The Mirider One, £1,599, is a feature-packed folding electric bike that boasts a lot of desirable assets for an urban commuter. It may be one of our most expensive compact folders, but does it warrant the price tag? Let’s find out...

Buy the MiRider One

Good for

• Commuters
• Anyone needing range, comfort or portability

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Accomodates smaller riders (5ft and up)
• Made in UK, built by one technician
• Range up to 45 miles
• Folds to an impressively small size
• Lots of power
• Clear and bright display
• Ergo handle grips
• Rear suspension for added comfort
• Thumb throttle for instant assist

Cons

• No gears 
• Not cheap
• Weighty for a folding bike
• Not much handlebar space for phone mount
• Motor a touch noisy

Buy the MiRider One

Expert verdict

The Mirider One is a powerful, compact folder that feels much better than such a small frame should. Despite its size, the One caters to an impressive rider height (5’0 to 6’4), feels strong when faced with rickety roads and is notably comfortable.

It’s also easy to fold and comes with secure magnets on the hubs so you can hop off, fold up and stash as quickly as you turn on and go. The motor does hum louder than other electric bikes on the market, however I personally don’t find this to be an issue. Its performance will leave you forgetting about any background noise.

To top it off, it comes with a strong choice of looks with the available colourways, so you can make your commute an expression of your preferred colour.

If a Brompton doesn’t quite cut it for you, but you’re still in need of a 16 inch ride, the Mirider is a stellar commuter alternative choice - built to be robust but also offers portability, performs well and designed with comfort in mind for longer rides. If you want to go off-road, however, I’d recommend going for a bigger wheeled folder that can help keep you stable - like the ADO Air 20.

Rating

Overall rating
Components and build quality
Safety and security
Performance and handling
Comfort and practicality

Specs

Components and build quality

Overall, the Mirider feels solid and well built. The magnesium frame can withstand up to 120kg in rider weight and is weather-proofed to keep all the inner components dry.

The release levers that fold and unfold all feel robustly in place, the joiners respond smoothly, yet with not too much resistance for an easy fold. The pedals fold and give a satisfying click to indicate you’ve completed your move. And I found the kickstand, despite its small stature, supports the 17.3kg weight of the bike very well. It’s solidly connected to the bike and well sized so it doesn’t leave it standing at a wonky angle.

The screen is more basic than on other ebikes at this price point, but if you like a plain and simple design for a display then this tells you everything you need to know. 

Mirider prides themselves on the quality of their build. All MiRider bikes are made in their Wigan factory and have a quality check sticker, signed by the very person in the factory who built the bike so you can hold then accountable (great job on this build, John!!!) From my experience with the bike I’ve had no issues.

Safety and security

Folding electric bikes need to have secure and easy to use magnets so that the bike can stay folded when you’re lifting and storing.

This becomes particularly crucial if you want to store it in a moving motorhome or canal boat. MiRider has done an excellent job in using secure magnets that you can feel confident about. If anything I found the magnet is a touch too strong!!

The British assembly of this bike keeps British weather in mind with weather proofing to protect the battery and electrical components. The battery itself is Samsung 18650 Lithium-Ion Cells and comes with a battery management system to protect the battery from operating outside its safe operating area, monitoring its state, and balancing it.

The Mirider’s assist is fairly rapid in response, but an added feature that I found improved my safety whilst out on the roads is the thumb throttle. This provides a powerful boost that pits me into first position when the traffic light goes green.

Not only is this really fun, but it also means I could easily get into a safe position and away from impatient drivers that like to drive as close as possible to you if you’re not accelerating at their pace. If you’re wondering if this throttle is legal in the UK, jump down to the ‘Performance and Handling’ section to hear more.

Built in reflectors, an integrated front light and lock for the removable battery all come included. If you want to feel extra visible (and also look dope) then the orange colourway really pops on the grey roads and green fields you could be traversing.

Buy the MiRider One

Performance and handling

The MiRider may be small, but it also delivers a mighty boost of assistance when in a higher level of assist.

The 250w rear hub motor can deliver up to 40nm of torque which was ample in all my times out on the roads. MiRider claims this ebike can climb up to a 25 degree angle. I’ve tested it on 8 degrees and it has powered me up, wonderfully. Bearing in mind I weigh about 64kg, the heavier rider you are, the less power the bike will have at steeper inclines. Max rider weight for the One is 120kg.

I already mentioned the handy thumb throttle that comes with this tiny ebike and rest assured the thumb throttle IS legal and only works when you’re pedalling. It's a great idea as it gives an added boost that quickly gets you up to the max speed of 15.5mph, in line with UK regulations. The thumb throttle will not work if you are not pedalling. This is the difference between a legal throttle and an illegal throttle.

I found this throttle feature to be particularly handy when climbing a hill to release the amount of resistance and make the climb an all over more pleasant (and fun) experience. It also works wonders if you want to be the first off at the traffic lights to move into a safe position on the road when faster vehicles want to get through.

Handling can be twitchy, which is to be expected from a 16 inch wheeled ebike. If you’re used to a smaller wheel then this won’t concern you. I, however, am much more comfortable and confident with a bigger wheel size. 16 Inch wheels are generally the smallest size of bike wheel you get on adult bikes. Whilst they deliver a compact folded size, this does sacrifice the ride quality as a result. The handling is different and you need to be well versed with how to manage a smaller wheel with potholes and debris that can create more of a challenge with stability.

The turning radius and wheelbase is small, so it does mean overly sensitive steering. The Mirider’s 1.75inch wide tyres help to keep connection with the road. Compared to a brompton tyre which is usually about 1inch wide, this delivers nearly double the width. The tyres performed well on grass and towpaths, but for the latter you will need to keep an eye on loose rocks and rubble. 

Comfort and practicality

Although the MiRider may be compact and a little twitchy in its handling, the delivery of electric assist is smooth and consistent. The motor works with the sensor to make sure it boosts you as you start to pedal, making it a very comfortable experience to kickstart the assist. There’s no pushing down with brute force, an issue with some other bikes, just to wake the motor up - it feels very responsive.  And as I said earlier, I’ve been able to completely diminish any resistance for a standing start by using the thumb throttle.

The Mirider boasts a combo of rear suspension, soft touch handlebar grips with anti-fatigue hand rests and a comfortable saddle that gives a plusher feel ride. This combination means that even on rough British roads, I didn't feel hard knocks and vibrations. 

The Mirider also has a well designed geometry making the bike not feel as small as it actually is. As a 5ft10 woman I have struggled to be comfortable on 16 inch wheel bikes as the frame is usually too small for me. However, the mirider allows more room to make a larger stride of the leg without too much bend in the knee. This allows me to pedal harder and manage to push through the 15.5mph limit. 

It’s also very easy to adjust the seat post and handlebar height with a telescopic adjustment design. It’s simple to release and close and stays put. 

With it being a folding bike, the mechanisms are easy to use. No need for studying a ‘how to fold’ video, it simply folds the body, handlebars and pedals. The joints respond with little resistance to make it quick and simple, but feels solidly in place. I can easily fold the MirRider in 10 seconds flat. 

In terms of practicality it’s easy to fold, lift and store thanks to its tiny dimensions. It can be used as either a full blown commuter to get you from door to door, or can be fashioned for the multi-modal life. It can be taken onto a train or bus and once folded not impact other passengers on what can be a very compact carriage.

One nitpick of the Mirider is that the LCD display doesn't tell you the exact battery percentage, instead it uses bars. This leaves you guesstimating how much range you really have. The more expensive three geared version (GB3) shows you the exact voltage so you can see how full or depleted the battery is. I personally prefer this, but it is not the end of the world. The more you ride the bike the more you have an idea of how far you can push it.

In terms of real world range I found I was getting about 25 miles using level 5 assist and the thumb throttle for extra clout when the traffic lights went green. This isn’t the biggest range delivery you’ll find, but, but for a compact ebike it is pretty good.

Buy the MiRider One

Women rider’s verdict

My review, above, is for all riders - as are all bikes. But women riders often ask me specific questions about size, weight and frame. 

The MiRider One is definitely a bike I’d recommend to women. At 17.3kg, it’s easy to pick up and fold, it’s got a really simple set up so you can jump on and go. I also think it looks cool and stands out from most other folders.

The upside of the MiRider being smaller is that it is great for storing and caters to a smaller rider height (5ft+) and the frame is easy to get your leg over in a dress or skirt. The only downsize is there's no basket for handbags. 

The MiRider GB3, £2,499, is a feature-packed, premium folding e-bike with some high-tech specifications. Could this be the ultimate electric commuter bike? It’s got a funky design, it’s quick to charge, it’s made from lightweight magnesium and it even features rear suspension for a more comfortable ride. On paper at least it’s a great-looking bike, but let’s see how well it actually rides.

Buy the MiRider One GB3

Good for

• Commuters with hills to tackle
• Rougher terrain

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Faff-free belt-drive system
• Plush ergo grips
• Lots of power
• Effective hydraulic disc brakes
• Clear and bright display
• Folds to an impressively small size

Cons

• Not cheap
• Saddle position might not suit everyone
• Can feel overpowered on the flat
• Heavy for a folding bike
• Not much handlebar space for phone mount

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall rating

Buy the MiRider One GB3

Expert Verdict

Many folding e-bikes are great on flatter terrain but struggle when things get hilly. We did NOT find this a problem with the GB3 - it's ideal for commuters with this type of journey to tackle. We found it had bags of power to back up its three-speed drivetrain, it’s exceedingly comfortable to ride and it comes loaded with premium features which help justify its relatively high price. 

The GB3 is not without its problems, however. On flat land it can feel like you’re spinning your legs out, such is the high level of assistance. The forward saddle position might not suit everyone, either. And it’s quite pricey, even if some of its rivals – the electric Brompton and the GoCycle – are pricier still. All that said, if you fit into the ideal demographic for the GB3, it could be just what you’ve been waiting for. 

Specs

Components and build quality

The MiRider GB3 is priced at the upper end of the folding e-bike market, so you’d expect a pretty decent spec sheet. And you get one – a distinctive magnesium frame, a maintenance-free belt drive system with a clever three-speed gearbox and hydraulic disc brakes, as well as a large, bright and clear colour LCD screen. Then there’s the rear suspension to take the sting out of bumpy surfaces, comfortable ergo grips on the handlebars and some premium Schwalbe tyres. Overall, riding this feels like you're sitting on a high-end product. 

A bit more about that drivetrain. MiRider has tried to combine the faff-free, maintenance-free ease-of-use of a belt drive system, but with added versatility. Normally belt drives are single speed, but the GB3 uses a three-speed Efneo GTRO gearbox integrated into the chain ring. It’s a clever bit of engineering that lets you shift between three planetary gears using a twist shifter on the left handlebar. In theory - and our test rides all lived up to this - this is the best of both worlds as there's no derailleur at the back to index or risk getting knocked in the commute, no chain to oil, but with the flexibility of different ratios to tackle different types of terrain.

Power comes from a 250W motor in the rear hub, with five levels of assist and a thumb throttle to give you a quick extra boost when you need it. The 7Ah Samsung battery is integrated into the magnesium frame and is removable to charge. Incidentally, there are cheaper folding e-bikes that offer a larger battery, but the smaller size does at least help to keep the weight down, as does the lightweight frame. At 19.4kg it’s not particularly light, but there are heavier rivals and it’s a decent figure considering its size.

Any gripes? Well, mudguards are included, as is an integrated front light, but there’s no rear light – only a reflector – and if you want a rack you’ll need to pay extra. The GB3 also comes with a cadence sensor rather than a torque sensor. It’s admittedly a fairly good cadence sensor (labelled as a “torque simulation controller” by MiRider), and we found it responds quickly especially when we used the thumb throttle at the same time. But when something like the ADO Air 20 has a proper torque sensor at half the price of the GB3, it’s a shame to see it missing here.

Safety and security

The GB3’s battery is integrated into the frame of the bike, but you can remove it quickly and easily to charge up or replace it with another.

From a rider safety point of view, we found the hydraulic brakes to be excellent and very useful if you need to slam on the anchors. The integrated front light is welcome, but the lack of a rear light as standard is another minor drawback. A rear reflector just isn’t the same.

We found the GB3 quick and easy to fold and it's compact when you do so and light enough to hoik upstairs and keep under your desk, which is a major plus if you’re worried about someone swiping it.

Performance and handling

My standout impression from riding the MiRider GB3 is how powerful it feels. Although it has a 250W motor, which is the most you can legally spec in the UK, it’s really punchy in its delivery and you never feel like it’s running out of puff. If you face myriad hills on your commute then this will be tremendous news. Combine the five levels of power assist with the three twist-shifting gears and you’ve got flexibility that many rival folding e-bikes can only dream of.

While the GB3 doesn’t come with a torque sensor, the cadence sensor it uses is pretty quick to add power once your feet are moving, and getting away from traffic lights can be enhanced by the use of the thumb throttle on the right handlebar. This gives you a boost of extra power as you move away, and while it actually never really feels like you’re lacking oomph, it is rather addictive to add even more juice when you want to get moving quickly.

There’s a ‘but’, however. Riding on fast, flat surfaces, it can often feel like there’s no resistance at all when pedalling. If anything, it feels overpowered; I felt like I was spinning my legs out in any power assist mode above 2, even in top gear. It might be the kind of thing that doesn’t particularly bother you, but having come to e-bikes from regular road bikes, I never quite got used to it.

The handling takes a bit of getting used to, too, thanks to the combination of small 16-inch wheels and wide handlebars. You will get used to it pretty quickly, but it does feel unusual to start with. The saddle is also set quite far forward – too far forward for this reviewer’s personal taste, but none of my colleagues have complained. Once you’re used to the slightly unusual way it feels, the GB3 feels easy to thread through traffic and stable at higher speeds.

The Clarks hydraulic brakes are a welcome upgrade on the mechanical discs found on some more affordable folding e-bikes. You feel much more connected to the wheels when using them, and they mix serious stopping power with an ease of modulation that should avoid unwanted skids.

MiRider claims a range of 45 miles’ riding per battery charge and that doesn’t feel too far off the real-world possibility, although it’ll depend how heavy you are and how much you rely on the power assist.

Comfort and practicality

In theory, the small 16-inch wheels could make for an uncomfortable ride over Britain’s often-poorly maintained roads. But through using quality Schwalbe tyres, a rear suspension unit, a squishy Selle Royal saddle and some comfortable ergo grips on the handlebars, MiRider has worked wonders. The ride is impressively supple even over cobblestones, and not once did I fear for my fillings of spine would be jiggled out. 

As mentioned, the saddle does sit quite far forward, so it’s worth testing the GB3 to make sure you can find a riding position that works for you.

One of the key attractions of the belt-drive/gearbox combo is that there’s next to no maintenance needed – no chain to oil and risk getting on your commuting clothes, and no need to index a derailleur. MiRider recommends changing the oil in the gearbox every 500 miles or so, however. It’s not a big job, and you can do it yourself with a supplier oil dropper, but that does seem fairly often compared to single-speed belt-drive bikes that’ll go for some 18,000 miles before they need looking at.

The large LCD colour display is really good – bright, clear and easy to use with mileage, power and battery information. It is really quite big though, and takes up quite a bit of handlebar real estate. If you want to add a mobile phone holder you might struggle for space.

Folding is straightforward and results in a very compact package, despite the seemingly chunky frame. Magnets keep the two halves of the fold together and while it’s not the lightest folding e-bike, it’s easy to pick up for short periods to get it onto a bus, train or up some steps. You can also walk it along when folded if you need to transport it for longer periods.

Buy the MiRider One GB3

Women rider's verdict

Eilis Barrett: "Technically there is no such thing as a woman’s ebike. All of the bikes on our store are suitable for men and women, however, as a female rider there are certain features that I look for in a bike.

"There will be days when my wardrobe beckons the call of a skirt or a dress, but the need to cycle doesn’t diminish. Having an ebike, like the Mirider GB3, with a low to the ground top tube means it's easy to get your leg over and very convenient for wardrobe choices.

"Despite the GB3 being a fing electric bike, the geometry of the bike makes for a very comfortable ride whatever height you may be. The plush ergo grips and rear suspension keeps you cushioned throughout the duration of your ride. This combination has meant even for a taller lady like myself (5ft10) i’ve had no qualms.

"Safety is also a big factor and knowing that you can whizz off INSTANTLY at the traffic lights thanks to the thumb throttle that activates when you begin to pedal means you can get ahead when the lights go green and move into a safe position on the road before the cars catch up.

"It is a heavier folder at 19.4kg, so this is something to consider if you need to do lots of carrying up stairs or are looking for a multi-modal commuter bike. This bike is a touch dense if you want to be throwing it on and off buses and trains."

Find out more

• All the electric bikes we sell 
• All the electric folding bikes we sell
• The Mirider GB3 is featured in our best electric bike buying guide and our best folding electric bike list.
• it's also in our best lightweight electric bike guide.  

Bio

Phill Tromans has been a journalist and reviewer since 2001. As both a keen road cyclist and car aficionado, he’s fully embraced the concept of e-mobility, and while he still loves pure pedal power, he also likes not being a sweaty mess at the end of every bike ride.

The ADO Air 20 is a folding e-bike designed to give you lots of spec for a relatively low price. Its features include a single-speed belt-drive for low maintenance and five levels of electric assistance from its 250 motor. Impressively at this price point it also features a torque sensor and hydraulic brakes, and folds down to very compact dimensions. With its battery cleverly concealed in its seat tube, it’s designed to be a stylish and very practical urban commuter bike. Read on to find out whether it succeeds in its ambitious aims.

Buy the ADO Air 20

Good for

• City commuters
• General faff-free urban riding

Pros

• Single-speed belt drive means zero maintenance
• Hydraulic brakes feel brilliant
• Removable seat-post battery is very convenient
• Torque sensor makes for easy riding Plenty of electric assistance

Cons

• Ride is a bit firm
• Need to pay extra for rack and mudguards
• Not really suitable for hilly terrain
• Expert Verdict

Expert verdict

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall rating

Buy the ADO Air 20

We loved reviewing this bike - in fact, the ADO Air 20 is one of our favourite folding e-bikes because it ticks just about every box.

It’s great to ride (the torque sensor is a brilliant feature at this price point), impressively affordable and can be specced in different ways to maximise practicality. A minor point but for commuters in busy cities, we found it easy to squeeze through stopped traffic due to its smaller width handlebars.

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.

Specs

Components and build quality

Look at the spec sheet of the ADO Air 20 and you could easily believe it’s at least £500 more expensive than it actually is. Included as standard are hydraulic disc brakes, a bright and clear IPS display and a good-sized battery that gives an impressively long range; ADO claims 100km/62 miles from a single charge, although we’d take that with a pinch of salt in the real world. Still, there’s no doubt that there are rivals that offer a smaller battery at a higher purchase price.

One of the Air 20’s key selling points is its maintenance-free single speed drivetrain. While there are other folding e-bikes that are single-speed, most use a chain, which still needs to be cleaned and lubricated regularly for the best performance. ADO has used a belt drive instead, which doesn’t need lubricating at all – just give it a quick wipe if it gets dirty. The manufacturers claim it’ll do up to 30,000km (around 18,500 miles) before it needs any kind of maintenance.

The downside to single-speed setups is that no gears mean no adjustment if you hit hilly terrain. To try and save your legs in this situation, the Air 20 has a 250W rear-hub motor with up to five levels of assistance and a torque sensor, which isn’t often seen at this price point. The advantage of a torque sensor over a cadence sensor is that it detects foot pressure and gives power assistance immediately, rather than waiting for the pedals to start turning. 

The only obvious omissions from the Air 20, in its role as a commuting bike, are decent mudguards and a rack, but you can specify them when ordering for a relatively small amount – just £99. 

On the move, everything feels rock solid, and there are commendably few creaks when riding, which isn’t true of some of the Air 20’s rivals.

Safety and security

The design of the Air 20’s battery, which is integrated into the seatpost, means it’s easy to remove either to charge or to act as a deterrent if you have to leave the bike parked up. Just unplug it at the back, undo a clasp and remove it, saddle and all.

Of course, being able to fold it up to a small size quickly and easily means it’s easy to just take the whole bike indoors, away from low-life attention.

When it comes to visibility on the road, integrated front and rear lights are included, controlled via the display panel on the handlebars, and there are reflectors on each wheel.

Performance and handling

Much of the literature about the ADO Air 20 says its 250W, rear-hub motor has three levels of assistance, but it can actually give you up to five – you can fiddle with the settings in the ADO ebike app and set it up as you’d like. This gives you a good level of flexibility to counter the downside of a single-speed drivetrain, which is that you can’t drop down a gear to make pedalling easier. Luckily during our testing we’ve found it’s really not much of a problem, at least around our London stomping ground.

The motor is built by ADO itself and it packs plenty of punch. Combined with the torque sensor activating assistance almost immediately, it means there’s no issue at all getting away from the lights even on level one. Level three takes the sting out of gentle-to-middling hills – in London we didn’t find anywhere that gave us problems, although if you live somewhere with serious terrain, a geared e-bike may be a better option as it’ll give you more flexibility. Impressively at this price point, the Air 20 comes with a torque sensor rather than the more common cadence sensor. This means the bike will detect as soon as you put pressure on the pedal and deliver near-immediate assistance, rather than having to wait for the pedals to turn. This really makes a difference when moving away from standstill, especially on a slope.

Some folding bikes can feel a bit creaky on the move, as stiffness can be lost through the various joins that make up the folding mechanism. But the ADO is brilliant in this respect, feeling rock solid on the move. It’s nimble when threading through tight spaces in the city and stable when cruising at higher speeds. The hydraulic disc brakes – another welcome feature at this price point – are great, and make it easy to modulate your braking if you have to scrub off speed quickly.

ADO claims that the ADO will manage up to 62 miles on a single charge. Our tests have found that to be rather optimistic, however. My colleague Eilis, who tested the bike over a long period of time, managed to get around 37 miles out of a single charge. More should be achievable if you’re light and keep the assistance levels low, but heavier riders or those that use extra assistance more often will find the range lower still. Nevertheless, that’s still not a bad range, and better than a lot of more expensive folding e-bikes.

Comfort and practicality

The ADO Air 20 rides on 20-inch wheels, which in theory gives a more comfortable ride than some rivals that sport little 16-inch wheels. However, the ride can be a touch firm; the fat Chao Yang tyres and a squishy saddle take the worst sting out of it, but you’ll certainly know if you ride over a bad section of tarmac or cobbles.

However, ADO does make a version of this bike with a front suspension fork, called the Air A20S. If your rides are likely to be on the bumpier side, this upgrade seems like a no-brainer, particularly as it’s only around £65 more expensive.

Folding the ADO Air 20 is quick and easy. Unclip the middle of the frame, swing it round, collapse the steering tube and you’re done. If you want to remove the battery/seatpost, just disconnect it at the back and pull it out. Incidentally, having the connection between battery and bike under the saddle rather than at the base of the seat tube is a great move. The swinging cable might not be so discreet as on some rivals, but not having to get your fingers mucky when fiddling under the frame is a godsend on a wet day.

The folded size is compact enough to fit in the boot of a car or under a desk at work. As standard, you don’t get a rack or mudguards with the ADO Air 20, but you can add them on for an extra £99. Some might moan that they should be included, but not everyone includes them, and such is the low price of the Air 20 anyway, it’s still a bargain.

Buy the ADO Air 20

A woman rider's view

Eilis Barrettt: "We are well aware that bikes are not gender specific, but there’s been a common theme of priorities that women have shared and what I personally like to see when picking an ebike. Key themes are being lightweight, easy to carry and easily foldable for storage.

"The ADO Air 20 ticks pretty much ALL of these boxes. Weighing in at 18kg, I personally don’t find it too heavy and is in fact on the lighter end of folding electric bikes I've reviewed.

"It is very easy to carry thanks to the in-built handle in the frame, centre of the bike so the weight is evenly distributed as you lift, making it feel much lighter than 18kg.

"The folding mechanism is quick, simple and folds the 20 down to a compact size which makes it a great multi-modal commuter to throw onto buses and trains. And once you arrive at your destination its small dimensions when folded make it a great bike to store wherever you end up.

"All in all, it’s one of my favourite folders in the office. It’s quick, responsive and adaptable for all your urban commuting needs."

Want more?

The Ado AIr 20 is featured in our best electric buide guide and our best folding electric bike guide. It's also in our best lightweight ebike guide. 

Learn more:

• All the Ado electric bikes we sell
• All the electric bikes we sell 
• All electric folding bikes we sell

Bio

Phill Tromans has been a journalist and reviewer since 2001. As both a keen road cyclist and car aficionado, he’s fully embraced the concept of e-mobility, and while he still loves pure pedal power, he also likes not being a sweaty mess at the end of every bike ride.

Axon Rides makes a range of folding electric bikes around the same frame, and this one – the standard Pro – sits fairly squarely in the middle. This means it neatly straddles the balance of features versus price, with everything you want and a few things more, but at a price that’s got increasingly attractive, especially with the discounts available on it at the time of writing. Review by Phill Tromans and Richard Beech.

Good for

• City commuters
• Carrying when needed

Pros

• Single-speed drivetrain means less to go wrong
• Hydraulic brakes feel brilliant
• Removable seat-post battery is convenient and looks great
• Fairly light for a folding e-bike

Cons

• Lack of gears makes steeper hills hard work
• Only three levels of electric assist
• Won’t suit taller, larger riders

Expert Verdict

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall rating

The Axon Rides Pro is a well-specced, well-priced folding e-bike that has plenty to recommend about it, although it has a few quirks that mean it might not suit everyone.

Its light weight makes it attractive to commuters, as it’s easy to lug up steps and into train carriages, and it’s comfortable and nimble on all manner of roads. The lack of gears is a double-edged sword – it means less maintenance and less to go wrong, but means less flexibility if your commute involves lots of hills, despite the power assistance.

Overall, though, it’s a solid choice for getting to and from work in a busy town or city.

Learn more: full details of the Axon Pro

Specifications

Axon Rides Pro in detail

Components and build quality

The Axon Rides Pro is based around an unusual lightweight magnesium alloy frame that’s common across all the firm’s folding bikes, but the components vary depending on the exact model. This frame helps a great deal with weight, with the whole bike tipping the scales at just 15.5kg despite its chunky appearance.

The wheels are also unusual, with six double spokes, mounted on just one side on both the frame and the fork, so you can change tyres without taking them off. The brakes on this model are discs with Nutt hydraulic callipers and the tyres are 16-inch Chao Yang numbers, which are common on e-bikes and perform reasonably well while keeping costs down.

The drivetrain is a single-speed chain attached to a 250W motor in the rear hub, and it’s designed to be relatively maintenance-free – just a regular clean and lube of the chain should do it.

Three levels of power assistance are available, controlled via an LCD display unit on the right handlebar.

Front and rear lights are integrated into the bike and are controlled by buttons on the left handlebar, as is a handy horn – it’s not particularly loud, but it should at least alert wandering pedestrians to your presence when needed.

Small mudguards are included on both the front and rear wheel, but there’s no rack available. A kickstand is also included.

The folding process is well thought-out, simple and fairly standard to folding bikes, with a release clip in the centre of the frame and on the steering tube.

All the components feel solidly made and put together, although on the move the bike flexes at its joints slightly more than some of its rivals. It’s not off-putting, but you can definitely feel it.

Safety and security

The included horn is a great addition to warn pedestrians of your presence while riding – just a quick toot via the handlebar-mounted button and danger is averted. Just make sure you don’t accidentally turn the lights on or off instead, as the buttons are next to each other. If you do need to slam on the anchors, the hydraulic brakes are brilliant with loads of feel and modulation to stop you locking up and skidding.

The ability to easily remove the seatpost battery is an effective deterrent against theft; we suspect not too many opportunists will want to pilot a saddle-less e-bike with no power.

Performance and handling

The Pro model sits in the middle of the Axon Rides range of folding ebikes, and its 187.2Wh battery capacity means a range of up to 25 miles. That should be enough to cover the majority of urban commutes, but if yours is particularly lengthy then the Pro 7 and Pro Max models have a larger battery promising 30 miles.

The electric motor sits in the hub of the rear wheel and gives you up to 250W of power, with three levels of assistance available – you can choose maximum assistance for hills or when moving away, and then dial down the assistance when cruising. Being able to switch between these modes is vital because the Pro is single-speed – there are no gears. This is great for ease of maintenance, with no need to make sure the gears are indexed, but does mean that, especially on hills, pulling away can be a challenge. The included thumb throttle on the right handlebar can give you a short blast of extra power to help.

At this point we need to mention the cadence sensor, which is used to detect when you’re pedalling and want power assistance. Unlike higher end bikes – like the Axon Rides Pro Max – which use torque sensors to detect pressure on the pedals, the Pro’s cadence sensor detects movement, which means you need to have the pedals moving before the assistance kicks in. Out of the box, the cadence sensor is set to wait two full rotations of the pedals before it provides assistance, which is way too long (it’s a safety feature to stop the power kicking in accidentally if you’re walking the bike along). Thankfully, you can change it to a quarter turn, and we’d recommend you do – otherwise your legs will get a heck of a workout as you strain to get moving before the motor helps you out.

This is perhaps the Pro’s main shortcoming. Other rival bikes have more levels of assistance (usually five) and many have gears to make undulating terrain easier to ride. Once you’re up and running on the Pro, the power is perfectly sufficient to make for easy cruising, but this is a bike we’d suggest you test ride before purchasing, to make sure it fits the profile of your usual journeys.

In terms of handling, the Axon Rides Pro feels impressively nimble when negotiating tight turns through traffic, but it’s also more than stable enough to cruise on faster cycle lanes. The hydraulic brakes make for dependable, feelsome braking; there’s little danger of locking up during an emergency stop because modulating them is really intuitive.

Comfort and practicality

Considering that the Axon Rides Pro has little 16-inch wheels – which aid in portability but can be detrimental to ride comfort – it’s remarkably comfortable to ride, and the cushioning from the Chao Yang tyres is enough to take the sting out of cobbles and uneven road surfaces.

A note for taller riders – although Axon Rides claims that the Pro is suitable for riders up to 6’2, on my test ride I had the seat as high as it would go and it still felt a little low. For reference, I’m 6’0 but I have fairly short legs.

Speaking of the seat, the seatpost is home to the battery, which is both a neat solution for aesthetics and handy for recharging – just unplug it at the bottom of the seat tube, take the whole seat post out and take it just about anywhere to plug in using the included charger. That said, because the lowered seat post acts as a stand when the bike is folded, removing it takes away that feature.

The bike comes fitted with discreet mudguards for both front and rear wheels, but no rack, and there’s no official accessory to fill that gap. If you want to carry things on the bike, you’ll have to look for a third party steerer tube-mounted affair.

Learn more: full details of the Axon Pro

Women rider's verdict

Eilis Barrett: "It must be noted that all bikes are gender neutral, unless specified by the manufacturer. But women often look for smaller frame sizes and shorter reach with a handlebar width more suited to a smaller person. The Axon Pro is a great option for the smaller sized riders, recommended for a starting height of 4 ft 9.

"In fact - a note for taller riders! The frame is small and if you have longer legs you will notice it. Despite having the seat as high as it would go, being 5ft10 I couldn’t extend my leg out as I would with a larger sized ride.

"It is also one of the most lightweight folders I've ridden, weighing in at 15.5kg. I’ve personally taken it on the tube, held it whilst going down a steep descent on the escalators and used it as a last mile solution from the station to my house. It’s super convenient for local riding and multi-modal commutes!"

Other Axon models

• Axon Pro Lite, £1,300 
• Axon Pro S7, £1,600 (model with higher capacity battery)

The Axon Pro features in our best folding electric bike guide and our best lightweight ebike guide. 

Author bio

Phill Tromans has been a journalist and reviewer since 2001. As both a keen road cyclist and car aficionado, he’s fully embraced the concept of e-mobility, and while he still loves pure pedal power, he also likes not being a sweaty mess at the end of every bike ride.

Review By Eilis Barrett

Introduction

The Estarli e20.7 is a PERFECT entry-level folding ebike. It’s a little over £1,000 but has a lot to offer for the price bracket it’s in. I’ve been talking to Estarli and they’re a bunch of great people with a mission to make e-rides accessible to people on a smaller budget. And after test riding this bike for a few weeks, I think they’ve delivered. This is one of our recommended best folding electric bikes. 

Buy the Estarli e20.7

Good for

• Commuters
• First time ebike buyers
• Leisure off road riders

Pros

• Comfy ride
• Off-road performance
• Larger tyres than most folding bikes (20inch vs 16)
• Battery cleverly hidden
• One of the best ebikes of 2023

Cons

• 31mph range from slightly small battery
• Not the most compact folded 

Expert verdict

Cheap(ish), foldable, light and comfy. It’s got the power, it’s got the gears, and it’s got larger tyres for better handling and more comfortable riding.

Get an e-bike like this and not only will you ride more, but you’ll ride further. You’ll find ways to integrate this into your life as it’s so much fun to ride and also so usable - it’s easy to take anywhere. I think the e20.7 is going to make quite a stir. (See all our commuter ebikes).

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall star ratings

Buy the Estarli e20.7

Specs

The Estarli e20.7 in detail

Build

Estarli has kept accessibility at the heart of their design. The frame is made from high strength aluminium so’s both sturdy and rust resistant - with a one size fits all frame catering to a large array of rider heights (five foot to six foot five). The maximum rider weight is 110kg - which is pretty decent for a folder.

If you look at the bike, it’s pretty hard to spot the battery. It’s just not obvious that it’s an ebike as the battery has been cleverly hidden inside the seatpost. You can easily remove it to charge the battery.

Performance

Overall the motor feels punchy and responsive. 

The seatpost battery does mean a bit of a compromise on battery life though - the 7.2ah 36v battery offers around 31 miles. The motor is in line with British regulations - 250w with a max output of 40nm of torque.

Looks

It’s smart and simple. I rode the PRO - for £50 you get a rear rack and mudguards. I didn’t think the mudgards looked too bad - they can often ruin the look but blends in really nicely on this bike.

It comes in a variety of distinct colours. The blue model I rode is very blue. You can also get orange, grey and metallic pink (my favourite).

Buy the Estarli e20.7

Folding

On my very first fold, bringing the handlebar stem down was easy. I liked the latches to control the fold, and stop it coming loose when riding. And the pedals fold as well - so it folds well although it's not as compact as some. Folding dimensions: 45cm x 66cm x 84cm

However, I didn’t think the magnet holding it folded was the strongest so I recommend wheeling it on back wheel only in folder state.

A key thing for a foldable bike is weight. At 17.3kg, it’s not light weight, but it’s not heavy either. I could pick it up pretty easily.

Ride

I’m a big fan of the rider position - I had a lovely straight back and there was no weight on your hands so you can indicate easily.

It’s very manouverable, I feel you really lean into it and it response beautifully. The stem is right over the wheel so the weight distribution lets you flick it around, with turns quick and comfy.

The wheels are 20 inch not the 16 you normally get on folders - and they stop the bike twitching about. The tyres soak up bumps on the road, which I wasn’t expecting looking at the frame, especially as there’s no suspension. The tyre grip made me feel confident on the wet. I found the disc brakes to be very responsive.

Features

You get 7 gears to aid you on all kinds of gradients and terrain plus cable disc brakes. You can tackle hills, have a bit more contact with the motor going down hill so you don’t fee the pedals are running awy from you. These gears plus 5 levels of assist really open up what terrain you can tackle.

And you’ll never be caught out riding back in the dark as the e20.7 comes equipped with integrated front lights. The rear red light, though, is run off a separate battery.

Estarli

Estarli build their bikes right here in the UK. with warranty lasting for 2 years, which covers parts AND labour if it’s returned to one of Estarli’s depots. For us Brits that’s much better than having to ship it abroad like other cheaper e-rides can require. And what’s really encouraging is how positive the feedback and reviews have been on trustpilot.

Estarli's £1,510 e20.7 model has now been upgraded to the e20.X version, priced at £1,850.

Best electric bikes for women

Eilis Barrett's verdict for women riders: "The e20.7 is one of the bikes we recommend for women riders. Bikes aren't gender specific but weight is a factor women often mention to us and one I notice.

"The estarli e20.7 is by no means cumbersome, particularly with the in-built handle in the centre of the frame which not only makes it easy to pick up, but also distributes the weight nicely.

"At 17.3kg it's heavier than a pedal bike but I found neither the size, nor the weight too much of a problem when carry it up stairs or making use of its versatility to fold it down for a train journey or easy storage in the pub(!).

"Good news for the less tall - the e20.7 caters for anyone from five-foot upwards."

Buy the Estarli e20.7

The Forme Buxton Pro E is a folding electric bike built for anyone, anywhere and with any level of ebike experience. It’s an excellent solution for those looking to revolutionise their commute, keen to experience electric bikes for the first time, or just those who want a great ebike to enjoy on the weekends.

Even better, the Buxton Pro E is exceptionally good value-for-money, offering the same if not better comfort than electric folding bikes double the £1399 price.

Good for:

• Daily city commuting
• Trail riding and weekend adventures (thick tread tyres act as a suspension)
• Portability - fits in a car boot or can be tucked away on the train
• Small form also makes it useful for caravanners, campers, sailing etc
• Carrying luggage/bags on rear pannier rack

Pros:

• Thick profile Kendra tyres are squishy and lead to an incredibly comfortable ride
• Pannier rack and mud guards as standard
• Simple folding mechanism
• 5 speed assist modes and 8 gears make it great for hills
• Adjustable saddle and handlebar height - comfort for all sizes
• High spec components such as Bafang motor and King Meter display
• Features in our best electric bikes list

Cons:

• At 20kg it’s slightly heavier than rivals such as the Estarli e20
• Only available in one colour

Expert verdict:

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall star ratings

The Forme Buxton Pro E is an excellent folding ebike that can definitely be considered a competitor against the more well-known brands like MiRider and GoCycle – but for half the price.

I firmly believe that experienced and novice riders alike will get the same enjoyment and employability of the ebike. Emphasised by its versatility, this bike will help you rewrite your daily commute to the office, or help you escape to the countryside at the weekend – the Buxton Pro E can do it all.

And that’s something that even the more well-known names just don’t offer. Often their bikes are built for one purpose, which they excel at, but this really is the ebike for everyone, everywhere.

It’s exceptionally comfortable, however many times I mention this in this review will simply not do this bike justice. Every ebike takes a couple of minutes on the first ride to get a feel for, but I found the Buxton Pro E verging on cosy when I first took to the saddle.

If you’ve got around £1,500 to spend on an ebike, look no further.

Specs:

In detail:

Performance

The Forme Buxton Pro E has all the exciting and useful capabilities of an ebike, and in this case five power modes (ranging from ECO to SPEED) will have you confidently tackling longer rides, steeper climbs, or simply making every ride that little bit easier.

I really enjoyed switching between modes whilst out on the bike, it really enabled me to happily whoosh around with very little effort – and allowed me to very easily keep up with traffic or not loose speed when faced with an incline.

Factor in that the Pro E also has eight gears to use, I could very easily flick down a couple of gears before stopping at a traffic light to help me get away from a stop, and move up the gear set when whistling along flatter terrain.

The Bafang H400B Rear Hub Motor is extremely confidence inspiring, and its obvious power delivery makes for a really smooth ride once you’re up to speed. I did find that, in comparison to other ebikes like the Estarli E20, that you have to put in more pedal rotation from a standstill for the pedal assist to kick in – so if you’ve forgotten to switch down gears when coming to a stop then the Pro E does need a little more convincing to get going again.

Comfort and Handling

I could make this section of the review long or short. The short version, this is easily the most comfortable folding ebike I have ridden.

In more detail, I shouldn’t be surprised the Forme Buxton Pro E is a cut above the rest in terms of comfort considering the number of features built with ensuring a smile-inducing ride.

The bike has adjustable saddle and handlebar height, which I found allowed me to instantly set up the bike for my personal preferences. That sort of customization means the Pro E will work for riders of almost any height.

Instantly finding a comfortable position, I found, offered immediately more confidence as I started cycling. I prefer a more upright position and the Pro E caters to that, allowing much greater visibility and also more presence. You really feel aware of your surroundings, and crucially that your surroundings are aware of you.

Another big player in just how comfortable I found the Pro E, are the Kendra K1054A 20" tyres – these ‘hybrid’ tyres soak up imperfections in the road, and also provide plenty of grip off-road. I’ve ridden plenty of ebikes in recent months, and really took notice of the difference these tyres made.

That chunkier feel offered so much more stability, something that I believe is a big issue for new riders or those converting to a folding ebike with smaller wheels. If you were coming from a full-sized bike to this, I don’t think you’d notice much difference.

Brakes

The Forme Buxton Pro E has unremarkable brakes, and I say that in the best possible way. There’s no fuss, no difficult action on uncomfortably designed levers on the handlebars. You brake, the hydraulic disc brakes stop you very quickly – what more do you want?

On busy roads I found this particularly useful when trying to deal with stop-start traffic that I was unable to move past. Additionally when on trails or off-road terrain, I had no trouble managing my speed on descents or coming to a stop quickly.

As a safety feature, and as a performance measure, the hydraulic brakes were as good as it gets.

Extras

One of my favourite features on the Forme Buxton Pro E was the large King Meter LCD screen located in the middle of the handlebars. It’s adjustable, so that you don’t get any annoying glare off the screen, and I really enjoyed its readability. Displays on other ebikes can be quite small or tucked away on the handlebars, but I very much approve of Forme’s choice to put it front and centre.

I’m a bit of a stat-tracking addict, I love following things like my average speed, total mileage, and so on, and this allows you to keep up to date with everything at a glance.

The Forme Buxton Pro E also comes with mudguards and lights as standard, which I think deserves note. There’s no alternate version where you have to pay more for things that, ultimately, we all end up needing to add to our bikes.

The addition of a sturdy and easy-to-use paneer rack is definitely worth highlighting for riders who don’t want to wear a rucksack or might be carrying a picnic basket with them on holiday. I think it’s well-sized, and also completes the look of this bike.

Folding the Pro E was straightforward – two hinges on the handlebar stem and centre frame allow you to collapse the bike into a well-packaged unit, perfect for storing at home or in the office, for putting in the boot of a car or for taking away on holiday.

I did, however, find it a little more difficult to fold than bikes like the Estarli E20, although I would put it on a par with the MiRider GB3. The central hinge I found quite stiff, and with the extra bulk of the centre frame due to the battery housing, it was quite weighty to get the action right and fold the bike in half.

Like with every folding ebike, I’m very sure that this would become second nature after repeated folding attempts.

Not sure if this was an intentional design feature, but the mid-frame gap acts as a perfect handle to hold the frame if carrying the bike up any stairs.

Purely cosmetic, but I would like different colour options; a nice black deep green would look really good on this frame – but that’s not to say the standard grey isn’t a very handsome colour.

Mentioned sparingly but again worth highlighting at the end of this review is just how good this package is for the price. The Forme Buxton Pro E offers the same quality, functionality and crucially fun that electric bikes multiples of the £1399 price tag offer. Did I mention it’s comfortable?

By Tim Fullbrook 

The Estarli e16.7 is a lightweight, folding e-bike built with commuting and everyday use in mind. It’s the competitor headache Brompton didn’t want – and with good reason, this bike is excellent. The e16.7 has the same tech, comfort, and ride-ability of bikes twice its £1,250 price tag.

Built to be no-fuss, but lots of fun, the e16.7 is a joy to ride and is perfect for those looking to reinvent their commute or get their first e-ride.

Good for:

• Commuters
• New riders
• All ages
• Urban riding

Pros:

• Compact, and quick folder
• Lightweight, only 14.5kg!
• Agile, and easy to ride
• Quality in a cheaper package
• One of the best electric bikes of 2023

Cons:

• Standard saddle isn’t the most comfortable
• Some riders may need time to adjust to the smaller wheel size

Expert verdict:

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall star ratings

The Estarli e16.7 is designed with commuters, urban riders, or travel riders in mind – and in my opinion it appeals to anyone interested in riding an e-bike on a daily basis.

This really could be the answer to your city-riding prayers – and in riding and spending time using the bike, I found it easy to use, straightforward, and very satisfying to own.

Whilst it might not have the big-name attraction of the GoCycle, MiRider or Brompton, I believe the e16.7 offers the same functionality, accessibility and enjoyment for a fraction of the price.

The only issues I can foresee are that the less-confident rider might need a few trips to get used to the smaller 16 inch wheels – when you first take the saddle it can feel a little more wobbly – and the default saddle isn’t the most comfortable. Both of those issues, however, are not lifelong problems.

Should you ever get the chance to ride the e16.7, you’ll see why I give it five stars on our Electroheads rating system.

Specs: 

The Estarli e16.7 in detail

Performance

The Estarli e16.7 has all the electric bike characteristics that make them so fun to ride. The initial pedal crank activating the brushless rear hub motor in a very smooth fashion. I felt the power delivery was predictable, and therefore comfortable during riding.

I never felt any of the ‘jerky’ power dumps that are often associated with cadence sensor e-bikes, particularly bikes below the 15kg mark. I think the e16.7 does a very good job at enhancing your riding ability, not controlling it.

Having a Shimano seven speed setup and five different power modes at your disposal allowed me to tackle even the steepest of inclines and whistle along the flats as you laugh at all the people stuck in traffic.

I found I could happily switch through modes to suit the part of my journey, all via the control panel on the handlebars. I also found that dropping down a couple gears when arriving at a red light was seriously helpful when getting going again.

Offering up to 31mi/50km range on a single charge, I feel the e16.7 falls into the mid-range for e-bikes as whole – but for commuter focused bikes this is plenty (see our other reviews of folding electric bikes).

Comfort and Handling

My biggest concern about this bike was how comfortable would it feel on 16” wheels? Having ridden the e16.7 I can say that when you’re out on your third or fourth ride, you don’t even realise you’re on a commuter bike – in fact it feels like a ‘normal’ sized bike.

That being said, you can feel the bumps ever so slightly more owing to that smaller wheel size – also I'd suggest opting for the comfort saddle upgrade if you have difficulty finding a comfortable saddle.

For new or less-confident riders, I’d highly recommend taking the bike out for a couple of short journeys just to get accustomed with the smaller wheels, but for advanced or regular riders this change shouldn’t be a major issue.

Overall I would consider the e16.7 a comfortable ride, especially on a daily basis.

If I was to own the bike and be using it every day, I might consider buying a more generous saddle, but others may find the stock saddle to be sufficient.

Brakes

The Estarli e16.7 has front and rear 160mm disc brakes which help you and bike come to a stop very quickly.

They’re also sensitive, but in a good way – I didn’t find myself locking wheels or skidding when attempting to stop in a hurry, and I was able to easily modulate brake inputs depending on the situation.

I also think it’s great to see disc brakes included on a smaller bike like the e16.7, whereas its ultimate competition – the Brompton C Line – only has rim brakes.

Extras

The biggest selling point of the Estarli e16.7 is its folding ability – I had Brompton and other folding bike owners looking at me with a severe case of bike envy on the train.

Simple to fold, the handlebars collapse down to wheel height with a hinge at the front, and the bike folds in half to bring the two wheels together.

As I got more comfortable with folding the e16.7 it would take me less than ten seconds to (un)fold. In comparison to other folding bikes that have numerous clips, buttons and locks, I found the Estarli straightforward and clear.

Additionally at only 14.5kg, it’s easy to carry – I also found that the triangle frame in front of the seat post acts as a perfect handle to lift from.

Unlike some other folding bikes, however, it isn't as easy to roll the Estarli along whilst it's folded. I really wanted to be able to roll it down the train platform on the rear wheel, which is difficult to do and more often than not I just ended up carrying it or unfolding it.

At Electroheads we love a removable battery, so it was great to get my hands on the Estarli’s cleverly designed battery which is hidden in the seatpost. I found this straightforward to remove, detaching the power cord from the base of the bike and lifting the seatpost out of the frame.

This gives the freedom to leave the bike locked up outside whilst being able to take the battery indoors and charge it overnight/whilst at work. The charging port under the saddle itself is easy to connect and is neatly packaged.

The e16.7 also comes with a bright front and rear light, which can be activated through the control panel.

Ok, I know I’ve mentioned this already a handful of times throughout this review, but I really do think it’s worth mentioning again. The Estarli e16.7 has a pricetag of only £1,250 – not only is that a cheap for e-bikes as a whole, it’s half the price of it’s competitors.

And what are you missing out on? In my opinion, nothing. I found the Estarli e16.7 offers similar performance, comfort and features that those more expensive bikes boast about. For the price, I don’t think you’ll find a better package.

Buy directly from Fiido UK

Overall rating: 

By Richard Beech

The Fiido L3 claims a 125 mile range that is quite frankly unbelievable - but we’ve tested it, and you really can go that far.

Not only that, this electric bike is under £1,000. Let’s find out if it’s too good to be true (hint: it’s not).

Good for

• Commuters
• Delivery riders
• People low on storage space
• Adventurers (you could ride from London to Brighton and still have battery)

Pros

• Battery capacity and range
• Value for money
• Comfortable

Cons

• Single geared
• Cadence sensor

Expert verdict

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall star ratings

The Fiido L3 changed my commute for the better. With thicker tyres than some folding bikes (such as Brompton or MiRider) and with mudguards as standard, it’s a good all-weather bike.

Even in cold weather (which can negatively affect the performance of batteries), we managed to get a 90 mile range on a single charge from the Fiido L3 with an average weight male rider.

The fact that this range is coupled with a sub £1k price tag is astonishing - the Fiido L3 has to be one of the best value electric bikes for sale in the UK.

There are some things you don’t get at this price point. The wheels are 14-inch, which is quite small although the ride on this was pretty stable. Initial acceleration isn’t the best due to its cadence sensor. And it only has a single gear for manual cycling. But at this price, it's a bargain.

Buy directly from Fiido UK

The Fiido L3 In detail

Weight and folding

At 24kg including its big battery, it’s not the lightest or the heaviest folding bike out there. It does, however, have a really nice handle as part of the frame that makes it very simple to lift.

And it’s nicely compact - it takes up less room than most ebikes, in both folded and unfolded state.

Folding is fairly simple to do, and only takes a couple of seconds. There’s no latch to keep it folded, though, so you can’t wheel it easily. So like many more expensive models, this is a bike to fold for storage not for carrying on public transport.

Power and ride

My favourite thing about the compact Fiido L3 is the ride position. Its wide handlebars and adjustable front stem allow you to keep a straight back, whilst also maintaining good control of the bike, and keeping good peripheral visibility.

A balanced weight distribution and wide handlebars means the bike handles well, especially suited for the tight turns often required of city riding. Because the riding position offers such good visibility, I actually feel less vulnerable on the Fiido L3 than I do on a standard road bike.

And despite the low price point, there aren’t any comfort compromises. In fact, the opposite. The bike is very comfortable to ride thanks to its cushioned seat, which sits on a spring suspension. It’s not actually a saddle - it’s more like a bar stool. This brings an enormous amount of comfort for a bicycle.

Some foldable bikes with under 20-inch wheels can feel a little unstable, but I felt in good control of the L3. For its price point, I am bowled over by what Fiido have managed to achieve with this bike.

One drawback is that it’s single geared, so if you do want to cycle fast manually you have to pedal at a very fast rate.

Also it has a cadence sensor. This takes a short while to kick in when you set off so there’s a slight delay in terms of the assist when you turn the pedal. This is one of the ways Fiido has kept the price down - you don’t get the more responsive torque sensor that you find on pricier bikes. Once it’s kicked in, it does reach the top speed fairly quickly though.

Finally, the brakes are pretty sharp. Watch out as well - the front is controlled by the left handle and the back brakes by the right.

This is the opposite way round to standard UK bikes so we'd recommend you switch them round (which is a simple DIY job).

Build

You can’t miss the monster 1000wh battery - so it’s a good feature that it is removable through a key ignition.

This means you can lock the bike up outdoors without fear of its most valuable component falling into the hands of would-be thieves.

The rear pannier rack has been a bit of a gamechanger too. The payload capacity on the Fiido L3 is 120kg, so I can chuck a heavy bag on the pannier rack and still have enough power to get around town without any hard pedaling.

Outside the UK, you can use a throttle on this bike. It has a really nice feature whereby if you hold it for more than a few seconds it will switch on cruise control automatically and you can let go.

Buy directly from Fiido UK

By Eilis Barrett

Danish company MATE aims to make electric bikes that look good and are affordable - the City is the lighter, more nimble model compared to the fat-tyred MATE X. Overall it's an excellent bike, and we've recommended it in our list of the best folding electric bikes.

Good for

• Commuters who don’t need to do lots of carrying
• All round riders
• Mixed-terrain riders

Pros

• Really comfortable
• Looks great
• Featured in the best electric bikes of 2023

Cons

• A bit bulky

Expert verdict

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall star ratings

The MATE City is a solid choice - it sets the tone for how an ebike can be more than just a bulky bit of machinery with a huge battery slapped on.

This folding model offers style, comfort and functionality at a reasonable price (the retail price on the City is £2,000, though it can be found much cheaper through certain retailers). And it's a very nippy ride that's easy to ride in the city when you need to react quickly to road obstacles and other vehicles.

The main compromise is that it’s a little on the heavier side at 20kg and not as compact as other folding bikes such as a Brompton. But then again, it's a fraction of the price.

The weight is partly due to the full suspension front and rear - which did mean I enjoyed switching from city streets to off-road trail fluidly and comfortably.

Still, it’s worth knowing it’s foldable more for storage than for prolonged carrying. That aside, this is one of the best foldable ebikes we’ve tested.

I've spoken to the team at Mate, and can get you £100 OFF a Mate City if you use the code EILIS100 at checkout via the button below:

Specs

The MATE City In detail

Power and ride

This bike is nimble and great for nipping around any obstacles. Comparing the City to other ebikes of its calibre like, say a GoCycle, the City more than holds its own. The addition of decent rear and front suspension actually makes this bike feel like a bargain. There's a level of smoothing so you don't clunk over bumps and dips which can get annoying very quickly.

As someone who cycles a lot, the ride on this bike elevates it from being an alright run around to something you can enjoy and take pleasure in riding.

In terms of range, it claims 50 miles and we managed to get 44 consistently, even with some hills and constantly using level 5 pedal assist.

Weight and folding

The MATE city weighs in at 22.5 kilograms- it’s carryable but I wouldn’t want to do so for too long. You could take this on a train but you might end up folding it once you’re on board ,which could be awkward.

Also it doesn't fold down to the most compact size, and there’s no latch to hold it together when folded. Finally, the chain is on the outside of the fold so if you don't want to get grease all over your outfit, be careful.

All in all, I’d say the folding is mostly for storage at work or home but you could definitely use it for occasional travel on public transport.

Build

Thanks to the easily adjustable seat, you can ride this if you’re anywhere from four foot eight and six foot, and with a weight of up to 120 kilograms. The 20-by-1.95-inch tyres are well matched for city roads - I prefer tyres this size to the 16-inch ones you often see on folding ebikes..

You now get hydraulic brakes as standard. The display shows battery and the five pedal assist levels and also has a handy usb charging port for your phone.

If the MATE City isn't for you, try out the fat-tyred, incredibly comfy MATE X.

Made up your mind? You can buy the Mate City here, using discount code EILIS100 for a further £100 off the listed price.

Overall rating: 

By Eilis Barrett

The X is the beefy, fat-tyred model from MATE, the Copenhagen based ebike company whose cheaper City we’ve also reviewed. Both are in our list of the best folding electric bikes.

Buy the MATE X

This model is big, heavy and amazingly comfortable to ride. The 250W version reviewed here is road legal in the UK - the 750W version of the X with a throttle is not.

Good for

• City and off-road riders
• Riders wanting to feel safe and secure

Pros

• So, so comfy
• Visible
• One of the best ebikes of 2023

Cons

• Heavy at 30kg

Expert verdict

Components + build quality
Safety + security
Performance + handling
Comfort + practicality
Overall rating

MATE X is hands down the comfiest bike I've ever ridden. Where I usually shy away from potholes, speed bumps and divots in the road, the X glides over it all.

The mix of cushy handles, front and back suspension and absolutely huge tyres is a glorious combination. I've never had so much fun riding a bike (although there are many other folding electric bikes we're reviewed).

Yes, it is big and heavy - but you just feel like you’re gliding along, whatever the terrain.

Specs

In detail

Power and ride

The upright riding position on the MATE X took a bit of getting used to but gives fantastic visibility - not just your own but for other road users.

With its size and rider height, it’s like the SUV of the electric bike world. It has a presence on the road that in my experience really gives you the upper hand with other road users. Cars give me just that bit more room when they're passing by which makes being on a busy trafficked road way less hair raising.

And it's so comfy. The ride is assisted by the front and back suspension and the 20-inch-by-4-inch all-terrain wheels.

Even the ergonomic padded handles add to the pleasure - they make such a difference that you wouldn’t believe until you try them. There is so much less pressure on wrists over bumps etc. So when I say comfy, I mean in your arms as well as your seat.

You also get fine control over your speed - nine levels of electric assistance and an eight-speed gearbox.

Weight and folding

This is a whopping 30 kilograms and so it’s not practical to carry it around (to be honest I can barely lift it).

It’s foldable for storage, not for carrying around the station in the morning. It has the same drawbacks at the MATE City, including the chain being on the outside when folded, which can make your clothes dirty if you catch it. 

Build

This bike does look large - and in fact it can carry anyone up to 7 feet tall and 150 kg in weight. I think it looks amazing though - I felt safer because you just can’t miss it, compared to, say, a tiny Brompton.

It now comes with hydraulic brakes as standard. You get a smart display that shows battery level and pedal assist as well as a handy usb charging port.

And the high-tread tyres are good for riding in British, rainy weather.

The last thing to call out is the word MATE on the frame - and I found people do in fact call out "mate" when you're riding along!

And if the MATE X isn't for you, try out the MATE City.