As mentioned earlier, there are a few characteristics you should look for when buying a folding e-bike. Here are the most important ones:

Weight

Most folding e-bikes are lighter than your average e-bike, but some folding models can still be a pain when having to carry them frequently, especially if you have to travel up steps. If you live in an apartment or anywhere you anticipate carrying your bike a lot, then we recommend prioritizing a lighter folding e-bike. These designs are typically a little less powerful and not as feature-rich (with cargo racks, headlights, etc.), but in the end, they will save you a lot of time and energy. If you don't have to worry about weight as much and plan on carrying your folding e-bike in an SUV or RV or storing it at a vacation home, then you can prioritize a more feature-loaded bike. Examples include thicker tires, more rugged frames with cargo-carrying capabilities, and bigger batteries.

Battery Power

Power is huge when it comes to shopping for e-bikes. A good wattage range for folding e-bikes can be from 350-750 watts, depending on the size and design of the bike. More wattage usually requires a bigger battery. So you'll want to take into account added size and weight, but if you want to go far and fast, then you can usually go with a higher wattage battery. We say "usually" because e-bikes also rely a lot on torque for speed and potential range, as well as the general build of the bike—is it heavy and made to go off-road, or is it light and meant for paved road riding?

E-Bike Class

In order to help build local legislation for safety, e-bikes have been divided into different classes. Some cities only allow Class 1 e-bikes, while others allow up to Class 3. It's true it may be hard for authorities to enforce which e-bike you use. But the reality is if you're using an e-bike in a town or city that's not in code with the local law, you risk getting a ticket.

So, without getting too deep into the weeds, here's a quick rundown: Class 1 e-bikes are defined as pedal-assisted and can go up to 20 mph, while Class 2 e-bikes are defined as having a throttle (along with pedal-assist) and can go up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are defined by having a throttle and can go up to 28 mph. Check with your local laws and see if there are any guidelines about what kind of e-bike class you can use freely and legally in your neighborhood.