Just discovered the world of folding bikes and I'm getting more tempted every day
Folding bikes: from €200, they fit anywhere, but weigh 11kg and handle nervously. A look at the debate over their durability and regulation.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Folding bikes: the ultimate urban transport or a controversial fad?
You can find a second-hand folding bike on Wallapop for 35 euros. But not all are equal: they range from 200 euros to electric models costing over 1,000. Their versatility makes them an attractive option for city life, especially for those living in small flats or combining train and bike. However, their apparent lightness hides a minimum weight of eleven kilos and twitchy handling that some compare to a BMX.
Advantages: space and versatility
What stands out most is their folding capability: they fit in a cupboard, in the boot of a Peugeot 206, or even in a 30-square-metre flat without getting in the way. Users who take them on trains or buses value not having to dismantle anything or pay an extra ticket. Models like the Dahon lead the market, though brands like Decathlon (Fold 500) or Xiaomi (Qicycle EF1) offer more affordable alternatives. For weekend trips, a folding bike can be taken along without a bike rack.
Drawbacks: weight and durability
Criticism focuses on the quality of cheap models: play in the joints, noises and mechanical problems after a short time. The minimum weight of eleven kilos is not negligible if you have to climb stairs or carry the bike folded. Some point out that the handling is twitchy due to the short wheelbase, making it impossible to ride hands-free. However, those who modify their bikes with larger sprockets and longer cranks achieve performance close to that of a conventional bike.
The electric controversy and restrictions
The debate shifts to folding electric bikes, especially fatbikes, which have become fashionable in the Netherlands and are starting to arrive in Spain. There, the authorities have already banned their use by under-16s and carry out checks to prevent them from being modified to exceed moped speeds. There are antiestéticars that Spain will repeat the e-scooter story: regulation and a possible roadworthiness test (ITV). One account describes how a teenager without a helmet overtook a road cyclist at 50 km/h without pedalling.
The future of folding bikes in Spain
While some consider them the perfect urban vehicle for their practicality, others warn that abuse of modified electric versions will trigger restrictions affecting everyone. For now, the second-hand market offers bargains from 35 euros, but experts recommend investing at least 500 euros in a quality model to avoid headaches. The question that remains: will folding bikes end up being as regulated as e-scooters?
Related forum discussions
You can find a second-hand folding bike on Wallapop for 35 euros. But not all are equal: they range from 200 euros to electric models costing over 1,000. Their versatility makes them an attractive option for city life, especially for those living in small flats or combining train and bike. However, their apparent lightness hides a minimum weight of eleven kilos and twitchy handling that some compare to a BMX.
Advantages: space and versatility
What stands out most is their folding capability: they fit in a cupboard, in the boot of a Peugeot 206, or even in a 30-square-metre flat without getting in the way. Users who take them on trains or buses value not having to dismantle anything or pay an extra ticket. Models like the Dahon lead the market, though brands like Decathlon (Fold 500) or Xiaomi (Qicycle EF1) offer more affordable alternatives. For weekend trips, a folding bike can be taken along without a bike rack.
Drawbacks: weight and durability
Criticism focuses on the quality of cheap models: play in the joints, noises and mechanical problems after a short time. The minimum weight of eleven kilos is not negligible if you have to climb stairs or carry the bike folded. Some point out that the handling is twitchy due to the short wheelbase, making it impossible to ride hands-free. However, those who modify their bikes with larger sprockets and longer cranks achieve performance close to that of a conventional bike.
The electric controversy and restrictions
The debate shifts to folding electric bikes, especially fatbikes, which have become fashionable in the Netherlands and are starting to arrive in Spain. There, the authorities have already banned their use by under-16s and carry out checks to prevent them from being modified to exceed moped speeds. There are antiestéticars that Spain will repeat the e-scooter story: regulation and a possible roadworthiness test (ITV). One account describes how a teenager without a helmet overtook a road cyclist at 50 km/h without pedalling.
The future of folding bikes in Spain
While some consider them the perfect urban vehicle for their practicality, others warn that abuse of modified electric versions will trigger restrictions affecting everyone. For now, the second-hand market offers bargains from 35 euros, but experts recommend investing at least 500 euros in a quality model to avoid headaches. The question that remains: will folding bikes end up being as regulated as e-scooters?
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (53 replies).
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