The 4 folding bikes in the comparison and test are the Tern Link D7i, the Dahon Hemingway D9, the Brompton P-Line Urban and the MYVELO Zurich .

Why use a folding bike?

Many people use folding bikes in their everyday lives because the folding mechanism means they offer more functionality than conventional bikes, but there are no compromises in terms of stability. There are different types of folding mechanisms, and the bike is usually folded in the middle of the frame. This makes it more compact and can be easily transported in a car, camper van, or on public transport such as a bus or train. So what are the disadvantages of a folding bike compared to a city bike, mountain bike, or trekking bike? It's no secret: every mechanism requires regular maintenance. Be it a few drops of oil or simply cleaning it with a cleaning cloth. If the folding bike is regularly maintained, you can enjoy this practical means of transport for a long time.

The decisive factors for the different folding bikes are of course the price, the materials used, the weight and also the folding size. Last but not least, people choose a folding bike because it takes up less space when folded than a conventional bike. Similar to the traditional bicycle market, more and more folding bikes with electronic support are coming onto the shelves. This is not surprising, because the e-bike not only ensures a greater range, but also offers the advantage, especially in the area of ​​folding bikes, that you can significantly increase the radius when camping or use less energy when commuting and therefore don't arrive at work so sweaty. In everyday life, the e-bike supports you simply because it offers more flexibility than a bicycle without an electric drive and the distances to be covered can be covered more effortlessly and efficiently.

Which folding bike is the best in comparison?

In the folding bike comparison we compared the MYVELO folding bikes with each other. When comparing different folding bikes, the most important criteria may be weighted differently. This article is about the size, the weight, the folding mechanism, the components such as brakes, lights, mudguards, gears and roadworthiness according to StVZO and of course the price.

If you want to choose a folding bike, the first question that matters is the tire size for relaxed riding. Which size: 16 inches or 20 inches? In this comparison, there are 3 bikes with 20-inch tires and one bike with 16-inch tires. In everyday life, the tire size makes a difference because a smaller wheel has to turn more often than a larger wheel. Although a small wheel may offer a smaller pack size, many people choose the 20-inch folding bike because it offers more stability and safety when riding due to the centrifugal force and because of the ideal ratio between maneuverability and tire wear.

The second criterion that might be noticeable is the weight. The lighter, the better, you might think. When camping, it's all about the permissible total weight of the trailer, so every gram is weighed. When commuting, it's the situations in which you have to carry the bike in or out of the train or bus, for example, if you can't roll it folded up. In everyday life, weight is actually less important.

The folding mechanism on the frame and handlebars is also the central element of the bike and should be easy and uncomplicated to open and close again with one hand - at the same time, safety must not be neglected. The video in this article shows the different folding mechanisms and how quickly the bike can be assembled and disassembled.

Ultimately, however, the components and the associated price are also crucial. Are mudguards included, are there reflectors and sufficient lights in accordance with the StVZO? Here is a direct comparison of the 4 bikes:

Tern Link D7i

• Weight: 14.4kg
• 20 inches
• aluminum frame
• Folding dimensions (HxWxD): 79cm x 38cm × 72 cm
• Price: 1,500 euros

Dahon Hemingway D9

• Weight: 12.3 kg
• 20 inches
• aluminum frame
• Folded dimensions (HxWxD): 68cm x 39cm x 85 cm
• Price: 800 euros

Brompton P-Line Urban

• Weight: 10 kg
• 16 inches
• titanium and steel frames
• Folded dimensions (HxWxD): 64.5 cm x 27 cm x 56.5 cm
• Price: 2,650 euros

MYVELO Zurich

• Weight: 22 kg
• 20 inches
• aluminum frame
• Folded dimensions (HxWxD): 87 cm x 40 cm x 68 cm
• Price: 1,999 euros

In comparison, the bikes are not that different when it comes to folding dimensions. All are less than 90cm high when folded, and some can be folded even more compactly in width. There are also bags for almost all bikes in which they can be transported when folded.

The Tern Link D7i impresses with a strong luggage rack, it offers a Shimano Nexus gearshift and a hub dynamo as well as a chain guard.

The Dahon is equipped with a Shimano Altus 9-speed derailleur, but has no mudguards and no luggage rack. Instead, it does have V-brakes and LED headlights at the front and rear.

The Brompton folding bike is known for its tried and tested pulley for folding. Compromises are made in terms of weight, so there are no bike stands, reflectors or lights.

The MYVELO folding bike impresses with a Shimano 7-speed gearshift, Tektro disc brakes and LED front and rear lights including brake lights. The MYVELO Zurich folding bike also has a special feature: it is an e-folding bike with the battery in the seat post - this means it offers a much greater range.

All 4 folding bikes have safety locks for the folding mechanism so that the lock cannot be opened accidentally. The locks are also included on the handlebars.

Conclusion to the guide to e-folding bikes

In this article, 4 popular folding bikes from different manufacturers were compared: Tern, Dahon, Brompton and MYVELO. The folding bikes have different features, weights and folding dimensions and corresponding prices.

If you're on a tight budget, the Dahon for €800 might be a budget option. The Brompton P-Line Urban is the most expensive folding bike in the test, but you should note that you also need additional components such as lights and reflectors. The Tern flat bike is a solid option without electronic support at €1,500. For just €499 more, however, you can get the MYVELO Zurich as a fully-fledged e-folding bike with all components already included.

The MYVELO Zurich folding bike therefore impresses with a solid price-performance ratio for a folding bike with electric motor support.