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Want the convenience of a folding bike but need to get where you’re going quickly? Meet the perfect compact commuting ebikes
Meet the new breed of compact commuting ebikes, a marriage of speed and sheer convenience
Folding bikes have been around for ages - as far back as the ’60s, in fact, and if you live in a busy city it’s highly likely you’ll spot one on your commute, unless you’re asleep. Folding bikes are ideal transport in a variety of scenarios - if you’re commuting by train, they’re great for covering those extra miles at either end without worrying about trying to find bike space on board; if you want something for getting about, but don’t live in a bike-friendly home, they’re easy to store indoors and out of sight, ready when you need them; and then there’s leisure types
- a folding bike is perfect on your travels because you can simply chuck it in a car for when you get to your chosen destination.
If you’ve ever been on a folder, you’ll know that the actual riding part feels like an afterthought - with tiny wheels and ergonomics suited only to the shortest of rides. But the latest breed of folding bikes is better than ever, packing modern comforts such as electric assistance, mighty brakes and featherweight frames, making them as easy to ride as a a full-size bike.
On show for this issue’s super-test, we give you three of the most capable electric folding bikes you can buy today. Each one has its own unique approach to the folding theme, from its intended purpose, to the way it actually goes about folding, as well as the type of electric system it uses. Each of these bikes couldn’t be more different, so which one is the best, and which one should you choose? Read on to find out.