Each has been assessed and rated for: build quality, safety and security, handling and performance, and comfort and practicality.

Jump to the summaries below, where you'll also find a link to the full review. 

Editor's pick:

• ADO Air 20 - Affordable and reliable

Best ebikes under £2000

• ADO Air 20 Pro - best for ease of use
• Engwe M20 - Style for days
• Engwe EP-2 Pro - best fat tyre

Best ebikes over £2,000

• Cowboy Cruiser - the best for tech lovers
• Volt Lite - the best folder I've ridden so far

Best Mountain bikes

• See a summary of our best electric mountain bikes.

Editor's Pick - ADO AIR 20, £1,099

Weight: 18kg | Folding | Range: 40 miles

See the full review of the Ado Air 20

Buy the ADO Air 20

The ADO AIR 20 is a lightweight ebike that has 20-inch wheels for a touch more stability (than smaller folding bikes with 16 inch wheels) and is matched with a single speed, carbon belt drive system for minimal maintenance. It’s quick, nimble and weighs in at 18kg.

This has a carbon belt drive, is very easy to maintain, has hydraulic brakes as standard, and is very comfortable and smooth to ride. It’s a 5 out of 5 across all criteria. It’s an excellent bike.

This isn’t just made for folding and carrying - we were REALLY impressed with the ride quality. It gets you up to 15.5mph incredibly quickly and maintains that assist. It’s also got a torque sensor so you can apply more or less power through the pedals as you need, something you often don't get at this price point.

We found it easy to squeeze through tight gaps – like standstill traffic – thanks to the smaller width handlebars, so you can kiss congestion goodbye.

Buy the ADO Air 20

Best bikes under £1,500

ADO Air 20 Pro - £1,299

Weight: 18kg | Folding | Range: 60 miles

The ADO Air 20 Pro is the upgraded version of the Air 20 with front suspension. It also has an upgraded Bafang motor, with a neat trick.

The motor has a dual-speed system with automatic shift. When it detects that you're riding uphill, it gives you more power.

We tested out this feature in our recent review, and we were super impressed.

You can check it out below:

The bike also also comes with a rear pannier rack as standard, which makes it a great option as a commuter bike, or for running errands. 

Other than upgraded motor, pannier rack, and the front suspension, the Air 20 Pro is identical to the Air 20. But the Pro is the better choice if you live in a hilly area, or will be riding on trails and/bumpy terrain.

Buy the ADO Air 20 Pro

Engwe M20, £1,049

Weight: 40kg | Range 50-100 miles

(Words by Kol Heydel)

The Engwe M20's motorbike-inspired styling makes it a real head turner, and gives it a rock and roll edge. This is a great option for those who are looking for something a little different to the standard bicycle form factor. The bike gave me so much confidence when riding, mainly because of the fat 20x4 inch tyres coupled with both front and rear suspension.

The beauty of this bike is that it comes in a single-battery or dual battery option - the single pack offers as much punch, just half the range (though it still achieves a range of up to 50 miles).

The suspension felt quite stiff but that wasn't necessarily a problem because of the cushioning from the fat tyres. The seat was very comfortable and is much more like a motorbike saddle than a bike saddle.

The build quality is great. It feels durable and solid, although some of the components are quite basic, such as the entry level mechanical disk brakes - but they still provide enough stopping power at the speeds this bike is capable of.

And a nice bonus is that the battery has a USB slot that will act as a power bank for your phone while on the move.

The monochrome display is super visible, even in direct sunlight. The dual LED headlights are a gorgeous touch that make this e-bike really stand out. Every time I finished my ride I found myself taking a photo of this beauty. It’s hard not to look back at it and admire it. Riding on the streets of London gets a lot of attention, people are curious to know what it is and where they can get one. It’s definitely a conversation starter.

Overall the M20 is a fantastic bike for those that want a stylish and punchy ride and don’t require any cargo space. If you plan on doing long distance riding then the dual battery pack option is the ideal choice.

Buy the Engwe M20

Engwe EP-2 Pro, £949

Weight: 37.8kg | Folding | Range: 40 miles

With five different power modes to choose from, you can have as little or as much support to get you from A-B. In mode 5, the EP-2 Pro does almost all the work for you, accelerating quickly to 15.5mph. The motor feels responsive, with only a small lag throughout the gears and the Shimano 7-speed shifts smoothly up and down.

When test riding the bike the motor and battery feel high quality, everything is responsive and fast, and all the components work well together.

You feel the pulling power of this fat tyre beast, but never does it feel uncomfortably fast, or uncontrollable, balance is at the heart of the bike, and it can be as powerful or subtle, as you want it to be, based on which speed mode you're in.

The main feature is its comfort though. This is one incredibly comfortable bike to ride. If you're going to racking up lots of miles and you want to do it in comfort, then this is a good bike to choose.

For a sub-£1000 price point, you can't go too far wrong with the Engwe EP-2 Pro as an entry level fat tyre ebike.

Buy the Engwe EP-2 Pro

Best ebikes over £2000

Cowboy Cruiser, £2,274

Weight: 19.3kg | Range: 30-50 miles 

Buy direct from Cowboy with discount

Volt Lite, £2,899: "The best folder I've ridden so far"

Weight: 18kg | Range: Up to 50 miles 

(Words by Eilis Barrett)

The mid-drive Bafang M820 motor delivers smooth power through the carbon belt drive, with an impressive 75Nm of torque—higher than you'd expect for a bike this size.

For heavier riders or those with hilly commutes, this could be a solid choice. I rode the Volt Lite around Crystal Palace’s hills, and it handled them with ease. The 3-speed hub gears are a rare but welcome feature on a carbon belt bike, making climbs smoother.

The battery is neatly integrated into the seat post, making it easy to remove for charging or security.

The saddle deserves a mention too—one of the most comfortable I've experienced, and suitable for both men and women.

Pros: Great specs and performance
Cons: Not cheap, but worth the price

Verdict: It’s an expensive option, but the Volt Lite delivers what you pay for.

Check out the Volt website for more info.

Best ebikes - the specs

Best electric mountain bikes

We have a full guide to the best electric mountain bikes. They are:

Five star mountain bikes - full suspension (front and rear)

• Cyrusher Trax: heavy but so comfy, £2,799.00
• Techtron Ultra 8000: excellent spec for the price,  £2,399.00

Five star mountain bikes - front suspension

• Wisper M9: premium, mid-drive model, £2,499.99
• Wisper Tailwind Trail Crossbar: lightweight but effective, £2,249.99
• Beameo Unbound: stands out on hills, £2,099.99

Four-star mountain bikes - front suspension

• Ampere X-Trail: solid and enjoyable, £1,599.00
• Dallingridge Coniston Hardtail: good for its price, £1,349.99
• Engwe P26: great value, £999.00

How we test

Our expert testers ride all the electric bikes we review, and we assess them against a range of criteria on road, off-road and in our testing rooms. We check the components' quality and ride the bikes on a range of different terrains and distances. We've ridden hundreds of bikes in total (and an equal number of electric scooters). 

For more commuter bikes, see our full list of best electric folding bikes. If you want off-road, see our guide to the best electric mountain bikes. We also cater for those just looking for cheap electric bikes. If you want a bike that's lighter or easier to get on and off in dresses or skirts, see our guide to the best electric bikes for women. Not sure about a whole new bike - try an electric-bike conversion it.

Fact check: Prices and specs for this guide were last checked and updated on January 2025.

Each has been assessed for:

• build quality;
• safety and security;
• handling and performance;
• comfort and practicality.

And remember that just because a bike is foldable, doesn't mean it's easy to carry or take on trains - many bikes are foldable for storage reasons.

Jump to a specific one of our favourites:

Five-star folding bikes

1. ADO Air Carbon - £1,799, The lightest
2. ADO Air 20 - £999, A best-seller
3. ADO Beast A20F - £1,199
4. Volt Lite -  £2,899, The best folder I've ridden
5. ADO Air 20 PRO - £1,299

Four-star folding bikes

1. Engwe P20 - £1,199, A great commuter bike
2. Engwe Engine X - £1,049, great off-road option
3. HITWAY BK35, £399.99: "Great value for city riders"
4. Hygge Virum Folding - £1,399, E-Bike Lightweight and compact
   

ADO Air Carbon, £1,799: "So light, you forget it’s electric"

Weight: 12.5kg | Range: up to 62 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

The ADO Air Carbon is the lightest folding ebike we’ve tested, and it shows. With its carbon fibre frame and sleek lines, it feels more like a high-end city bike than an electric one. But press the pedals and the smooth assist from the BAFANG motor kicks in, making climbs effortless. The torque sensor gives you precise control, while the hydraulic brakes and belt drive keep things quiet and refined. Add in smart features like GPS tracking and movement alerts via the ADO app, and it’s one seriously clever commuter.

It’s a premium package, while the frame is ultra-light, the tech-packed design means folding it isn’t quite as compact as some rivals. Still, for urban riders who want style, smarts, and featherweight performance, this is the one to beat.

• Pros: Super light, smooth motor with torque sensor, GPS anti-theft, belt drive, hydraulic brakes
• Cons: Pricey, not the smallest folder when packed down

ADO AIR 20, from £999

Weight: 18kg | Range: 40-60 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

Read our full review of the Ado Air 20

This eyecatching electric bike features 20-inch wheels for a touch more stability (than the 16 inch wheels found on most folding electric bikes). The single speed, carbon belt drive system (instead of a traditional chain drive) has been designed for minimal maintenance, making this a great bike for people who just want to hop on a bike and ride without any fuss. It’s quick, nimble and weighs in at 18kg. 

Whilst this version does not feature suspension - a suspension version of the bike is available (The ADO Air 20 PRO), which features later in this article.

As well as a high-tech carbon belt drive, it also features hydraulic brakes as standard - giving it excellent stopping power and adding to its safety value. 

All in all, it’s a very comfortable and smooth ebike to ride. It’s a 5 out of 5 across all criteria, which is why it’s a best-seller in the UK and Europe.

This isn’t just made for folding and carrying - we were REALLY impressed with the ride quality. It gets you up to 15.5mph incredibly quickly and maintains that assist. It’s also got a torque sensor so you can apply more or less power through the pedals as you need, and it will react to that rider.

We found it easy to squeeze through tight gaps – like standstill traffic – thanks to the smaller width handlebars, so you can kiss congestion goodbye.

• Pros: Comfy, powerful, nippy, responsive, good range.
• Cons: No suspension (but suspension version is available), magnetic folding catch is an optional add on

Get the best price on Amazon

Engwe P20, £1,199

Weight: 18.5kg | Range: 62 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

This might just be the best-looking folding electric bike on our list. Engwe's newest electric bike is a chic and sleek folder which is here to take on the likes of ADO and Fiido.

We're very impressed by how smooth the ride is on the P20. Like the ADO Air 20, it features a carbon belt drive, which is a low maintenance alternative to a chain drive, but also creates a beautiful feel to the ride in combination with the torque sensor drive.

The puncture-proof Kendal tyres are a great addition, soaking up a lot of the bumps in the road. Though we should say, this feels very much like a city bike - and it's not really suited to trails or off-road paths.

Engwe claim it can be folded in around 10 seconds, which is true once you get the hang of it. It's a relatively easy bike to fold.

One cool little feature of the P20 is that it has integrated indicators, which is a neat safety feature that we don't see on many electric bikes.

It's a close-run competition between the P20 and the ADO Air 20, ultimately, it probably comes down to which you prefer the look of!

Pros: Smooth ride, easy to maintain, easy to fold

Cons: No suspension

Buy the Engwe P20:

(Use code "influencer50off" at checkout for an extra discount):

Hygge Virum, £1,399: "Enhancing your journeys, effortlessly"

Weight: 18kg | Range: up to 37 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

The Virum Folding E-Bike is built for urban living, lightweight, stylish, and seriously practical. At 18kg, it’s easy to carry and folds down in seconds, making it perfect for commuters with limited storage. On the road, the 250W motor offers smooth assistance up to 15.5mph, while the Shimano 8-speed gears and Tektro hydraulic brakes add quality touches you don’t always see at this price. The 36V Samsung battery, cleverly hidden in the seat post, offers a decent range for daily rides.

It doesn't claim the longest range out of the bikes in this list, but in our experience it's the most honest range claim, with the bike easily achieving the 60km (37 miles) of range it claims to be able to deliver. Many other ebike companies can exaggerate their range claims, so we appreciate the accuracy from Hygge.

For city riders looking for a slick, no-fuss folder with solid performance and modern looks, the Virum is a strong contender.

• Pros: Lightweight and compact, Shimano gears, hydraulic brakes, stylish design, hidden battery
• Cons: Only two colour options

Buy the Virum Folding E-Bike

Volt Lite, £2,899: "The best folder I've ridden so far"

Weight: 18kg | Range: Up to 50 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

(Words by Eilis Barrett)

I've ridden a LOT of folding electric bikes in the past few years, and this one is the best I've ridden so far.

The central crank/mid-drive Bafang M820 motor delivers smooth power through the carbon belt drive, and an impressive power delivery of 75Nm of torque, higher than you'd normally find on a bike of this size.

What does that mean in reality? Well, if you're a heavier rider, or you have a few hills on your commute, then this could be a good option.

I tested the Volt Lite on the hills around Crystal Palace and it performed remarkably well. It's unusual to find gears on a carbon belt bike, but the 3-speed hub gears on the Lite are a great addition and make it easier to climb hills.

All-in-all, this is a very well thought out bike with a high spec across the board on almost every component.

The battery is integrated into the seat post, making it easy to remove and take with you for security reasons, or to charge the battery inside without having to take the whole bike with you.

And importantly for me, this is one of the comfiest saddles I've ever experienced on an ebike. So many bike companies don't consider female riders when it comes to saddles, but this one is great for men and women.

Pros: Great spec, and great performance

Cons: It's not cheap, but the price is fair

My verdict: This is a pricy bike, but with the Volt Lite, you really do get what you pay for.

Check out the Volt website for more info.

ADO Beast A20F, £1,199: "An electric bike with OOMPH"

Weight: 28.5kg | Range: 74 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

Read our full review of the ADO Beast A20F

The Beast is another high-spec folding ebike ideal for people who are looking to do some rough terrain riding.

It’s definitely on the heavier side, but we found the powerful 250W motor makes the Beast feel nippy on any terrain due to its impressive 60Nm torque. An impressive 74-mile range, 7-speed gear set, lightweight pedals, hydraulic disk brakes and chunky, fat tyres make the Beast a strong contender as one of the best folding electric bikes.

Overall, we loved the Beast and, despite its weight, found it perfect for commuting and leisure rides alike. The Beast is a great choice if you're looking for an electric bike that is powerful, comfortable and has a great range. 

Pros: Long range, extremely comfortable, great on and off road, Powerful (...it really is a beast)

Cons: Heavy, large even when folded 

Get an extra discount with code "ADOSASETH" at checkout:

Buy directly from ADO UK

Buy directly from ADO EU

ADO Air 20 PRO, £1,299

Weight: 18kg | Range: 40-60 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

The ADO Air 20 PRO is the upgraded version of the base level Air 20. 

But what's the difference? Well, for a start, the PRO version includes front suspension for an even softer and smoother ride.

That makes the Air 20 PRO a good option if you want to ride on bumpier terrain such as trails and towpaths, of if you just live in a city with lots of potholes!

But what we were really impressed with was the automatic 2-speed motor, which is upgraded from the base model.

The Air 20 PRO's Bafang motor automatically detects when you're going up hills and changes gear, effectively making life easier for you and giving you more torque.

So if you live in a particularly hilly area, the Air 20 PRO is a better choice than the base level model.

Pros: Smooth ride, eases up hills, low maintenance

Cons: Costs a lot more than the base model Air 20

HITWAY BK35, £399.99: "Great value for city riders"

Weight: 17.42 kg | Range: up to 37 miles | Wheel Size: 16 inches

The HITWAY BK35 is a fantastic budget-friendly folding ebike that punches well above its price tag. At just £399.99, it's ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a reliable, no-fuss commuter. We found it zippy and comfortable around town, thanks to its sturdy 250W motor and adjustable saddle and stem. The smart LCD panel is a real bonus, letting you track your speed and battery life with ease, and its dual braking system gives you confidence in busy city traffic.

Its compact 16-inch wheels and folding design make it perfect for tight storage spaces, though we found the ride a little less smooth over bumpier roads compared to larger-tyred rivals. Still, for everyday city use and short leisure rides, this is a superb, great-value option that's hard to beat at this price.

• Pros: Affordable, folds easily, smart LCD, strong brakes, comfy adjustable fit.
• Cons: Small wheels mean a slightly bumpier ride on rough roads.

Buy the HITWAY BK35

Engwe Engine X, £1,049: "best value"

Weight: 31.7kg | Range: 75 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

This is a ridiculously good value folding fat-tyre bike. It has a big battery as well as mechanical disk brakes and fat tyres. In our tests we found it great for cruising on and off road and we really appreciated the full suspension.

The Engine X the cheapest bike in this list - its main compromise is the weight. At 32kg we found it a beast to drag around when not riding but on the plus side we enjoyed the stability this gives off road.

• Pros: Cheap, comfy
• Cons: 32kg weight

Want a bit more oomph in a similar build? Check out our review for the Engwe Engine Pro.

Buy the Engwe Engine X:

EU 🇪🇺:

(use code "influencer50off" at checkout for €100 off)

Buy the Engwe Engine X

UK 🇬🇧:
(use code "influencer50off" at checkout for £100 off)

Buy the Engwe Engine X

US 🇺🇸:
(use code "influencer50off" at checkout for $100 off)

Buy the Engwe Engine X

 

Folding bikes compared

(Scroll table sideways)

How we test

Our expert testers ride all the bikes we get in to review, and we assess them against a range of criteria on road, off-road and in our testing rooms.

For instance, after practicing the fold of each bike we time how long it takes to do. We wheel the bike along to see how well this works - a lot of bikes fold for storage reasons, not for compact transport. And we point out if there is any sort of latch to keep the bike folded - and also check where the chain ends up (as it can get your clothes dirty if it's on the outside of the fold).

See our full list of best adult electric bikes, all adult electric bikes, and all the folding ebikes we sell. You can also see all our electric folding bike reviews. And here is our guide to lightweight ebikes. 

Fact check: Prices, availability and specs for this guide were last checked and updated on 29 January 2024. The estarli e16.7 was removed as it has been discontinued.

 

Go back to the top of this page

It goes almost without saying that women can ride any electric bike. However, from talking to women riders, we know there are some things they tend to care about more than men:

• A bike suitable for less tall riders - covering seat height, leg extension and handlebar comfort
• Ease of getting on and off, with step throughs favoured for skirt or dress wearers
• Easy ways to carry bags
• Ease of carrying, with weight being a big factor.

Jump to:

• ADO Air 28, £1,369
  
• Hygge Aarhus £1,349
  
• ADO Air 20, £1,279.99
• Fiido Air Carbon, £1,636
• Fiido C11 Pro £999
• Tenways AGO Air £2,199

All the recommended bikes below have been extensively ridden by Eilis Barrett, our video reviewer, as well as going through the standard Electroheads assessments for component and build quality, comfort and handling, and power and performance. 

ADO Air 28, £1,369

Step-Through | Weight: 20kg | Minimum height: 160cm / 5’3” | Range: 100km / 62 miles

The ADO 28 is a fantastic bike combining lots of features with a relatively low price and is a great commuting and leisure bike. It’s got a torque sensor (as opposed to a cheaper cadence one) so riding feels natural, and a carbon belt drive which is much lower maintenance than a traditional chain. 

The stepthrough frame caters for anyone 5ft 2 or more although it is the heaviest bike on this list at 21kg. And it comes with options for both front and rear cargo loading.

Buy the ADO Air 28

Hygge Aarhus Urban ebike | £1,349

Step-Through | Weight: 23kg | Range: 80km / 50 miles

The Aarhus Urban ebike is a sleek, road-legal commuter that’s built to glide through city streets and cruise on longer tours with ease. At 23kg, it’s not the lightest urban ebike out there, but it makes up for that with comfort, quality components, and great value for the price.

It’s powered by a 250W motor and a Samsung 48V 14Ah battery, offering a range of up to 80km on a single charge. Hydraulic Tektro brakes give you reliable stopping power in traffic, and front suspension smooths out rough roads. The 28" puncture-resistant tyres and Shimano 8-speed gearing make it super versatile whether you're on your daily commute or heading out on a weekend escape.

The Aarhus also features a smart, colourful LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity, ergonomic grips, front and rear mudguards, and a handy rear rack.

If you're after a practical, stylish city bike that doesn’t skimp on performance, the Aarhus should definitely be on your radar. It’s ideal for everyday riding, and ready for longer adventures when the mood strikes.

Buy the Hygge Aarhus

ADO Air 20, £1,279.99

Folding | Weight: 17.8kg | Minimum height: 150cm / 4'9" | Range: 100km / 62 miles

Read our full review of the ADO Air 20 plus all the specs

The ADO Air 20 is one of our favourite folding e-bikes because it ticks just about every box. It’s great to ride, affordable and can be adapted in different configurations to maximise practicality. Even its narrow handlebars make for easy commuting in traffic. 

It folds down quickly to a compact size, and its single-speed belt drive means there’s just about no maintenance needed. This is a folding e-bike that we can heartily recommend.

For less strong riders, it weighs 17.8kg, so in the middle of the range of bikes here. But it’s easy to carry thanks to the in-built frame handle in the centre of the bike so the weight is evenly distributed. 

Buy the ADO Air 20

Fiido Air Carbon, £1,636

Carbon Frame | Weight: 13.75kg | Range: 37 miles (extendable)

The Fiido Air Carbon ebike is a lightweight masterpiece built for riders who value clean design, effortless handling, and modern tech without the clutter. Tipping the scales at just 13.75kg, it’s one of the lightest electric bikes around, perfect for zipping through the city or taking on countryside lanes.

Its award-winning carbon fibre frame (winner of a Red Dot Design Award) isn’t just about looks, it’s tough, sleek, and hides all cables internally for that premium minimalist aesthetic. The Gates Carbon Belt Drive keeps your ride smooth and maintenance-free, no grease, no fuss.

Under the hood, a silent Mivice M070 250W motor delivers smooth pedal assist, reacting instantly with zero lag. When switched off, it still rides like a traditional bike, ideal for those who want the best of both worlds.

You’ll get around 37 miles of range in normal mode, with the option to double it via a range-extending battery. Stopping power comes courtesy of hydraulic disc brakes for safe, sharp braking in all conditions, and integrated front and rear lights keep you visible when night falls.

Extra tech perks? A fingerprint unlock system adds a layer of convenience and security, and the smartwatch-style display tracks your real-time stats without adding bulk to the bars.

The Fiido Air is all about effortless riding with no compromises, premium materials, refined design, and just the right touch of smart tech. For daily commutes or weekend escapes, this bike delivers a beautifully simple, highly capable ride.

Buy the Fiido Air Carbon

Fiido C11 Pro City E-Bike | £999

Step-Through Frame | Weight: 24.5kg | Range: 104km

The Fiido C11 Pro is your go-to city e-bike for smooth commutes, weekend rides, and everything in between.

Upgraded with a dual-sided Mivice S200 torque sensor, the C11 Pro delivers natural-feeling pedal assist that responds instantly to your riding. The 250W motor runs quietly but packs plenty of punch, with 55Nm of torque to make light work of hills and ramps.

The removable 499.2Wh battery is tough, weather-resistant, and gets you up to 104km of real-world range, plenty for a full week of riding on a single charge. And thanks to full IP54 water and dust resistance, this bike is built to handle rain, puddles, and everyday grime without a hitch.

Braking is handled by dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, giving you confident stopping power in any condition. The front suspension fork helps soak up uneven terrain, while puncture-resistant tyres and a 7-speed Shimano gear system make it a capable all-rounder for both urban and suburban adventures.

Extras? You get a built-in rear rack, optional front basket compatibility, a bright front light, and an automatic brake light that activates when you slow down. The 1.47” colour LCD screen stays visible in full sun or pouring rain, and if you’re into fitness, you can sync ride stats to the Fiido app and smartwatch for heart rate and blood oxygen tracking.

The Fiido C11 Pro nails that balance between practicality and performance, easy to ride, easy to maintain, and ready for whatever the week throws at you.

Buy directly from Fiido UK

Buy directly from Fiido EU

Tenways AGO Air | £2,199

Mid-Drive Motor | 100km Range | Built for Every Terrain

The Tenways AGO Air is your sleek solution to rugged adventures, a trekking-style e-bike that balances urban elegance with off-road capability. With a powerful mid-drive motor and a streamlined silhouette, it’s built for those who want their daily rides and weekend getaways handled by one stylish machine.

At its heart is an 80Nm mid-drive motor, giving you serious climbing power and smooth, responsive pedal assist. Whether you’re hauling groceries, taking on steep hills, or cruising through the countryside, it’s up for the task. Paired with a Shimano 9-speed drivetrain, the AGO Air keeps your cadence comfortable no matter the terrain.

The 560Wh battery blends discreetly into the frame and gives you up to 100km of range, enough for multi-day commuting or extended countryside escapes. It’s portable too, so you can charge it wherever works best for you.

Comfort is dialled in with a suspension front fork, adjustable stem, and a plush Selle Royal saddle, ensuring smooth rides without fatigue. The geometry promotes an upright riding posture, and the hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in all conditions.

Smart touches elevate the experience further, the DIGIWISE LCD display offers real-time stats and Bluetooth-enabled navigation, while dual unlock modes (via password or Bluetooth) make security a breeze. Integrated front and rear lights keep you visible, and the rear rack with MIK system can carry up to 25kg for whatever the day throws at you.

From cobbled streets to gravel paths, the AGO Air is a true all-rounder that doesn’t compromise on looks or performance. It’s the smart, comfortable, and capable ride that makes every journey feel like a smooth escape.

Buy directly from Tenways EU

Comparison table

How we test

Our expert testers ride all the ebikes we review on and off road. We assess them against a range of criteria while riding as well as in our testing rooms. We check the components' quality and spec, and ride the bikes on different terrains and distances. We've ridden hundreds of bikes in total (and an equal number of electric scooters).

For this buying guide for women, we also spoke to female customers and, where the bike had originally been reviewed by a man, we ensured Eilis had thoroughly ridden each bike. 

Fact check: Prices, avaialbility and specs all checked and updated, January 29 2024.

That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of our favourites bikes that are easy to carry. These are all folding electric bikes that we’ve tried and tested and weigh under 20kg. Our overall guide to best folding electric bikes is less focused on weight and commuting - this guide leaves out the heavier folders and also includes a light, cheap option.

There are different types of bike to consider at different price points, and all the bikes listed here have their own unique strengths. We’ll highlight those strengths, touch on their weaknesses and explain what kind of bike would suit you the best.

Cheap lightweight folding commuter ebikes

• Windgoo B20 Pro £579.99 Best for: Cheap and cheerful commuting

Five-star lightweight folding bikes

• Estarli e20.X, £1850: Best for urban commutes, flat or hilly
• MiRider One GB3, REDUCED: £2,245: Best for hills and bumpier terrain
• ADO Air 20, REDUCED £1,199: Best for faff-free, value for money commuting
• Axon Rides Pro, £1,799: Best for: Compact folding at a reasonable price
• Axon Rides Pro Lite, £1699: Best for: Portability

Estarli E20.X, £1,850: Best for urban commutes, flat or hilly

Weight: 18kg | Range: 31 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

See the full review of the estarli e20 plus all the ratings and spec info.  

This British-built folding bike easily ranks among our favourites, as it seems to tick all the right boxes for urban commuters. The Estarli e20.X is impressively light, starting at just 14.8kg, making it effortless to carry up stairs, onto a train, or tuck away neatly at home or work. It packs plenty of punch with its 250-watt motor and two-speed automatic gearing, which handled everything we threw at it – from bustling city streets to steep inclines – with no trouble at all.

Estarli quotes a range of 50km (around 31 miles), and we found this more than enough for most of our daily rides. There's also a zero-assistance mode, letting the e20.X function like a traditional folding bike, which we found handy for coasting along flat stretches or when we wanted to save battery. The battery itself is cleverly integrated into the seat tube and can be removed quickly for charging or to make the bike less tempting to thieves when locked up.

The e20.X folds down in seconds, making it super practical for city living. Its spec is equally impressive: hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power, a responsive cadence sensor for seamless starts, and 20-inch wheels with tyres that handled rough urban roads surprisingly well. Additions like the high-definition TFT display, integrated lights, and optional puncture-resistant tyres show how much thought has gone into the design. Overall, it’s an excellent all-rounder that feels built for life on the go.

Buy the Estarli e20.X

MiRider One GB3, £2,245: Best for Hills and bumpier terrain

Weight: 19.4kg | Range: 45 miles | Wheel Size: 16 inches

Read our full review of the Mirider One GB3

The MiRider One GB3 is packed with features. Its magnesium frame is super-light, so even with its full rear-suspension setup it still weighs less than 20kg, making it easy to hoik up steps (although it's the heaviest bike on this list). It has a three-speed, belt-driven drivetrain, with gears shifted via a twister on the left handlebar. The belt drive means little-to-no maintenance, unlike a chain-driven bike, but the gears give you the option to vary things up for different terrain. Many belt-driven e-bikes are single speed, so this is a welcome addition.

And, of course, there’s electric assistance, and there’s lots of it. When riding on the flat, we found there was almost too much assistance, as such is the effortless progress you can make that it almost feels like you’re spinning the pedals, even in the highest gear. But if your commute offers formidable hills then this could be the bike for you, with five levels of assistance to choose from. Combined with the gears, that should get you over just about anything. MiRider quotes 45 miles of range per battery charge.

Other features include hydraulic brakes, which were great for feel and modulation when you’re coming down the other side of a steep hill, and the huge display screen looks great (although if you want to add a phone holder, you may find it takes up too much real estate on the handlebars). It's really comfy. The rear suspension adds further to the already comfortable riding experience, with a squishy Selle Royal saddle keeping your backside happy.

Impressively, it folds down to really small proportions (77 x 43 x 68cm), meaning you can pop it under your desk and plug it in to charge. Win.

Buy the MiRider One GB3

Axon Rides Pro, £1,799: best for compact folding at a reasonable price

Weight: 15kg | Range: 25 miles | Wheel Size: 16 inches

Read the full Axon Rides Pro review plus full specs and ratings

It’s hard to look past Brompton when it comes to ease of folding and compact folded dimensions. But it gets much easier to look past Brompton when you consider the price. The Axon Rides Pro, for example, is less than half the price of an electric Brompton and yet folds to fit a space of just 25 x 64 x 76.5cm.

Weighing in at 15kg, it’s at the lighter end of the spectrum when it comes to folding e-bikes, making it a very solid option for commuters. On top of that, it’s well specced for the money, with hydraulic disc brakes, a lightweight magnesium alloy frame and and a single-speed drivetrain that means minimal maintenance. As with several of the bikes in this list, the battery is integrated into the seatpost, which not only looks great but is easy to remove for charging and to make the bike less attractive to would-be thieves.

The range isn’t brilliant – up to 25 miles – but for most commuters that should be enough to get them to the office and, in a lot of cases, back again. That removable battery means you could just take it to your desk to charge it for the trip home. Or just take the whole bike, but be wary of jealous glances from your colleagues.

Buy the Axon Pro from Decathlon

Axon Rides Pro Lite, £1,699: Best for portability

Weight: 15kg | Range: 25 miles | Wheel Size: 16 inches

If the Axon Pro is slightly out of your price range then try its little brother, the Axon Pro Lite.

The most affordable Axon model has the same clever feature as its big brother, where the motor is also a magnet, meaning it holds together well when folded. Generally though, it has cheaper components than the Axon Pro, such as having mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic disc brakes.

Our tests show it’s ideal for city commuting - it handled our journey across the city and back, and it folds down to a compact form that you can carry on trains and buses. City commuting is certainly the intended use case for this bike, given its battery range of 25 miles.

The standout feature of the Pro Lite is its weight, at just 15kg - this makes it easy to carry onto a bus, or put in the boot of your car.

We found the pedal sensor takes a few rotations before the assist kicks in (we are told by Axon that this is a safety feature to avoid accidentally triggering the motor if you accidentally leave the bike switched on whilst folding it) - but you can change this in the settings for a quicker activation.

Buy the Axon Pro Lite from Decathlon

ADO Air 20, £1,199: best for faff-free, value-for-money commuting

Weight: 18kg | Range: 60 miles | Wheel Size: 20 inches

Read our full review of the Ado Air 20

The ADO Air 20 packs some brilliant features into a virtually maintenance-free package. It’s one of the favourite bikes in our office for commuting in cities and comes at a scarcely believable price considering the specification.

With a 250-Watt motor in the rear hub and up to five levels of assistance it’s got plenty of oomph, combined with a single-speed belt drive that means no maintenance and no need to change gears. You’ll never need to worry about your gears getting knocked out of alignment and there’s no chain to lube.

The downside with a single-speed arrangement is that it can lack flexibility on hilly terrain, as you don’t have the ability to knock the bike into an easier gear. But ADO has addressed this by using a torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor. This means it adds electric assistance as soon as you press the pedals, rather than waiting for them to start turning, and we found this works beautifully.

Those tackling very steep hills might prefer a geared bike, but for many commuters the Air 20 has all the performance you’ll need. Mix that with a light weight (18kg), a 100km/62-mile claimed range from the removable battery, which is integrated into the seat post, and chuck in hydraulic disc brakes that feel great to use, and you’ve got a lot of bike for a great price. It folds down quickly and easily and rides really well through tight turns or at a cruise

Buy the ADO Air 20

Windgoo B20 Pro, £579.99: best for cheap and cheerful commuting

Weight: 21kg | Range: 21 miles | Wheel Size: 16 inches

The Windgoo B20 Pro is a compact folding electric bike that is built with affordability in mind. With 16 inch wheels and a small frame, it folds into a very compact form, making it a good option for people who want to store their bike in a cupboard or hallway.

In our test rides of the Windgoo B20 we found that this bike is really only suitable for people under the height of 5’10”.

Anybody above this height may struggle to ride the bike without their knees hitting the handle bars.

But if you are 5’10” or under, and you are looking for a cheap and cheerful folding electric bike then the B20 Pro is a solid solution.

With a range of 20 miles, it’s suitable for most city commutes. And we found it  surprisingly comfortable on our test rides thanks to the spring-cushioning underneath the saddle - protecting your derriere from bumps in the road.

Unlike some of the other bikes on this list, the B20 doesn’t have an LED display, it simply has a toggle switch for swapping between the three power assist levels.

But that doesn’t mean it’s without its cool features - the bike has a companion app that allows you to turn the lights on and off, and tweak the bike’s settings.

All in all, this is a good little bike for the price.

Best Lightweight Folding ebikes - the specs

How we test

Our expert testers ride all the bikes we get in to review, and we assess them against a range of criteria on road, off-road and in our testing rooms. For this guide, we particularly focused on carrying - ease of handling as well as how heavy they are. Reviews by Phill Tromans and Richard Beech.

Fact check: Price and specs checked 29 January 2024. Estarli e16 removed from guide as discontinued. Prices updated 19th February 2024. 

See our full list of best adult electric bikes, all adult electric bikes, and all the folding ebikes we sell. You can also see all our electric folding bike reviews.

 

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• build quality;
• safety and security (including downhill braking with a heavier rider);
• handling and performance;
• comfort and practicality.

Jump to a specific one of our favourite MTBs.

Five star mountain bikes - full suspension (front and rear)

• Cyrusher Trax £2,799.00
• Techtron Ultra 8000 £2,399.00

Five star mountain bikes - front suspension

• Wisper M9 £2,499.99
• Wisper Tailwind Trail Crossbar £2,249.99
• Beameo Unbound £2,099.99

Four-star mountain bikes - front suspension

• Ampere X-Trail £1,599.00
• Dallingridge Coniston Hardtail £1,349.99
• Engwe P26 £999.00

Cyrusher Trax, £2,799.00, full suspension

Weight: 40kg | Suspension: full suspension | Tyre Size: 26 x 4 inches

See the full review of the Cyrusher Trax and the specs

The Trax is part electric mountain bike, part dirt bike - and is Cyrusher's top of the line model. The motor is restricted to 250W to make it UK road legal, which is why it also comes without the throttle attached. If you're looking to use it on private tracks, you can unlock the motor and fit the throttle. Do this and we found this ebike is up there with Suron dirt bikes for speed and exhilaration.

You get a lot for your money - and it's one of two full-sus bikes in this list with the rear air suspension adding to the way its 26x4" fat tyres soak up the ground in our tests (these tyres are slightly smaller than the 27" versions used on most models listed here but this didn't affect the ride).

It's heavy (40kg) - our reviewer couldn't see himself commuting with it. But off-road it came alive with the suspension and tyres hiding all but the biggest bumps. And the step-through design means smaller riders can still ride it. Ovearll we found it a big bike to handle - but an easy one.  

This is Cyrusher's first bike with a torque sensor - and our reviewer definitely appreciated the better response this gives you than cadence sensors, especially when pushing off uphill. You also get hydraulic brakes and a nine-gear Shimano plus five pedal-assist levels. A top-of-the-range ride.

Buy directly from Cyrusher

Techtron Ultra 8000: new version shipping April 2024

Weight: 25kg | Suspension: full suspension | Tyre Size: 29 x 2.1 inches

This full suspension electric mountain bike packs an excellent spec into a very fair price point. With a battery range of 150km, the Techtron Ultra 8000 is a capable ebike that will tackle trails and hills all day long - you might run out of energy before the bike does.

The mid-drive motor kicks out 150Nm of torque and we found it took on incredibly steep inclines both off-road and on-road - an impressive feat for the 250W motor, which ensures it's still fully legal to use on UK roads.

The bike is lighter than the Cyrusher but still a hefty 25kg. The hydraulic disc brakes provided effective stopping power in our downhill testing, despite the bike and rider's combined weight of 110kg. 29-inch wheels might not be everyone's cup of tea. 

Read more about the Techtron Ultra 8000

Wisper M9, £2,125

Read our full review of the Wisper M9 plus specs

The base spec Wisper M9 is already one hell of a bike, but once you add the Mountain Upgrade pack (Schwalbe MTB tyres with double defence puncture protection), it's an absolute beast. You can also upgrade to a bigger battery (95km range for the base spec, 140km with the upgrade).

Wisper have developed their own parts for much of this bike, including the mid-drive motor (which we found provides a well-balanced drive) and their similarly effective hydraulic disc brakes. Suntour shocks and a Shimano gear set complete the setup.

Everything about this bike feels premium when you ride it: gears, brakes, display, power ... As a pure mountain bike, it's not up there with the full-suspension versions. But the front suspension did a pretty decent job of absorbing shocks when we were zipping around the countryside.  

Read more about the Wisper M9

Wisper Tailwind Trail Crossbar £2,137

Read our full review of the Wisper Tailwind Trail Crossbar plus full specs

Wisper's Tailwind Trail is a high-spec electric MTB that is clearly designed and built by enthusiasts. The thumb throttle powers you to 4mph from a standing start before the pedal assist kicks in. Everything else on the bike is well spec'd too, with hydraulic disc brakes, RockShox Judy forks, and Goodyear Peak tyres. All this comes in at a weight of 20kg (the lightest of our best mountain bikes), which is incredibly reasonable for an electric mountain bike. Wipser have done a great job here, and they've brought it together for a very fair price point.

In our tests, we definitely appreciated the (lack of) weight compared to the other models on test. This doesn't translate to a lack of solidity - we found it gave a smooth and powerful ride, and is very grippy.  

Read more about the Wisper Tailwind Trail Crossbar

Beameo Unbound, £2,099

Weight: 24kg | Suspension: front | Tyre Size: 27 x 2.35 inches

Full review of the Beameo Unbound plus specs

A good-looking electric mountain bike with a mid-drive motor for around £2k? Count us in! The Beameo Unbound is easy on the eye, and we liked the mid-drive motor, which makes for great weight distribution - keeping the weight of the battery and motor directly underneath the rider, this creates an intuitive handling performance and mitigates the rear wheel kick-outs you can sometimes suffer on rear-drive motors on muddy terrain.

The battery is removable - the only bike on this list with this feature - and delivers up to 100km of range, pretty good for a 22kg bike. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are sharp and responsive, though the Suntour shocks are a little stiff and might require tweaking to your satisfaction (though this can be done easily). If you're a mountain biker looking for a first foray into electric without wanting to pay through the nose, this is an excellent option.

Where we found this bike really excelled was taking on hills off-road - the motor and tyres combined to power up inclines more more easily than we’ve found climbing on some rear-hub bikes.

Read more about the Beameo Unbound

Ampere X-Trail £1,599

Weight: 23kg | Suspension: front | Tyre Size: 27 x 2.2 inches

The Ampere X-Trail is a solid trail bike for a reasonable price point. Ampere have sourced third-party components throughout to keep costs down, but we think they've put together a decent spec for the price - although it may struggle on the roughest, steepest terrain compared to others on this list.

Range is another compromise at 40-50 miles. But you have a choice of wheel sizes to cover shorter and taller riders and if you're just looking for something to get out and about on for the weekend, or you're more of a trail rider than a mountain biker, we reckon you'll enjoy riding this as much as we did.

Read more about the Ampere X-Trail

Dallingridge Coniston Hardtail £1,349

Weight: 24kg | Suspension: front | Tyre Size: 27.5 x 2.15 inches

Dallingridge have managed to do what many other electric bike companies have struggled to do - build a decent quality mountain bike for a reasonable price. Our reviewers did notice the compromises - such as mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic and a less responsive cadence (not torque) sensor.

But despite some compromises on components, the bike is still a solid choice for trail riders and those who are looking for something to ride cross country. Not one for hardened MTBers but you get what you pay for - it's just with this bike, you get a little bit more.

Read more about the Dallingridge Coniston Hardtail

Engwe P26 £999

Weight: 26.4kg | Suspension: front | Tyre Size: 26 x 1.95 inches

The Engwe P26 is an affordable electric trail bike that provides ridiculous value for money. At this price point the Engwe P26 is squarely aimed at the entry-level market - it's an electric mountain bike for leisure riders who are looking to ride gently on trails, tow paths and off-road paths. It's not going to conquer Ben Nevis, but that's fine - that's not what this bike is for.

It has small wheels and the lowest range here, but if you're looking for an affordable electric mountain bike and you want to get out into the countryside and explore a bit, our testers reckon you'll struggle to find a better value option than this.

Buy directly from Engwe UK

Buy directly from Engwe FR

Buy directly from Engwe DE

Buy directly from Engwe US

Specifications

How we test

Our expert testers ride all the electric bikes we review, and we assess them against a range of criteria on road, off-road and in our testing rooms. We check the components' quality and ride the bikes on a range of different terrains and distances. We've ridden hundreds of bikes in total (and an equal number of electric scooters).

See our full list of the electric mountain bikes plus all our adult electric bikes.

Fact check: Price, specs and availability updated on January 29, 2024.