Maybe you are thinking about buying a folding electric bicycle but you do not know what aspects you should bear in mind before making the final decision. Do you want to clear all your doubts? Keep reading and you will know what makes these bikes so special.
What is an electric bicycle?
An electric bicycle is a traditional bicycle to which an electric motor, a battery and an electronic management system are added to greatly reduce the effort involved in pedaling.
An electric bicycle is a traditional bicycle to which an electric motor, a battery and an electronic management system are added to greatly reduce the effort involved in pedaling.
Main advantages of folding electric bicycles
Why folding?
Why folding?
They are a practical solution to traditional electric bikes. As a general rule, they are smaller and lighter. Thanks to these two qualities, folding electric bicycles can be convenient to combine with public transport, to save flights of stairs or to be inserted into elevators.
Are they good for everything?
As a general rule, folding electric bikes are designed to be used on asphalt, bike lanes and, in general, surfaces in good condition. They are not the most suitable for driving on rough terrain, as the size of their wheels is usually small, and in some cases their structural rigidity is not comparable to that of a real off-road bike. However, the offer is so extensive that there are also folding mountain bikes.
Do they drive like a big bike?
In principle, yes. Who knows how to guide a large bike will have no problem with a folding one. However, there are slight differences in handling precisely because of its small size. Folding electric bicycles are more agile due to the smaller size of their wheels and shorter distance between them. This means that they react more quickly to the indications made from the handlebars and they also need less space to maneuver; They do better in places with little space available. In return, and precisely because of its greater agility, handling at high speed is usually more nervous.
What equipment should you have?
Much depends on the use that will be given. For example, if the folding electric bicycle is going to be used intensively as a personal transport vehicle, some of the almost essential elements will be the luggage rack to carry belongings, the kickstand (or some solution that allows it to remain standing) or a fender game to avoid splashes and arrive clean at our destination. Do not forget that it is also very important to have a lighting system or at least reflective elements (front and rear), not only because it is mandatory, but also for safety. It is not a problem that the folding electric bike we are interested in does not have lighting, since in the aftermarket for folding electric bicycles the offer is extensive.
If, on the other hand, we are going to use the bike infrequently, choosing good weather conditions, visibility and on roads without traffic, we can do without some equipment.
Suspension, is it necessary?
It is an equipment that can be important, although not essential. There are some folding electric bicycles that have it on the front axle and others on the rear, being rare that they have double suspension. In general, suspension on the rear axle is usually more convenient since most of the rider's weight falls on the rear wheel and the upright riding position makes the arms bear little tension (and weight) even on uneven pavements.
The suspension on the rear axle is usually very simple and has very little travel, but it is usually enough to smooth the ride on the asphalt, sidewalks and bike lanes that are not always in perfect condition. Some electric and folding bikes that have rear suspension are the Flebi Evo and the Flebi Supra.
The damping effect is achieved by a rubber or rubber pad located between the main tube of the frame and the swinging rear. A very simple and effective solution. Some bikes with suspension on the front axle are the Brost Classic or the Urban Biker MINI that have a fork similar to that of mountain or trekking bikes.
How much do folding electric bikes weigh?
The mass of these bikes is highly variable. It depends on many aspects, such as the overall size, frame construction material, equipment, or the size and type of battery. For example, a battery with lithium technology weighs much less than a lead battery with the same power capacity.
One of the lightest electric and folding bicycles today is the Flebi Evo (whose wheels are 16 inches in diameter) and its weight is 11 kilos with battery included. There are models that almost double that value, such as the Couler EF Lux, with just over 20 kg and 20-inch wheels. There are even heavier ones, such as the Goccia Zero that approaches 22 kilos, in part because its battery is very large and provides great autonomy (about 70 kilometers). The average weight is slightly below 20 kilos. For example, a Flebi Supra whose wheels are 16 inches in diameter weighs 17.5 kilograms.
How much do they cost and where can they be bought?
It is as variable an aspect as the weight. It is possible to find folding electric bicycles from approximately 500 euros or even less, while the highest quality and luxury models can exceed 2,000 euros. There are folding electric bikes for all pockets. It should not be forgotten that the price of the fare may vary clearly if at that moment there is a government campaign that subsidizes the acquisition of this type of vehicle (such as the Pima Aire 4 Plan).
The cheapest models are usually manufactured in countries with cheap labor (China is the clearest example) and their sale and distribution is usually done online without representatives of that product in Spain. Thus, if the purchase is made online, and regardless of the country of manufacture, it is important that there is a distributor in Spain that responds to your product with a warranty, spare parts, and technical service.
For those who want to get the best information possible before making a purchase decision, it is recommended that you go to one of the folding electric bicycle exhibitions that are regularly held throughout the country. Not all brands are usually represented, but the most important ones with the best commercial backing are. In these events, manufacturers often provide a lot of information about their products, not forgetting that they have demonstration bikes. A test of a few minutes can clarify many doubts.
Another possibility to buy folding electric bicycles is to go to the second-hand market. In addition to checking the existence of warranty, parts, and repair centers, you must pay attention to the battery, since its life is limited and its greater or lesser longevity depends on the use that has been given. Although it is difficult to be sure if this item is in good condition, perhaps we can extract some information by asking the seller how many recharges he has made or the number of kilometers he has traveled on the bike.
What should the folding system of the electric bicycle be like?
The folding system can be very different depending on the model chosen. Normally, you can fold the pedals, the handlebars, the frame ...; The saddle can also be removed to further reduce dimensions. It is important to check that the folding system of the electric bicycle is simple and can be done with little effort. It is not necessary to pay so much attention to the fact that each and every one of the processes is simple, but above all to the ones that we will need to carry out regularly.
Also keep in mind that, once folded (totally or partially), it is easy to transport. There are some bikes that once this is done they cannot be rolled and others can; there are even some that also stand up. This is perhaps the most functional and comfortable folding system to now combine the bike with lifts or public transport.
How much power is required?
Most of the folding electric bikes on the market have a 250 W power electric motor. This amount is usually more than enough to climb important slopes and develop 25 km / h on a flat, speed that in some cases could be exceeded if it were not for the device (mandatory, as we will see at the end of this guide) that cuts the power to the motor when that speed is reached.
Not all 250W motors offer the same power delivery. Therefore, two electric bikes with the same theoretical power do not have to be as fast. The benefits are also affected by the characteristics of the electrical system with which both the battery and the motor itself operate.
250 W is not always necessary. When does it occur? For example, if you are not going to circulate in areas with large slopes or you are going to use the bike for walking or on short trips, Flebi offers its Evo model with a 180 W motor that allows it to circulate at just over 20 km / h in plain. Lower power folding electric bikes are typically cheaper than higher power equivalents and can be lighter.
What capacity should the battery have?
A battery that stores a large amount of energy is capable of giving high autonomy. The more energy it contains, the more expensive and heavy it will be. A large capacity battery can make sense for those who travel many kilometers a day and do not have recharging points at different stops. However, for those who use it less intensively, it may not be interesting to pay the high extra cost and weight of a "large" battery. A 24 volt 11 Ah battery gives us 264 Wh. The higher this number, the more energy it will store.
Approximately, an average autonomy of 30 kilometers could be sufficient for the daily movements of many people. There are batteries that give a much greater autonomy, up to 2 or 3 times that figure, depending on the level of assistance chosen.
In some cases the battery of a folding electric bicycle can be removed to facilitate charging operations or to avoid exposing it to theft when parking on the street. They are also available with a security lock.
Where can the engine be located?
Most electric and folding bike motors are located around the front or rear wheel hub. Exceptionally, they can also be attached to the front wheel fork and transmit the force to it through a ring gear. In very specific cases, the motor is next to the bottom bracket, although this solution is more common in large electric bikes.
If the engine is located in the front wheel hub, the weight distribution is usually more balanced than if it is in the rear. Regardless of whether you are in one position or the other, the handling of an electric folding bike does not change substantially in urban use.
What maintenance do folding electric bikes require?
They do not require extensive or expensive maintenance. Some of the necessary interventions are very similar to those required by a normal bike: check tire pressures as well as their wear, condition and operation of the brakes or check the tightness of the bolts from time to time.
Most of the specific care can be carried out by the user himself, paying special attention to the batteries. Lithium batteries, which are the most common to find on electric bikes, can be damaged if they are discharged completely systematically. Thus, it is convenient to plug them into the network when you still have some charge. Also keep in mind that if they are not going to be used for a long time, it is best to store them with some energy. Additionally, every two months it is recommended to do an almost complete cycle of loading and unloading.
The batteries must be charged with the charger provided by the manufacturer (or a quality one with the same electrical characteristics). It should be connected first to the battery and then to the power outlet. To stop charging, you must first unplug it from the mains and then the battery
Other specific care that folding electric bikes require is to avoid constant exposure to heavy rain and to wash them with pressurized water. Otherwise, water could seep into the battery housing or other electrical components. It is recommended to use a wet cloth and mild detergent. Any degreaser like that used on a traditional bike can be used to clean the transmission system.
Folding electric bike or transformation kit?
Anyone who already has a folding bicycle can transform it into an electric one. There are many manufacturers on the market that offer different kits tailored to each need. Some of the advantages of transformation kits are:
It is cheaper than buying a folding electric bike.
The customer can configure the electrical elements to their liking and needs. For example, you can choose battery capacity, location, motor power, or a 24V or 36V electrical system. The offering is extensive.
Spare parts can be easy to find.
It is possible to return to the original state of the bicycle, although the operation is not very fast or easy.
A folding electric bicycle (conceived from the beginning as such) has the advantage that all the components are perfectly integrated. For example, there are models that have the battery housed inside the main tube of the frame, resulting in a very clean image. In fact, there is one that does not seem electric if it were not for the presence of the motor. It should not be forgotten that a folding electric bike can also be used like a normal bike. Just don't activate your engine.
The customer can configure the electrical elements to their liking and needs. For example, you can choose battery capacity, location, motor power, or a 24V or 36V electrical system. The offering is extensive.
Spare parts can be easy to find.
It is possible to return to the original state of the bicycle, although the operation is not very fast or easy.
A folding electric bicycle (conceived from the beginning as such) has the advantage that all the components are perfectly integrated. For example, there are models that have the battery housed inside the main tube of the frame, resulting in a very clean image. In fact, there is one that does not seem electric if it were not for the presence of the motor. It should not be forgotten that a folding electric bike can also be used like a normal bike. Just don't activate your engine.
What are the health benefits?
Undoubtedly, using the electric bicycle (of any type) provides clear health benefits.
Traveling in this means of transport involves physical exercise at low intensity. It is a good alternative for those who do not want to get sweaty to the destination and also for those people who are not used to the hard physical exercise that involves pedaling with a bike without electric assistance, especially in those places where the slopes abound.
Several studies have concluded that riding a bike strengthens the circulatory system, clearly reducing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. It reduces the negative cholesterol in the blood and increases the positive one (the one that protects the blood vessels).
Cycling is also a good fat burner, perhaps not as effective as running, but with a less negative impact on health: since most of the weight is supported by the saddle, the joints and cartilage parts are not subjected to great tensions or impacts.
Cycling has also been shown to increase tension in the back muscles, helping to stabilize the trunk and strengthen the lower back.
