Where does an e-folding bike fit? Folding dimensions in everyday use.

If you're considering an e-folding bike, the first questions usually revolve around range, motor, and weight. The most practically important question is often overlooked: Where does it actually fit when it's folded?

By Vincent Augustin 5 minutes read time

Wo passt ein E-Klapprad rein? Klappmaße im Alltags-Check

About the author Vincent Augustin

Vincent founded MYVELO together with Fabian. 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: June 2, 2026

The crucial question regarding folding bikes is not their riding characteristics.

Because the folded size determines whether you can take the bike on the train or leave it outside, whether it fits in your car trunk or not, whether you have to carry it up the elevator or lug it up the stairs. In short: it determines whether the folding bike actually works in everyday life – or remains just a good idea.

The folding dimensions of the MYVELO models

MYVELO's two urban flagship models differ in one crucial aspect when folded: their height.

Model	length	Width	Height
MYVELO Berlin	87 cm	38 cm	80 cm
MYVELO Zurich	87 cm	40 cm	68 cm

The length is identical for both. The width differs by only 2 cm – barely noticeable. The difference lies in the height: the Zürich is 12 cm lower than the Berlin when tilted. This may sound marginal, but in some situations it determines whether a bike will fit or not.

Public transportation

This is the most important use case. A folded e-bike is considered bulky hand luggage by Deutsche Bahn – you don't need a bicycle ticket and travel free of charge. This also applies to most public transport networks on the S-Bahn and U-Bahn.

S-Bahn and U-Bahn

In the multi-purpose compartment, near the door, or between the seats: there's plenty of space. Both models stand upright on a footprint of approximately 38–40 cm – slimmer than a rolling suitcase. The Berlin, at 80 cm high, and the Zürich, at 68 cm, fit easily into the passenger compartment without obstructing other passengers.

Conclusion: Both models ✓ – no problem.

ICE, IC and regional trains

Long-distance trains offer two relevant storage options: the luggage racks at the end of the carriage and the storage areas above the seats.

The luggage racks at the rear of the carriage are usually deep enough (often 50–60 cm deep, 100–120 cm wide). Both models fit in there well, provided it's not crowded. The luggage compartments above the seats, however, are unsuitable – at 40–45 cm deep and about 30 cm high, they are too small for both bikes.

Recommendation: Board early and secure a seat in the multi-purpose compartment or at the end of the carriage.

Conclusion: Both models ✓ – with the right placement on the train.

Bus (city bus / intercity bus)

On a city bus, you can place the bike upright in the doorway or the multi-purpose compartment. Both dimensions are sufficiently compact for this. On long-distance buses with luggage compartments underneath, both bikes fit without any problems – the luggage compartment of a typical coach offers a loading opening of 60–80 cm and is several meters long.

Conclusion: Both models ✓

car trunk

Here, the compact design really pays off. With a length of 87 cm and a width of only 38–40 cm, both wheels fit into almost any car – provided you lay the wheel on its side.

scenario	Berlin (87×38×80 cm)	Zurich (87×40×68 cm)
Compact car (boot capacity ~380 L, seats upright)	✓ lying on its side	✓ lying on its side
Estate / SUV	✓ without any problems	✓ without any problems
Small cars (e.g., 250 L boot capacity)	Only with the rear seats folded down	✓ lying on its side

When the bike is lying on its side, the Zürich requires a footprint of 87 × 68 cm with a height of 40 cm – this fits in the trunk of most mid-range cars with the rear seats upright. The Berlin, when lying down, requires 87 × 80 cm – this might be a tight fit in smaller trunks.

Conclusion: Zurich ✓ in almost all vehicles – Berlin ✓ in mid-range and larger vehicles.

Elevator

Especially in older buildings, the elevator is often the biggest bottleneck. Typical elevator floor areas:

elevator type	Interior surface area (approx.)
Old building elevator (late 19th century)	80–90 × 90–100 cm
Standard passenger elevator	100 × 140 cm
large-capacity elevator	140 × 210 cm

The bicycle stands upright in the elevator. The relevant dimension is the length (87 cm) – no problem in any elevator with an interior depth of at least 90 cm. For older elevators with a depth of less than 90 cm, you should measure the bicycle beforehand: both Berlin and Zurich elevators are 87 cm long.

Conclusion: Both models ✓ in standard elevators – check for very small elevators in older buildings (< 90 cm).

Apartment: Hallway, storage room, balcony

According to German building regulations, the minimum hallway width is 80 cm, but in practice hallways are often 90–120 cm wide. The bicycle then leans against the wall and requires approximately 38–40 cm of depth – less than a stroller.

In a storage room or on a balcony, the folded size isn't an issue anyway. Even on a narrow city balcony (90 × 200 cm), you'll easily find space for a folded e-folding bike.

Tip: The Zürich, with a height of 68 cm, can be stored particularly discreetly in a standard wardrobe (internal dimension from 70 cm height) – for example under a loft bed or in a multi-purpose wardrobe.

Conclusion: Both models ✓ – the Zurich offers slightly more flexibility due to its lower height.

Office

Next to the desk, in the conference room, in the cloakroom – an e-folding bike takes up hardly more space in the office than a trolley. Its width of 38–40 cm is the decisive advantage: the bike is slimmer than most desk pedestals.

Neither of the two wheels fits under the desk – the ergonomic desk height of 72–75 cm isn't sufficient. However, there's room for them next to the desk in almost any office.

Conclusion: Both models ✓ next to the desk.

Airplane

An e-folding bike is not suitable as hand luggage – its dimensions significantly exceed the usual limits (55 × 40 × 20 cm), and the battery must be declared separately.

Most airlines consider a total size of 158 cm (L + W + H) to be sufficient for checked baggage. Berlin exceeds this limit by 205 cm, and Zurich by 195 cm – both are above the standard limit.

Folding bikes can be booked as oversized baggage with many airlines without any problems. The exact regulations regarding the lithium-ion battery (maximum capacity, disassembly, packaging) vary from airline to airline – it's advisable to call the carrier before booking.

Conclusion: Not possible as free baggage, but possible as oversized baggage – contact the airline beforehand.

Summary: Where does what fit?

Conclusion: 12 cm makes the difference

The length (87 cm) and width (38–40 cm) of both models are practical for everyday use – they are slimmer than a rolling suitcase and fit in almost any elevator and commuter train. The key difference lies in the height: at 68 cm, the MYVELO Zürich is the more compact of the two bikes and fits into situations where the MYVELO Berlin , at 80 cm, would be a tight fit – small car trunks, low cupboards, and limited space in cramped homes.

For those who consistently use a folding bike in their daily lives – every day on the train, occasionally in the car, sometimes in the office – both bikes are excellent choices. Those seeking maximum flexibility in confined spaces should opt for the Zürich.

Where is wild camping allowed?

Sources & References

Deutsche Bahn (2024). "Reisegepäck und Handgepäck, Stand 2024. Klappräder gelten als Gepäckstück, wenn sie zusammengeklappt sind; es gilt kein Fahrradtarif. Prüfe vor der Fahrt die aktuellen Beförderungsbedingungen Deines Verkehrsverbunds".
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations "Lithium-Ionen-Akkus in E-Bikes unterliegen besonderen Bestimmungen. Akkus über 100 Wh bis 160 Wh dürfen im Aufgabegepäck nur mit Genehmigung der Airline mitgenommen werden; die genauen Regeln variieren je Carrier".

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situation	MYVELO Berlin (87×38×80 cm)	MYVELO Zurich (87×40×68 cm)
S-Bahn / U-Bahn	✓	✓
ICE / long-distance train	✓ (Multi-purpose compartment)	✓ (Multi-purpose compartment)
bus	✓	✓
Mid-range car (upright seats)	✓ (lying down)	✓ (lying down)
Small car (upright seats)	✗	✓ (lying down)
Standard elevator	✓	✓
Old building elevator (< 90 cm depth)	Check	Check
Hallway / Storage room	✓	✓
Wardrobe (minimum interior height 70 cm)	✗	✓
Office (next to desk)	✓	✓
Airplane (Hand luggage)	✗	✗
Airplane (oversized baggage)	✓ (depending on the airline)	✓ (depending on the airline)

Where does an e-folding bike fit? Folding dimensions in everyday use.

The crucial question regarding folding bikes is not their riding characteristics.

The folding dimensions of the MYVELO models