A folding electric bike makes the most sense when storage space, not riding distance, is your biggest constraint. If you live in an apartment, travel in an RV, ride part of your commute on a train, or want an e-bike that fits in a car trunk, a folder trades some ride comfort for a much smaller package when stored. The catch is weight: the folders we carry weigh 50 to 56 lb with the battery, so “portable” means easy to stow, not easy to carry upstairs.
Who a folding electric bike is for
Folders earn their place in a few specific situations:
- Apartments and condos. A folded bike fits in a closet or entryway corner.
- RVs and campers. It fits in a storage bay and gets you into town from the campsite. To recharge off grid, see our guide to a power station for RV camping.
- Mixed transit commutes. Ride to the station, fold, and board where your transit agency allows folded bikes.
- Car trunks. A folder can ride in the trunk instead of on a hitch rack.
For a lighter last mile option, see our electric scooter for adults guide.
Folding e-bikes we carry, side by side
Every model is from Ecotric. Specs come from our listings and Ecotric’s manuals. Battery energy is voltage times amp hours (for example, 36V x 12.5Ah = 450Wh).
| Model | Tires | Motor | Battery | Weight | Folded size (in) | Max load | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starfish 20, Matt Black | 20 x 1.75 | 350W rear hub | 36V 12.5Ah (450Wh) | 50 lb | 33.4 x 15 x 27.2 | 200 lb | $390 |
| Starfish 20, Blue | 20 x 1.75 | 350W rear hub | 36V 12.5Ah (450Wh) | 50 lb | 33.4 x 15 x 27.2 | 200 lb | $369 |
| Fat 20, 36V 500W | 20 x 4.0 | 500W geared | 36V 12.5Ah (450Wh) | Not listed | Not listed | 200 lb | $939.99 |
| Fat 20, 48V with LCD | 20 x 4.0 | 500W rear hub | 48V 12.5 to 13Ah (600 to 624Wh) | 52 lb | 39.3 x 16.5 x 27.6 | 200 lb | $969.99 |
| Fat 20 850C, color LCD | 20 x 4.0 | 500W rear hub | 48V 15Ah (720Wh) | 56 lb | 39.3 x 16.5 x 27.6 | 200 lb | $1,299.99 |
Prices are listed at the time of writing. For the 48V Fat 20, our listing states 12.5Ah while the owner’s manual lists 13Ah, so we show both. All five list a 20 mph maximum speed in their specs and offer both pedal assist and a throttle. How throttle and top speed map to e-bike classes is covered in our electric bike classes guide.
Weight and carrying: what portable really means
At 50 to 56 lb, these bikes roll and lift into a trunk fine but are heavy to carry far. A few habits help:
- Pull the battery first. Ecotric’s seat tube replacement batteries for these folders are listed at 3.85 kg (about 8.5 lb). Removing it before you lift takes noticeable weight off.
- Lift from the frame, not the clamped stem or seatpost.
- Use walk assist on ramps. Ecotric’s manuals describe a walk assist mode that moves the bike at about 6 km/h (3.7 mph) while you hold a button.
- Test the stairs. No elevator? Try carrying 50 lb up a flight before you commit.
Folded dimensions vs. trunk space
Ecotric lists the Starfish at 33.4 x 15 x 27.2 inches folded and the 48V Fat 20 models at 39.3 x 16.5 x 27.6 inches. Before you order, measure the trunk floor depth, the height of the trunk opening, and the width between wheel wells; the opening is usually the limit. Fat tire folders are about 6 inches longer folded than the Starfish, so a compact sedan that takes a Starfish may not take a Fat 20.
How the fold works and what to check every time
All three Ecotric manuals describe the same basic fold:
- Open the quick release lever on the frame hinge, pull it out, then lift the safety pin and fold the frame in half.
- On the handlebar stem, pull up the small spherical catch on the side of the folding handle, pull the handle outward, and fold the stem down.
- Push the pedals in and flip them up.
Unfolding is the reverse. Before every ride, confirm the frame hinge lever is fully closed and the pin is seated, the stem latch is locked with no play when you rock the handlebar, and the seatpost cam lever is clamped firmly. Ecotric’s manual also says to check for loose nuts and bolts before every ride. If a latch feels loose or will not close with firm hand pressure, do not ride until it is adjusted.
Folding fat tire e-bike or narrow 20 inch tires?
Both styles here use 20 inch wheels, which keep the folded package small. The difference is tire width:
- 20 x 1.75 (Starfish). Ecotric calls these its narrowest tires. They suit pavement and bike paths, and the Starfish folds to the smallest size of the group at the lowest price.
- 20 x 4.0 (Fat 20 series). Ecotric markets these for sand, snow, and rough surfaces, and the wide tires add cushion on small wheels. The tradeoff is a longer folded size and, on the 850C, 6 more pounds. The 850C also adds a suspension fork and rear rack; a rear rack for 20 inch fat tire folders is sold separately at $45 for other models.
Portable electric bike battery: removal, charging and storage
These batteries lock into the seat tube with a key. Per the manuals, the key has ON, OFF (still locked) and UNLOCK positions; UNLOCK lets you slide the battery out to charge it away from the bike or take it with you.
Ecotric’s guidance on charging and storage:
- A full charge takes 6 to 8 hours on the included 120V charger. The charger light turns from red to green when done.
- The manuals list a charging temperature range of 32 to 104 F, and recommend charging in a cool, ventilated, open space.
- For long storage, charge fully, recharge every two months, and store in a cool, dry place. Never store it fully discharged.
- Use only the matching charger and battery. A 36V 12.5Ah replacement battery (450Wh) for the Starfish and 36V Fat 20 is listed at $259 at the time of writing.
How far a given battery takes you depends on rider weight, terrain, wind, and assist level. Ecotric lists 18 to 23 miles per charge; our electric bike battery range guide walks through the math.
Safety certification and air travel
UL 2849 is the standard for the electrical system of e-bikes, including the battery and charger. It does not cover the mechanical structure, so it says nothing about frame or hinge strength. Ecotric’s replacement battery listing cites ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 certification, and our 36V Fat 20 listing says the bike is UL certified. For other models, ask us if certification matters to your building.
Flying with an e-bike is a different matter. The FAA’s PackSafe rules limit spare lithium ion batteries carried by passengers to 100Wh, with up to two batteries of 101 to 160Wh allowed with airline approval. Every battery in the table above is 450Wh or more, so plan on a car, RV, or ground shipping instead of airline baggage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a folding electric bike weigh?
The folders we carry weigh 50 to 56 lb with the battery, per Ecotric’s manuals.
Will a folding fat tire e-bike fit in my car trunk?
Ecotric’s 48V Fat 20 models fold to 39.3 x 16.5 x 27.6 inches. Measure your trunk opening and floor depth against those numbers.
Can I take a portable electric bike on a plane?
Not as regular baggage in most cases. FAA rules cap passenger spare lithium ion batteries at 160Wh with airline approval, and these batteries are 450 to 720Wh.
Can I charge the battery off the bike?
Yes. The battery unlocks with the included key and slides out of the seat tube, so you can charge it indoors in a ventilated spot.
Have a question about fit, folded size, or which battery matches your bike? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight shipping, and orders below that ship for a flat $200. For returns, see our return and refund policy.
