Best compact e bkes: practical machines for city living

Little wheels have become a big trend for e bkes, helping them squeeze into the lives of space-strapped riders. Compact e bkes provide a space-saving solution for someone who wants to commute by bike but lacks storage for a full-sized e bkes. Compact e bkes can also be folded to make them even more accessible to store. But just because their wheels have shrunk, don’t imagine these nippy little bikes provide diminished performance or comfort.

With most models using voluminous tyres, comfort and grip can be improved over a standard-size wheel. They’re also incredibly fun to ride, making them the perfect match for the latest motor and battery tech.

Best compact e bkes shortlisted

B’Twin E-Fold 500 – £999.99

Hygge Vester Folding 20-inch Fat Tyre Electric Bike – £1,399

AXON RIDES Pro Lite Electric Folding Bike – £1,665

2024 Eovolt Afternoon 20 Origins Electric Folding Bike – £1,869.99 (RRP £2,199)

Cannondale Compact Neo – £2,000

Cube Fold Sport Hybrid 500 – £2,699

Brompton Electric C Line Urban 4 – £2,900 (RRP £3,125)

Raleigh Modum Electric Compact – £3,059 (RRP £3,399)

Gocycle G4 – £3,399

Things to remember with compact bikes is their range can be less than that of your more regular e-bike – due to the size of compact e-bikes, finding somewhere to house a larger battery can be difficult. However, they can be an excellent option for buzzing about town. Motors can also be smaller, meaning they harness less power. This means that you may notice carrying items on your panniers more. However, they should give you enough power to negate the additional weight.

The top-end prices will deliver disc brakes, more powerful motors and bigger batteries, while the bottom end of the [rice bracket will have rim brakes with the opposite in batteries and motors. Our advice would be to buy to your budget for what you need. Integrated accessories are always excellent. Look out for these.

Best compact e-bikes

B’Twin E-Fold 500

£999.99 | VIEW OFFER

There’s much to like about this low-cost compact folding e bkes by B’Twin (Decathlon’s brand). It is a serious low-cost option with integrated mudguards, kickstand, rear pannier – which also holds the 252Wh removable battery pack – and front and rear lights. With a rear hub motor, you’ll get between 18 and 30 miles, depending on how you use it, what you carry, and weather conditions. It also weighs 21kg, which isn’t light for a small bike.

Pros
Plenty of integrated accessories
Packs down small
Excellent range

Cons
Heavy at 21kg

Spec
Motor 250W rear hub motor
Battery 252Wh battery removable battery
Range Up to 30 miles
Weight 21kg

Hygge Vester Folding 20-inch Fat Tyre Electric Bike

£1,399 | VIEW OFFER

Fat tyres offer ultimate comfort, often lacking in compact bikes due to their design nature. You can have a lower PSI in the tyre, so some shock and buzz of the road is absorbed. Nordic brand Hygee claims their Vester can give you up to 37 miles of range with their compact folding e-bike. The large 20-inch fat tyres will give you grip in almost all conditions, and with a 250W rear hub motor, you can power yourself along. You get excellent integrated accessories and a decent range, but it weighs 27kg. That’s heavier than some full-suspension eMTBs!

Pros
Comfortable
Go-anywhere tyres
Decent range

Cons
It’s a heavy one!

Spec
Motor 250W rear hub motor
Battery 36V 10Ah removable battery
Range Up to 37 miles
Weight 27kg

AXON RIDES Pro Lite Electric Folding Bike

£1,665 | VIEW OFFER

AXON has focused on bringing the weight of their compact folding e-bike down; it’s lightweight at 15.5kg – that would put some standard folding bikes to shame, let alone the introduction of batteries and motors. At first glance, you know this bike has been built for lightness; it’s completely stripped down, and even the mudguards are small and delicate looking. A 250W rear hub motor and 36V – 5.2Ah Lithium-Ion battery will deliver up to 25 miles. It’s impressive for a bike designed for lightness.

Pros
Lightweight
Powerful mechanical disc brakes
Magnetic system for doling down

Cons
While it’s lightweight, it looks delicate.

Spec
Motor 250W rear hub motor
Battery 36V – 5.2Ah (Lithium-Ion battery)
Range Up to 25 miles
Weight 15.5kg

2024 Eovolt Afternoon 20 Origins Electric Folding Bike

£1,869.99 (RRP £2,199) | VIEW OFFER

Out of all the folding compact bikes designed, we like this one from Eovolt. There’s something about the way the rear pannier rack fits onto the back that is lovely. The addition of integrated accessories for not a lot of weight is also a great feature. The rear hub motor is powerful at 40Nm of torque so that you can carry some weight with the compact e-bike. It will affect battery and range, but it has a claimed range of nearly 50 miles at a maximum.

Pros
Compact design
Powerful motor
Good accessories

Cons
There are not too many cons to this one

Spec
Motor 36V 250W Rear hub motor
Battery LG Lithium 36V – 6.4Ah – 230wh
Range Up to 31 miles
Weight 20.9 kg

Cannondale Compact Neo

£2,000 | VIEW OFFER

The first compact bike on the list which doesn’t fold, and it’s a beauty; with its 20” wheels, this Compact Neo form Cannondale reminds us of BMX’s, but it’s slightly more usable as a commuter – with its Sunrace gears, you’ll be able to power your commute. The Hyena rear hub delivers the power and combined with an integrated battery; you can get up to 47 miles of range. Thick, squishy Kena tyres add grip and comfort, while the integrated rear pannier rack makes it more practical. There are a lot of bike here for £2,000.

Pros
Looks great
Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
Pedals and bars fold down.

Cons
It is not the most recognised motor, but Cannondale would have done their due diligence.

Spec
Motor Hyena MRC-250 rear hub motor
Battery Hyena 250wh
Range Up to 47 miles
Weight 18kg

Cube Fold Sport Hybrid 500

£2,699 | VIEW OFFER

Look at this: a folding bike with a crank motor, not just any crank motor. A Bosch Drive Unit Active Plus Generation 3 Cruise. Capable of 50Nm, which will be more than enough to flatten any hill and fly along any commute. Add the Bosch 500 power pack, and no matter the weight of the bike, you won’t notice when you’re riding. When carrying it upstairs or storing it, you may recognise the 25.9kg a bit more, though… However, you get a massive range; this compact folding e-bike will deliver up to 120 miles if used diligently. Fully loaded and full power being used, maybe closer to 30 miles… Still impressive!

Pros
Massive range
Powerful motor
Integrates accessories

Cons
Very heavy

Spec
Motor Drive Unit Active Plus Generation 3 (50Nm) Cruise (250Watt)
Battery Bosch PowerPack 500
Range Up to 120 miles
Weight 25.9 kg

Brompton Electric C Line Urban 4

£2,900 (RRP £3,125) | VIEW OFFER

As folding and compact bikes go, Brompton needs little to no introduction. It’s probably the most recognised name on the folding bike market. They spent time developing their front hub motor, which is powered by an external and removable battery pack, which can also charge other devices like your phone. This stripped-back, simplistic design is ideal for city living, and with the addition of a motor, it only gets easier. There are four internal hub gears to help you with any climb; if the battery and motor cannot do it on their own and weigh just 16.6kg, you’ll be able to ride it without the batter or motor on to help increase the range, which is already between 20-45 miles.

Pros
A well-recognised name which brings its own credibility
Decent range
Classic design

Cons
Not many on this bike

Spec
Motor Front wheel 250w brushless dc motor
Battery 300wh 36v
Range Up to 45 miles
Weight 16.6 kg

Raleigh Modum Electric Compact

£3,059 (RRP £3,399) | VIEW OFFER

Raleigh see the Cannondale Compact Neo and bring their own compact bike to the market, but what extra do you get for the extra £1,000? Well, a Bosch Performance Line motor with a Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery to start with. This combination of battery and motor will deliver up to 70- miles of assisted riding. While the rear pannier rack design is an absolute triumph. We love the look of this bike and even though it’s small it’s mighty. Hydrualic disc brakes and fully integrated accessories really make this one a smart buy.

Pros
Integrated accessories
Huge range
Respected motor

Cons
Can’t get all this without being a bit heavy.

Spec
Motor Bosch Performance Line BES3
Battery Bosch PowerTube 500Wh
Range Up to 70 miles
Weight 25.6 kg

Gocycle G4

£3,399 | VIEW OFFER

And finally rounding off the list is another bike which has really made waves in the compact market. GoCycle use innovative design features to bring about a rear suspension bike for maximum comfort. While it’s classed as a lightweight, it’s not the lightest on this list, coming in at 17.6kg, but you get decent range, integrated accessories, rear suspension, a powerful front hub motor and up to 40 miles of range.

Pros
Sleek design
Integrated accessories
Decent range

Cons
Proprietary tech may need special servicing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are compact e-bikes, and how do they differ from standard e-bikes?

Compact e-bikes are smaller, more lightweight versions of standard electric bicycles. They often feature foldable frames, making them easier to transport and store in tight spaces. Unlike their larger counterparts, compact e-bikes are designed for convenience and ease of use in urban environments, without sacrificing performance and range.

How far can a compact e-bike travel on a single charge?

The range of a compact e-bike depends on various factors such as battery capacity, rider weight, terrain, and assistance level. On average, compact e-bikes can travel between 25 to 50 miles (40 to 80 kilometers) on a single charge. Some models may offer extended ranges with larger batteries or more efficient motors.

How long does it take to charge a compact e-bike?

Charging time for compact e-bikes can vary from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the battery’s capacity and the charger’s output. Some e-bikes come with fast chargers that can significantly reduce charging time, making it more convenient for daily use.

Are compact e-bikes allowed on public transport?

Rules regarding e-bikes on public transport vary by location and the specific transport system. Generally, compact e-bikes, especially foldable ones, are more likely to be accepted on public transport due to their reduced size and portability. It’s always best to check with local transport authorities or specific transport system policies before travelling.

Can compact e-bikes be used for off-road riding?

While compact e-bikes are primarily designed for urban commuting, some models are equipped with features suitable for light off-road use, such as gravel paths and park trails. These might include more robust tires, suspension forks, and stronger frames. However, they may not be as capable as specialized off-road e-bikes for more challenging terrain.

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Why should you trust us? At Cycling Electric, we’re passionate about giving people active travel options; we’re respected journalists in our field and follow everything cycling. We test, ride and review many bikes a year and know what makes a bike work and what doesn’t. We work with brands worldwide to bring you the best bikes possible.

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