A true e-bike is most similar to a moped. For this reason, a driver's license is required. Helmets are also mandatory. And: To ride an e-bike, you must be at least 16 years old. The main difference to a pedelec is that the motor also works when the rider isn't pedaling. As mentioned at the beginning, however, the term e-bike has become established and is a common synonym for most people.What advantages do e-folding bikes offer me?Long range: Thanks to their more compact design and lower weight, even cheaper models can easily achieve ranges of up to 100 kilometers.Small folded size: Specifically designed for this purpose, e-folding bikes can be folded up to save space and are therefore easy to transport.Environmentally conscious transportation: Thanks to its compact size, it's no problem to take the e-folding bike on public transport and travel comfortably from A to B without having to rely on a car on certain routes where a conventional e-bike might be too bulky.Same driving experience: In terms of riding experience, there are no differences between a conventional e-bike and an e-folding bike; the motor offers the same performance.

Folding bike comparison & folding bike test

Folding bikes are practical for commuters to shorten the journey to work, when travelling in a motorhome, when camping or simply in everyday life. In this article, 4 folding bikes are compared and explained what is important in a folding bike.

By Fabian Huber 5 minutes read time

About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: February 15, 2024 | Updated: January 30, 2026

The 4 folding bikes in the comparison and test are the Tern Link D7i, the Dahon Hemingway D9, the Brompton P-Line Urban and the MYVELO Zurich .

Why use a folding bike?

Many people use folding bikes in their everyday lives because the folding mechanism means they offer more functionality than conventional bikes, but there are no compromises in terms of stability. There are different types of folding mechanisms, and the bike is usually folded in the middle of the frame. This makes it more compact and can be easily transported in a car, camper van, or on public transport such as a bus or train. So what are the disadvantages of a folding bike compared to a city bike, mountain bike, or trekking bike? It's no secret: every mechanism requires regular maintenance. Be it a few drops of oil or simply cleaning it with a cleaning cloth. If the folding bike is regularly maintained, you can enjoy this practical means of transport for a long time.

The decisive factors for the different folding bikes are of course the price, the materials used, the weight and also the folding size. Last but not least, people choose a folding bike because it takes up less space when folded than a conventional bike. Similar to the traditional bicycle market, more and more folding bikes with electronic support are coming onto the shelves. This is not surprising, because the e-bike not only ensures a greater range, but also offers the advantage, especially in the area of folding bikes, that you can significantly increase the radius when camping or use less energy when commuting and therefore don't arrive at work so sweaty. In everyday life, the e-bike supports you simply because it offers more flexibility than a bicycle without an electric drive and the distances to be covered can be covered more effortlessly and efficiently.

Which folding bike is the best in comparison?

In the folding bike comparison we compared the MYVELO folding bikes with each other. When comparing different folding bikes, the most important criteria may be weighted differently. This article is about the size, the weight, the folding mechanism, the components such as brakes, lights, mudguards, gears and roadworthiness according to StVZO and of course the price.

If you want to choose a folding bike, the first question that matters is the tire size for relaxed riding. Which size: 16 inches or 20 inches? In this comparison, there are 3 bikes with 20-inch tires and one bike with 16-inch tires. In everyday life, the tire size makes a difference because a smaller wheel has to turn more often than a larger wheel. Although a small wheel may offer a smaller pack size, many people choose the 20-inch folding bike because it offers more stability and safety when riding due to the centrifugal force and because of the ideal ratio between maneuverability and tire wear.

The second criterion that might be noticeable is the weight. The lighter, the better, you might think. When camping, it's all about the permissible total weight of the trailer, so every gram is weighed. When commuting, it's the situations in which you have to carry the bike in or out of the train or bus, for example, if you can't roll it folded up. In everyday life, weight is actually less important.

The folding mechanism on the frame and handlebars is also the central element of the bike and should be easy and uncomplicated to open and close again with one hand - at the same time, safety must not be neglected. The video in this article shows the different folding mechanisms and how quickly the bike can be assembled and disassembled.

Ultimately, however, the components and the associated price are also crucial. Are mudguards included, are there reflectors and sufficient lights in accordance with the StVZO? Here is a direct comparison of the 4 bikes:

Tern Link D7i

Weight: 14.4kg
20 inches
aluminum frame
Folding dimensions (HxWxD): 79cm x 38cm × 72 cm
Price: 1,500 euros

Dahon Hemingway D9

Weight: 12.3 kg
20 inches
aluminum frame
Folded dimensions (HxWxD): 68cm x 39cm x 85 cm
Price: 800 euros

Brompton P-Line Urban

Weight: 10 kg
16 inches
titanium and steel frames
Folded dimensions (HxWxD): 64.5 cm x 27 cm x 56.5 cm
Price: 2,650 euros

MYVELO Zurich

Weight: 22 kg
20 inches
aluminum frame
Folded dimensions (HxWxD): 87 cm x 40 cm x 68 cm
Price: 1,999 euros

In comparison, the bikes are not that different when it comes to folding dimensions. All are less than 90cm high when folded, and some can be folded even more compactly in width. There are also bags for almost all bikes in which they can be transported when folded.

The Tern Link D7i impresses with a strong luggage rack, it offers a Shimano Nexus gearshift and a hub dynamo as well as a chain guard.

The Dahon is equipped with a Shimano Altus 9-speed derailleur, but has no mudguards and no luggage rack. Instead, it does have V-brakes and LED headlights at the front and rear.

The Brompton folding bike is known for its tried and tested pulley for folding. Compromises are made in terms of weight, so there are no bike stands, reflectors or lights.

The MYVELO folding bike impresses with a Shimano 7-speed gearshift, Tektro disc brakes and LED front and rear lights including brake lights. The MYVELO Zurich folding bike also has a special feature: it is an e-folding bike with the battery in the seat post - this means it offers a much greater range.

All 4 folding bikes have safety locks for the folding mechanism so that the lock cannot be opened accidentally. The locks are also included on the handlebars.

Conclusion to the guide to e-folding bikes

In this article, 4 popular folding bikes from different manufacturers were compared: Tern, Dahon, Brompton and MYVELO. The folding bikes have different features, weights and folding dimensions and corresponding prices.

If you're on a tight budget, the Dahon for €800 might be a budget option. The Brompton P-Line Urban is the most expensive folding bike in the test, but you should note that you also need additional components such as lights and reflectors. The Tern flat bike is a solid option without electronic support at €1,500. For just €499 more, however, you can get the MYVELO Zurich as a fully-fledged e-folding bike with all components already included.

The MYVELO Zurich folding bike therefore impresses with a solid price-performance ratio for a folding bike with electric motor support.

Folding bike lock: What safety mechanisms are there?

Further information and FAQs about Folding bike comparison & folding bike test

Get advice from cycling enthusiasts

What is an e-bike?

A true e-bike is most similar to a moped. For this reason, a driver's license is required. Helmets are also mandatory. And: To ride an e-bike, you must be at least 16 years old. The main difference to a pedelec is that the motor also works when the rider isn't pedaling. As mentioned at the beginning, however, the term e-bike has become established and is a common synonym for most people.

What advantages do e-folding bikes offer me?

Long range: Thanks to their more compact design and lower weight, even cheaper models can easily achieve ranges of up to 100 kilometers.
Small folded size: Specifically designed for this purpose, e-folding bikes can be folded up to save space and are therefore easy to transport.
Environmentally conscious transportation: Thanks to its compact size, it's no problem to take the e-folding bike on public transport and travel comfortably from A to B without having to rely on a car on certain routes where a conventional e-bike might be too bulky.
Same driving experience: In terms of riding experience, there are no differences between a conventional e-bike and an e-folding bike; the motor offers the same performance.

What features does an electric folding bike need?

For city drivers, one is sufficient in most cases. Electric folding bike E-folding bikes often come with a smaller battery capacity, as their lighter weight usually results in a very long range by today's standards, and charging options are readily available. Many cities now have e-bike charging stations. Depending on the city's topography, a gear system with few gears is sufficient, as there are rarely any significant hills to climb. Since e-folding bikes are not designed for off-road use, a high-quality suspension is less important.

However, if you do have to climb some hills on your commute, it's advisable to choose a robust motor with a high-capacity battery. Because the battery will be under greater strain than in a flat urban environment, it's recommended to opt for higher-quality brands like Shimano or Bosch, even if they are more expensive.

This Electric folding bike It can be used by several people of different heights, for example, as a family bike. In such cases, it's important to ensure the bike's height can be adjusted easily and quickly.

Finally, depending on your physical condition, the weight also plays a significant role. If the bike will be lifted frequently, for example, to transport it on buses and trains, choosing a lighter, albeit more expensive, frame and the right components is recommended.

Which motor is the right one for my electric folding bike?

For commuters and short distances in general, a lightweight motor with good carrying comfort is ideal. The battery's position, in particular, can significantly impact the folding bike's carrying comfort. The most comfortable option is a Electric folding bike Mid-drive motors are generally preferred because the weight is relatively low and centrally located. Front-drive motors, however, are particularly compact and usually less expensive. Rear-drive motors are the most popular choice for sporty cyclists, as they offer a dynamic riding experience that the other two options cannot provide. They are best suited for slightly hilly or mountainous terrain. Generally speaking, though, the mid-drive motor is the most versatile of all electric motors. Find your perfect folding bike in our shop

What are the important features of folding mechanisms for folding e-bikes?

Naturally, a reliable folding mechanism is one of the most important factors when buying an e-folding bike. If the bike needs to be folded frequently, a simple folding mechanism is crucial, as the process may need to be repeated several times a day. Folding bikes from TERN and Victoria have proven particularly reliable and easy to use in this regard. They offer models that can be pushed when folded, similar to a trolley.

In general, the following points should be considered when test-folding an e-folding bike:

Are there any parts on the bike that are bothersome when carrying it, such as the battery or poorly fitting handlebars?
What is the weight distribution like, is the bike easy to lift, how heavy is it?
Is the folded bicycle stable?
What are the dimensions of the wheel when folded? (Length x Height x Width)
Can the folding bike be comfortably held or lifted using a handle?

Does it make sense to reduce the features on a folding e-bike to save weight?

It's possible that... Electric folding bike If you have to carry a lot of things every day, for example at train stations, then you should carefully consider which items are truly necessary and which can be done without. The following questions should be asked:

How many kilometers do I travel per day? If only short trips of 20-30 kilometers are made per day, the smallest available battery, around 300 watt-hours, is sufficient. These batteries contain fewer cells compared to larger models and therefore weigh significantly less.

Do I need a luggage rack? If only a few items are being transported in a briefcase or backpack, a luggage rack or pannier can be used instead. Electric folding bike can be dispensed with.

Do I really need mudguards on my folding e-bike? Of course, mudguards protect against wetness and dirt, however, mudguards can be dispensed with in appropriate weather conditions or with appropriate cycling clothing.

What folding dimensions do I need? If you frequently use public transport, you should look for a folding e-bike with the smallest possible folded size. Unlike a regular e-bike or pedelec, an e-folding bike always travels on trains free of charge. A reservation for an extra space is not necessary, as the bike is considered luggage.

How much do luxury models and professional bikes cost?

If you want to stand out from the crowd and place great value on excellent quality and features, you'll find what you're looking for in the price range between €1,500 and €3,500. Bikes in this price segment leave nothing to be desired. For example, the following models are recommended: Rio and Palma They are called MYVELO or Tern Vektron S10. Their range is often between 130 and 150 kilometers. Find your perfect folding bike in our shop

How much do mid-range models cost?

In the €1,000 to €1,500 price range, you get significantly better features and comparatively higher quality. These bikes usually have more powerful batteries capable of providing a range of up to 100 kilometers, LED lighting, and disc brakes. The Zurich model from MYVELO is a prime example here.

How much do entry-level models cost?

Entry-level models are available for between €700 and €1,000. Naturally, the quality and features are limited at this price point. For example, the brakes are usually just basic rim brakes, and you shouldn't expect too much power or range from the battery. Manufacturer-stated ranges are typically around 40-60 kilometers. The Remington City Folder would be an example of an entry-level e-folding bike.