Lightweight Folding Bike for Heavy Rider Suggestions

[Plilly]

I commute weekly by train to NYC and am looking for an electric foldable bike that is lightweight, preferably under 40 lbs, that will fit on the overhead when collapsed but most importantly can support my 250 pounds. I’m 65 and 6’ tall. I’m having a hard time finding options due to my weight. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[tomjasz]

I bought a Zizzo Forte, rated for a 300lb rider, and fitted a BBS01B kit.

 

[Plilly]

I believe these bikes are rated for 220 lbs, but they do weigh 40lbs or less.

40.0 lbs

36.0 lbs

35.9 lbs

Thanks, I weight a 35 pounds more, so worried about the spokes damaging

 

[Plilly]

I bought a Zizzo Forte, rated for a 300lb rider, and fitted a BBS01B kit.

Thanks, are you happy with the bike?

 

[tomjasz]

Thanks, are you happy with the bike?

I was pleasantly surprised by how well this low-end bike is configured. A BBS02B or hub motor would be better than the 250W 36v BBS01B I used.

 

[ki11a]

I bought a Zizzo Forte, rated for a 300lb rider, and fitted a BBS01B kit.

Do you have a throttle on it/how fast does it go? Ive always been interested in mid drive folders, esp the Luna Mosso Folder

 

[tomjasz]

Do you have a throttle on it/how fast does it go? Ive always been interested in mid drive folders, esp the Luna Mosso Folder

BBSXX series motors all have throttle capability. Speed depends on which model. My 30mph rides are over.

 

[PedalUma]

I have sold those Go Cycle bikes they are okay but did not seem very strong with the asymmetric fork. You can also convert a stronger folding bike with an easily removable battery for transport. Wheel strength is the main factor with larger riders. The photo shows a folding conversion.

 

[ki11a]

I have sold those Go Cycle bikes they are okay but did not seem very strong with the asymmetric fork. You can also convert a stronger folding bike with an easily removable battery for transport. Wheel strength is the main factor with larger riders. The photo shows a folding conversion.

....do you have the ebike propped up on a table, yes...why? i dunno...am I intrigued?...yes lmao

 

[PedalUma]

Hung Ching! Is the Boston Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club. The truth is I was feeling lazy and did not feel like hunching down to take the photo so I put the little bike up on a table. It was raining that day so the lighting sucks but does show the integrated light kit on the folding electric bike conversion.

 

[FlatSix911]

Here are a few additional options recommended by EBR.

Best Folding Electric Bikes of 2024 | ElectricBikeReview.com

Here are our top picks for the best folding electric bikes of 2024. These top five ebikes represent the best combination of features and value right now, but you can see all 133 of our detailed folding ebike reviews listed by date here. Reviewing electric bikes is our primary focus, EBR has the...

electricbikereview.com

 

[FlatSix911]

I commute weekly by train to NYC and am looking for an electric foldable bike that is lightweight, preferably under 40 lbs, that will fit on the overhead when collapsed but most importantly can support my 250 pounds.
I’m 65 and 6’ tall. I’m having a hard time finding options due to my weight. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Welcome to EBR.

If you can go over your 40 lb EBike limit, the Sondors is a great bike and will handle your 250 lb weight easily.
Take a look at the review of best bikes... the Sondors is well built and is the affordable category pick from EBR.

SONDORS Smart Step Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $1199.00 | Model Year: 2020 | The Smart Step is the first step-thru Ebike from SONDORS that is both approachable and easier to transport due to the unique foldable frame, covered by a one-year comprehensive warranty, and at a great price point of only $1199

electricbikereview.com

 

[harryS]

I wouldn't try putting that Sondors on an over head rack. Even if it fit, I know I'd drop it and kill someone. A 40lb briefcase full of gold bullion and maybe a sidearm is one thing to lift, but bikes are just too bulky for that, even with a Bond girl to help.

Maybe a Swytch kit on a folder. The battery and controller hang on the handlebars and are supposed to come off. That's about 5 pounds. The Swytch motor should be about 4 pounds.

 

[fauconnier]

All Sondors models are listed at 300 lbs. 3 of them fold.

 

[Dewey]

I bought a Zizzo Forte, rated for a 300lb rider, and fitted a BBS01B kit.

Hey Tom, I saw this bike mentioned on bikeforums.net because of the 300lb weight rating. Does it feel solid when unfolded, no worrisome frame flex, does the seatpost clamp work to prevent it from sliding down? I'm looking at 20" folding options for a 280lb rider, we rode a pair of loaner Dahon Mariner folders a couple years ago which is officially rated for 230lb but was able to handle a heavier rider.

 

[tomjasz]

Hey Tom, I saw this bike mentioned on bikeforums.net because of the 300lb weight rating. Does it feel solid when unfolded, no worrisome frame flex, does the seatpost clamp work to prevent it from sliding down? I'm looking at 20" folding options for a 280lb rider, we rode a pair of loaner Dahon Mariner folders a couple years ago which is officially rated for 230lb but was able to handle a heavier rider.

Seems solid to me. But I have to admit I don't find the geometry of any folder to be very comfortable on long rides. I'm solidly in the crank forward flat foot crowd for the best comfortable riding positions.

 

[BET]

I saw Costco was selling the Jupiter Discovery 5x for $600. 40 lbs. Folds up small, magnet to keep it together. You can roll it when folded. Throttle and PAS. Looks like a good bike for your intended use. Extra batteries not expensive. Has a rear shock and cast wheels so you do not have to worry about spokes. 350 w motor. 275 lbs. rated capacity. Range 30 miles.

 

[FrankR]

Thanks, I weight a 35 pounds more, so worried about the spokes damaging

Which bike did you wind up choosing?

 

[tomjasz]

$600 is close to an eBike battery from a reliable source. Please don’t fall for a cheap crappy bike. But we’re here when it craps out.

 

[BET]

If you want a cheap lightweight commuter folder the Discovery x5 is fine. It has an adjustable seat and 6 foot is fine. It could handle your weight. It does not have skinney spokes. Has cast wheels. I have a heavier more expensive non folding e bike too but for your intended use as a light folder it would work. Also it is easy to roll while folded and a magnet keeps too halves together though you might want to also secure with a bungee cord. Folds up small. I bought a used one that was a year old and it works fine.