10 Best Budget Folding Bikes Under $500

Commuting to school and work is something that takes up a lot of time. Not to mention, changing buses several times is a hassle and also very time-consuming.

That is why today’s youth are opting more and more for bikes. It is fast, efficient, and also gives you the opportunity for a little exercise.

But storing bikes often takes up a lot of storage space. That is where folding bikes come in. Continue reading our article to find out about the best budget folding bike that both students and office-goers will love. After you are done reading, we hope you can find something that you will enjoy.

10 Best Inexpensive Folding Bike Reviews

Without further ado, let us take a look at some of the best budget folding bikes that young people on the run can make the best use of.

1. Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike – Best Overall

Brand	Schwinn
Item Weight	33 Pounds
Load Capacity	300 lbs
Frame Material	Aluminum
Brake Style	Cantilever
No. of Speed	7 Speed
Color	3 Options (Black, Silver, White)
Wheel Size	20 Inches
Suspension	Rigid
Folded Size	30″ x 32″ x 11″
Warranty	Lifetime

Highly rated and immensely loved by young people all over the world, this Schwinn folding bike is a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce the worries and hassles of finding storage space for a regular bike.

This folding bike can accommodate users up to 6 feet. Taller users who cannot find a suitable bike for their height will absolutely love this one. The frames on it are lightweight enough to secure easy and trouble-free folding. But they do not sacrifice quality or toughness.

Along with safe pull breaks, this Schwinn bike has alloy wheels that help the bike operate smoothly.

Changing gears is not tough at all. The 7-speed twist shifter allows you to change gear easily and quickly. Moreover, you can ride upward on any steep street with ease.

The pant guards and rear fenders protect your school and work clothes from the dirt and dust of daily city life. To ensure that you can carry your items safely, this Schwinn bike comes with a rear rod.

2. SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB-5 E-bike – Best Performance

Brand	Swagtron
Item weight	44.15 lbs
Load capacity	264 lbs
Frame material	Aluminum Alloy
Brake style	V-Brakes
No. of Speed	15 Speed
Color	Black
Wheel size	14 Inches
Suspension	No
Folded Size	–
Warranty	1 Year

Say hello to a no-nonsense folding bike that makes sure that you can get the most out of your bike riding experience. From the Swagtron store, this bike named Swagcycle has some serious swag, and also some very necessary features.

Ready to use right out of the box, this bike comes pre-assembled. So, you don’t have to waste any time or energy on assembly. Thanks to its 14-inch air-filled rubber wheels, maintaining traction and the maintenance of the bike is not difficult at all.

This electronic bike can be used by everyone, regardless of their age or height. The adjustable seats and handlebar let you customize the bike however you want to ensure you have comfortable journeys.

As it can carry riders with a weight of up to 264 pounds, those who are a little overweight can opt for this bike without any worry.

The marvelous safety features thisSwagcycle has will keep you and your loved ones worry-free. Autoguard technology stops the motor and is a real lifesaver in case of any unforeseen events.

This Swagtron bike is probably the most foldable bike you will ever see. It can be folded down to fit under your desk so that you can study or work without worrying about your bike getting stolen.

3. Vilano Urbana Single Speed Bike – Budget Pick

Brand	Vilano
Item Weight	22 Pounds
Load Capacity	200 lbs
Frame Material	Aluminum
Brake Style	Coaster
No. of Speed	Single Speeds
Color	2 Options (Grey, Matte Black)
Wheel Size	20 Inches
Suspension	No
Folded Size	12″ x 32″ x 25″
Warranty	–

Vilano Urbana folding bike is an impressive and underrated bike that costs significantly less than most bikes but still performs very well. For students who have a relatively smaller budget, this surely will be a very good choice.

The Urbana bike is a dream come true for students and those who commute to work inside the city. Its relatively low cost makes it a great purchase, while its ability to excel on flat terrain makes it a pro-urban commuter. It can handle shocks and bumps fairly well without putting you in any discomfort.

No other folding bike has such a student and youth-friendly design. As it is made of lightweight aluminum, it can be used by anyone without facing any difficulty.

The VilanoUrbana comes almost assembled and needs very little work done in order for it to become usable. As its handlebar and sears can be adjusted, it can be used by almost everyone regardless of their height.

Equipped with coaster brakes, the Urbana bike is easy to drive and maintain control of. Its design and material also facilitate easy and effortless folding. After folding, you can tuck it in almost anywhere. There is storage space for a water container and a rack to carry your necessary items.

4. Schwinn Hinge Adult Folding Bike – Premium Choice

Brand	Schwinn
Item Weight	33 Pounds
Load Capacity	250 lbs
Frame Material	Steel
Brake Style	Rim Brakes
No. of Speed	Single Speed
Color	Grey
Wheel Size	20 Inches
Suspension	Rigid
Folded Size	30″ x 32″ x 11″
Warranty	Schwinn’s Limited Lifetime Warranty

Meet the bike that was designed with adult users in mind. With the help of this Schwinn hinge folding bike, you hopefully will never be late; and your commuting will surely become much easier.

Suitable for a variety of riders, this bike has a sturdy steel frame that can accompany larger users. The 20-inch alloy wheels make sure that your rides are always smooth and bump-free. Its 1-speed drivetrain makes breaking easier in case of any emergency.

You will never see any other bike with such a convenient and easy folding system. Thanks to the inclusion of a regular pedal and a folding pedal, folding this bike and storing it in a small space is extremely easy.

The durable nylon back that accompanies the cycle makes carrying textbooks, supplies, or groceries convenient and worry-free. Staying clean and dry no matter what the season is and how far away your destination is has never been easier. This Scwinnhinge bike is equipped with full-wrap fenders to keep your outfit clean and keep you looking sharp.

5. IDS unYOUsual U Folding City Bike – Best City Bike

Brand	IDS
Item Weight	42 Pounds
Load Capacity	–
Frame Material	–
Brake Style	Linear Pull
No. of Speed	6 Speed
Color	Silver
Wheel Size	20 Inches
Suspension	Rear, Front
Folded Size	32″ x 13″ x 23″
Warranty	–

This IDS bike truly lives up to its name by being unusual and giving you a much better experience compared to other bikes. Their convenient design will surely make you use them for years to come.

You can rely on this bike which is equipped with a Shimano 6-speed shifter for a comfortable and safe ride. The Wanda tires help achieve smooth rides and facilitate quick acceleration. Although it comes unassembled, assembling does not take much time at all.

Carry this bike through traffic and congestions without feeling any strain or pain. As it weighs only 32 pounds, carrying it is easy for almost everyone. Rear v-brakes ensure that you can break them whenever you need them and avoid any accident.

Those who need to carry many things to and from their home will surely find the rear rack very handy. No matter what your height or body type is, this IDS bike will be good for you. As the seats and handlebar are adjustable, they can be used by many types of riders. Even with so many great features and such a good design, this IDS bike costs significantly less than most other folding bikes.

6. Euro Mini Zizzo Via Folding Bike – Best For Commuters

Brand	Euro Mini
Item weight	26.5 Pounds
Load capacity	240 lbs
Frame material	Aluminum Alloy
Brake style	Linear Pull
No. of Speed	7 Speed
Color	3 Options (Black, Orange, Sky Blue)
Wheel size	20 Inches
Suspension	Rear, Front
Folded Size	27″ x 31″ x 12.5″
Warranty	–

If quick folding and moving are your priorities, then the Zizzo bike from EuroMini is the perfect ride for you. The convenient features of this bike will surely make your experience worthwhile.

Made with rust-resistant steel, the cassette gears are combined with a 7-speed derailleur with shock-absorbing abilities to make sure you can fight those bumps and pits city roads often have. Multi-terrain in nature, the tires give you the freedom to use the bike on various types of roads.

This EuroMini bike can fit the needs of many different types of users. The handlebar on it can be adjusted to make sure that users with up to 6’3” height can use it comfortably. To make the most out of the bike, you can also adjust your position by balancing the seat post height to your liking.

Riding in the city is challenging and comes with risks of its own. That is why this bike has smart safety measures in place to ensure that your safety is the topmost priority. Aluminum V-brakes make the break stop whenever you need them to.

As it takes less than 30 seconds to fold, you will not be even a minute late to your class or meeting.

7. Euro Mini Urbano Folding Bicycle – Best Lightweight

Brand	Euro Mini
Item Weight	24.5 Pounds
Load Capacity	240 lbs
Frame Material	Aluminum
Brake Style	Linear Pull
No. of Speed	8 Speed
Color	2 Options (Gray, Red)
Wheel Size	20 Inches
Suspension	Rigid
Folded Size	27″ x 31″ x 12.5″
Warranty	–

Make heads turn as you race down the street in this imported EuroMiniUrbano folding bike. The combination of smart design and top-quality materials makes it a perfect folding bike that will impress everyone.

Very lightweight aluminum is used to construct almost all the parts of the bike. This makes the bike extremely durable and suitable for a wide range of users. Thanks to its adjustable stems, both taller and shorter riders can ride it with comfort and ease.

The ultra-tough and always loved Shimano derailleur, 8-speed shifter, and 8-speed cassette gears make your rides smoother and the bike performs better. Equally perfect for both trails and city streets, this EuroMini bike comes fully assembled. So, you have to waste no time on it.

Weighing only about 24 pounds, this is one of the most lightweight bikes on the market. Its lightweight nature ensures that it can be driven and carried by a lot of users. It can facilitate quick and smooth gear shifts and will surely cause you no trouble during busy rides.

8. Columba 26-inch Folding Bike – Best Single Speed Bike

Brand	Columba
Item Weight	34 Pounds
Load Capacity	–
Frame Material	Steel Frame
Brake Style	Linear Pull
No. of Speed	18 Speed
Color	Black
Wheel Size	26 Inches
Suspension	Rear, Front
Folded Size	–
Warranty	1 Year

We love talking about underrated products that do not get the love that they deserve. This folding bike from Columbia is such a bike that is underrated but will surely deliver satisfactory performance.

Armed with an 18-speed shifter and derailleur, this Columba bike is worth the price tag it comes with. Its durable and sturdy steel frame is well capable of carrying your as well as the bike’s overall weight without struggling or getting wobbly.

Switching gears is neither tough nor time-consuming with this Columba bike. Besides switching gears easily, it also can help you achieve smooth brakes with the help of the front and rear alloy V-breaks. The 26-inch wheels offer smooth and bump-free rides.

No matter how tall or short you are, the Columba bike will not disappoint you. You can ride it to school or work without feeling uncomfortable or out of place. The extraordinarily compact nature of this bike will surprise you for sure. It can be folded very easily. And it fits even the smallest of spaces. At a relatively low price, this is a bike that is sure to deliver a good performance.

9. Outroad Foldable Mountain Bike – Best Affordable

Brand	OUTROAD
Item Weight	–
Load Capacity	200 lbs
Frame Material	Carbon Steel
Brake Style	Disc
No. of Speed	21 Speed
Color	3 Options (Black, Orange, Fluorescent Green)
Wheel Size	26 Inches
Suspension	Full Suspension
Folded Size	–
Warranty	–

Outroad is best known for the top-notch camping equipment they produce that defies expectations and ensures satisfaction. From the same brand comes this foldable mountain bike that is tough like no other.

No matter which terrain you are riding on, this bike can handle it all. Its 21-speed gear ensures that you can switch gears quickly and effortlessly whenever needed. To let you enjoy a variety of cycling experiences, there surely is no better bike than this one from Outroad.

The high carbon steel material of the dual suspension frame makes this bike a fighter on the busy city streets. Suitable for people up to 200 lbs. weight and 6 feet in height, this foldable bike makes sure that a wide range of people can use it. For the maximum comfort of the user, the seat height can be adjusted.

Also, the bike that can work so well in many types of terrains has smart safety measures in place. The front and rear disc brakes keep you safe during rides on bumpy or steep terrains.

This bike also helps you maintain better control of it while you are venturing through the streets. As it comes mostly assembled, you only need to do a little work after receiving it.

10. Euro Mini ZiZZO Forte – Best Folding Bike Under 300

Brand	Euro Mini
Item Weight	29 Pounds
Load Capacity	300 lbs
Frame Material	Aluminum Alloy
Brake Style	Linear Pull
No. of Speed	7 Speed
Color	3 Options (Coral, Forest Green, Black)
Wheel Size	20 Inches
Suspension	Rigid
Folded Size	27″ x 31″ x 12.5″
Warranty	–

Those of you who want the convenience of a folding bike without sacrificing heavy-duty design or material will love this EuroMiniZizzo heavy-duty bike. When it comes to being compact and heavy-duty, no bike can beat this one.

Completely made of lightweight aluminum alloy, this EuroMini bike is by no means fragile or weak. With a weight capacity of 300 lbs., it can fit many different types of users and carry all the necessary items you need.

The use of Shimano 7-speed derailleur and Shimano 7-speed grip shifter enhances this bike’s powers and makes it perform better. An adjustable stem ensures that taller and shorter riders can use this Zizzo bike without feeling any discomfort.

To take care of the young adventurer in you, this bike is equipped with multi-terrain tires that are suitable for several terrains. This heavy-duty high-capacity bike is by no means trouble to fold or store. It can be folded fairly quickly thanks to the magnet catcher. After folding, it weighs only 28 pounds and can be stored in even the smallest of places.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Folding Bike

Just like any other mode of transportation, a folding bike has both benefits and drawbacks. Before getting to the reviews, let us take a look at them.

The Benefits

Let us first consider some of the marvelous benefits that these bikes offer;

• They take up very little space for storage. This means you can store them by paying a significantly less amount. Or, you can even store one in your room or apartment.
• Most buses, trains, ships, and even airplanes allow carrying folding bikes.
• Those who want to reap the benefit of using both a bike and public transport will love a folding bike.
• They are extremely light and can be carried by almost everyone.
• Campers, hikers, and hitchhikers can carry and ride this bike almost anywhere.

The Drawbacks

Now, let us check out some of the drawbacks this bike has;

• Your comfort will be minimized compared to riding a regular bike.
• Not suitable for larger and taller people.
• Locating spare parts is difficult, and those spare parts tend to cost high.
• Folding bikes cannot be used at high speed, as they have relatively smaller wheels.
• You may need to replace existing tires with good quality ones, the cost of which is pretty high.

Final Thoughts

Things to Consider Before Buying

The bike that will take you to work or class needs to be a top-quality one that will not disappoint you. In order to make the perfect purchase, you first need to know the factors that must be taken into consideration before purchasing a bike. Let us take a look at some such factors.

Your Storage Space

Although this is not a technical factor, it nonetheless is a very important one. Considering the space that you want to use to store your folded bike is very important. If you accidentally purchase a bike that does not fit the available space, you will face a lot of trouble.

Always measure the storage space and compare it with the dimensions of the folded bike. We also recommend that you learn about the several folding techniques there are and use the one that best suits you.

Your Height and Weight

Another non-technical piece of advice that we could not just ignore. If you are too short or too tall, make sure the bike that you are purchasing has an adjustable seat and handlebar to adapt to the position that is comfortable for you.

Driving to work or class while sitting in an uncomfortable position is something nobody wants to experience. The same goes for your weight. If you are a little larger, check the weight capacity of the bike before purchasing it.

Weight of the Bike

The weight of the bike should be low enough to make sure that you can drive it easily and store it safely without struggling. In general, good bikes tend to weigh from 20 lbs. to 30 lbs. Before purchasing, take a look at the weight of the bike and make sure that you can carry it whenever the situation calls for it.

The Material of the Frame

The material of the frame is important in determining the overall quality and durability of the bike. Bikes made of cheaper materials tend to cost less but will only be a liability to you over time. Some frequently used good materials are steel, alloy, aluminum, etc.

Tire and Gear

You will be riding through many different situations. Some of you will even bike for hours to reach the city from a suburban area.

Needless to mention, the city streets are filled with bumps and potholes. That is why you need a bike that has the most durable tires. Such tires will make your ride smooth and as bump-free as possible. If the bike has multiple gears, then switching needs to be quick and hassle-free.

Safety Measures

A good bike places the rider’s safety above anything else. Safety on bikes comes in the form of smart and quick brakes that work without faltering or getting stuck. Always take a look at the safety measures before purchasing a bike.

Storage Rack

Although this an optional feature for many, we recommend that you purchase a bike with a storage rack. Surely you will need to carry many things with you, and a storage rack will come in handy during these times.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs