Top Folding Bike Brands for Urban Commuters

Folding bikes have surged in popularity, especially among urban dwellers and travelers looking for compact and convenient transportation options. The market is buzzing with numerous brands that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of cyclists. From lightweight designs for ease of carrying to robust models promising durability and performance, each brand brings something unique to the table. Ready to explore the world of folding bikes? Discover some of the best brands and what they offer below.

Illustration of folding bike

Best brands of folding bike in 2025

Brompton

Brompton is a leading manufacturer of folding bicycles, known for its innovative and high-quality products. The company, founded by Andrew Ritchie in 1976, has seen significant growth, with a turnover of £129.4m and a pre-tax profit of £10.6m in the year to March 31, 2023. Brompton's international sales surged, particularly in the rest of the world, increasing from £44.5m to £64.8m. The company produces approximately 50,000 bicycles annually and has experienced a 50% increase in total units sold in the US over the past 12 months as of 2021. The latest T Line features an all-titanium frame, weighing as little as 7.45 kg, and is engineered for lightweight performance and ease of use.

Tern

Tern is a leading brand in the folding bicycle market, known for its high-quality, durable, and versatile bikes that combine the benefits of traditional bicycles with the convenience of folding designs. Founded by Florence Shen and Joshua Hon, Tern offers a wide range of models, including electric bicycles, and is sold in 65 countries worldwide. Their bikes, such as the eLink, fold in under 10 seconds and are equipped with advanced features like Shimano Nexus 8 internal hubs and Schwalbe Big Apple tires. Tern's products are designed to last, with fully serviceable joints and a 10-year warranty, making them an excellent choice for multimodal commuters and cyclists of all levels. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has positioned it as a strong competitor in the growing global folding bikes market, which is projected to reach $1,260.98 million by 2027 with a CAGR of 8.7% from 2020 to 2027. For more details on their innovative folding bikes, visit Clever Cycles.

Dahon

Dahon is a pioneering brand in the folding bicycle market, founded in 1982 with a vision of "green mobility" that emphasizes health and environmental sustainability. The company has consistently innovated, introducing the DAHON Convertible, the forefather of modern folding bicycles, and later the NuWave technology for faster and more compact folding. Dahon has received numerous awards, including the Taiwan Symbol of Excellence and Eurobike awards, and was cited in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest producer of folding bicycles in 2000. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022, Dahon released the Anniversary 40 model, a limited edition featuring an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frame. The company continues to lead the market with its commitment to quality and innovation. For more details about their history and achievements, visit their official about page.

Bike Friday

Bike Friday is a renowned producer of high-performance folding bikes, hand-building their bicycles in Eugene, Oregon, with a focus on custom fittings to suit individual riders. With over 30 years of experience, Bike Friday offers a range of models, including the Pocket Rocket and the Two'sDay tandem, which can fold or disassemble for convenient travel and storage. Their bikes are designed for various uses, from leisure and commuting to sport and touring, and feature advantages such as low center of gravity and high gear ratios for efficient riding. The global folding bicycle market, in which Bike Friday is a key player, is expected to grow significantly, with a projected market size of USD 1,633.16 million by 2032 and a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2032. Bike Friday's commitment to quality and innovation makes their folding bikes a popular choice for cyclists worldwide.

Montague

Montague Corporation is a leading manufacturer in the folding bicycle market, known for its innovative and versatile products. The global folding bikes market, which includes brands like Montague, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a revenue of USD 2,387.16 million by 2032. Montague's folding bikes are appreciated for their convenience, reduced theft risk, and ease of storage, contributing to the segment's growth. The economy segment of the market, where Montague's products are often categorized, is expected to reach USD 758.49 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.8%. With a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific and North American markets, Montague continues to be a significant player in the industry. For more details on their innovative folding bicycles, visit their official Montague website.

Birdy

The Birdy brand, designed by Riese und Muller and produced by Pacific Cycles, is renowned for its high-quality folding bikes, with over 100,000 units sold as of 2010. Introduced in 1995, the Birdy was the first fully suspended folding bike, offering a stiff single-piece aluminium frame and road bike rider geometry. It is particularly popular for its sporty ride, rapid acceleration, and wide range of gearing options, making it suitable for both commuting and long-distance touring. Despite its premium pricing, the Birdy has a significant following globally, especially in Japan, the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia. Its compact folded size, similar to 20-inch Dahon folders, adds to its appeal.

Raleigh

Raleigh, a renowned brand in the cycling industry, is esteemed for its high-quality folding bicycles, which are expected to contribute significantly to the growing global folding bicycle market. This market is projected to expand from USD 725.6 million in 2024 to USD 1369.607 million by 2031, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. Raleigh's folding bikes are popular for their durability, ease of use, and innovative designs, making them a favorite among commuters and travelers. The global folding bicycle market, which includes brands like Raleigh, is driven by the increasing number of cycling paths in developed economies and the rising demand for convenient, space-saving bicycles. With Europe holding over 30% of the global revenue in this market, brands like Raleigh are well-positioned for growth.

Schwinn

Schwinn, while not specifically noted as a leading producer of folding bikes in the mentioned sources, stands as a renowned brand in the bicycle industry, celebrated for its rich history and innovative products. Established in 1895, Schwinn has maintained a dominant position as a manufacturer of American bicycles with a strong market presence over the years. Although the focus is more on the overarching folding bicycle market, Schwinn's legacy and commitment to quality might position it as a potential player in this segment. Meanwhile, the current market leaders and trends in folding bikes are influenced by factors like increasing urbanization and the demand for eco-friendly transportation, with brands like Dahon and Montague Corporation being more prominently mentioned. The global folding bicycle market is anticipated to grow significantly, with a CAGR of around 8-9% from 2024 to 2031. More information about their offerings can be discovered on the Schwinn Bikes website.

Citizen Bike

Citizen Bike is a renowned brand in the folding bike market, celebrated for its innovative, affordable, and stylish transportation solutions. With over 18 years of experience, Citizen Bike has been a trusted name for commuters and adventure seekers, offering models like the ROME ultra-lightweight folding bike that fits into an airplane-friendly roller bag. Their bikes are carefully prepared to order, customized, and packed for shipment directly from their USA headquarters, ensuring a high-quality ride and convenience. Citizen Bike's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through their 30-day satisfaction guarantee and 1-year warranty. Their direct-to-customer approach allows them to pass on significant savings to buyers.

Blix Vika+

The Blix Vika+ Flex is renowned as one of the best folding electric bikes, offering a powerful 500W rear hub motor, a 48V battery with a 614Wh capacity providing up to 45 miles per charge, and a lightweight design at 56 pounds. It features a low-step frame with a 16" step-over height, accommodating riders from 4'10" to 6'2", and includes integrated LED lights, a rear rack, and high-quality Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The bike folds easily in less than 20 seconds to a compact size of 36"x21"x28.5" inches, making it ideal for storage and transport. Awarded the "Best Value Folding e-Bike" by Bicycling.com, the Vika+ Flex stands out for its ergonomic design, high-quality components, and user-friendly features. With a battery lifetime of 25,000 miles, it ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.