Ready to ride in style? Start Here

Electric Bikes

Lightest Folding Electric Bikes [Top 7 Lightweight E-Bikes]

This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep Discerning Cyclist rolling. Learn more.

Since the 1980s, with the introduction of the Brompton and the Dahon, folding bikes have become increasingly popular, and a revelation for commuters.

Being a lover of hybrids, gravel and mountain bikes, I was always a little dubious about the folding variety. But a ride on my mum’s classic Brompton a few years ago blew my scepticism out of the water. I had to admit it was a lovely ride. I could totally see the appeal.

For urban commuters, the benefits of folding bikes are unmatched by any other. They’re easy to carry and transport, and can be stored unobtrusively indoors. The comfortable riding position is perfect for any work outfit that can be worn all day.

If you have a lightweight folding bike, you’ll no doubt be attached to the unique riding lifestyle and the convenience it offers. You may not want to give this up. And if you’re thinking about moving over to an electric bike? Rest assured that with so many fantastic folding e-bikes to choose from, your bond will not be broken.

But if you’re just here to see the lightest folding electric bike, then here you go:

Lightest Folding Electric Bike [RANK]

  1. 10.3 kg / 22.7 lb

    Hummingbird Folding Electric Bike Gen 2.0

    Hummingbird Electric is unique, simple and stylish. It’s every commuter’s dream.

  2. 13.3 kg / 29.3 lb

    CARBO – Model X

    The Carbo Model X is powerful and classy. It’s quiet and smooth to ride.

  3. 15.53 kg / 34.23 lb

    Brompton Electric C-Line

    The Brompton folds easily and intuitively, which makes it easy to move around when folded.

  4. 16.5 kg / 36.37 lb

    eelo 1885 Disc Explorer

    eels 1885 offers great value for money – light and compact with an impressive range.

  5. 17.3 kg / 38.13 lb

    MiRiDER One Folding Electric Bike

    With telescopic seat posts and handlebars, MiRiDer One would suit riders of virtually any size.

  6. 17.6 kg / 38.8 lb

    Gocycle G4

    The Goccle G4 is a perfect folding e-bike for commuters that offers exceptional performance.

  7. 18.6 kg / 41 lb

    BTWIN Tilt 500E Folding Electric Bike

    Tilt 500E is a well-designed bike with practicality and functionality in mind.

SOURCE: Unsplash.com

Folding Electric Bikes [PROS + CONS]

PROSCONS
Easy to carry and transport when foldedSome models (though not all) can be heavier than standard bikes
Better security – can be stored indoors, at home or at workSmaller wheels can mean a bumpier, less stable ride at speed
Assisted pedalling enables riding for longer distances and easily uphillMore expensive than (same brand) non-electric bikes
Upright riding style and low frame more suitable for office or casual clothing

Are Folding E-Bikes Worth It?

In short, yes they are worth it. Folding e-bikes offer the best of both worlds – all the practicality of a folding bike in terms of transportation and storage, with the greater range of journey options that comes with electric assistance.

Whether you have further to travel, excruciating hills to face, or are simply starting commuting by bike and want to be able to cover the whole distance easily, you may be joining the millions of people who have opted for an electric bike.

Electric bikes are booming. One in twenty people in the UK now own an electric bike and it’s predicted that by the end of the decade, in excess of 130 million e-bikes will be sold. Studies show that people who use electric bikes ride for longer, further and more often than those on standard bikes.

The myth that electric bikes are “lazy” and “won’t get you fit” was dispelled long ago. Riding an electric bike still burns the calories – around 75% as many as riding a standard bike. And they can make journeys possible for commuters that wouldn’t be otherwise.

So, it was inevitable that the e-bike and the folding bike would come together. From the first folding e-bike introduced (the Honda Step Compo in 2000), there is now a huge range to choose from, varying in price from under £1,000 to £5,000 or more.

SOURCE: Rawpixels.com

The weight of a folding bike is important, particularly for commuters who may be using multi-modal transport or carrying the bike up and down stairs. E-bikes are generally heavier than non-electric bikes, sometimes by as much as 50%.

But for many folding e-bikes, this is no longer the case. Adding a ton of weight to a folding bike (that is designed to be carried with ease) is counter-intuitive. The lightest Brompton electric is only 3.3 kg heavier than the non-electric, and others are even lighter still. It’s more than possible to get a folding bike that will give you all the benefits of assisted cycling, and is light enough to be practical.

Why You Can Trust Us

Discerning Cyclist’s expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing cycling products so you don’t have to.

Testing stylish gear since 2012

Hundreds of hands-on product tests

Unfiltered opinions from experienced cyclists

Learn more about Discerning Cyclist here.

Lightweight Folding Electric Bikes [Top 7]

RANKBICYCLEWEIGHT
1Hummingbird Folding E-Bike10.3 kg / 22.7 lbs
2CARBO Model X13.3 kg / 29.3 lbs
3Brompton Electric C-Line15.53 kg / 34.2 lbs
4EELO 1885 Disc Explorer16.5 kg / 36.3 lbs
5MiRiDER One17.3 kg / 38.1 lbs
6Gocycle G4 17.6 kg / 38.8 lbs
7BTWIN Tilt 500E18.6 kg / 41 lbs


Lightest Folding E-Bike in the World:

1. Hummingbird Folding Electric Bike Gen 2.0

  • UK Flag £4,495
  • US Flag $5,852
  • EU Flag €5,380

Prices are approximate

Weight: 10.3 kg
Range: 40 to 50+ KM
Wheel Size:
 16”
Folded Size: 
117 x 60 x 20 cm
Gears: 
Single-Speed

Easy to fold, powerful and durable

Has a top speed of 25 kph

Has a unique, simple and stylish design

With its unique, simple and stylish design, the Hummingbird Electric is a commuter’s dream. Easy to fold, powerful and durable, you’ll arrive at your destination smart and composed, whatever the distance.

But the star attraction of this bike is its weight. At 10.3 kg, it really is the lightest folding electric bike in the world. And with a premium carbon fibre frame, it doesn’t compromise on strength.

It’s available in four colours, including the glorious Hummingbird Yellow. But if you’re looking for something more bespoke, you can choose a custom colour for an added cost.

Powered by an all-in-one motor system with a 250W motor and 158Wh battery, and with a top speed of 25 km/h, this bike is suitable for short and long commutes. With everything built in, there are no wires, motor or battery on display, which adds to the aesthetic appeal.

The companion Smartphone App enables you to turn the motor on remotely and monitor your progress on the move. And that’s not all – it also features the very useful Active Electronic locking system.

The aptly-named Hummingbird sings of quality. You won’t, however, get one for a song. It isn’t cheap, but it does tick all the boxes if you’re looking for an exceptional, ultra convenient bike that makes short work of distances and hills, and is easily carried and stored.

Pros

  • Lightweight but durability
  • Good for long and short rides
  • Comes with an Active Electronic locking system

Cons

  • Expensive


2. CARBO-Model X

  • UK Flag £2,499
  • US Flag $3,253
  • EU Flag €2,991

Prices are approximate

Weight: 13.3 kg
Range: 30 to 55 KM
Wheel Size:
 20”
Folded Size: 
80 x 60 x 33 cm
Gears: 
Single-Speed (9-Speed also available weighing 15.3kg)

Lightweight for an e-bike at  only13.3 kg

Universally appealing with its classic design

Larger wheel size of 20″ makes for comfortable ride

This is a classy, single-speed electric bike with a carbon belt drive for a quiet, smooth ride. Offering exceptional quality for the price, the Carbo Model X is as powerful as e-bikes twice its weight. And at 13.3 kg, the weight of this bike is a huge advantage.

The removable battery is integrated unobtrusively in the seat post. The bike as a whole is lovely to look at, with a classic design that is perhaps one of the most universally appealing. The seat post and stem are adjustable, so you can ride in optimum comfort for your height. The larger wheel size of 20” also makes for a more stable and comfortable ride.

The Carbo Folds in as little as ten seconds and it’s compact enough to store easily away in the home, office or on public transport.

There are plenty of practical features, such as the front and rear lights, and a USB port at the rear. The carbon belt also offers a very low-maintenance alternative to a traditional bike chain. No need to spend hours cleaning.

If you prefer gears, you can opt for the 9-speed Model S which gives you a lot of flexibility. This one is heavier at 15.3 kg, but still one of the lightest folding e-bikes available.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Offers a smooth and comfortable ride
  • Low maintenance

Cons

  • This is a single-speed e-bike


Lightest Electric Brompton:

3. Brompton Electric C-Line

  • UK Flag £2,995
  • US Flag $3,899
  • EU Flag €3,585

Prices are approximate

Weight: 15.53 kg
Range: 40 to 80 KM
Wheel Size:
 16”
Folded Size: 
64.5 x 56.5 x 27 cm
Gears: 
6-Speed

Smallest e-bike when folded

Impressive range of 80 km

Has automatic pedal-assist with Smart sensor app

“Nothing folds like a Brompton Electric folds.” Or so maintains the slogan for this iconic and ever-desirable brand. The Brompton is one of the smallest e-bikes when folded. The ‘folding’ is easy and intuitive, and once folded the wheels make it very easy to move around.

We keep using the word “iconic” for Brompton bikes, but that’s because they are just that. They have a beautiful, classic design that has never lost (and most likely never will) lose appeal.

The Electric C-Line retains the design by having a separate battery that sits in a pack at the front of the bike. It’s convenient to take on and off and means you can carry it around and charge it anywhere. It also means nothing else on the bike is unappealing or bulked out which, on a Brompton, might be something of a travesty.

The Smart sensor, pedal-assist technology can be configured to kick in automatically when you need it, or adjusted manually. You can also download the Brompton Electric apps for use with a smartphone.

Available in four colours, including the eye-catching turquoise, the electric Brompton has all the elegance of the original, with an impressive range of up to 80 km, and a reinforced steel frame that is built to last.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Removable battery
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Removable battery can be stolen


4. eelo 1885 Disc Explorer

  • UK Flag £1,299
  • US Flag $1,953
  • EU Flag €1,795

Prices are approximate

Weight: 16.5 kg
Range: up to 64 KM
Wheel Size:
 14”
Folded Size: 
60 x 38 x 58 cm
Gears: 
Single-Speed

Compact fold makes good for storage

Great value for money

Range of up to 64 km on single charge

The popular eelo 1885 has a conveniently compact fold making it very practical to stow away. It’s also light enough to be carried easily over a short distance. But best of all? It won’t cost you a fortune. It’s an e-bike that offers great value for the price tag.

For an e-bike at the cheaper end of the market, the eelo has an impressive range of up to 64 km on a single charge. The thumb throttle control is easy to use and lets you choose from 3 levels of assistance with a top speed of 24 km/h.

There is also a waterproof LCD display which enables you to track your speed, battery life and outside temperature.

Some added features include front and rear LED lights, mudguards and a pannier rack, all of which are great additions for commuting.

The geometry of the eelo is distinctive, with the wheelbase being a full 7.5 inches shorter than the Brompton. This is worth bearing in mind for those who are particularly tall.

But with an intelligent system designed to be energy efficient, good mechanical disc brakes and a tough frame, this is an impressive and durable little bike that will serve commuters well.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Light and compact
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Single-speed transmission


5. MiRiDER One Folding Electric Bike

  • UK Flag £1,595
  • US Flag $2,076
  • EU Flag €1,909

Prices are approximate

Weight: 17.3 kg
Range: 24 to 72 KM
Wheel Size:
 16”
Folded Size: 
77 x 43 x 68 cm
Gears: 
Single-Speed

Adjustable seatpost and handlebars

Removable and lockable battery

Offers a smooth and comfortable ride

The MiRiDER One boasts an innovative and unique design with telescopic seat post and handlebars, allowing for adjustments to suit riders of virtually any size. This award-winning bike is funky to look at and designed for maximum comfort.

The removable and lockable battery is concealed within the main frame which, combined with the rear suspension setup, achieves great weight distribution and balance for a smooth and comfortable ride.

For the price (which compared to many of its competitors, is very affordable), this bike offers a wealth of quality features.

With 5 levels of pedal assist and thumb throttle sine-wave controller, there’s no shortage of riding options for your journey.

The simple 4-step folding process results in a folded bike that is small enough to be stored or moved easily. Admittedly, it’s not the smallest or the lightest folding e-bike, but the urethane skate wheel is a great addition. When folded, you can roll it wherever you need to go.

Optional accessories include an extra battery, pannier rack and bag, storage bag and phone holder.

Overall, this is a high-spec, original and eye-catching bike that will see you to work in style and comfort, and turn heads as you go.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Suits riders of any size
  • Offers maximum comfort

Cons

  • It’s not the lightest
  • Single gear can be limiting

6. Gocycle G4

  • UK Flag £3,799
  • US Flag $4,946
  • EU Flag €4,547

Prices are approximate

Weight: 17.6 kg
Range: up to 65 KM
Wheel Size:
 20”
Folded Size: 
88 x 39 x 61.5 cm
Gears: 
3-Speed

Low maintenance drivechain

Easy to manoeuvre

Torque sensor ensures smooth ride

The Gocycle G4 really seems to have it all. The premium quality, beautiful minimalist design, enclosed low-maintenance drivechain and exceptional performance makes it quite possibly the perfect folding e-bike for commuters.

It is not the cheapest folding e-bike on the market, but with Gocycle you get what you pay for. And you do get a lot with this bike.

With its low centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution, the G4 offers a ride quality that can very realistically compete with non-folding e-bikes. It’s agile, responsive and easy to manoeuvre, with a (car-inspired) adjustable riding position. In other words, it’s suitable for all shapes and sizes.

This, combined with its torque sensor to ensure a smooth ride and 3-speed gearing system as well as the motor, makes it a perfect companion for zipping through urban streets.

The futuristic-looking dash, displaying information across the handlebars, is just beautiful. Downloading the smartphone app will give you all the information you need on the go, and also the option to power the motor remotely.

The G4 is designed to be easy to lift with comfortable smooth frame curves and a centralised weight. A smart travel case with wheels is also available as an accessory for easy transportation when folded.

Pros

  • You get what you pay for
  • 3-speed gear
  • Suitable for riders of any size

Cons

  • Can be expensive


Lightweight Folding E-Bike under £1000

7. BTWIN Tilt 500E Folding Electric Bike

  • UK Flag £900
  • US Flag $1,172
  • EU Flag €1,077

Prices are approximate

Weight: 18.6 kg
Range: 20 to 35 KM
Wheel Size:
 20”
Folded Size: 
83 x 67 x 45 cm
Gears: 
6-Speed

Versatile riding with 6-speed gear

15-second folding speed

Powerful braking system

You can trust Decathlon to offer consistent value for money, and the Tilt 500E is no exception. Relatively no-frills, but with a host of features, it’s a well-designed bike with practicality and functionality in mind.

It’s no wonder this e-bike’s popularity is increasing. With 3 different electric assist modes and a range of up to 35 km, it can cover a further-than-average daily commute.

With an acceptably lightweight design, the folding speed of the Tilt 500 is an impressive 15 seconds. Once folded, it’s small enough to be practical and to be carried for short distances.

This bike offers a lot of riding versatility with a 6-speed gearing system in addition to the motor. The display and control panel are user friendly and the motor starts when you begin to pedal, using a simple cadence pedal sensor.

Other features include ergonomic grips and saddle, adjustable stem and 20” wheels (which many will see as a bonus). There is also a powerful aluminium V-brake system, which automatically cuts the electric assistance when used.

Let’s be honest. The price tag on a folding electric bike can be a real hurdle for many people. Decathlon offer a far more affordable option for a comfortable, safe and reliable assisted commute.

Pros

  • Functional and practical
  • Comfortable, safe and reliable ride
  • Relatively no-frills

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Short-range ride


FAQ: Lightweight Electric Fold Up Bikes

Are Electric Folding Bikes Any Good?

Yes. Folding e-bikes offer all the pros of a folding bike in terms of accessibility and ease of storage, with the added benefit of being able to ride faster and further. They’re a revelation for commuters. There are some outstanding folding e-bikes available, including decent ones that aren’t too expensive.

How Much Do Folding E-Bikes Cost?

Folding e-bikes range greatly in price depending on the brand, quality and features. At the low end you can expect to pay around £900. A premium quality, high-end model will cost between £4,000 and £5,000. But you can buy a very good bike for around £2,500.

What’s the Lightest Electric Brompton Bike?

The lightest electric Brompton bike is the Brompton Electric C-Line. It weighs 15.53 kg including the battery, which is removable.

What is the Lightest Folding E-Bike?

The lightest folding e-bike is the Hummingbird Electric Gen 2.0, weighing only 10.3 kg and with a built-in motor and battery.

Ride in style

Join our weeky newsletter to get early access to our latest discoveries.

Related reads