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Foldable E-bikes: Advantages and Myths

The significance of a foldable electric bike is increasing rapidly among e-bike enthusiasts. It is affordable with significant advantages in compactness and size. Recently, foldable e-bikes reach millions of users around the world. If you are an avid bike user, you should know that they are the next big thing in comfort and style.

First and foremost, a foldable e-bike varies in its design with options to be carried like a sporting gadget or be folded. This gives foldable e-bikes the edge in portability and accessibility. With this, many more bike lovers are opting for foldable e-bikes as a better alternative to the regular electric bikes.

Nonetheless, of all the different forms of bikes available, the electric bike is becoming more common among cyclists nowadays. Electric bikes offer a motor system which provides a less strenuous riding experience and also more range capacity.

There are different types of electric bikes. A foldable electric bike is one of them. However, we have discovered that many people are not exactly familiar with the workings of a foldable e-bike. 

Are you confused about which electric bike you should purchase? Are you thinking of upgrading to foldable e-bikes? Do you want to know more about foldable e-bikes before deciding? This article will discuss the benefits and myths that surround foldable e-bikes.

Related article: How an Electric Bike Works?

 

What is a foldable e-bike?

A foldable e-bike is the result of synergy between folding bikes and electric bikes. A folding e-bike possesses the abilities of two different categories of bikes. It can be folded easily and has a motor system power for better performance.

Nowadays, more commuters prefer riding foldable electric bikes to other varieties of bikes. There are different types of foldable bicycles. There are the likes of the mountain foldable e-bike, city foldable e-bike, and the foldable mini e-bike, etc. So, why are foldable electric bike so famous nowadays? This next section will tell you the reasons behind the popularity of foldable e-bikes.

Related article: An In-depth Comparison: Electric Bike vs. Regular Bike

 

Why People Prefer Foldable E-bikes

There are various reasons why most people prefer foldable e-bike to others. Below are a few of them:

Excellent performance, great appearance

For new sets of vehicles such as foldable e-bikes, most of their users are young adults. Young adults need their vehicles to appeal to them in terms of style and performance, a foldable e-bike does just that. 

A foldable e-bike offers different speed modes. Its options range from turbo mode, manual mode, to electric mode. This allows you to choose different riding modes accordingly, and also to suit your riding requirements.

Portability and Compactness

A foldable e-bike has a fast-folding ability and a strong battery life. Once folded, it becomes minimal in size and saves you space. Also, it can be folded easily anytime and anywhere. 

You can easily fold it into the trunk of the car before going to work in the event that you need to avoid traffic jams. This can help prevent you from getting to work late. Foldable mini electric bikes can even be folded into a bag to offer you more convenience.

If you live in a tall building with no elevator, you may find it challenging to carry your ordinary e-bike upstairs for charging. However, you can fold this e-bike easily and then take it upstairs for charging. 

There is also an attached handle which is specially made for users who need to charge their folding e-bikes or park.

Foldable E-bikes are affordable

Unlike other categories of vehicles, the cost of getting a foldable electric bike is much lower and affordable. This allows people who cannot afford to purchase a car to opt for foldable e-bikes as a means of transportation.

Related article: Are e-Bikes really Economic?

 

Advantages of a folding e-bike

There are many advantages that foldable e-bikes hold over other forms of transportation. They include:

Doesn’t require any exclusive bike license 

Folding e-bikes are not classified as other types of power-assistance transport, motorcycles, or mopeds. Since their operation is half-manual, they are classified as regular bicycles as much as general laws are concerned. Therefore, you have all the freedom to ride any foldable e-bike without an exclusive bike license.

Optimized protection against bike theft

Generally, folding electric bikes, regular electric bikes, and ordinary bikes all have the potential of being stolen. Although for the most scenarios, locks, and chains often prevent such from happening. However, even the strongest lock can be easily broken by enterprising bike thieves. 

This is the case for standard e-bikes. They are often bulky, expensive, and can be carried anywhere. Therefore, they are potential targets for bike thieves.

Nonetheless, folding e-bikes allow you to bring your bike along with you everywhere you go without a hitch. It gives you a better peace of mind when you can look to your side and realize your bike is right beside you in the office.

Nowadays, space is at a premium rate in most urban apartments. To that end, a folding e-bike will take up less space than other types of electric bikes. Sometimes, they take up to 70% smaller storage space when compared to other bikes.

This allows you to stow away your bike somewhere safe and out of the way when not needed. Additionally, it doesn’t require sacrificing valuable garage, wall space, or floor space.

More Accessible and Lightweight

Folding e-bikes are often said to be somewhat heavier than conventional bikes. However, they are still lightweight compared to other types of bikes. Additionally, they have a sleek folding structure that offers easy diamond and mounts. With folding e-bikes, you have got yourself one of the most accessible and lightweight e-bikes on the market.

Effortless, and non-sweaty commuting

Profuse sweating after a long ride has always been the number one factor stopping people from riding bicycles. Once it’s summertime, nobody wants to get to the office sweating profusely. Most especially if your workplace doesn’t have a shower.

Folding Electric bikes provide motor assistance that helps you minimize your work done on the bike. This also gives enough time to regain your strength to pedal again allowing for long commutes. This way, riding a folding e-bike keeps you feeling cool and fresh even in the hottest commutes. 

As a matter of fact, you’ll be moving without a struggle at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. This also allows you to enjoy the cool breeze against your skin.

Never run out of juice

One of the most famous advantages of a folding e-bike is that you can operate it manually. For instance, if you run out of charge, you can easily flex your muscles to ride your bike like a normal bike. 

You will be able to ride a conventional bike until you’re able to charge up and fire into turbo mode again. This makes folding e-bikes extraordinarily functional. It also gives you the confidence to take more trips on your bike without fear of battery power range.

Avoid traffic

Generally, you shouldn’t neglect traffic rules and try weaving around vehicles – that’s risky. Even for conventional bicycles, it’s very dangerous. Nevertheless, foldable e-bikes can fit perfectly into spaces that other vehicles cannot – such as sidewalks, alleyways, etc. If there is a pressing need, you can use your foldable e-bike to avoid traffic.

However, you should always obey all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid committing crimes. Make sure you pay close attention to all the traffic rules pertaining where you can ride your bike legally. Always use your surroundings smartly while riding in an urban environment as this can help you avoid traffic completely.

Ease of Maintenance

In spite of being significantly better than conventional bikes, a foldable electric bike doesn’t have any special requirements or treatments. In fact, apart from regular charging of the battery, its maintenance rate is almost the same as that of the ordinary bike.

Keeps Your Health in Check

A folding electric bike gives you the chance to burn calories while going about your daily business. Generally, the main reason most people give for not working out regularly is – lack of time. 

However, with a folding electric bike, this excuse is invalid. You can quickly turn the motor system on and enjoy your ride back home once you’re tired. You get home and you burn calories at the same time.

Related article: Health Benefits of Riding an E-bike

 

Myths about folding e-bike

For every machine, there is a myth behind it; sometimes true, and sometimes false. For folding e-bikes, there are few myths categorically believed by cyclists around Canada. Below, we will clear your doubt about folding e-bikes.

Folding e-bikes break easily!

Most people would think they do, but they don’t. Generally, people often make claims that folding e-bikes are less durable. Mostly, this myth is popular because of the part of the bike that folds. 

Some people believe that the joints, and the hinge, are liable to break easily. Here’s the truth. Literally, in every form of machine, device, or tool, etc., the joints and hinges are often the weak points. However, bicycle manufacturers are smart. They understand this as much as we do and have appropriate measures to reinforce those points of weakness. 

This prevents any potential problems that may arise. The result is that a more classic, solid feel to your folding e-bike. Also, there is a reduction in the load on the hinges and joints to increase durability. Folding e-bikes are capable of lasting longer than some other forms of bikes.

Folding E-Bikes are expensive

Although the motor system components for the folding e-bikes will inflate the price, yet, it’s very affordable. Unlike other types of electric bikes, such as mountain e-bikes and others, folding e-bikes are very cheap. 

Just like all bikes, before you can decide to purchase any, you have to compare different bikes. You have to consider the strength, design, and other features. 

The right budget for purchasing a new folding e-bike is between the range of $500 and $1000. Beyond that, most of the factors that increase the price are aesthetic. Of course, if you can pay for increased aesthetics, go ahead.

Folding E-bikes are slow

This is wrong! Even without the electric motor system, a foldable e-bike is perfectly capable of outrunning the average conventional bike for speed. 

They are flexible and can reach speeds of up to 20mph manually without the motor-assisted power supply.

With the electric motor system supporting the folding bike, you’re bound to overcome any lagging. With that, we would like to emphasize that the folding e-bike doesn’t suffer any lagging in terms of speed, even without the electric motor system. In fact, if you apply the electric motor system, you’ll go faster than you can imagine on your average conventional bike.

You can’t ride folding e-bikes on the road because they are not street legal!

Although we cannot speak for the whole world, here in Canada, they are very much legal. So far as you meet some specific requirements. For instance, you must be 14 years of age before you can ride on the main streets. The bike must weigh below 90 pounds, and using a helmet is compulsory.

If you’re interested in purchasing a folding e-bike, it’s essential that you read and understand your local laws on the subject.

Folding Electric Bikes are not fashionable

Not true. Or maybe the old designs of the ’70s don’t hold up. However, we are sure you’re not going to purchase a folding e-bike from the ’70s! 

Modern folding e-bikes are as fashionable as anything you could want. As a matter of fact, folding e-bikes are famous and are going to be more popular in the coming years! They are comfortable, takes less space, and you can easily carry it along on any public transport or fit it inside your car booth.

Should I get a folding e-bike?

Yes! You should get one today. Folding e-bikes offer a variety of advantages that can improve your riding experience.

Folding electric bikes are becoming more commonplace on trains, buses, in office buildings, on city streets and apartment hallways for the right reasons. It’s tough to beat the convenience of having a bike that fits perfectly inside your suitcase.

Folding e-bikes also help reduce the rate of greenhouse emissions by vehicles, thus reducing the carbon footprint amount on our planet. They are also beneficial to your health and physical fitness.

Related article: Tips for Electric Bike Beginner

 

Summary

Foldable e-bikes are the future. They offer you all of the convenience and ease of movement that you need on the go in Toronto. Buying one for your transportation needs is certainly a good option. Our e-bike experts can help you choose the best folding e-bike for your specific needs. Contact us today!

Related article: How To Choose An Electric Bike? A Complete Buying Guide

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