I have been looking at ways to spend some of my spare time and decided that touring some of the wonderful bicycle trails about the country would be enormous fun. Transporting the bicycles was an issue, so I did a bunch of research into the options and decided that I need to get a couple folding e-Bikes. Since I did all this research, I decide to write it up and present it below. I also made a page that lists folding e-Bikes that available in Australia as of 2026-January.
Why would you want a folding e-Bike as opposed to non-folding?
- Storage at home – These bikes can be stashed in smaller spaces if you don’t have room to keep a normal size bike.
- Storage at work – If you commute to work and your workplace doesn’t have a bicycle storage, or the facility they do provide isn’t secure enough, then you might be able to stash your folding e-bike under your desk.
- Public transport – Some public transport will allow you to bring your folded e-bike aboard, making it a breeze to commute home to station, and/or station to work.
- Storage in your car – Explore local bicycle infrastructure without the initial long ride there, just drive up to parking near the cycle way start and you’re away! Storing in your car is more secure. Alternatives like roof mounts can be problematic, as you forget your bike is there and pass under a bridge or enter your carport – there are plenty of horror stories in the bicycle forums. Your car might not have a tow bar so you can’t back mount, or you might not like the inconvenience of not being able to open up your boot, or you might need more security that your e-Bike out in the open. Similarly for the car mounts that don’t require a tow bar, using straps with brackets, sometimes with arms that place pressure on your rear window.
Considerations:
- Will it take my weight? Most bikes will have a weight limit and the warranty might not be valid for some issues if you’re over a specific weight, check it out.
- Is is suitable for my height? This is frustrating but not always insurmountable if you’re too tall. If the bicycle post is a standard then you have the option of purchasing a longer post. For shorter people, sometimes a shorter post *might* work, but sometimes there is a limit to how far down the seat can go before the frame gets in the way. Also consider the handlebar geometry, you might be leaning over too much or raising your hands up while riding.
- Is it comfortable? This is very hard to tell without an extended test ride. Typically this is a seat problem, which can usually be replaced, but also might be your sitting geometry (position of your body in relation to pedals, handle bars, seat). Also shock absorbers / suspension; you can get a suspension tube replacement on many bike which can dampen the bumps quite a lot.
- Does the bike weigh 25kg or less? (inc battery) If you are going to be hoisting the bicycle around a lot then weight is a major consideration. Can you easily lift the bicycle into your car boot, or storage area at home / on the train. You should be able to remove the battery which should help. If the bicycle is over 20kg then you’re going to need to check your strength.
- Does it have gears? If you’ve got hills then gears really help otherwise you might be greatly speed reduced, which is fine OK if you’re happy with that.
- Is it legal to ride? Many areas have a limit on how powerful he electric motor can be, check this! My state has laws against motors over 250W. My state also does NOT allow throttle only – you need to pedal.
- Is the battery range good? You have to figure out what you want the e-Bike for then ensure you will have enough range to cover this. To be safe I was hoping for something with >60km range. Also ensure the bike is still rideable if the power goes off – this is usually always possible, but you’re going to be adding a lot of effort.
- Will two of them fit in the back of my car? You and your partner might want to tour various places together so you will need to take two bikes.
- Is the reseller likely to be around for service and warranty? Lots of cheap e-Bikes out there, but also, plenty of importers that just want to deliver product and not handle servicing. Lots disappear. An established chain or bike shop is a huge plus.
- Is the charger bulky? Are you going to want to charge at your cycling destination? If your charging pack is massive then this is a pain in the backpack. My old e-Bike charger was so heavy that I bought an extra and left one at work.
- Is the bike available in your Country? This makes sense, but after reading reviews, watching YouTube reviews, deciding on a great folding e-Bike … only to find out that the local rep of that brand was not going to import them … frustrating++
What features are important to you?
- Torque sensor vs Cadence – This is how the motor detects you are cycling and applies power. Torque means you have to apply effort and the bike will add in power, feels more natural, ensures you get some exercise. Cadence sensor just wants you to turn the pedals, so you add as little force as you want.
- Good/known brand of battery – Seen all those house fires. Don’t buy dodgy batteries.
- Front shocks are good – takes some of the jolts out of travelling, you probably wouldn’t use this on paved / urban travel as it can feel a bit sloppy, but bumpy adventure paths make shocks add a lot to comfort.
- Rear shocks are nice – While this is relatively rare, rear shock absorbers smooth out a LOT of bumps, can add some to the maintenance.
- Mid-Drive is good – Mid-drive usually means you have a Torque sensor, the power feels more natural, and most importantly: the wheels can be more easily removed for tire puncture repair. Many e-Bikes are rear hub, which means you will need to review how you remove the wheel.
- Belt drive is cool – Well I think so anyway. The alternative is chain which will be much more common and will allow you to have standard gears on your bike, however, a carbon belt is much lower maintenance, quieter, no chance of chain grease getting on your leg or pants, and should last longer than a metal chain.
Options & Accessories:
- Suspension seatpost – Make your ride even smoother! If your bike has a standard seatpost then you have the option of replacing it with a suspension seatpost. There are a lot to choose from in a wide range of prices – ensure you check the weight range.
- Padded seat – There is an enormous range of seat options available. If the provided seat isn’t comfortable then replace it! Just note that thick gel padded seats are definitely not automatically comfortable.
- Extra battery – Extend your powered range by carrying an extra battery. These are heavy and expensive, so make sure you really need the range.
- Bag – Most folding e-Bikes come with a rack on the back, and you might be able to get a bag that clips on. Some bikes come with stretchy bands that you can use to secure your own bag. Some bikes have the option of a front basket or bag/pack. Otherwise you might consider the many various strap on bags. Somewhere to stash your tools, etc.
- Drink holder – Stay hydrated! Drink cages come in many forms, but most folding bikes won’t have the standard drink cage mount points just because the layout and folding mechanism doesn’t lend itself to this, so you might need to get a clamping drink cage. Maybe onto your handlebar head tube.
- Tools – there are all sorts of combo tools that can help you tighten bits of your bike up. Very handy when you get a flat tyre.
- Pump – These can come in very compact form, there’s also the option of tiny single use gas canisters.
- Tube repair – You can carry an entire tube and/or you can carry a patch kit. Make sure you have the tyre removal levers, they often come with a patch kit.
- Medical kit – Keep some usual stuff handy for cuts and scrapes, maybe flush out your eyes.
- Sunscreen – Yup, maybe not on your bike but apply this before you take off in the full sun.
Clothing
- Helmet – I would ensure you test before buying; heads are different shapes and you will want one that fits your skull nicely.
- Head scarf / bandanna / durag – These are worn under your helmet to dissipate sweat – on hot days, a trail of sweat can easily make its way to your eyes, a good durag will completely prevent this. Also protection from the sun through the helmet vents. Finally, the durag will make the helmet a little more comfortable.
- Gloves – Fingerless cycling gloves are awesome. If you have a fall – grazing your hand is a common injury that can be avoided with gloves. Also it slightly lessens the impact of bumps through your handles, and make leaning on the handles more comfortable long term. Also some sun protection.
- Long sleeve shirt – Since I live in Australia, I always think about the sun and getting burned. I highly recommend looking for cool, water wicking, breathable type clothing.
- Bike pants / bibs – Yeah maybe. If you have a padded seat then this is probably not needed, although the material is protective, cooling and water wicking. So if not bike pants, then check adventure wear for the type of pants appropriate for your climate. I avoid long pants as the chain will grease them up or your pants may get caught. Short pants means sunscreen!
The above information is provided as is, and you will need to decide what is important to you, and what you might ignore. Hope this helps someone.