Motorized Folding Bicycles

"Electric Bikers On the Go -
       Know When to Fold 'em..."

Grant Petersen, the iconoclastic bicycle designer once said, "Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world." Motorized folding bicycles fit that description to a Tee. 

They are masterpieces of modern art that provide people all around the globe with environmentally friendly, convenient, economical transportation.

Battery powered bikes are a wonderful way to commute. But their size posed a problem to people who also utilized other forms of public transportation.

So one of those brainy engineering sorts came up with the solution. The bike needed to fold up, so it could be easily stowed.

Now commuters could combine a bus or train ride with the use of an electric bike. In Japan, manufacturers can hardly keep up with the demand for motorized folding bicycles. I

n record numbers, the Japanese are riding to the train station, then folding and stashing their bikes. Once they arrive in town, they're back on the bikes to finish the trip.

The folding aspect of these bikes means convenience in other ways, too. For apartment dwellers or college students, space is limited and they become your best electric bicycle.

A folding bike fits without difficulty in a tiny apartment or dorm room. And for riders who are reluctant to leave it outside, this type of e-bike can go with them into work or the classroom.

And folding electric bikes aren't only for the, shall we say, economically challenged. People who use private jets also love these bikes. They take up so little room on board, but make great transportation at the destination.

Boaters take these folding e-bikes with them, too. In fact, there's even a special marine (as in the ocean, not the soldiers) version available for those sea dogs to use.

Latest Technology

Just because the bike folds doesn't mean you have to give up any of the qualities of a regular electric assisted bicycle. You'll find the same types of engines and power delivery systems. Wattages and horsepowers are similar. And there's no skimping on suspensions or strength. As a matter of fact, since the market is exploding for these bikes, you'll see the latest technology advances on the folders.

NiMh batteries, for instance. These batteries give superior performance, tend to be lighter weight, and last longer. So this motorized bike only gives itself away as a folder when you've got it under your arm.

The fact that these electric assisted bikes fold also doesn't mean the price goes stratospheric. They are in the same price range as regular e-bikes, roughly $800 and up. Way cheaper than the hooptie you might be thinking about. And way cheaper to maintain.  And way better for the environment.

1,000 Miles Per Gallon

In terms of environmental impact, battery powered bikes are a breath of fresh air. If you convert the amount of energy they use into miles per gallon, you've got a vehicle that gets approximately 1,000 miles per gallon. That gives fuel economy a whole new meaning. And economy for your wallet, too.

To re-charge a battery completely, you'll spend three to five cents. Consider that auto emissions are the number one source of air pollution, and that it costs over $3 a gallon to poison the atmosphere. That versus zero emissions and less than pennies per mile puts battery powered bikes clearly into the no-brainer category.

So Grant Petersen had it right talking about bicycles as art. Get yourself a folding electric bike and consider yourself a connoisseur.

Ride With The Wind...
Trey Taylor
Electric Bike Guy

   Motorized Folding Bicycles