Folding Bike Commuting: 7 Benefits Of A Traffic-Free Commute

By Mark Plummer •  Updated: 05/19/23 •  14 min read

When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Increasingly, cities worldwide focus more on bike paths, making it easier than ever to ride to work. Folding bikes are a great way to take advantage of this trend. They are light, easy to ride, and can be folded into a compact package. 

Commuting on your folding bike is pretty straightforward. All you need are essential equipment, like a helmet and cycling sunglasses.

Folding Bike Commuting
Folding Bike Commuting

You’ll also need to know a few technical skills, like learning the correct posture. Read on to discover everything you need to know to commute on a folding bike comfortably.  

Are Folding Bikes Good for Commuting?

There are a few reasons why folding bikes are ideal for commuting.

First, they are lightweight and easy to fold after you finish using them. You can even slot them into your locker or under your desk rather than leaving them outside where they can be stolen.

Are Folding Bikes Good for Commuting
Are Folding Bikes Good for Commuting?

Once folded, they can be taken onto buses or trains without restrictions. 

Riding a bike can help you save money, as you don’t need to pay for petrol or public transport. With some maintenance, these bikes should last for years, requiring minimal repairs. Furthermore, riding to work each day will improve your health. 

Choosing the Right Folding Bike for Commuting

Choosing the Right Folding Bike for Commuting
Choosing the Right Folding Bike for Commuting

There are dozens of folding bikes available. But not all of them are suited to commuting. To help you narrow down your folding bike options, here are some of the qualities an excellent commuter folding bike should possess: 

Consider how you will use your folding bike. For example, if you live in a hilly area, you might be better off getting a bike with at least a 7-speed drivetrain. 

Best Folding Bikes for Commuting

Best Folding Bikes for Commuting
Best Folding Bikes for Commuting

There are plenty of folding bikes that fulfill these requirements. Some of the most prominent options are:

Over recent years the number of folding bikes available has exploded. Because of this, you should be able to find one that will suit your needs. 

Is Brompton a Good Commuter Bike? 

Brompton is one of the best folding bike manufacturers in the world.

They are known for creating bikes that are lightweight and easy to store. On average, folding and unfolding a Brompton will take 20 seconds.

Is Brompton a Good Commuter Bike 
Is Brompton a Good Commuter Bike?

They are also compact enough to take on public transport and pack into a suitcase for travel. 

Brompton bikes are easy to ride, with smooth handling, and they are also durable and built to last for a long time, with many models lasting over 20 years. This is why they tend to have a high resale value. 

Pros and Cons of Commuting on a Folding Bike

Taking a folding bike to work isn’t going to suit everyone. To help you decide if this is the right option, let’s look at the advantages and drawbacks of this approach. 

Pros and Cons of Commuting on a Folding Bike
Pros and Cons of Commuting on a Folding Bike

Benefits of Commuting on a Folding Bike

There are dozens of reasons why people choose to commute on a folding bike; these include: 

Drawbacks of Commuting on a Folding Bike

The most significant negatives associated with commuting on a folding bike are:

Preparing For Commuting on a Folding Bike

Preparing For Commuting on a Folding Bike
Preparing For Commuting on a Folding Bike

It can be intimidating to start commuting on your folding bike. But, with some preparation, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here are some things to do: 

Plan The Route

The best way to place to start is by planning your route. Ideally, you can use bike paths or stick to quieter streets until you build the confidence to travel on busy roads.

It’s also important to consider the quality of the streets. Avoid anything with large potholes, bumps, or gravel, as the small folding bike wheels will struggle over this terrain. 

Next, it’s essential to consider the length. If you face a long commute, you might only want to travel part of the way on your bike. The rest of the journey can be on public transport. Over time, you can build up your physical endurance for a longer ride. 

Leave Early

As you get used to riding to work, it’s best to start leaving 10 minutes early. This ensures you can commute at your own speed rather than worrying about being late for work. 

What To Do During Poor Weather

Sadly, we can’t always have sunny days. Here are some ideas on what you can do during a rainy day:

Preparing For A Flat Tire

A flat tire is a common issue faced by cyclists, although less so on folding bikes which tend to have reinforced kevlar tires.

Thankfully, there are puncture kits you can get to patch it up until you can get home and can change the tire. It would help if you also took a pump with you. This gear can sit in your backpack. Place the kit in your pannier bag. 

Maintaining Your Bike

Maintaining Your Bike
Maintaining Your Bike

If you take care of your folding bike, it should last many years. Here are four things you’ll need to do to keep your bike in excellent condition: 

Maximizing Convenience and Comfort in Folding Bike Commuting

Maximizing Convenience and Comfort in Folding Bike Commuting
Maximizing Convenience and Comfort in Folding Bike Commuting

Commuting to work should be a comfortable experience. Here are my tips to help you get the most out of your commute.  

Finding The Right Riding Posture

Without the correct posture, you will be placing a lot of pressure on your joints, which can often lead to back pain at the end of the ride:

There is no perfect riding posture. You’ll often need to experiment a little to find a position that feels comfortable for you. 

What Gear To Take On Your Ride

Here are some pieces of gear that will make the daily commute more comfortable: 

Staying Hydrated 

Dehydration is a significant risk for cyclists, particularly during the summer months. Thankfully, there are a few ways that you can stay hydrated when riding. First, you can use a CamelBak. This is a backpack with a water bladder and a flexible pipe straw. Alternatively, you can place a water bottle under your bike. The cage holder might be extra for some types of folding bikes. 

Consider using electrolytes, especially when you are getting used to commuting to work. This can help reduce the number of cramps you experience.  

Staying Safe While Commuting on a Folding Bike

It’s common to be concerned about the safety of riding a folding bike, particularly if this is your first time riding on the road. But, as long as you keep a few basic safety rules in mind, you shouldn’t have any issues. 

Staying Safe While Commuting on a Folding Bike
Staying Safe While Commuting on a Folding Bike

Remain Visible

Other road users must be able to see you coming. Here are some ways to improve your visibility: 

Get The Right Safety Equipment

You should always wear the following safety equipment when you are riding your bike: 

Learning How To Ride In Traffic

Riding in traffic is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, particularly if you are new to commuting. Here are some tips for mastering this skill: 

Commuting On A Folding Bike: My Verdict

Getting used to commuting with a folding bike can take a few weeks. But once you settle into a routine, you will grow more comfortable riding the bike on busy roads. Most importantly, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the journey.

Mark Plummer

Mark Plummer is an experienced bike mechanic who has built, repaired, and customized thousands of bikes over the years. A former mountain biking athlete, his cycling adventures have taken him all over the globe from the mountains of Scotland to the South Island of New Zealand. These days he enjoys the benefits of commuting to work and touring on his Dahon and Brompton folding bikes.

Read These Next