What is the Smallest Folding Bike? 6 Most Compact Bikes [Year]

Folding bikes are known for their compact size. But some models will fold down more quickly than others. So, what are some of the smallest folding bikes currently available on the market?

The smallest folding bike is the Quirky Kwiggle, which can fold into a space of 21.6″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″. The Brompton A-Line comes in second place, folding into a size of 25.3” x 23” x 10.6.” Though the lightest folding bike on the market is the Litepro King, which weighs just 14.5 pounds.

If you are looking for a compact folding bike, there are lots of options to choose from.

These are ideal if you want something that you can easily take on public transport or if you have limited storage space. Read on to discover the smallest folding bikes and how they measure up.

What Are The Smallest Folding Bikes In The World?

Here are the six smallest folding bikes in the world, ranked in order based on their volumetric folded size:

Smallest Folding Bike	Folded size	Weight	Wheel Size	Volume
Quirky Kwiggle	22″ x 16″ x 10″	18.7 lbs	12”	55 L
Brompton A-Line	25” x 23” x 11”	24.8 lbs	16”	101 L
Litepro King	25” x 11” x 24”	14.5 lbs	14”	108 L
Dahon K3	24” x 11”x 25”	17.9 lbs	14”	108 L
Helix Standard	28″ x 25″ x 11″	23.3 lbs	23”	120 L
BTwin Tilt 500	23.6″ x 26″ x 15″	19.8 lbs	14”	151 L

As you can see, all of these bikes are great choices if you want something compact. For comparison, the Vektron S10 from Tern is a standard size. When folded, it will be 16.1” × 33.9” × 26.8” (240 cubic liters).

But there is a winner for the smallest folding bike on the market, the Quirky Kwiggle.

Due to its tiny size, you will be able to take it onto a plane as carry-on luggage. It can even be folded up and worn as a backpack. It also has a relatively small footprint when you unfold it, looking closer to a folding scooter than a bicycle.

Another cool feature is the small wheels built into the bike’s base. This makes it easy to roll along the ground when the bike is folded.

However, if weight is your primary concern, you might want to consider the Litepro King. It weighs 14.5 pounds (6.6 kilograms), compared to 48.7 pounds for the Vektron model.

How Small Does A Brompton Fold?

A standard Brompton folding bike has folded dimensions of 23″ high x 22″ long x 11″ wide (59cm x 57cm x 27cm) and a folded volumetric size of 5,566 cubic inches (0.09 cubic metres). Brompton bicycles achieve a compact folded size due to a unique folding mechanism design and 16-inch wheel size.

What Affects A Bike’s Folded Size?

Multiple factors will impact how portable the bike will be when folded. But the most important are; the wheel size, frame material, manual or electric, and folding mechanism.

1. Wheel Size

The wheels are one of the most significant parts of the bike. Because of this, they profoundly impact how compact the bike will be when folded. As a general rule, the smaller the wheels are, the tighter the bike will fold.

But this will come at a price; the smaller wheels will offer less suspension. As a result, you will feel every bump in the road. Because of this, the 12” Kwiggle is only suitable to be used on smooth city roads and won’t be able to go through gravel.

2. Frame Material

The frame material will have the biggest impact on how much the bike will weigh. Furthermore, it will influence the amount of weight that your bike will be able to carry.

This might be an essential consideration if you are planning on using it to ride to work and need to be able to take a backpack with you.

A few common types of frame materials will be used in folding bikes. These include:

• Aluminum. This is used by Dahon K3, BTwin Tilt 500, Lite Pro King,
• Titanium. The Helix uses this type of material,
• Steel. Kwiggle and Brompton use this material.

3. Folding Mechanism

Next, you should consider the folding mechanism. This is the way that the bike gets compacted down. There are most of these bikes will fold in half.

Most of the time, the seat post will be on the top, giving you something to grip as you carry the cycle. For some models, like the Kwiggle, the handlebars will be on top and the seat on the side.

The good news is that all the foldable bikes will be easy to use. Most of the time, you can fold and unfold them within 30 seconds or less.

4. Accessories

Lastly, you might consider the accessories that come with the bike or those you wish to add as extras. For example, you might consider adding a rack to the back of the bicycle or fenders. These add weight and make the bike less compact.

5. Whether It’s Manual Or Electric

One of the primary determinants of size is whether the bike is manual or electric. Generally, electric bikes will be bulkier. This is because they will need to carry the weight of the motor.

Furthermore, it will have to bear the battery, which can be pretty bulky.

However, there are some ways of solving this problem. For example, the Brompton bikes place the battery pack into a backpack so that it can be removed from the bike.

What Is The Smallest Folding Electric Bike?

The Brompton C Line Electric is the smallest folding electric bike, with a folded size of 25″ by 23″ by 11″ and a folded volumetric size of 104 cubic liters. Other compact e-bikes include the DYU S2, Swagtron Swagcycle Pro, Qualisports Nemo, and Ancheer Mini-Size.

Smallest Folding Electric Bike	Folded size	Weight	Wheel Size	Volume
Brompton C Line Electric	25″ x 23″ x 11″	40 lbs	16″	104 L
DYU S2 Electric	38″ x 27″ x 9″	33 lbs	10″	151 L
Swagtron Swagcycle Pro	26″ x 24″ x 16″	37 lbs	14″	164 L
Qualisports Nemo	26″ x 25″ x 16″	30 lbs	16″	170 L
Ancheer Folding E-Bike	41″ x 30″ x 9″	40 lbs	14″	181 L

How Compact Does A Folding Bike Have To Be?

There are multiple places when a compact can come in handy. Here’s how small they should each be:

• To fit in a suitcase. You will need a suitcase between 28 to 32 inches if you are flying. Most folding bikes, especially the ones we mentioned, will be able to meet this benchmark.
• To go on public transport. There is no size limit on the folding bikes that can be taken on the tube. Though it’s often easier to travel with a smaller bike.
• To fit in a car boot. Most cars will have enough space to load two suitcases. Even a small vehicle has space for 300 cubic liters. This will comfortably house most types of folding bikes.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning on getting a lightweight, compact bike, the Quirky Kwiggle is the best choice. While the 12-inch wheels might be a concern over rough terrain, it will be fine along paved, flat city streets.

Once you’re done, it can be folded into a package that’s light enough to carry on your back.

Alternatively, Brompton makes excellent folding bikes for travel. Be advised that they come with a price tag to match, though!