The 7 Best Folding Bikes
Updated by · How we research
Seven folding bikes you can buy on Amazon, compared on fold, carry weight, gears and rider fit, from step-throughs to an e-bike. The Dahon Dream D6 leads. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Folded doesn't mean small or light: a typical 20-inch folder still takes up the space of a big suitcase and weighs close to 30 pounds, so the carry, not the fold, decides whether you'll use it. These picks suit train commuters, apartment dwellers, RV and boat owners, and riders who want an e-bike that fits a trunk.
Editor's Notes
October 23, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Dahon Dream D6 now leads because it comes from the best-known name in folding hinges and is sold by Dahon's own store, at a price most commuters can manage. The major roundups favor Tern's Link D8, Brompton and Dahon's Mariner D8 II, but none of those was in stock from a seller we link to, so they appear as special honors, not ranked picks.
Seven of the 2021 bikes had to go. The Swagtron EB7 Plus, Zizzo Urbano, Fiido D3S, Hua Mountain and Xspec Commuter listings no longer exist, the Vilano Urbana is unavailable, and the Mophoto was a tricycle. The Zizzo Campo stays under its current listing, and the Schwinn Loop and Columba keep their step-through and big-wheel roles. The Gotrax R1, Rockbros MBS and Viribus are new.
Folding-bike sellers often publish weights and frame details that contradict each other on the same page, so we checked them against makers' sites and the expert roundups, and searched federal recall records for every brand.
Earlier notes
April 6, 2021, by Chris Gillespie:
If you have limited storage space at home or a commute that involves public transport, a folding bicycle may be the solution you need, since they pack away compactly, and are usually permitted on busses and trains. There are several things to consider when choosing the ideal model. Namely, how will you transport it, how much height adjustment does it have, and how heavy is it. If you plan on taking it in the trunk of your car then a model with smaller wheels will be more manageable for lifting in and out, however, smaller wheels do equate to greater exertion when cycling long distances. If you will need to carry it by hand, for example up staircases or in and out of elevators, then an aluminum frame will keep the overall weight down. Tall riders should check the maximum seat and handlebar height, as, although most models offer adjustment, they may not be suitable for riders over six-foot tall.
During this update to the ranking, we added several new models to the list that feature the latest components, designs, and lightweight materials. The popular Columba SP26 was switched for the Columba RJ26A which now boasts an alloy frame, forks, and wheels, thus considerably reducing the weight. The addition of front and rear suspension greatly improves its off-road capabilities and overall ride comfort. The battery-assisted Ecotric 20-Inch was replaced with the Fiido D3S, which weighs a mere 39 pounds and has a powerful lithium-ion battery with an impressive 50-kilometer range. We selected the Xspec Commuter as a good option for tall riders as it has a seat that adjusts up to 42 inches and a weight capacity of 220 pounds. Finally, we included a three-wheeled option due to its stability and ease of use. The Mophoto Tricycle has a carbon steel frame and a high weight capacity and is available in a wide range of colors.
January 7, 2020, by Brett Dvoretz:
During this update, we removed the Addmotor Motan since, other than an included rack and headlight, we didn't feel it offered anything that the Ecotric 20-Inch doesn't. They both have similar specs, get about 40 to 45 miles per charge in the pedal assist mode, and top out right around 20 MPH. And, the latter is about half the price of the former, so with the money saved you could easily buy those things for yourself and still come out ahead.
Another new battery-powered addition to our list is the Swagtron EB7 Plus, which comes from a well-respected company that is known for making high-quality electric scooters and hoverboards. Its powerbank is removable, which makes it convenient to charge since you won't have to bring your whole bicycle indoors, and it has enough juice to push up 25-degree inclines.
We also eliminated the Xspec Trail due to user complaints of it having too many low-quality parts, as well as too many reports of the bike arriving with damaged components. We felt there are enough good options available on the market that there is no need to take the chance on one that could be considered questionable.
If you plan on riding your folding bike for long distances or up and down hills, you'll be best served with multi-gear model like the Dahon Mariner D8, EuroMini Zizzo Urbano, Dahon Vybe D7 Tour Deltec, Columba SP26, EuroMini Zizzo Campo, and Schwinn Loop. However, if you will generally be using yours for shorter rides around town or campus, you can save a little money and get a single-speed model like the Vilano Urbana and Retrospec Judd, both of which are more than suitable for that and boast very lightweight construction for easy carrying when needed.
Special Honors
Tern Link D8 Tern's Link D8 is the folder that expert roundups recommend most often. Tern lists it at about 27 pounds with an eight-speed Shimano drivetrain, fenders and a rear rack, and it's sold through bike shops rather than Amazon. ternbicycles.com
Brompton C Line Brompton's steel C Line folds smaller than any mid-hinge bike, with the rear wheel tucked under the frame so it rolls when folded. It costs several times what the bikes on this list do, and it's sold through Brompton dealers. brompton.com
Dahon Mariner D8 Dahon's Mariner D8 steps up from the Dream D6 to an aluminum frame and eight gears, and it's a common runner-up in expert roundups. Its Amazon listing was unavailable when we checked, so look at Dahon's own site. dahon.com
Wheel Size And Fold Style Decide How It Rides
Most folders, including every small-wheel pick here, use 20-inch wheels, the usual middle ground between a compact fold and a stable ride.
Wheel size sets the trade-off between ride and package. Small 16-inch wheels fold the tightest, which is why Brompton uses them, but they feel quick and jittery over bumps. Most folders, including every small-wheel pick here, use 20-inch wheels, the usual middle ground between a compact fold and a stable ride. Bikes with 24- or 26-inch wheels ride like a regular bike and fold into a much bigger bundle (Wikipedia: Folding bicycle). Smaller wheels make a bike more compact, not lighter.
The fold itself comes in a few styles. Most budget folders, and the Dahon, Zizzo and Schwinn here, hinge in the middle of the frame and drop the handlebar post alongside. A 20-inch mid-fold bike still ends up about 31 by 13 by 26 inches. Brompton folds vertically, tucking the rear wheel under the frame for a smaller, squarer package that rolls on its own small wheels.
Gearing matters more than buyers expect. Six or seven gears are enough for flat cities, while hilly routes call for eight or more. The Tern Link D8, a common expert pick, uses an eight-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain and comes with fenders and a rack.
Weight, Fit And The Latches You Check Every Ride
The number that decides whether you'll keep folding a bike is its weight. Steel 20-inch folders usually land between 28 and 34 pounds, aluminum ones closer to 25, and electric folders 40 pounds or more. Sellers often quote a lower figure in their headline than in their own spec table, so assume the heavier number when you plan to carry it up stairs or onto a train.
Check the rider limits before you buy. Height ranges run roughly from 4 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 3 inches on these bikes, and weight limits from 220 to 300 pounds. Tall riders should look at seat-post length and stem height, because a folder's frame can't grow to fit.
Hinges and latches are the parts that fail. Make sure every latch is fully closed before each ride, keep the hinges clean, and watch for rust on steel frames (Folding Bike Guy: Dahon Mariner). Folding parts were behind recalls of some Dahon-made folders in 2009 and Brompton's T Line in 2024; you can search any brand at the CPSC recalls page. Budget bikes ship mostly assembled, so check the brakes and every bolt before the first ride.
Electric Folders: Batteries, Classes And Charging
Electric folders flatten hills and stretch a commute, but they bring battery risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises buying an e-bike certified to UL 2849, using only the maker's charger, never charging while asleep or away, and never using a modified or damaged battery (CPSC Micromobility Information Center). A removable battery lets you charge indoors, where you can watch it.
Most states sort e-bikes into three classes. Class 1 helps only while you pedal, up to 20 mph. Class 2 adds a throttle with the same 20 mph limit. Class 3 assists to 28 mph and is barred from some paths. Rules on paths, helmets and age vary, so check your state and city before you ride.
Treat range claims as best-case numbers set by a light rider on flat ground in the lowest assist level. Gotrax's own chart for the R1 runs from about 40 miles in the lowest assist level down to 16 on the throttle alone, and hills, wind and a heavier rider cut that further. Electric Bike Report tests folding e-bikes from brands like Lectric and Ride1Up if you want a larger battery or a sturdier frame.
How we researched this
We compared 13 folding bikes and e-bikes that are sold on Amazon, plus the Tern, Brompton and Dahon models that expert roundups rank highest. We read makers' pages and specs, cross-checked sellers' figures that disagree with each other, looked at the conclusions of Wirecutter, Cycling Weekly, Bicycling and Electric Bike Report, weighed long-term owner feedback patterns, and searched U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall records for every brand. Prices were checked on October 23, 2026.
Sources (11)
- Tern: Link D8
- Brompton
- Dahon
- Wirecutter: The Best Folding Bikes
- Cycling Weekly: Best folding bikes 2026
- Bicycling: The Best Folding Bikes of 2026
- Electric Bike Report: Best Folding Electric Bikes
- Folding Bike Guy: Dahon Mariner
- Wikipedia: Folding bicycle
- CPSC Micromobility Information Center
- CPSC Recalls
Frequently asked questions
How small does a folding bike get?
A 20-inch bike that hinges in the middle folds to about 31 by 13 by 26 inches, roughly the size of a large suitcase. Brompton's vertical fold is smaller and squarer. Bikes with 26-inch wheels fold much bigger, so measure your trunk or closet first.
Is a folding bike good for a long commute?
Yes for most city commutes. A 20-inch folder with seven or more gears handles a few miles each way well, though small wheels feel bumpier than a full-size bike on rough roads. For long or hilly rides, a folding e-bike makes the trip easier.
Can I take a folding bike on a train, bus or plane?
Most transit systems allow folded bikes, often at all hours when full-size bikes are restricted, but rules vary, so check your local system. Airlines treat a bike as checked baggage and charge by size and weight; e-bike batteries face extra limits on flights.
How heavy is a folding bike?
Most steel 20-inch folders weigh about 28 to 34 pounds, aluminum ones about 25, and folding e-bikes 40 pounds or more. Sellers' headline figures often run low, so plan for the heavier number.
Do I need a helmet and lights?
Wear a helmet on every ride. New bikes sold in the U.S. must come with reflectors, and most states require a front light and a rear reflector or light after dark. Helmet laws for adults and e-bike riders vary by state.
