Best foldable bicycles in Singapore
With our ever-expanding cycling network and gems like the scenic Rail Corridor and windy East Coast Park, it’s no wonder cycling is quickly becoming Singapore’s national pastime. If you’re looking to squeeze in some cardio on the way to work or jio your pals for a leisurely weekend ride, foldable bicycles are the best way to get in on this healthy hobby.
Collapsing into compact bundles, foldable bicycles save space in smaller homes, are easily stored in car boots or even toted onto buses and MRT trains for extra convenience while commuting. Whether you’re seeking out one for work or play, here are the 11 best foldable bicycles in Singapore:
Pro tip: Prices on this list range from $260 – $3,000, but leisure cyclists can get a decent foldable bike under $500 for the weekly PCN ride. Enthusiasts and regular commuters can expect to shell out more than $1,000 for something more portable and robust.
Check out our other articles on bicycle adventures in Singapore:
- Obscure bike adventures in Singapore
- Scenic cycling trails in Singapore
- Unmarked cycling trails
- Bicycle shops in Singapore
1. Brompton M6L – Most compact with high customisation
A Brompton in Tempest Blue, with added accessories like a front pannier bag for storage and a carrying handle for portability.
Image credit: @verns_bromie_ride_captures
Made in the UK, Brompton bicycles are constructed from stainless steel and renowned for their superb quality. They’re almost synonymous with folding bikes, and thanks to a unique folding design, Bromptons are among the most compact foldable bicycles. Easy to fold and cart around, these bicycles are the perfect pick for both long commutes and quick trips to a cafe.
They’re also highly customisable in terms of parts, accessories and colours, but you can start by considering the Brompton M6L – one of their most popular models in Singapore. In addition to comfortable upright handlebars and six gear speeds to deal with a range of inclines, it also sports fenders for wet weather.
Brompton bikes are small enough to fit under cafe tables, and many owners have also brought them overseas by stowing them in the overhead bins of planes.
Image credit: @brompton_sg
Pro tip: Brompton bikes are highly popular and are currently on backorder till 2022, but alternative brands include 3sixty and Pikes that feature the same design but at much lower prices.
Price: From $2,580
Gears: 6-speed
Weight: 11.78KG
Folded dimensions: 58.5 x 56.5 x 27.0cm
2. Tern Link D8 – Adjustable for different heights and 10-second folding
Image credit: @piki_photo
Nailing the perfect fit for your bicycle is essential for comfort and safety, especially for longer rides. Most bicycles allow you to adjust the height of the saddle, but the Tern Link D8 lets you further tweak the position of the handlebars. This way, you can pick a more comfortable and upright position for long rides, or a lower, more aerodynamic one to go a little quicker.
For convenient storage and transport, the bike folds down in 10 seconds with three simple steps, and is held together securely by magnets to be carried around. The bike also has nifty features to boost its reliability and usefulness, including puncture-resistant Kevlar tyres and compatibility with racks and fenders.
Image credit: @ternlisboa
Price: $1,050
Gears: 8-speed
Weight: 12.1KG
Folded dimensions: 79 × 72 x 38 cm
3. Bolt Classic Foldable Bike – Free doorstep delivery & 7-day return
Image credit: Bolt
From its folding mechanism to a lightweight body, foldable bikes offer a ton of convenience but can be quite complex. So, to safeguard against the unlikely crack or bend, Bolt assures you with a 10-year warranty on damage to your bike frame so you’ll be covered should your folding mechanism get a little stuck.
Designed in Germany, the Bolt Classic Foldable Bike is technologically advanced and designed with an ergonomic frame and sleek look. While it might be among the most affordable bikes on this list, its inclusion of disc brakes for safety and larger 20-inch wheels make it a smooth ride for the average cyclist.
Image credits: Bolt
As a key feature of any foldable bike, the Bolt Classic collapses small enough to take on the train or fit in your car boot. It also compacts quickly and easily within six seconds so you won’t catch weird looks as you stand at the entrance of the MRT station struggling to get things into place.
As a bonus, you can get your Bolt bicycle delivered to your doorstep for free, along with a 7-day return on your purchase, no questions asked. That way, you’ll get to enjoy tons of freedom right out the gate, hassle-free.
Price: $349
Gears: 7-speed
Weight: 14.8kg
Folded dimensions: 83 x 33 x 62CM
Get Bolt Classic Foldable Bike
4. Dahon K3 – Lightweight at only 8.1KG
Image credit: @witzard_1979
It can be incredibly liberating to zip along scenic cycling routes, but you’ll have to dismount at some point to lift your bike over obstacles like kerbs and steps. But even if you’re not encountering flights of stairs on the regular, a lightweight bike can make minor inconveniences like folding and unfolding much more effortless.
Weighing in at just 8.1KG, the Dahon K3 is one of the most lightweight folding bicycles on the market. While most other bikes weigh above 10KG and sport 20-inch wheels, this adorable gadget has 14-inch wheels that let it fold into a tiny package. Smaller wheels can result in a bumpier ride, but on flat ground, the bike can hit speeds of up to a whopping 35KM/H.
The Dahon K3 might be a touch larger than the Brompton when folded, but it only weighs a fraction as much – and costs much less.
Image credit: @mue.mue58
Price: $799
Gears: 3-speed
Weight: 8.1KG
Folded dimensions: 64 x 63 x 29 cm
5. Decathlon BTwin Tilt 500 20” – Affordable with accessory options
A kitted-out BTwin Tilt 500 with added accessories like a bottle cage, rear lights, saddlebag and handlebar bag.
Image credit: @angelotorino81
Decathlon is a haven for aspiring fitness enthusiasts, and they’ve partnered up with Taiwanese bicycle maker BTwin to bring their range of affordable rides to our shores. At $360, the BTwin Tilt 500 is a wallet-friendly option that even offers you seven gear speeds to deal with different slopes and terrain.
Though its other features are rather typical, the BTwin Tilt series offers compatibility with Decathlon’s jaw-dropping range of bike accessories. From saddlebags to rear blinkers, you can even convert the Tilt 500 to carry more cargo with a fabric front basket ($15), rear pannier rack ($40), and a pair of 15L bags ($30) for more eco-friendly grocery runs.
Check out our article on the best buys at Decathlon Singapore
Price: $360
Gears: 7-speed
Weight: 13KG
Folded dimensions: 78 x 66 x 38cm
Get Decathlon BTwin Tilt 500 20”
6. Birdy Touringplus 24SP – Best for hilly terrain and rough surfaces
Image credit: Mighty Velo
With its high-tech engineering and rugged looks, Birdy bikes might very well be the Land Rover of the foldable bicycle world. One of the premium options on this list, the Birdy Touringplus 24SP is built for comfort, and you’ll be cushioned with both front and rear suspension, along with thick tyres to roll right over rough and bumpy terrain.
Perfect for the occasional off-road adventure, the Birdy Touringplus 24SP offers a whopping 24 gear speeds, letting you effortlessly pedal through hilly and bumpy road surfaces alike.
Image credit: @birdybicycle
Price: $2,950
Gears: 24-speed
Weight: 11.8KG
Folded dimensions: 72 x 60 x 33CM
7. Tyrell FX – Fast road bike with speeds of up to 40KM/H
Image credit: Tyrell
For those looking for extra speed, the Tyrell FX is a foldable bicycle that can hit up to 40KM/H – on par with full-sized race bicycles. It might be the priciest bike on this list, but it’s packed with top-shelf components and lightweight carbon parts to help you go toe to toe with full-sized racing bicycles – all while folding small enough to take on the MRT.
Just like a conventional road bike, you’ll get drop handlebars that put you in a lower and more aerodynamic position. The unique build of the frame also makes it extra rigid, so your energy is transferred efficiently through the pedals and gears for extra speed.
Price: $3,900
Gears: 18-speed
Weight: 9KG
Folded dimensions: 87 x 79 x 35CM
8. Hito X6 – Best for tall and heavy riders with sporty design
Image credit: jackbikesg
Foldable bikes are made to be as compact and light as possible – so for larger riders, it’s important to pick a ride that suits their needs. Supporting riders weighing up to 160KG, the Hito X6 is highly rated by taller riders of up to 1.8M.
It’s a good option for those looking to get the most bang for their buck, coming in under $500 but weighing a modest 11KG. Despite its weight, the Hito X6 delivers a sturdy ride and is available in a range of sporty looks – including an eye-catching gold-and-black design.
Price: $480
Gears: 7-speed
Weight: 11KG
Folded dimensions: 35 x 60 x 80CM
9. CarryMe – Slim foldable ideal for MRT commuters
Image credit: Pacific CarryMe
Most foldable bikes are built small enough to be brought aboard public transport, but the CarryMe takes it to the next level with its slim trolley-like design. It folds into a nifty bundle that easily rolls on nifty casters through crowded malls or MRT stations.
It’s definitely not the top pick for those looking for an adventure on wheels as its smaller tyres result in a slightly bumpier ride, and you’ll be straining to climb steep hills on its single gear. But weighing only 8.4KG, it is compact and easy to fold, making it the perfect companion to zip between your doorstep and the MRT station.
Image credit: Pacific CarryMe
Price: $999
Gears: Single-speed
Weight: 8.4KG
Folded dimensions (LHW): 91 x 32 x 25CM
10. Java Zelo V2 – Reliable in tough and wet road conditions
Image credit: @md.fvrhvn
Cycling in wet conditions can be dangerous – especially when brakes slip and you can’t come to a stop in time. For a reliable way to come to a steady stop even in rough conditions, Java Zelo V2 uses disc brakes that you’d commonly find on motorbikes and cars – all while being one of the cheapest foldable bikes on the market.
In addition, it boasts a solid set of features that includes a decent seven-speed Shimano gearset and robust and grippy Kenda tyres that’ll stand up to rough and slick terrain.
Price: $320
Gears: 7-speed
Weight: 13KG
Folded dimensions: 91 x 65 x 39CM
11. Begasso – Most affordable with stable full-sized frame
Image credit: @ma.sharlaine
Foldable bicycles usually sport smaller wheels for a more compact size, but the Begasso provides extra stability with a larger, full-sized design. Featuring extra-large 26-inch wheels, you’ll be able to roll over obstacles and cruise on bumpy ground while being cushioned with springy suspension on both the front and rear wheels.
It also offers disc brakes for reliable braking along with a generous 24-speed gearset to help you traverse rough terrain. The best part – it folds in half so you’ll be able to transport it by car to your favourite mountain bike trails without having to install an external bicycle rack!
Price: $285
Gears: 24-speed
Weight: 16KG
Folded dimensions: 91.4 x 71.1 x 30.5CM
Explore Singapore with these compact foldable bicycles
Whether you’re looking for a ride to join your kaki on weekend adventures, or a companion to supercharge your daily commute, there’s a wide range of foldable bicycles to fit your budget and needs.
Allowing you to free up valuable storage space at home, foldable bicycles also catch a ride on our efficient public transport system to explore Singapore’s many far-flung gems and create great memories with loved ones.
Check out our other articles for more outdoor adventures:
- Outdoor playgrounds in Singapore with next-level features
- Free and affordable outdoor activities for families
- Hiking trails around the revamped Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The products have been ranked in terms of functions, and price from sources and reviews online.
Original article published on 26th Mar 2021. Last updated by Tay Jin Heok on 12th Aug 2021.
Cover image credit: @ma.sharlaine, Pacific CarryMe