Folding e-bikes are just all-around fun. In recent years, the popularity of electric bikes has grown significantly as individuals seek eco-friendly and efficient transportation alternatives. One particular e-bike model that stands out is the 16-inch folding electric bike.
So Why Choose a 16-inch Wheel Folding E-bike?
While people have traveled the world on smaller wheeled Bromptons, the 16-inch folding electric bike tends to exist more for the commuter or urban rider. The compact 16-inch wheels are not only easy to maneuver, but also ensure seamless storage when folded and offer unmatched convenience and flexibility, especially for those living in urban environments with limited space.
16-Inch folding e-bikes usually have smaller hub motors, smaller batteries that limit your riding range, and gear configurations from single-speed to multiple gears with gear ratios capable mainly for that last mile.
When considering a purchase of a 16-inch wheel folding electric bike, it’s important to pay attention to the weight of the bike. A lightweight bike can be easier to carry and transport, especially if you need to take it on public transportation or store it in a small space. Additionally, the battery size and charging time should be taken into consideration, as these factors can impact the bike’s overall convenience and usability.
We spent hours researching 16-inch wheel folding electric bikes to identify the ones that offer the best combination of portability, convenience, and performance. Owning a 16-inch wheel folding electric bike can be a game changer for those who need a reliable and easy-to-use mode of transportation that can be easily stored and transported.
Important Buying Features
When choosing a 16-inch wheel folding electric bike, there are several factors to consider. We have compiled a list of features to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Motor Power
The motor power determines how fast and how far you can go on your electric bike. While most of the e-bikes below have 250 hub motors and have max. speeds of 15.5 m.p.h. These e-bikes are locked for the UK market whose regulations require a pedal-assist motor, a maximum power output of 250 watts, and electrical assistance that must cut-off when it reaches 15.5mph / 25kmph. A few of the folding e-bikes listed have 350W rear hub motors that can achieve faster speeds. If you plan to use your bike for hilly terrain or long distances, consider a motor with a higher torque.
Battery Life
The battery life is an important factor to consider when choosing an electric bike as it determines riding range. Most batteries below provide power for up to 20 miles while riding with the highest assist level. Max ranges takes into consideration the lowest power mode (meaning more pedaling). If you plan to use your e-bike for longer distances, consider purchasing a second battery to carry along.
All the folding e-bikes below have removable batteries providing safety and ease to carry or replace.
Gearing
Gearing is usually seen as an afterthought on 16-inch folding electric bikes. While it is true that these e-bikes are not designed for long trips a rider does enjoy the option of pedaling. Single-speed gearing is more suitable for throttle riding. If you are really looking to do more pedaling you will probably need to upgrade the front sprocket to 52T or higher.
Weight, Fold, and Max Height
The folding mechanism is an important feature to consider if you plan to transport your bike frequently. While most of the folding e-bikes are bi-folds there are two tri-folds that are lighter and easier to carry folded. A few of the folding e-bikes have added wheel stabilizers in place of a frame protector so the e-bike can be wheeled while folded.
Weight does matter for e-bikes regardless of their ability to fold so think about how often you actually plan on carrying your e-bike. These 16-inch folding e-bikes range from 34 to 50 pounds.
With the smaller frames come smaller seat posts hence lower max heights. While most of these e-bikes top out at a max rider height of 5’10” inches a longer seat post can be swapped out.
Additional Considerations
Investing time in researching to help make an informed decision and choose the most suitable 16-inch folding e-bike that is within your budget. A few final factors to consider:
- Brand Reputation – Well-respected brands are more likely to offer quality products
- History and experience in the industry
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Warranty – Most reputable companies will provide a warranty on their electric bikes covering the frame and components.
16-Inch Wheel Folding Electric Bike Roundup
In this Ultimate Roundup, we pulled together a full range of the best folding e-bikes from low-budget to high-end premium in the 16-inch wheel category.
While the frame design may be similar on a number of these e-bikes each has its own custom set of features.
Best 16-Inch Folding E-Bikes Below $1000
ADO A16 Folding E-Bike
ADO is an acronym for A Dece Oasis. The ADO A16 folding e-bike offers a full suspension ride in a small frame package. ADO A16 can be powered by a thumb throttle but is also equipped with ADO G-Drive frequency conversion control system (cadence pedal assist).
250W Rear Hub (Torque 22 nM) / 36V 7.5Ah Battery / Max Speed 15.5 m.p.h. / Max Range 45 miles / Weight 44 lbs
ADO A16 additional highlights:
- Full suspension
- Frame carry handle
- 1.95″ inch tires
- Shimano 7-Speed, 52T front sprocket
- Display with USB port
- IPX5 waterproof, 1200 lumen headlight
- Mechanical disc brakes
Price: $820 USD
Hitway BK2 Folding E-Bike
HITWAY BK2 is another 16-inch wheel, sub $1,000 folding e-bike with full suspension. What sets the Hitway BK2 apart is the ability to unlock the rear hub motor to 20 m.p.h. and maximize its full power potential. To make certain you can hit that max speed the Hitway BK2 houses a larger 8.4Ah removable battery.
500W Rear Hub / 36V 8.4Ah Battery / Max Speed 15.5 m.p.h. / Max Range 45 miles / Weight 49.6 lbs
Hitway BK2 additional highlights:
- Unlock speed to 20 m.p.h
- Front and rear suspension
- Fully adjustable handlebars
- Single speed
- Dual disc brakes with motor cutoff
- 3 Levels PAS
- Front headlight and horn
Price: $760 USD
Swagtron EB7 Plus Folding E-Bike
Swagtron EB7 Plus provides 7-speed gearing to make this their upgraded version of the Elite Commuter. Max speeds are tied to each of the 3 modes (1-11 mph, 2-13mph, 3-18.6 mph) as well as a twist throttle if that is the way you wish to roll. The handlebar stem does not adjust for height so this e-bike has a max rider suggestion of 5’10” inches.
350W Rear Hub / 36V 5.2Ah Battery / Max Speed 18.6 m.p.h. / Max Range 20+ miles / Weight 42.3 lbs
Swagtron EB7 Plus additional highlights:
- Frame handle for easy lifting
- Max speed of 18.6 m.p.h.
- Shimano 7-speed (read our review for upgrade recommendations)
- Integrated front headlight
- Swagtron offers a Protection Plan
Price: $650 USD
Fiido D2S Folding E-Bike
Fiido provides a full line of folding e-bikes. The Fiido D2S is their 16-inch wheel mini folding e-bike with a high-performance rear hub motor, rear suspension, and fenders all of which are needed for commuter riding. The 1.95-inch thick tires provide additional cushion for those bumpy city streets.
250W Rear Hub / 36V 7.8Ah Battery / Max Speed 15.5 m.p.h. / Max Range 37+ miles / Weight 43 lbs
Fiido D2S Folding E-Bike additional highlights:
- Frame carry handle
- Tires 16 x 1.95 inch
- 6-Speeds
- Fiido D2S fenders
- Rear suspension
- Integrated front headlight
Price: $799 USD
JupiterBike Discovery X5
The JupiterBike Discovery X5 looks similar in frame design as some of the others above but with JupiterBike’s personal touches. The roller wheel for a frame protector is a great feature for those who want to roll their e-bike plus a magnetic buckle to hold the bike together while in the folded position. The handlebar stem does not adjust for height, however, the JupiterBike Discovery X5 does offer powerful disc brakes, an upgraded rear motor, and a dual spring comfort saddle.
350W Rear Hub / 36V 5.2Ah Battery / Max Speed 16 m.p.h. / Max Range 30+ miles / Weight 40 lbs
JupiterBike Discovery X5 Folding E-Bike additional highlights:
- Twist throttle
- CoreRide disc brakes with 160mm rotors
- Chain ring protector with stabilizer wheel
- Single speed
- Reflective tire sidewalls
- Dual spring comfort saddle
Price: $995 USD
Zhengbu K6 Folding E-Bike
The Zhengbu K6 16-inch wheel folding e-bike has that fun, futuristic-looking design. The design does limit the seat post length (which sits higher) and has a suggested rider height range of 5’1′-6’5″ inches. The K6 features a 400W rear hub motor with a powerful 48V battery providing a longer riding range. While Khengbu does not mention it on their website we are sure the K6 could be unlocked for faster speeds. We do like the use of the mid-rise handlebars.
400W Rear Hub (Torque 42nM) / 48V 12.8Ah Battery / Max Speed 16 m.p.h. / Max Range 40+ miles / Weight 51 lbs
ZHENGBU K6 Folding Ebike additional highlights:
- Powerful rear hub motor
- Integrated front and rear headlights
- Mobile phone holder and USB port
- Full suspension
- Tires 16 x 1.95 inch
Price: $999 USD
Jetson Haze Folding E-Bike
Jetson produces a full line of micro-mobility products from bikes to scooters and hoverboards. They are probably most known for their Bolt e-bike which could be purchased at most Costco locations. The Jetson Haze is a step up from the Bolt Up and features 16-inch wheels, custom magnesium alloy folding frame with built-in headlights. The handlebar stem does not adjust for height and the seat post is also limited height adjustment.
350W Rear Hub (Torque 42nM) / 36V Battery / Max Speed 15.5 m.p.h. / Max Range 20+ miles / Weight 48 lbs
Jetson Haze Folding E-Bike additional highlights:
- Rear suspension
- 3 levels PAS
- Cruise control
- Single speed
- Built-in rear lock
- Tire pump
- Integrated front and rear headlights
Price: $900 USD
Best Mini Folding E-Bikes Above $1000
Qualisports Nemo
Qualisports Nemo is a smaller version of the more well-known model the Qualipsorts Dolphin. Using the seat post to house the battery has made this lineup attractive to many riders. The Nemo has a front wheel hub motor which tends to provide a pull versus push feeling when riding similar to the Brompton Electric C Line below. While the Nemo is only single speed it is equipped with a 12 point cadence sensor for a true pedal assist.
250W Front Hub (Torque 30 nM) / 36V 7AhBattery / Max Speed 16 mph / Max Range 20 miles / Weight 34 lbs
Qualisports Nemo highlights:
- Seat post battery
- Thicker tires to absorb some bumps
- Adjustable stem
- Single speed
- 12 point cadence sensor
- Cruise control
- LCD display with USB port
Price: $999 USD
Slinker Lindie Mini
The Slinker Lindie Mini is similar to the Qualisports Nemo but with a few modifications – hence the higher price. The Lindie Mini folding e-bike features a 350W rear hub motor (vs Nemo front hub motor) and a larger seat post battery coupled with a usable 4-speed thanks to a 52T front sprocket. The Slinker Lindie Min does lack suspension but bumps should easily be absorbed by the 2.125″ inch wide tires.
350W Rear Hub / 36V 10.5Ah Battery / Max Speed 16 mph / Max Range 30 miles / Weight 34 lbs
Slinker Lindie Mini Folding E-Bike highlights:
- Seat post battery
- Thicker tires to absorb some bumps
- Tires 16 x 2.125 inch
- 4-speed (52T front, 11-18T rear)
- 12 point cadence sensor
- Cruise control
- LCD display with USB port
- Integrated front headlight
Price: $1,299 USD
Best Mini Folding E-Bikes Above $2000
MiRider One GB3
Ok, let’s say you liked the frame style and rear suspension feature of some of the 16-wheel folding e-bikes in the “below $1,000” category above but each one needed some upgrades to make them better. Now put your entire wishlist together and this is what you get – the MiRider One GB3. We will eventually write a more detailed review later but suffice it to say we are impressed!
The MiRider One GB3 features a belt drive (oil-free) and an Efneo GTRO 3-speed gearbox. Thanks to adjustable high-rise handlebars, an adjustable stem, and a telescopic seat post the MiRider One GB3 can accommodate most riding heights. When folded the MiRider One GB3 has a stabilizer wheel for a frame protector allowing you to roll your e-bike and wheel magnetics as well as a folding strap.
250W Rear Hub (Torque 40 nM) / 36V 7Ah Battery / Max Speed 15.5 mph / Max Range 45 miles / Weight 42.8 lbs
MiRider One GB3 Folding E-Bike highlights:
- 5 Levels PAS
- Hydraulic disk brakes
- Color display with USB port
- Lightweight CNC pedals
- High rise handlebars
- Schwalbe Green Compound Road Cruiser tires
- Telescopic seat stem
- Wheel magnets
- Chain ring protector with stabilizer wheel
Price: $3,110 USD
MiRider One GB3 – https://mirider.co.uk/product/mirider-one-gb3-folding-ebike-7ah/
Flit M2
FLIT is a 16-inch folding e-bike that started from the ground up. Flit’s first e-bike was the FLIT-16 Commuter Edition. It is currently sold out as Flit awaits its newest creation the FLIT M2. The FLIT M2 was developed based on market feedback and the founders’ desire to make their original design better. While currently available for pre-order this 16-inch folding e-bike is quite a head-turner.
The FLIT M2 weighs in at just under 31 pounds making the M2 the lightest of this group. The battery sits inside the tubular frame and is removable. The chain stay is designed to absorb road bumps. Oh, and did we mention this is a tri-fold?
250W Rear Hub (Torque 35 nM) / 36V 6.4Ah Battery / Max Speed 16 mph / Max Range 30+ miles / Weight 30.8 lbs
Flit M2 Folding E-Bike highlights:
- Tri-fold frame
- Pedal torque-sensing
- Single speed – 44T x 11T rear, 48T chainring available
- Hydraulic Tektro HD-R280 Disc Brakes
- Schwalbe Marathon 16″, 349 ETRTO tires
- Integrated front and rear lights
- Rider height range: 4ft 10″ – 6ft; extended seat post available
Price: $3,115 USD
Flit M2 – https://flit.bike/product/flit-m2-folding-ebike-pre-order/
Brompton Electric C Line Explore
Last but not least the Brompton Electric C Line Explorer. Brompton stayed true to its iconic tri-fold design as it entered the folding electric bike arena. The Brompton Electric C Line has a custom 250W front hub motor and is powered by a front-mounted battery pack. If you love the Brompton brand (and its eco-system) and don’t mind carrying the battery pack then this is for you. If you already own a Brompton you may be financially better off electrifying with a Swytch kit.
250W Front Hub / 36V 300Wh Battery / Max Speed 15.5 mph / Max Range 45 miles / Weight 38.4 lbs
Brompton Electric C Line Explore Folding E-Bike highlights:
- 3 levels of Smart Pedal Assist
- 6-speed (2 x 3 speed), 300% range
- Mid or High handlebar option
- 349 x 35C Schwalbe Marathon Racer with reflective sidewall
- 40 Lux Busch & Muller AVY LED front and rear lamp
Price: $4,150 USD
