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What is the difference between a folding bike and a folding bike?

Anyone who is familiar with the world of e-bikes and bicycles has certainly already discovered folding and collapsible bikes. These practical bikes are becoming increasingly popular. The bikes are a great alternative to conventional e-bikes because they can be easily folded up.

Von Fabian Huber  |  6 minutes read time

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Klapprad und einem Faltrad?
About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: December 16, 2022  |  Updated: May 31, 2024

But what is the difference between a folding bike and a folding bicycle? And how can you make even better use of the bikes' advantages? You will find the answers in this article.

Folding or folding bike – is there a difference?

The term folding bike has been around for many years. The first bikes with collapsible frames were brought onto the market in the 1960s. At the time they were still quite unwieldy with small wheels, but folding and collapsible bikes have become more and more modern over the years.

But what is the difference between a folding bike and a collapsible bike? The names are often mentioned in the same sentence and are used as synonyms for one and the same bike. However, there are differences between the bikes that affect the way they are ridden, for example.

folding mechanism

The biggest difference is the folding mechanism of the wheels. Regardless of whether it is a folding or collapsible bike, both models have folding hinges. Depending on the model, there are different numbers of these hinges.

Folding bikes have a large folding mechanism on the main joint. This means that the bike can be easily folded in the middle. A folding bike, on the other hand, has several folding mechanisms. The many hinges mean that the bike can be folded in several places. This makes it even smaller and more compact.

Weight

Another difference is the weight of the two bikes. A folding bike is often a little heavier than a folding bike. The geometry of the frames also differs, which is why the smaller frame of the folding bike often offers less stability. It is ideal for short distances or trips in the city. A folding bike has a frame similar to a conventional bike. This makes it more comfortable and can be used for long tours.

comfort

Since the driving dynamics of both versions differ due to the different frames, the purchase decision depends on which distances you will be covering with the bike. Whether you are going on long or short distances, a folding bike with electric support is a real everyday all-rounder.

Regardless of whether you choose a folding or folding bike, both versions have a low frame for greater comfort. Our Berlin electric folding bike offers greater safety when getting on and off thanks to a low entry even before you start riding.

Electric folding bikes – small format with great performance

Speed ​​and flexibility are what characterize an electric folding bike. With support of up to 25 km/h, the Pedelec is a popular e-bike model. If you combine this with the practical elements of folding bikes, you can enjoy both advantages in one model. For this reason, foldable e-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The practical functions of electric folding bikes

To make electric folding bikes easy to transport and fold up, the tires are a bit smaller. You can therefore often find 20-inch bikes that are both a comfortable size to ride and can also be stored in a space-saving manner.

Important to note: Electric folding bikes should not be too heavy. A folding e-bike weighing around 20 kg is easier to transport.

You don't yet know all the functions of e-bike folding bikes? Then you can find more exciting articles on the subject in our e-bike folding bike blog.

How many inches does a folding or collapsible bike need?

Electric folding bikes and folding bikes are available in many sizes. Whether it's a 20-inch folding bike or a 24-inch e-bike, the different sizes refer to the wheels. In general, the frame size is the same for folding bikes. This means that the folding bikes are ideal for a body height of 150 to 195 cm.

What you should pay attention to: The information only refers to folding bikes. Both bikes often have the same frame size, which is why the actual bike size cannot always be adopted.

Once you have decided on a suitable size, it is important to choose the right model. Fat-tire bikes are particularly modern and are becoming increasingly popular. The bikes are characterized by special tires that are significantly thicker than "normal" bikes.

The wide tires of the myvélo Pamla and Rio bikes ensure stability even at high speeds. Thanks to the good motor performance, the slightly higher weight of the bikes is hardly noticeable.

Advantages of electric folding bikes

With a foldable bike, you only need a few simple steps to gain flexibility and freedom. The bikes offer many practical advantages, which we will introduce to you here.

folded size

A clear advantage of folding bikes is their size. Thanks to the folding mechanism, the bike can be folded up and stored away to save space. Commuters benefit the most from this feature. With the folded bike, you remain mobile and can easily take the train to your next bike tour.

Weight

When it comes to folding bikes, attention is paid to keeping the weight low. This means that stairs are no problem and the bike can be carried easily.

acceleration

Since foldable bikes are particularly light and the wheels are practically small, acceleration is very good. This advantage is particularly evident in the city.

Do you have a lot of respect for speed? Then a folding bike with a motor power cut-off is a good choice. When the brake is applied, the circuit is cut off and the motor power is reduced. This feeling of safety is also important to us. That's why all myvélo folding bikes are equipped with this function.

Special features of MYVELO folding bikes

So that you can enjoy all the advantages of a folding bike, we make sure to use high-quality and cleverly used materials. The saddle and handlebars on our bikes can be adjusted quickly and can be individually adapted to your body size.

Powerful motors support you on long journeys and, in combination with our long-lasting batteries, are a practical helper in stressful everyday life. With a compact gearbox, efficient gear and brake bearings and lightweight components, the MYVELO e-bike folding bikes are ready for any adventure.

For whom is a folding or collapsible bike a good choice?

Folding bikes are ideal for use in the city. In stressful working life, every second counts, including the journey from the train to work. This makes them particularly suitable for commuters. When folded up, they are a comfortable size to carry and take up little space on public transport. The high-quality folding mechanisms ensure that the bike is ready for use quickly and can be used straight after the bus or train journey.

But are folding bikes only suitable for riding in the city? No, because the bikes can do even more. Even occasional riders are well equipped with a folding bike, as the bike can be conveniently stowed away. The different models offer functionality and small folding dimensions as well as a comfortable ride. Medium-length tours can be comfortably mastered with a folding or folding bike and even long distances can be covered with a sporty version.

Tip: A folding bike is a good choice for your next vacation . Thanks to its flexibility, the bike can be easily stored in the car and offers movement and freedom at your vacation destination.

This makes the folding bike a great alternative to the traditional bicycle and makes everyday life easier.

The differences between folding and folding bikes at a glance

The differences between folding and collapsible bikes are small, but they do exist. Folding bikes are ideal for short distances and are slightly larger when folded. Folding bikes have a smaller folded size and guarantee the necessary stability even at high speeds.

The folding bikes are perfect for:

  • ideal for commuters and holidaymakers

  • Students and pupils benefit from the small dimensions

  • City residents enjoy even more freedom with the bikes

With a folding bike you don't have to forego stability and comfort. The bikes can easily keep up with "normal" bikes or e-bikes and are a real help in everyday life. Thanks to their practical dimensions, the bikes are good in city traffic and are a welcome sight on public transport.

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Further information and frequently asked questions zu What is the difference between a folding bike and a folding bike?

Get advice from cycling enthusiasts

Yes, there are differences between a folding bike and a collapsible bike. The biggest difference is the folding mechanism. The collapsible bike folds in the middle, while the folding bike has several hinges. Because of the many hinges, the folding bike is smaller when folded.

A folding bike has a folding mechanism in the middle. Thanks to its easy use, it can be folded in the middle in just a few simple steps.

Since folding bikes often have a small frame size, the usual frame size does not apply here. The frame size of folding bikes is uniform and is perfectly suited for a body height of 150-195 cm. The folded size differs depending on the model and variant. Folding bikes are often smaller when folded than a folding bike.

The weight of a folding bike depends on its size and features. A 16-inch folding bike weighs around 10 kg. A 25-inch folding bike usually weighs 15 kg. The design is also a deciding factor in the weight. Electric folding bikes can be a bit heavier. Ideally, you should make sure that the folding bike weighs less than 20 kg.

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