Riding a bicycle can burn 300 calories an hour!
Of course, pedaling everywhere can get tiring, and that’s where electric bikes come into play. Certain e-bike models can work without any pedaling at all, just crank the motor, and enjoy the ride. When you add the folding functionality to the equation, e-bikes can be a real game-changer.
However, a foldable electric bike isn’t the right fit for everyone. What are the pros and cons of buying an electric folding bike? Read on to find out!
How Does a Foldable Electric Bike Work?
Each electric bike is going to have its own unique folding mechanism. However, it’s standard for the bikes to include a heavy-duty hinge along with a sturdy locking clamp.
The hinge and the clamp will be found at the center of the bike’s frame. The best bikes will have the hinge welded to the frame. The frame and hinge will be built using the same material. By using the same material, manufacturers can guarantee that the bike will withstand the test of time.
One of the most popular materials to use would be chrome molly steel, along with aluminum alloy. The structurally sound mechanisms can work with riders who weigh as much as 300 lb.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the maximum weight limit for the precise model you’re purchasing. For instance, the electic bike gb1 has fat tires, which helps with weight distribution.
We prefer electric bikes that have a clamp made from high-quality aluminum. Locking the clamp in place, the frame will be sturdy and ready to ride! To keep your bike in excellent writing condition, clean the clamp with a microfiber cloth after every ride.
Incredibly Convenient and Lightweight Folding Electric Bike
You can easily move your foldable electric bike with ease. Whether you’re hoping on a plane, getting on the bus, or packing up your car, you’ll have plenty of room.
However, transporting the bike is just one of the pros we want to touch on. The bike itself is also an incredible form of transportation.
Can you picture yourself zipping around town on your new e-bike? When you’re done, pack it up in your car, and head home. It’s that easy.
Thanks to the lightweight design, you won’t have to worry about your bike weighing you down. However, even though the bike’s lightweight, it can still be awkward to carry for long periods.
The motor and battery will add a bit of extra weight to the bike. The extra weight should only be about 15 to 40 lb, depending on which model you buy.
You’ll want to keep this in mind as you’re planning your route throughout the day. Carrying a folded electric bike can be challenging, so plan your route accordingly. Rather than carrying the bike from one location to the next, ride it!
Avoid the Risk of Theft With a Fold-up E-bike
Unfortunately, bike thefts happen almost every day. Regular bicyclists can’t help but put their bikes in jeopardy every time they leave them outside. Even a well-made bike lock can fall pretty to clever thieves.
Since you can bring your electric folding bike with you wherever you go, you won’t have to worry about theft. The only downside we see to this is that you’ll have to take the time to fold the bike up.
While an average bicyclist can simply hop off their bike and go about their day, you’ll have a few extra steps. Folding the bike is easy and intuitive.
The folding process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 minutes. As you get more comfortable folding up your bike, you can cut that time in half.
You’ll Get Lots of Attention
Are you somebody who likes to go throughout the day unnoticed? Then we should warn you that your electric folding bike is sure to draw some attention.
As folding bikes become more common, people will get used to seeing them. However, electric folding bikes are so new now that they draw a lot of attention.
As you hop off your bike and start folding it up, you can be sure that somebody’s going to want to ask you a question about it. They might be considering getting a bike like that themself, or they might not have known that these types of bikes exist!
As long as you’re comfortable bragging about your electric folding bike to the public, you should be just fine. You could even look into a referral program with your e-bike dealer. By referring new business to them you could possibly save money on your bike maintenance or accessories.
Bumpier Ride On Dirt Trails
Another con to keep in mind is that electric folding bikes tend to produce a bumpier ride. Because of the smaller wheels, the ride won’t be as smooth as it would be with a larger bicycle.
If you plan on using the bike on the pavement, you shouldn’t have any issues. But if you want to go off-roading and biking down intense trails, an electric folding bike might not be the best choice.
Finally, another potential con of an electric folding bike is that they have slower speeds. Again, the smaller wheel means that the bike can’t go as fast as regular e-bikes.
However, that’s not to say that electric folding bikes are slow. As long as you buy a suitable model, you’ll still be able to get a decent speed.
Have a Great Ride
Now that you know the pros and cons of a foldable electric bike, are you ready to give it a try? Then you should start checking out the different models available.
While shopping, be sure to look for comfortable, stylish, and high-performing e-bikes. You can always reach out to the electric bike dealer with any specific questions about the different models.
The more you know about the model you’re about to buy, the more confident you can feel in your purchase. Have a great ride, and check out the rest of our blog for more tips.