Ten Reasons to Select a Folding Ebike

If you love to ride ebikes but are hesitant to ride more in the city for commuting or errands because of the challenges that bikes entail: they are bulky, don’t always integrate seamlessly with other forms of transportation such as buses or trains, aren’t always welcome in offices, and there is a risk of theft if you leave them outside regardless of how many locks you use.  One solution is a folding ebike, and there are good reasons to consider one.

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​What is a Folding Ebike
There are just as many styles of ebikes as there are non-assisted bikes and a folding ebike is one of them.  A folding bike, “e” or otherwise, is designed so the frame, handlebars, saddle, and pedals collapse or fold with a hinge.  Even though they fold to make them more compact when not in use, a folding ebike can have same features you find in other bikes: small or large wheels, thin or fat tires, small or big motors and batteries, are heavy or light, and with or without suspension, gears, fenders, racks and lights.  Regardless of the features you want, here are reasons to consider  an ebike that folds:​

Reasons to Select a Folding Ebike

1. Compact – A folding ebike simply takes up less room when not in use.  The compact foot print makes it well suited in situations where you have limited storage.  You might park a folding ebike under an office desk, in a coat closet, or corner of a room.  This makes it ideal for commuters who want to take a bike on a bus or train or for anyone without a lot a room to store it when not in use.
2. Portable – The smaller size achieved when folding the ebike makes it easier to maneuver when transporting between locations.  Sometimes it is not practical to ride a bike to the start of your ride and transporting a more compact package either in a car or on transit makes is easier. 
3. Has all the benefits of ebikes – Ebikes are famous to enable riders to go further and faster, arrive at your destination less exhausted and sweaty, easily tackle hills, healthy exercise, save money on gas, ride with a faster friend, haul a heavy load, fly with traffic, and can be ridden with assistance or without.  Folding ebikes share all these benefits with its non-folding bike cousin. 
4. Rolls – When transporting a folding ebike you do not have to carry it, instead you can roll it, sometimes with a strategically placed handle.  This allows you to transport the ebike without having to strain your back lifting it.   
5. Easy mounts and dismounts – Folding ebikes usually come with small wheels of 20 inches or less although there are models with full size wheels.  Being lower to the ground makes the bike easier to get on and off.  Even on folding ebikes with full size wheels of 26” or 700cc, selecting a step-through frame makes starts and stops easier, especially for small riders.​
   
6. Transport on buses and trains anytime – While many transit organizations allow bringing bike on board, there are often blackout periods during busy periods.  Since folding bikes are compact and take up as much space as a piece of luggage, you can bring them along using buses and trains anytime you need to travel.
7. Secure parking – Bike theft is a serious issue.  Even if you use multiple locks, a hardened ulock, and/or a sturdy chain when the bike is out of your sight, under the right circumstances a thief can foil all attempts at keeping it secure where you locked it.  If you can bring a folding ebike inside with you and keep an eye on it, you can be assured it will be there when you want to ride it again.
8. Easy to transport in a car – A folding ebike is small enough to be easily transported in the back seat of a car or in the trunk.  This makes it easy to employ multiple modes of transportation for any given trip such as both a car and bike.  Drivers might want to keep a small folding ebike in the trunk of their car to extend their reach into the city.  When the ebike is not folded, it can still be transported on a regular hitch car rack that is rated for ebikes.  
9. Folds into a square shape – Traditional bikes are more rectangular in shape, with a longer length and shorter height, but once folded, an ebike is a square shape that fits into limited spaces more easily.
10. Provides micro mobility – For Recreational Vehicle (RV) fans, airplane pilots, boaters, and anyone living the van life a folding ebike provides local transportation. Just carry it off your RV, airplane, boat, etc. unfold it and ride to the store to replenish supplies, go to restaurants, or explore towns.  Go wherever you want and never be stuck without a ride. 

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​History of Folding Bikes
There is some debate as to who invented the first folding bike, but it is not a modern invention.  Examples of bikes that can be made smaller for storage and transportation by folding date back to the 1870s.  Because of higher manufacturing costs, they did not have wide distribution initially.  There was successful use, however, in military applications during WWI and WWII with paratroopers carrying them strapped onto their backs enabling transportation after jumping out of an airplane.   

How to Select the Best Folding Ebike for You
As with any bike purchase you should think through how you plan to use it, whether on paved surfaces or offroad, occasional or heavy use, how far you plan to ride on a single charge, and do you want to ride in a casual upright position on the ebike or more aggressive for speed and distance.  When selecting a folding ebike make sure the hinges and latches are sturdy and will not open inadvertently while riding introducing a safety issue.  Look carefully at the quality of components, such as the frame, wheels, and drivetrain and consider how durable they are for how you plan to use it and can they be serviced.  Always asked about the warranty in case a key component fails in the early days you own it.  Don't forget about accessories, such as fenders, racks, and lights and make sure the saddle is comfortable for you.  If not standard equipment, these can be added or upgraded after the sale. 

Since there are many folding points it might take some practice to fold and unfold an ebike.  This is compounded with the extra weight introduced with the addition of a battery and motor on an ebike.  With a little practice, you will be able to close and open the ebike in little time. 

As with any bike purchase, it is a good idea to test ride before you buy and get it professionally assembled and fitted for comfort and safety.  Also, make sure you have a plan for where to get parts and after sales support since all ebikes at some point will require service.