Are you fed up with the traffic jams and crowded trains? What if an answer resides in your own powerful little, easy-to-stow, under-the-desk or in-your-boot kind of bike? Folding electric bikes are hot and shaking up urban transport across the UK with an exhilarating balance of convenience, power, and enjoyable riding. If you are looking for the best folding electric bike in the UK, you have landed in the right place! We will examine what makes these folding electric bikes so good with a great look at the very best models purpose-designed for tarmacked European roads.
What Actually Makes a Fantastic Folding E-Bike?
A fantastic folding e-bike isn't just about being able to collapse it to a smaller size. It is more of a combination of portability, power, and practicality. In the UK and European market, this also means compliance with strict regulations, thus all ENGWE bikes do. This means a 250W motor that assists you to a smooth 25 km/h, and will cut out at that speed, making it completely road-legal, with no need for registration, tax, or insurance. But the best models combine this with a comfortable ride (and size), a reasonable range for your daily grind, and a fold that is genuinely simplicity to use.
Top-Rated E-Bikes For UK
The ENGWE EP-2 Boost Fat Tire E Bike
Think of the ENGWE EP-2 Boost as your all-terrain city assault vehicle. It is the bike that will laugh at potholed city streets and consider a gap in the curb as a polite request for a quick adventure onto a gravel path and/or beach.
The best bit is the 'Boost' button, which fits this bike perfectly. Let's say you have a steep hill ahead. Just by pressing it, you will get maximum power as it delivers 55Nm of torque, and you're off and pedalling without exerting yourself. It really does seem like a genuine helping hand at the moment you need it most. Along with that, you have a smart torque sensor. Unlike cheaper bikes that have the cheap cadence sensor and just give you power when you pedal, the torque sensor actually gives a measure of how hard you are pedalling and then adjusts the motor assistance to match your efforts. This means that the ride is incredibly smooth, intuitive and natural so that you feel superhuman rather than like you are being towed along.
The EP-2 Boost's 20x4-inch fat tires and front suspension fork will roll over any bumps or imperfect surfaces with ease and provide comfort even on a long ride. The rear rack is a practical addition, and it is able to carry your work bag or even a week’s shopping! Coupled with a potential range of 120km (assuming you are on the lowest assistance mode), charges and range worries can be put aside. Its compact folding mechanism means that this excellent bike is perfect for anybody who needs to jump on the train or tuck it away in a flat.
The ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 Folding E Bike
While the EP-2 Boost is a capable all-rounder, the ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 is the complete powerhouse. This is the bike for riders who look at a hill and think, ‘challenge accepted.’ The kind of rider who, whatever the challenge, wants to maximize performance on every ride.
The headline act is its unbelievable 75Nm of torque. This is a massive jump up in raw power and will take any hill the UK has to throw at it in its stride. Whether it's in the Peak District or you're just climbing an unforgiving city bridge, this really does push you up the hill with authority. The bike also has a full suspension system - a front fork and rear shock. This means it will suck up impacts to the order of 87% from bumps or rough terrain, which in turn means it offers a plush, controlled ride that you would be hard-pressed to find on any folding bike.
It shares the intuitive torque-sensing technology with the EP-2 Boost to provide that natural ride feel. A huge 768Wh battery has an impressive 110km range, while a new Shimano 8-speed gear system has even more control to negotiate a range of hinterlands. It's a heavy bike but packs down small, making it perfect to sling right into a campervan or stow easily in the garage. It's the bike for the rider who desires a do-it-all machine: a comfortable weekday commuting bike, and a heavy-hitting off-road thrasher during downtime.
EP-2 Boost vs. Engine Pro 2.0, Which One Can You See Yourself On?
This isn't about which bike is better; it is about which bike is better for you.
Select the ENGWE EP-2 Boost if:
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You're looking for a comfortable, stable, highly versatile daily commuter.
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You want the convenience of the 'boost' button for quick hill assistance.
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You are seeking a perfect combination of performance, functionality, & cost.
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You'll ride mostly on roads, mild trails, & bike paths.
Pick the ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 if:
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You need maximum available power and torque when ascending the steepest slopes effortlessly.
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You routinely travel on tougher, more technical trails.
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You prefer the comfort and control of a full suspension bike.
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You want the best all-rounder for intense adventure, but also every day.
Why Your Next Commute Should Be on an Electric Bicycle
Switching to an electric bicycle has got to be one of the best experiences you will ever have. It flattens hills, reduces distance, and takes the sweat out of arriving at work. Although it is an affordable way to commute and saves you a crazy amount on petrol, parking and public transport, ultimately it is more fun. You get to be outside and connected to everything around you, and you arrive wherever you are going feeling happy and energized. A folding e-bike, which is what ENGWE sell, multiplies all of these benefits because it allows you to easily mix bicycles with other modes of transport.
Commonly Asked Questions
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Are ENGWE bikes legal in the UK?
Yes. Both the EP-2 Boost and the Engine Pro 2.0 have been manufactured to EU/UK standards, with a 250W motor, with pedal assistance to cut off at 25 km/h. These bikes have no throttle, allowing them to be used on public roads without further compliance paperwork.
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How far will the battery last?
There are a number of variables that affect how far the battery will last, such as your weight, where you ride, and the level of assistance you decide to ride with. Assuming optimum conditions (PAS 1 flat), the EP-2 Boost has a range of up to approx. 120km, the Engine Pro 2.0 has a range of approx. 110km. Using the higher powers and going up very steep routes will reduce these ranges, but both bikes should offer sufficient range for 2 days average commuting.
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Is the battery removable for charging?
For most of the quality models, such as ENGWE, the battery should be easily removable, allowing you to charge your e-bike battery inside, without needing to lug the whole bicycle.
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Are they secure?
There isn't a bike made that is theft-proof. The primary benefit is that you can fold it and take it with you indoors, so there is no more parking a bike outside.
See It In Action: ENGWE Folding E-Bike Reviews
Sometimes you have to just see a bike in action to appreciate it. The detailed video reviews of ENGWE EP-2 Boost; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgyoKMrOTQ4 and ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBpmFEodCX8, give you the features and review of the performance in real life of a popular folding ENGWE model. These reviews will give you a perfect visual overview of what to expect.
