Updated August 25, 2024
Folding bikes are becoming increasingly popular for commuters interested in bimodal transportation or those who would like to have a bike that takes up little space. Folding into a compact unit these bikes can be carried easily in your car trunk or stored in a corner or small closet and are permissible on some public transport like buses and trains making it possible to split your journey. The best are not only convenient but also have performance capabilities that make going for a ride an adventure.
To help you choose a bike suitable for your needs, a range of top models has been selected as an introduction. First, there’s a comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Cycling Cameras MTB Lights Hardtail Mountain Bikes Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Folding Bikes Reviews
- Schwinn Loop Folding Bike
- EuroMini ZiZZO Forte Folding Bike
- Kespor Adult Folding Bike
- IDS unYOUsual U Transformer Folding Bike
- Schwinn Adapt U Folding Bike
- Dahon Mariner D8 Folding Bike
- Dahon Dream D6 Folding Bike
- Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike
- EuroMini ZiZZO Campo Folding Bike
Best Folding Bikes Comparison Table
| Photo | Bike | Gears | Frame/Fork Materials | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Schwinn Loop Folding Bike | 7 | Aluminum | 4.3 | $ |
  | EuroMini ZiZZO Forte Folding Bike | 7 | Aluminum | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Kespor Adult Folding Bike | 16 | Aluminum | 4.5 | $$ |
  | IDS unYOUsual U Transformer Folding Bike | 6 | Steel | 4.4 | $ |
  | Schwinn Adapt U Folding Bike | 7 | Aluminum | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Dahon Mariner D8 Folding Bike | 8 | Aluminum | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Dahon Dream D6 Folding Bike | 6 | Steel | 4.3 | $$ |
  | EuroMini ZiZZO Campo Folding Bike | 7 | Aluminum | 4.6 | $ |
| Photo | Bike | Gears | Frame/Fork Materials | Rating | Price |
Suitable for riders up to 6’2” and 230 pounds, it sets up in a minute or less and folds down into a compact 30” x 32” x 11” that packs into the included heavy-gauge nylon bag for easy storage in the trunk of your car or closet.
The 7-speed drivetrain with a quality Shimano twist shifter gives you what you need to make hill climbs on your city commute or weekend ride manageable.
Front and rear fenders protect you from road spray and there is a convenient rear luggage rack for any gear you want to bring along.
It comes in a choice of silver, white, or black and the reliable Schwinn brand brings with it a limited lifetime warranty.
- Size: suitable for riders from 4’8″ to 6’2” in height up to 230 lbs
- Weight: 33.6 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 30″ x 32″ x 11″
- Frame Material: aluminum
- Wheels: 20” with city tires
- Rims: alloy
- Gears: 7-speed with a Shimano twist shifter
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull
- Other Features: standover frame, front and rear fenders, built-in rear luggage carrier, heavy-gauge nylon carry bag, adjustable seat post, kickstand
- Color: silver, white, or black
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
EuroMini ZiZZO Forte Folding Bike
Tipping the scales at a relatively light 28 pounds, it folds to a compact 27″ x 31″ x 12.5″ easy for portability and storage.
It comes with multi-terrain tires, a quality Shimano drivetrain and shifters to tackle the hills, and a magnet catcher to keep the folded frame locked in position.
Equipped with a comfortable wide ergonomic saddle, it also sports front and rear fenders to reduce spray, and a rear cargo rack for baggage.
The pricing is moderate and the company is known for its warranty and good service.
- Size: suitable for riders from 5’5” to 6’3” in height and up to 300 lbs
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 27″ x 31″ x 12.5″
- Frame Material: 6160 aluminum, steel fork
- Wheels: 20” with Kenda Khan multi-terrain 20” x 1.95″ tires
- Rims: aluminum double-walled, black anodized
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain with Shimano Revo twist shifters
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull
- Other Features: EuroMini wide comfort saddle, front and rear fenders, built-in rear cargo rack, folding joint and frame lock, magnet catcher to hold the folded bike together, adjustable seat post, kickstand
- Color: coral, forest green, or black
- Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee, limited lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
At 30 pounds it folds into a compact 29” x 29” x 19” for easy storage and portability.
With its 20” wheels, comfortable seat, and adjustable seat post it is suitable for a range of riders over 6’ tall up to 230 pounds.
With a rear storage rack and fenders to keep you dry, the pricing is moderate and it comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame.
- Size: suitable for riders from 5’ to 6’+ in height up to 230 lbs
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 29″ x 29″ x 19″
- Frame Material: aluminum
- Wheels: 20”
- Rims: aluminum double-walled
- Gears: 16-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain with Shimano shifters
- Brakes: front and rear disc brakes
- Other Features: rear carry rack, front and rear fenders, magnet catcher, folding pedals, adjustable 580mm alloy seat post, comfortable seat, kickstand
- Color: yellow-thunderbolt, black, or white-venture
- Warranty: lifetime on the frame
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
IDS unYOUsual U Transformer Folding Bike
Great for commuting around town it is constructed with a steel frame and fork and has a reasonably low weight of 32 pounds.
Equipped with a 6-speed Shimano drivetrain and twist shifter and a basic set of linear-pull V-brakes, it folds down to a compact 32” x 23” x 13” with smooth seat post and handlebar adjustments to suit a range of riders.
The rest of the package includes double-walled aluminum rims matched with a quality set of Wanda tires, a rear cargo rack, and front and rear fenders.
Available in silver, the bargain price is accompanied by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 32″ x 23″ x 13″
- Frame/Fork Material: steel
- Wheels: 20” with 20” x 1.75” Wanda tires
- Rims: aluminum double-walled
- Gears: 6-speed Shimano drivetrain and Shimano twist shifter
- Brakes: semi-alloy front and rear linear-pull
- Other Features: adjustable seat post and handlebars, front and rear fenders, rear carry rack, kickstand
- Color: silver
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Constructed with a sturdy aluminum frame and a Shimano Tourney 7-speed drivetrain and Revo Shift twist shifters, it will deliver what you need for urban commuting in a relatively lightweight and easy-to-assemble and fold-up bike.
It has reliable linear-pull V-brakes and durable 20” alloy wheels and comes with full-wrap front and rear fenders to keep the spray in check, a rear cargo rack for your briefcase, reflective sidewalls for low-light visibility, and a substantial nylon bag to carry it in.
The Adapt U carries with it the Schwinn reputation and a limited lifetime warranty.
- Size: suitable for adult riders
- Weight: 28.6 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: not available
- Frame Material: aluminum
- Wheels: 20” alloy
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain with Shimano Revo Shift twist shifters
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull brakes
- Other Features: removable rear carry rack, full-wrap front, and rear fenders, reflective sidewalls for increased visibility, thick nylon carry bag
- Color: blue
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
The handlebars and seat post are adjustable to make the Mariner suitable for riders 6’2” and 230 pounds.
It comes with a nimble 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, efficient V-brakes, and an extra-wide comfortable seat.
Easy to set up and fold away, it compacts to 32” x 26” x 13” and has the other standard accessories on better folding bikes that include front and rear fenders, a rear luggage rack, and a kickstand.
Relatively high-priced in the range reviewed here, it is backed by a limited 5-year warranty.
- Size: suitable for riders from 4’9” to 6’2” in height up to 230 lbs
- Weight: 27.44 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 32″ x 26″ x 13″
- Frame Material: aluminum alloy, high-ten steel fork, and steerer
- Wheels: 20” with 20” x 1.6” Schwalbe Citizen K-GUARD tires
- Rims: lightweight aluminum
- Gears: 8-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Brakes: alloy front and rear linear-pull 110mm V-brakes
- Other Features: adjustable seat post and handlebars, front and rear fenders, rear carry rack, kickstand, comfortable widened seat
- Color: pink
- Warranty: limited 5-year
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
With a frame and fork of hi-ten steel, it is a pound and a half heavier, though still a lightweight 31.5 pounds.
It uses adjustable handlebars and a seat post that accommodate a rider of 6’3” with a body weight of 230 pounds.
This model has similar linear-pull brakes for effective stopping power.
This time the drivetrain is a 6-speed Shimano and it sets up and folds away in seconds into a slightly more compact 31.5″ x 25.6″ x 11.02” package for easy portage.
The saddle is Dahon’s comfortable ergonomic custom model and the fenders are full wrap for good spray protection.
The pricing of the D6 is about half that of the D8 and it has the same 5-year limited Dahon warranty.
- Size: suitable for riders from 4’7” to 6’3” in height up to 230 lbs
- Weight: 31.5 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 31.5″ x 25.6″ x 11.02”
- Frame/Fork Material: high-ten steel
- Wheels: 20” with 20” x 1.5” Kenda tires
- Rims: lightweight aluminum
- Gears: 6-speed Shimano RD-TY21 drivetrain
- Brakes: alloy front and rear linear-pull 110mm V-brakes
- Other Features: adjustable seat post and handlebars, full wrap front and rear fenders, rear carry rack, kickstand, Dahon ergonomic comfort saddle, foldable pedals
- Color: black or white
- Warranty: limited 5-year
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $$
EuroMini ZiZZO Campo Folding Bike
Comparing the other specs they both weigh 28 pounds and fold into a compact 27″ x 31″ x 12.5″ package held together with a magnet frame catch.
The frame uses quality 6160 aluminum and the Shimano Tourney drivetrain with Shimano Revo twist shifters that provide effective gearing for your commuting needs.
It comes with all the rest as well including linear-pull brakes, a comfortable ergonomic seat, fenders, and also water bottle mounts and reflectors for night visibility.
The pricing is more than $100 less than that of the Forte and it also comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Size: suitable for riders up to 240 lbs
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 27″ x 31″ x 12.5″
- Frame Material: 6160 aluminum, steel fork
- Wheels: 20” with multi-terrain 20” x 2″ tires
- Rims: aluminum, black anodized 28H spokes
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain with Shimano Revo twist shifters
- Brakes: front and rear linear-pull
- Other Features: EuroMini ergonomic comfort saddle, front and rear fenders, built-in rear cargo rack, magnet frame catch to hold the folded bike together, adjustable seat post, kickstand, reflectors, water bottle mounts
- Color: yellow or matte black
- Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee, limited lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $
Best Folding Bikes Buying Guide
Benefits of Folding Bikes
- Compact size for storage – fits into a small space in your home or office
- Security is a minor concern – no need to find a space to lock it outside
- Easy to transport – fits in your car trunk or RV, many models can be carried on public transportation or packed in a boat, train, or airline luggage
- Good for bimodal transportation – do one leg on public transport and one leg on the bike
- Versatile – can be used for commuting or touring
Size & Folded Dimensions
Perhaps the major feature of folding bikes is the small amount of space occupied when folded. For that reason, most models available use smaller wheels like the 20” models reviewed above, though 16”, 24”, and even larger are available. You’ll need to consider just how small you need the folded dimensions to be for the space you want to occupy. For use on public transport, the smallest size would be preferable.
Weight & Materials
Likewise being lightweight is an important factor when considering how portable a bike is. The bikes reviewed here all come in under 35 pounds and use aluminum and/or steel for their frames and forks. Aluminum is inherently lighter. To get the weight down significantly below 28 pounds, carbon can be employed with the major drawback that it is usually much more expensive.
Folding Adjustability
Most manufacturers use a similar design for folding up the bike using a minimum of hinges generally with one at the center of the frame and one at the base of the handlebars enabling a process of locking down the folded bike in a matter of seconds. Adjustment of a long seat post and handlebars can make a compact folding bike suitable for a wide range of heights and body weights. Look for guidelines from the seller/manufacturer for what sized individuals the bike will fit.
Gears
Drivetrains are available on folding bikes from single speed to 16 or more with front and rear derailleurs. Many of these bikes are designed to offer much more than just basic performance and provide the capability to handle a variety of terrains.
Brakes
Most folding bikes are equipped with more or less basic linear-pull brake systems which are more than adequate for most riders. A few models come with disc brakes which can give a bit more precise braking power.
A Basic Guide to Choosing a Folding Bike
For more information on bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Cycling Cameras MTB Lights Hardtail Mountain Bikes Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
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