a full-size bike, the only difference being that a folding bike can be easily stored in a car trunk or a small closet.
This is especially helpful if you have space limitation. The collapsible nature of this bike means that you can take it along with you wherever you go.
It can be packed down to a compact size, so you can fit it into the busiest of trains or smallest of apartments. Also it is light in weight and it does not take much effort to fold or unfold it.
Top 10 Best Folding Bike Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 20" Lightweight Aluminum Folding Bike Foldable Bicycle | Compact and light weight. Quick and easy to fold. Adjustable handlebars and seat, Durable latching mechanism, Free fender guards and a rear storage rack | 2 | $$$ |
 | Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike | Super light. Compact and quick to fold. Adjustable handlebars and seat. Includes free rear storage rack. 1 year warranty | 2.5 | $$$ |
 | EuroMini Campo Lightweight Aluminum Frame Shimano 7 Speed 28Lb Folding Bike | Adjustable seat. Compact and light weight. Can carry weight of up to 240 lbs. Water bottle mounts for storage. Multi-terrain tires and 7 different speeds. 3 color options. | 3 | $$$ |
 | GTM 26" Folding Mountain Bike 7 Speed Bicycle Shimano Hybrid Suspension MTB Blue | Adjustable seat and handlebars. High level suspension steel fork. Large performance wheels. 7 speed settings. Extremely powerful shock absorber. 3 color options. | 3 | $$ |
 | ORKAN 26" Folding Bike MTB Shimano Hybrid Suspension 7 Speed Mountain Bike BLUE | Adjustable seat and handlebars. Hybrid suspension system and high level suspension steel fork. 7 different speed settings. Remarkable weight capacity of 300 pounds Available in five color options. | 3 | $$ |
 | unYOUsual U transformer 20" Folding City Bike Bicycle 6 Speed | Compact and sturdy body. Adjustable seat and handlebars. 6 speed settings. Available online at an incredible price offer. | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | Critical Cycles 2643 Judd Folding Bike Single-Speed With Coaster Brake | Compact and easy to fold bike. Adjustable seat and handlebars. High quality commuter tires for safety. 6 color options. | 4 | $$$$ |
 | Stowabike 20" Folding City V2 Compact Foldable Bike – 6 Speed Shimano Gears | Compact and easy to fold. Adjustable seat and handlebars. Built in steel mudguards. Built in rack for carrying goods. | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Retrospec Bicycles Speck Folding Single-Speed Bicycle, Graphite, 20-Inch | Super light. Compact and easy to fold. Adjustable seat and handlebars. High quality Kenda Kwest commuter tires for safety. 2 color options. | 4.5 | $$$$$ |
 | Columba 26" Folding Bike w. Shimano 18 Speed Silver (SP26S_SLV) | Easy and quick to fold. Adjustable seat and handlebars. Large performance wheels. 18 speed settings and thin wheels for acceleration. 4 color options. 1 year warranty. | 5 | $$$$ |
Maybe just 15 seconds is all it takes! A folding bike gives you the opportunity to easily mix your modes of transport, which means that you can save yourself from traffic and reach your destination on time.
It not only keeps you more active but also gives confidence to go to new places and explore more.
Folding bikes are great for cycle tours and there are many different models with storage space and wide tires for this purpose. Finding the right bike can be tricky, especially for novices.
This guide will be your most helpful resource. With it, we will help you find the best folding bike that combines safe & comfortable ride, reasonable price and easy folding mechanism.
We will tell you everything about the types, benefits, downsides and the best options to consider. So, without wasting any time, let’s get started.
What Types of Folding Bikes are There?
An almost endless number of new brands are popping up every day and there is considerable variety of folding bikes. Every folding bike has its own virtues but by and large, they differ in terms of wheel size and gears.
Folding bikes usually come in 16, 20, 24, 26 and 27.5 inch wheel sizes. Traditionally, these are small bicycles. However, there is a good number of folding bikes with full sized wheels. The ones with bigger wheels are great for long distance commutation but if you need a bike that you can use regularly for short distances, opt for the ones with smaller wheels.
These are usually lighter and more compact when folded but do not have much momentum on road. On the other hand, bikes with larger wheels are much faster. The 20 inch wheel size is often considered as the best balance between performance and folding size. With this size, a bike is foldable to a size small enough to get onto any form of transport and performs exceptionally well.
Gear ratio, which is another important differentiator, can be measured using gear inches. Bikes with top gear of around 70 inches are fine for travelling through city but if you want faster performance, you need a folding bike of more than 100 inches. If you want it mostly for riding on hills, the bike should have much lower gears. A low gear of about 25 inches is considered as ideal as it covers almost all terrains.
The key to picking the right folding bike is identifying what you will use it for and how far you intend to ride it. The compact, lighter versions suit shorter journeys best but may not perform on par with the bigger models when it comes to long distance journeys.
Benefits of Best Folding Bike
There are various options but a bike that’s easier to fold, store and maintain is usually the best. The quickest folding time is about 10 seconds but these bikes are usually very compact and have fewer parts. On the other hand, there are larger bikes that take 10 minutes or more to disassemble. If you need to fold and unfold your bike multiple times a day, the process should be hassle-free and quick.
No matter what the size, the folding time shouldn’t be too long. Another thing that you should consider is the position of geared hub. Best bikes have their gears located inside the rear wheel, which makes them less susceptible to damage and require less maintenance overall.
A folding bike should be easily portable and for that, it should be made of light weight materials such as titanium. Some bikes even come with luggage racks or fixings for convenient long distance travels. Mostly, these features and benefits do not come cheap. However, in this guide, we have analyzed the best options to help you determine the best folding bike that should suit your needs as well as your budget.
Downsides of Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are convenient and in trend but before making up your mind to buy one, you must take note of its few downsides. First of all, folding bikes are not as fast or slick as full-size bikes. Though some models are really fast, they still do not match the top speeds of regular bikes.
Also, due to their smaller wheels, they can feel less stable. This means that they are more prone to accidents than regular bikes.
They are small and the very appeal of their use is such that they are handy and can be carried along without needing to lock them up after every single use. This in fact, leads to so many cases of folding bike thefts. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that folding bikes are very popular with thieves.
Mostly, these bikes come in only one frame size which fits a person of average height and proportions. However, if you do not fall in this range, the bike can be inconvenient for you, especially if you intend to use it for long distance travels. Despite all these downsides, folding bikes are usually more expensive than regular ones and not everyone might afford them.
10. 20″ Lightweight Aluminum Folding Bike Foldable Bicycle, Rack and Fenders
The 20″ Lightweight Aluminum Folding Bike from Vilano is a highly versatile folding bike with great customization options. Unlike most other folding bikes, it has adjustable handlebars and seat so that people of all heights can comfortably ride it over long distances. Whether you are 4 feet tall or 6 feet+, the frame adjusts well to all sizes.
This bike has a glossy red paint and a stylish design which instantly grabs attention. Since it is made of aluminum, it is not only light weight (29.5 lbs) but also sturdy & durable. It can hold any weight of up to 225 pounds, which makes it a great option for people who are overweight or obese. It has a 20 inch frame and wheel size. When folded, it is compact and easily fits in a box of 12.8 x 26 x 33.5 inches. The pedals are also foldable.
Bikes rarely ever fold on their own when running on street but to ensure users’ safety, this Vilano bike comes with a safety latch. The gear shifter works very smoothly and has 6 different speeds varying from brisk pace to a challenging workout. It comes with free fender guards and a storage rear rack which you must install for greater convenience.
Using fenders on wheels helps prevent damage and using rear racks allows attaching carrying baskets for things like groceries or office bag. While this bike may not have all the advanced features like 18 speeds or multiple gear mechanisms, it is a solid, versatile bike with smooth ride and shifting action. It offers great value for the price and is worth considering when selecting a foldable bike.
Pros:
- Compact and light weight.
- Quick and easy to fold.
- Adjustable handlebars and seat to accommodate people of all sizes.
- Durable latching mechanism for secure ride and storage.
- Includes free fender guards and a rear storage rack.
Cons:
- The bike is designed for city commuting only. The wheels are small and have tiny round tires which may lose grip over rocky roads or hills.
9. Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike
The Vilano Urbana is another great entry level folding bike on our list. The USP of this bike is its lightweight. Weighing just 21.5 lbs, it is far more lightweight than most 20″ folding bikes and is very easy to carry around. If you are looking specifically for a light weight bike for everyday commuting, this is probably the best folding bike for you. It is easy to fold and compact in size.
When completely folded up, it measures just 12 inches by 32 inches by 25 inches, making it highly convenient for people with storage space limitation. Pedals are also foldable. It is made of high quality aluminum and steel and is meant to last for years. It can easily bear a weight of up to 220 pounds.
Since it has a single speed setting, it is ideal for inner-city cruising. It also has a nice coaster brake which is a huge plus for people who frequently need to stop in a hurry. However, if you are looking for a high speed or racing kind of folding bike, it is not meant for you. It is perfect for those who want to ride it casually or need something that gets them to and from work.
It doesn’t just outperform most single speed bike models but also most geared bikes out there. It comes in grey, black and white color options and has adjustable seat and handlebar. Its well cushioned seat, smooth ride and storage features like water bottle and rear racks make it perfect for long journeys. It is a simple bike with not too many features but it’s very well crafted and durable for the price.
Pros:
- Super light.
- Compact and quick to fold.
- Adjustable handlebars and seat.
- Includes free rear storage rack.
- Comes with one year warranty for manufacturing defects.
Cons:
- Due to single gear speed and small wheels, it is unfit for use in hilly areas.
8. EuroMini Campo 28lb Lightweight Aluminum Frame Shimano 7-Speed Folding Bike 20-Inch
EuroMini is a reputed US brand known for its high quality products. This bike stands true to the brand’s promise and offers excellent performance. Measuring 28.5 x 12.5 x 25 inches, it is compact and folds in seconds. It easily fits in a carry bag and doesn’t take much space. The seat is adjustable and adapts to riders of all sizes from under five feet to over six feet tall. Made of aluminum frame, it is light weight too. It weighs 28 pounds and can hold a weight of up to 240 lbs.
The weight capacity is clearly more than that of most other folding bikes. It is available in three beautiful colors (matte black, matte yellow and matte white) but the black one seems to be most popular. Performance is also impressive.
It has powerful caliper v-style brake, Wanda multi-terrain tires, a grip style shifter and 7 different speeds, allowing one to smoothly ride on city roads as well as hills. However, note that measuring 20 inches, the tires are small and may require extra peddling on hilly terrain. Unlike other bikes, the Campo does not offer much of storage space options but it has big bottle mounts for carrying water or energy drinks.
It comes practically fully assembled; you just need to install a pedal and you are ready to ride. It is a solid bike that gives good run for your money. It’s also reassuring that EuroMini has excellent customer service and promises to resolve any concerns a customer may have before or after purchase. Overall, it’s a value for money product from a very reliable brand.
Pros:
- Adjustable seat.
- Compact and light weight body.
- Sturdy enough to carry weight of up to 240 lbs.
- Water bottle mounts for storage.
- Multi-terrain tires and 7 different speeds to cover all kinds of roads.
- Available in three color options.
Cons:
- Some users have complained of low quality tires.
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7. GTM 26″ 7 Speed Folding Mountain Bike Bicycle Shimano Hybrid Suspension MTB
This is a high end performance folding bike that doubles as a mountain bike. Though it can be used for inner-city travel, it is perfect for mountain trails, hiking paths and rugged terrain. For this, it is designed to have a suspension system that remains incredibly strong under intense pressure and two thick, large tires measuring up to 26 inches.
Also, the shock absorber is extremely powerful and seems to absorb any kind of impact thrown at it. With 7 different speed settings, it picks up speed relatively quick and allows riders to easily glide up hills. When one sees a bike with features like solid suspension system, different speed settings and large performance wheels, one is likely to be a bit skeptical over the price. The good thing is that it is a very reasonably priced bike. It is a GTM product – a brand that’s known for making high quality folding bikes for low prices.
Measuring about 8.6 x 27.2 x 55 inches, it is compact. It has a very nice 26 inch folding frame and weighs 34.2 pounds. Though it is made of light weight steel, it is very durable and doesn’t bend or wear down easily. It can easily withstand a weight of up to 230 pounds. Though the wheels are larger than usual, it is easy to get on the bike, thanks to its convenient kickstand and adjustable seat. It comes in three color options (black, blue & green) to choose from and is highly recommended for those looking to get into performance folding bikes. It is a very affordable entry level mountain bike and offers full value for your money.
Pros:
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- High level suspension steel fork.
- Large performance wheels.
- 7 different speed settings.
- Extremely powerful shock absorber.
- Available in three color options.
Cons:
- Some users have complained that the manual book has no clear instructions.
6. ORKAN Folding Mountain Bike 26″ 7 Speed with Hybrid Suspension
This is another reliable mountain bike on our list. Unlike most other folding bikes, it can easily carry heavy people on hilly terrain. It weighs 38 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds which is remarkable. Not many folding bikes can withstand that much of weight. If you are heavy or obese and you need a bike, this one is the best folding bike for you. Its adjustable seat adapts well for people who are 5 – 6.2 inches tall.
The bike measures about 26 x 17 inches and is really compact. Also, it folds up pretty quickly. It has 7 speed settings to ensure a smooth ride on city roads and rugged terrain. The hybrid suspension and steel v-brakes are powerful and reassuring. It is available in five colors (two shades of black, green, blue & silver) so you get enough options to choose from. However, the features slightly differ with each option. The price is low, especially online and it is definitely worth considering if you are on a tight budget.
Pros:
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- Hybrid suspension system and high level suspension steel fork.
- 7 different speed settings.
- Remarkable weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Available in five color options.
Cons:
- Some users have complained have of loose parts and messy packaging.
5. unYOUsual U transformer 20″ Folding City Bike Bicycle 6 Speed Shimano Gear Steel Frame Mudguard Rear Carrier Silver
unYOUsual U is a US based company that offers excellent products and customer support. This folding bike is designed for use as a commuting bike in urban environments. It is silver in color and has a beautiful finish to it. Measuring about 14.8 x 25 x 32.8 inches, it is really compact and folds up easily. When folded, it can be easily carried along in the trunk of a car.
To protect the crank while folding, user needs to press the saddle down until it is steady and then make seat post out of seat tube as a stand. The overall body is made of light weight aluminum but use of steel is also evident at some places. The bike weighs 42 pounds and is heavier than most other folding bikes.
This also implies that it has better weight holding capacity. It has 6 speed settings, WANDA 20″ x 1.75 tires and v brakes for effective control on city roads. The bike is a bit expensive if compared with other folding bikes having similar features but the discount you get on its online purchase makes up for everything. It is an impressive entry level commuting bike and a great option to consider.
Pros:
- Compact and sturdy body.
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- 6 different speed settings.
- Available online at an incredible price offer.
Cons:
- Some users have complained that the quality of parts is below standard.
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4. Critical Cycles Judd Folding Bike Single-Speed with Coaster Brake
The Judd is a simple but high performance city commuting bike. Since its rear brake is coaster type, there are no chords or wires making it easier to fold up when you’re in a hurry. When fully assembled, the bike is about 4 feet 10 inches long and when folded, it measures 10 x 30 x 22 inches.
The pedals, handlebar tube, top-tube- all are foldable. It takes just 3 easy steps to fold or unfold the bike and it is so compact that it easily fits in a closet or a crowded bus. Made of light weight aluminum, it weighs 30 pounds and is easy to carry along. The seat is adjustable and the weight limit is 220 pounds, making it suitable for people of all sizes. It comes in six colors (matte black, graphite, saffron, sage green, teal & white) and all look fantastic.
Critical Cycles Judd is a single speed bike with 20 inch wheels, allowing for faster acceleration, minimal pedaling effort and easy riding. The wheels have trustworthy Kenda Kwest commuter tires. These tires have smooth rounded tread and large water dispersion grooves so that you always ride safely irrespective of weather conditions. This bike is owner’s pride and though it’s a bit expensive, it’s worth it.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to fold bike with no chords.
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- High quality commuter tires for safety.
- Available in six color options.
Cons:
- Some users complained that the bike is not very sturdy and durable.
3. Stowabike 20″ Folding City V2 Compact Foldable Bike – 6 Speed Shimano Gears
Stowabike 20” folding bike is another great bike for city commuting. It is bulkier though. Weighing 34.1 pounds, it is heavier than most other folding bikes. The good thing is that it is very compact and easy to fold. It measures 60.2 x 25.6 x 35.8 inches in full size and 34 x 9 x 23.2 inches when folded. The seat is adjustable and the weight capacity is as much as 280 pounds, making it suitable for people of all sizes.
It comes in a black-green color combination and looks athletic. It is not built for hilly terrain but with its 6 speed gears, it is powerful enough to climb up low hills. Its long mudguards keep riders clean even when riding in snowy or rainy weather. Overall, riding on the bike is smooth and steady.
On the back, there is a built-in rack to carry small stuff like bag or groceries. The seat is also large and comfortable, making it suitable for long rides. The bike is incredibly low priced and though it may not be the best folding bike in market, it offers great bang for the money. Overall, it is a good functional bike for college students or anyone with limited budget.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to fold.
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- Built in steel mudguards.
- Built in rack for carrying goods.
Cons:
- The bike is heavy and its parts are also not of very good quality.
2. Retrospec Bicycles Speck Folding Single-Speed Bicycle
This is a minimal design bike with rear coaster brake and single speed setting, making it perfect for riding around the city. It measures around 12.9 x 24.8 x 34 inches and is easy to fold and store in small spaces. With folding handlebar tube, top-tube and pedals, it doesn’t take more than 10 seconds to fold up.
Made of aluminum, the body is highly tensile and light weight. With 22 pounds, it is extremely light. Not many folding bikes are this light and easily portable. The seat is adjustable and easily adapts to riders who are taller than 6 feet.
It is basically designed for city roads but performs well even in low or small hills. With its small 20 inch wheels, it would require more pedaling effort though when riding in hilly terrain. The wheels are equipped with Kenda Kwest commuter tires having smooth rounded treads and large water dispersion grooves for extra safety.
It comes in two colors – graphite and matte black and both look attractive. It is a good looking bike with high performance features. It is relatively expensive but the product is good and that’s what should really matter.
Pros:
- Super light.
- Compact and easy to fold.
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- High quality Kenda Kwest commuter tires for safety.
- Available in two color options.
Cons:
- The bike costs more but is not as durable as it should be.
1. Columba 26″ Folding Bike w. Shimano 18 Speed Black (SP26S_BLK)
Columba is one of the best brands offering high quality budget friendly bikes. Whenever you see a Columba bike, you can be rest assured that it will be high on quality and performance. This Columba 18 speed Shimano bike is black in color and looks athletic. It also comes in blue, silver and yellow colored variants. It is short but has large 26 inch wheels which make it perfect for riding on rugged terrain.
The shorter build allows for more durable and thicker frames. Since it is made of steel, it weighs more and is also higher on endurance. It weighs 35 pounds and has good weight capacity of 200 pounds. It is a solid bike that’s meant to last for years. It measures 27 x 8 x 52 inches and doesn’t take much space when folded. The folding mechanism is easy and doesn’t take more than 10 seconds.
The seat is adjustable, large and comfortable. The bike is recommended for riders who are 5’3″- 6’0″ tall. If you are taller than that, you may need to buy a longer seat post. The handle stem is also adjustable and you can even remove it if you need to. This Columba bike has 18 speed settings and ramps up pretty quick. Also, its wheels are relatively thin which aids acceleration.
The folding bike isn’t particularly built for racing but it easily reaches 25 mph at the top gear level. If you are looking for speed, this is the best folding bike in market. Not only speed, it has exceptional stopping power too. Since it is equipped with front and rear V-brakes, it stops immediately when you need to halt.
Unlike most other folding bikes, it includes a steel based kick stand which effectively holds the weight of the bike and prevents it from tumbling over. Also, it has more visible reflectors, makes it easier to travel in night time. Overall, it seems to be perfect and there is no solid reason not to recommend it.
Pros:
- Easy and quick to fold.
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
- Large performance wheels.
- 18 speed settings and thin wheels for acceleration.
- Available in four color options.
- Comes with one year warranty.
Cons:
- It is heavier than most other folding bikes.
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Editors Choice of Best Folding Bike
Our search for the best folding bike ended with the Columba 26″ Folding Bike. Manufactured by Columbia, it is made of high quality components and promises durability, something that’s missing in most folding bikes. It’s no surprise then that it comes with a one year warranty. There are very few folding bikes that come with any kind of warranty. Another impressive thing is that it is made of steel. Most modern bikes are made of aluminum as it’s a good way of cost cutting but the Columba 26″ Folding Bike is premium. It looks good and performs even better.
With its large 26 inch wheels, it works well on city roads as well as low hills. It has 18 speed settings – more than we have seen in any other standard folding bike. Folding bikes are much slower than regular bikes but this one is extremely fast. It’s a dream bike for anyone who loves speed. This is a really impressive bike. The quality, features – everything is top notch and we can’t help but rate it 10/10 on our score card. So what are you waiting for? Get your own folding bike today and make life easier!
Do you own any of these bikes or would like to own one? Which one do you think is the best folding bike? Like always, we love to know your experiences and views. Leave your valuable comments below and help others make an informed choice.
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