Best Folding Electric Bikes in the UK – Top iHoverboard Picks for 2025

Folding electric bikes are one of the smartest ways to move around UK cities—compact, practical, and increasingly stylish. They combine the freedom of cycling with the convenience of electric assistance, all while folding neatly for easy storage at home, in the office, or even in a car boot. Perfect for commuters hopping on and off trains, urban riders weaving through traffic, or anyone needing a versatile travel solution, foldable e-bikes make everyday journeys simpler.

In this guide, we’re focusing on iHoverboard’s best folding electric bikes in the UK for 2025. From lightweight, commuter-friendly designs to powerful models built for longer rides, iHoverboard offers a range of foldable e-bikes that balance portability, performance, and affordability—making them an excellent choice for riders at every level.

Best Folding Electric Bikes in the UK from iHoverboard

U1 Folding Electric Bike – Best for Compact Portability

A compact yet powerful option, the U1 features a 500 W motor capable of tackling uphill gradients up to 20%, reaches speeds of up to 20 mph, and delivers a range of 25–40 miles on its integrated 36 V, 7.8 Ah battery. At a price of £346.99, it combines excellent value with practical features like rear suspension, dual disc brakes, and an intelligent display.

The bike folds in just two steps, allowing both the frame and handlebar stem to collapse quickly for easy storage in a cupboard, car boot, or office corner. Its rear suspension and compact fold make it perfect for commuters who need a portable yet sturdy bike, and the removable battery allows charging without unfolding the bike. It weighs around 23 kg (52 lbs), balancing portability with ride stability.

U3 Fold-Up Electric Bike – Best for Versatility and Comfort

A popular choice for students and urban riders, the U3 balances affordability with convenience. Priced at £397.99, it’s described as "foldable, portable, easy to hop on," making it ideal for city commutes and multi-modal travel. The U3 features a simple fold-up frame, letting the bike collapse quickly to fit in compact spaces. Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s perfect for taking on trains or storing under a desk, without compromising stability or ride quality. Its compact design ensures portability while still offering a comfortable and reliable ride for everyday urban use.

U4 Low Step-Through Foldable Electric Bike – Best for Practicality and Comfort

Designed for comfort and ease, the U4 combines a foldable, low-step frame with an extended range and user-friendly design. Currently available for £487.99, it’s perfect for daily commutes and riders prioritising accessibility. The U4’s foldable low-step-through frame ensures easy mounting and dismounting, while the folding mechanism collapses the bike into a compact package for storage or car transport. Additional features include a removable battery, wide tires for stability, and a strong frame that maintains comfort even when folded. This model combines portability with ride quality, making it ideal for longer urban rides.

Why Choose a Folding Electric Bike?

Convenience and Portability

Folding electric bikes offer unmatched convenience and portability, making them an ideal choice for modern urban living. Unlike standard e-bikes, they can be folded quickly and easily, allowing you to move and store them with minimal effort. Whether you’re navigating crowded streets or hopping on public transport, the compact design ensures you’re never weighed down by a bulky bike.

Storage Benefits (Home, Office, Car Boot)

One of the biggest advantages is their storage benefits. A folding e-bike can fit neatly in a home apartment, office corner, or car boot, eliminating the stress of finding a secure parking spot or dealing with limited storage space. This makes them perfect for city dwellers with small living spaces or for anyone who wants the flexibility to carry their bike in a vehicle.

Multi-Modal Commuting (Train, Bus + Bike)

Folding e-bikes are also excellent for multi-modal commuting. They are perfectly suited for combining cycling with train or bus travel, enabling commuters to cover the first or last mile of their journey with ease. The ability to fold and carry your bike onboard or store it safely at a station adds a new level of freedom to daily travel.

Versatility for Commuting and Leisure

Finally, these bikes are versatile enough for both commuting and leisure. Whether you’re using them to navigate busy city streets, explore suburban routes, or enjoy weekend rides, folding e-bikes combine the benefits of electric assistance with practical design. This makes them a flexible, cost-effective, and enjoyable transportation solution for riders of all kinds.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Folding E-Bike

Weight & Portability: Light vs Heavy Models

When choosing a folding e-bike, weight is a crucial factor. Lighter models are easier to carry, fold, and store, making them ideal for commuters who need to lift their bike onto trains, buses, or stairs. Heavier models often come with larger batteries or more robust frames, which can provide a smoother and more stable ride but may be less convenient for frequent folding or transportation. Consider how often you’ll need to carry your bike versus how much ride quality matters.

Wheel Size: 14in vs 16in and Beyond

Folding e-bikes typically come with 14-inch or 16-inch wheels, though some models may feature larger sizes. Smaller 14in wheels provide a more compact fold and lighter weight, making them ideal for tight storage spaces and city commuting. Larger 16in or 20in wheels generally offer a more comfortable and efficient ride, better stability at speed, and easier handling over longer distances, though the folded package is bulkier. Your choice depends on whether portability or ride comfort is your priority.

Motor Type: Hub Motors vs Mid-Drive Folders

Most folding e-bikes use hub motors, which are lighter and less intrusive to the folding frame, making them the standard for urban foldable bikes. Mid-drive motors are rare in folders but can provide stronger torque and better hill-climbing performance. If you plan to ride in hilly areas or want more power at low speeds, a mid-drive folder may be worth considering—but expect a slightly heavier and more complex bike.

Battery Capacity & Range: 150Wh–400Wh Typical for Folders

Battery size directly affects how far you can ride on a single charge. Folding e-bikes usually feature 150Wh to 400Wh batteries, enough for daily commuting or short leisure rides. While smaller batteries keep the bike lightweight, larger capacities extend your range but add extra weight. Many riders choose bikes with removable batteries for convenient charging or the option to carry a spare for longer journeys.

Folding Mechanism: Bi-Fold vs Tri-Fold

The folding design determines how compactly the bike stores and how easy it is to fold. Bi-fold frames hinge in the middle, often producing a larger folded package but with a simpler mechanism. Tri-fold frames—like the classic Brompton design—fold in multiple sections, creating a smaller, more secure package, though the mechanism can be slightly more complex. Consider your storage space and how quickly you need to fold your bike when deciding.

Conclusion

iHoverboard’s range of folding electric bikes shows that you don’t need to compromise between portability and performance. Each model brings its own strengths: the U1 delivers great value with a powerful motor and practical folding design, the U3 offers extended range for commuters who travel further, and the U4 combines comfort and accessibility with impressive mileage.

Whichever model you choose, iHoverboard makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of a best folding electric bike in the UK—compact enough for storage and transport, yet powerful enough to make every ride smoother and more enjoyable. For 2025, these foldable e-bikes stand out as reliable, stylish, and versatile choices for modern urban life.