Your 2022 Guide For A Folding Electric Mountain Bike

Navigation

Electric bikes have come a long way in recent times. They’re faster and more streamlined, and the choice of bikes on offer has widened to accommodate many different needs.

Regular folding bikes have always been a popular option, especially for city folk, so it was only a matter of time before folding electric bikes entered the market. The folding electric mountain bike is in high demand for many good reasons. Let’s dive into more detail.

What Is A Folding Electric Mountain Bike?

As the name suggests, a folding electric mountain bike folds into a more compact size. Compared to regular folding bikes and folding E-bikes, they are the largest. That is mainly down to the bigger wheel size that mountain bikes carry.

When the Electric MTB (mountain bike) is assembled, it looks and performs just the same as a regular mountain bike with the added power of the electric motor.

Why Choose A Folding Electric Mountain Bike?

There are several advantages to choosing a folding electric mountain bike over a regular one. Most of them are down to convenience.

Simple Storage and Transportation

If you live in a small home or apartment, you’ll be familiar with the lack of storage options. Over 50% of the world’s population lives in a city, which generally means having a small living space.

Finding a home for a regular-sized bike can be tough or just downright impossible. Thanks to the bike’s compact size, storage is far easier when folded.

Similarly, getting a bike from A to B can be inconvenient without investing in a pricey bike rack if you drive a smaller vehicle. However, with your folding electric MTB, you can pop it in the car and go.

Safe And Secure

Having your bike stolen is quite possibly the most frustrating thing to happen. But, the large bike size means we often have to chain them up outside in areas that aren’t very secure.

You don’t need to worry about this if you have a folding electric MTB. Most places will allow you to fold your bike up and carry it inside with you. Like your bag or phone, you can take your bike everywhere.

On A Level With Regular Electric Mountain Bikes

It’s natural to assume that a folding bike will hold less power and capability than a regular bike. However, this is not the case.

Modern folding electric mountain bikes are on a level with their regular counterparts and can boast the same range and speeds. They are even designed to hold a range of accessories if you wish.

What Kind of Power Does a Folding Electric Mountain Bike Need?

Since a mountain bike is designed to navigate rough and steep terrain, it needs to pack more punch than a road bike. Additionally, this bike weighs more, so you need more power to get it going.

An electric MTB requires between 36V and 48V to give it the welly it needs to conquer tough trails without compromising on the range.

What Kind Of Range Can You Expect?

The range of the motor (how far you can travel on one charge) is determined by many factors. You can have the same bike ridden by two people, and the range can differ.

• Your weight: The more weight the bike has to carry, the less range you’ll get.
• Your baggage: If you have bike bags full of gear, this will add more weight.
• Your pedal power: The more effort you put into pedalling, the longer the range will be.
• The battery size: It stands to reason that a bigger battery will carry more range.
• The terrain: Steep, uneven and rocky terrain will require more power and thus reduce range.

What To Look For When Choosing An Electric Folding Mountain Bike

When looking to buy a folding electric MTB, you have quite a range of options available to you. All these are important because they will determine how much you enjoy riding the bike.

Wheel Size

Folding electric bike wheels are available in sizes 16 - 26 inches. However, if you want a mountain bike, you’ll want to pick 26-inch wheels. Anything smaller, you won’t get the stability and shock resistance you need.

Of course, bigger wheels mean more weight and less compact size when folded, but this is a sacrifice you’ll have to make as mountain bikes need those big wheels.

Frame Material

Your choice of frame material will have an impact on the overall weight and durability of the bike. For a mountain bike, you want something lightweight and durable.

• Aluminium: Lightweight and doesn’t rust. Not the most durable.
• Steel: Durable and doesn’t rust. The heaviest option.
• Titanium: Very strong and durable but very expensive.
• Carbon fibre: Lightweight, strong, but pricey (although cheaper than titanium)

Folding Type

There are several folding mechanisms on electric folding bikes, although some are rarely seen.

Break Away

It is where the bike comes fully apart in two pieces. To do this is quite time-consuming and annoying. You’re unlikely to see this mechanism as it’s rare because it’s the most inconvenient type.

Split Fold

Currently the most popular mechanism. It features a hinge in the frame’s centre, allowing the bike to fold in half. It’s easy and quick to perform, making it a super convenient option.

Triangular Hinge

This mechanism is considered the gold standard for folding bikes. The design is unique to each bike and involves hinges and clasps to fold the bike component by component into the smallest possible size.

This mechanism is perfect for those living in the smallest spaces or needing to take their bike everywhere.

Which Accessories Are Best?

No electric MTB would be complete without some accessories to complete your setup. For example, you’ll need a decent battery that gives you plenty of range. You’ll also need a powerful charger to get back to riding in double-quick time.

We always promote safety over and above everything, so we recommend getting a great helmet and a comfortable saddle to keep you riding for longer.

Finally, a phone mount and a bike bag are essential items if you’re taking the road unknown or going on a lengthy trip.

Are Folding Mountain Bikes Worth The Investment?

Suppose storage space is at a premium, or you plan to take your bike everywhere. In that case, we say that folding electric mountain bikes are worth the investment, especially since they match their non-folding counterparts in performance and power.

However, suppose space isn’t an issue, or you’re looking to take up electric mountain biking professionally. In that case, you may want to consider a non-folding electric mountain bike instead.

If you’re unsure what to choose, then we can help. Get in touch with us over at Eskute. We’re a fast-growing electric bike supplier keen to share our knowledge. Whether you’re looking for an E-bike or need something from our great range of accessories, we’ll be happy to talk you through your options.