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7 Best Folding Bikes in Australia [2024]

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Best Folding Bikes Australia
Best Folding Bikes Australia

Folding Bikes Australia

Folding bikes are a great alternative to traditional bikes. They’re perfect for people who live in small apartments, don’t have the space for a bicycle or just want something that they can easily store away when not in use. Australia folding bike market is now becoming more competitive as many brands are entering this segment and customers are spoilt with choice. In this article, we will list 7 best folding bikes you should consider buying if you’re looking for one of these types of bicycles.

1. Brompton Electric

Bromptons are the only folding bikes that can fit in an airplane overhead compartment, with the electric version having folded dimensions of 16 to 17 inches and a 250W front-hub motor with a removable 300Wh battery pack for a cruising range of 25 to 50 miles between charges. It is available in two and six-speed variants, with or without the e-assist. Although the motor and battery add weight (35 to 37 pounds), this is still one of the lighter e-folding bikes at 35 to 37 pounds. The maximum speed of the e-assist is 15.5 mph.

Key Differentiators:

  • Available in 2- and 6-speed models
  • Folds to same dimensions as nonelectric Bromptons

2. Tern Vektron S10

The Tern Vektron S10 upgrades the original’s ultra-compact folding design with more power and a bigger rack. The Bosch Active Plus motor offers 25 percent more torque to help you tackle hills on the nearly 50-pound bike, and the 10-speed Shimano Deore gear setup allows you to customize your riding when in eco mode.

Tern improves the power-to-weight ratio of its ebike models by extending the battery and lowering the center of gravity. The lower center of gravity makes the bike less top-heavy when hauling cargo on the integral rear rack, which is now longer and lower due to a diagonally mounted battery. It’s a bike that hides its weight well and folds up for a portable package that fits in with you.

Key Differentiators:

  • New colors and updated styling
  • Upgraded to the Bosch Performance electric drivetrain for up to 300% assistance and 65 Nm of torque
  • Updated frame with a reclining battery for a lower center of gravity and better ride
  • Frame passed strict European safety standards for pedal-assist e-bikes, having been certified as EN15194-compliant by EFBE Prüftechnik
  • Integrated Atlas V Rack™, integrated 8 point mounting; Max load weight: 27 kg (60 lb) works seamlessly with Thule Yepp Maxi and Nexxt Maxi child seats—no adapters needed
  • Resizes in seconds to fit riders 147 – 195 cm (4’10” – 6’5”) so a single bike can be shared by the family
  • Fits easily on buses, subways and taxis for electric multi-modal commuting

3. Schwinn Loop

The Schwinn Loop is a step-through frame with a 7-speed Shimano Tourney derailleur and Shimano Revo twist shifters, which are mid-range in terms of quality but will enough range for most city ascents. It’s a pleasure to ride, and it folds down with ease. It does, however, lack a locking mechanism for when it is folded. It’s also the heaviest non-cargo, non-electric folding bike on our list at 33 pounds, so it’s for riders who don’t have to change from one mode of transportation to another throughout their journey. The Loop has a few additional features included: fenders for riding in the rain, a rear rack for lightweight cargo, and even its own storage bag.

Key Differentiators:

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to fold

4. Tern BYB S11

Tern’s BYB (Bring Your Bike) is a folding bike design that seeks to improve the performance of one without increasing its size. The unique double-folding mechanisms on the frame of this 20-inch-wheeled bike allow it to be reduced into thirds, making it smaller than any other brand’s previous models. The BYB’s larger wheels, however, give it a smoother, more stable ride than smaller-diameter wheels. The S11 version comes with fenders, front and rear racks, and a chain guard as standard equipment, making it an attractive option for commuters.

Key Differentiators:

  • 30% smaller than traditional 20” folding bikes
  • Fits conveniently into lockers, closets, or any narrow space
  • Metro Transit Rack with built-in spinner wheels for easier trolleying
  • Fits riders from 147 to 195 cm (4’10” – 6’5”)
  • New TFL Joint with 3D interface, DeadBolt design and SpringLock technology
  • New 3D-forged Physis RF Handlepost
  • Kinetix Pro X wheels with paired spoke technology
  • 11-speed Shimano Ultegra, Shadow RD derailleur

5. Tern HSD S8i

Tern’s new HSD S8i combines all of the greatest features of a folding bike, e-commuter, and cargo bike to create the ideal substitute for your car. It’s a midsize cargo bike that ticks all of our boxes, like as much cargo and kid capacity as the previous GSD, but in a more compact, easier-to-handle package that feels less overbuilt for a smaller family or single rider. The bike has a weight capacity of up to 374 pounds and can accommodate one child seat.

Its Bosch Active Line Plus engine smoothly and quietly increases speed up to 20mph, and the Gates belt drive and Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared hub are just as high-quality as they are low-maintenance. The e-bike has a 400Wh battery and a 69-mile range, and it fits people 4’11” to 6’5″. It’s still a fantastic folder, although when riding it feels just as agile as a regular bike.

Key Differentiators:

  • Bosch® Active Line Plus motor with Purion display
  • 400 Wh battery for a range of up to 110 km (69 mi)
  • Custom Suntour suspension fork
  • Shimano® Nexus 8 internal-gear hub
  • Magura® MT4 hydraulic disc brakes
  • Gates Carbon Drive® CDX belt
  • Abus® keyed-alike frame lock
  • Fits riders from 150 to 195 cm (4’11” – 6’5”)
  • Fits one Thule® Yepp Maxi, Yepp Nexxt Maxi, or Bobike® GO Maxi child seat—no adapters needed

6. Dahon Mariner D8

During the epidemic, there were a lot of reasons why Dahon‘s most popular folding bike has been difficult to come by—the aluminum-frame bike has brand-name components, a quick-folding design, and everything you need for a convenient commute, including fenders and a rear rack. The bike’s Shimano Altus rear derailleur shifts smoothly with trigger shifters, and its 8-speed gearing is more than capable of transporting you up steep hills. The burly tires on 20-inch wheels are thick, 1.75-inch-wide Schwalbe Citizen.

Key Differentiators:

  • 8-speed Shimano Altus
  • Single chainset
  • V-brake
  • Alloy Frame
  • 20″ Wheel set
  • Fenders and rear rack

7. Brompton M6L Black Edition

It’s difficult to come by a Brompton these days. The bikes are highly sought after owing to their overall high quality and compact packing ability, which allows you to commute to and from the airport as well as stick one into the overhead compartment for a long-distance, car-free trip. The company offers a wide range of drivetrain alternatives, color schemes, and handlebar forms, as well as a complete line of luggage systems.

For its six-speed transmission and u-shaped handlebar, the M6L is popular for providing riders with a comfortable upright riding position. Thanks to full-coverage fenders, the steel frame is hand-braze in wet weather and ready to ride. You may also choose from a variety of custom colors and components when purchasing a Brompton; all are built to order at the brand’s London factory.

Key Differentiators:

  • H-Type handle bar shape
  • Black components
  • 6-speed BWR Brompton hubgear
  • Schwalbe Marathon Racer tyres
  • Mudguards included
  • Front carrier block included
  • Available in a range of colours

Folding Bikes Australia

It’s difficult to find folding bikes in Australia. The ones that are available often have high-quality components and options, but they’re typically more expensive than other bike types. If you want the best folding bike for your needs, it pays to do some research before making a purchase decision. We hope this article has taught you about the different folding bikes on offer today so that you can make an informed decision when shopping online or visiting local shops near home!

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Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

Article by

I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Australia. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Australia. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Australia has to offer.