People looking for an electric folding bike often consider the size first. Will the bike fit in the trunk, in a RV, or on a train? That’s when small wheels quickly come to mind. They make the bike much more compact when folded and lighter in weight.
But small wheels also have their limitations. In this article, you'll learn about the pros and cons and find out for whom an electric folding bike with small wheels is the best choice.
What are small wheels on an electric folding bike?
For folding bikes, wheels measuring 16 inches or smaller are considered small. By comparison, a standard city bike has 28-inch wheels. In between is the 20-inch wheel size, which many cyclists see as the happy medium between compact and comfortable.
The smaller the wheel, the smaller the folded bike. On the other hand, the riding experience changes. So it’s important to know what you gain and what you sacrifice.
The Benefits of an Electric Folding Bike with Small Wheels
It folds up very compactly. That’s the biggest advantage. A bike with small wheels fits more easily in a trunk, under a desk, in a closet, or in the garage of a camper or trailer. Space is often limited on a boat or in a small home, too, and every centimeter counts.
Lighter weight. Smaller wheels and a smaller frame mean less material. As a result, these bikes are often much lighter than models with larger wheels. That’s convenient when you need to lift or carry the bike—for example, up stairs, in an elevator, or when getting on and off a train.
Agile and quick to get going. A small wheel accelerates smoothly and handles nimbly. Whether in busy city centers, on narrow paths, or among pedestrians, it’s easy to maneuver.
Easy to transport. Whether you're traveling by car, RV, train, or plane, a small, folded-up bike is easier to take with you than a large one.
Easy to store. Don't have a shed or indoor storage space? Then it's nice that you can just bring the bike inside without it getting in the way.
The Disadvantages of Small Wheels
It's important to be fair. Small wheels also have their drawbacks:
- Less riding comfort. You’ll feel bumps, cobblestones, and uneven surfaces more clearly, because a small wheel doesn’t roll over them as easily.
- Less stable at high speeds. The bike feels agile, but also a bit more responsive and twitchy. You notice this especially on longer rides and in strong winds.
- Smaller battery and shorter range. Because the bike needs to remain compact and lightweight, the battery in the smallest models is often smaller.
- Less suitable for long distances. For daily rides of ten kilometers or more, a larger wheel size is usually more comfortable.
Who is an electric folding bike with small wheels suitable for?
A model with small wheels is a good fit for people who mainly use their bike as a supplement to another form of transportation. For example:
- Travelers who bike the last leg to or from the station
- RV owners and campers who want to bring a bike without a bike rack
- Water sports enthusiasts who want to store their bikes on the boat
- People with limited storage space, such as those living in an apartment
- Cyclists who mainly ride short distances, such as to the grocery store, the village, or the beach
- People who are looking for a lightweight bike because they have to lift it regularly
Small Wheels and Traveling by Train
If you combine biking with public transportation, small wheels and a light weight are a real advantage. You can fold up the bike and take it with you onto the platform, onto the train, and up the stairs. That’s a lot easier with a bike weighing fourteen or fifteen kilos than with one weighing more than twenty kilos. Be sure to check the transit provider’s rules in advance regarding folding bikes and batteries.
The small electric folding bikes from e-4motion
Looking for a compact model? Then check out our small electric folding bikes. One example is the e-4motion Mini, a compact folding bike weighing 14.5 kilograms with a range of up to 35 kilometers. That’s plenty for city rides, a day at the beach, or the trip to and from the train station—and the bike takes up very little space.
If you'd rather ride a little farther or want more comfort, there's an alternative. Our lightweight electric folding bikes are also easy to lift and a great option if weight is important to you.
Small wheels or 20-inch wheels?
The choice between small wheels and 20-inch wheels comes down to balancing size and comfort. A 20-inch electric folding bike is slightly larger when folded, but rides noticeably smoother, has a longer range, and is better suited for longer rides. Do you mainly use the bike for short trips, and is compactness the deciding factor? Then a smaller model is a smarter choice. If you regularly ride longer distances, choose a 20-inch model or even a 28-inch model.
Tips for Choosing an Electric Folding Bike with Small Wheels
- Determine how far you cycle on average and choose a battery that suits your needs
- Measure the space where you want to store or transport the bike when it's folded
- Keep the weight in mind, especially if you lift the bike often
- Check to see if the folding mechanism is simple and sturdy
- Take a test ride to see how the bike handles and rides
Conclusion: Small wheels as a compact and lightweight alternative
An electric folding bike with small wheels is ideal when compactness and weight are top priorities. It fits in virtually any car trunk, RV, or storage room and is easy to transport. However, the riding comfort and range are more limited than with larger models. The most important thing, therefore, is to choose the wheel size that best suits how, how far, and how often you ride.
Curious about what e-4motion has to offer?
Browse all electric folding bikes in our online store and compare the different models. You can also browse specific categories directly:
Would you like to see for yourself which wheel size is best for you? Then stop by for a test ride in Boskoop or Almere. Ellery and Danny will be happy to help you find the perfect electric folding bike.
