The 9 Best Folding Bikes for Heavy & Tall Riders

Last Updated on 17 August 2023 by Cycloscope

The 9 best folding bikes for heavy riders – Adult folding bicycles for tall riders, overweight cyclists, and big men.

The top Fold-Up bikes, reviewed for 2023

Welcome to our blog post on the 9 best folding bikes for heavy and tall riders, a part of our series about bikes for big folks.

Although we aren’t big guys ourselves, we understand the struggle of finding a folding bike that can withstand your weight and accommodate your height. The need to make folding bikes portable often results in lighter-weight frames, which can limit their ability to support heavier loads.

But fear not, because we’ve scoured the market and handpicked the top 9 options for big guys, both electric and muscle-powered folding bikes.

Whether you’re a heavy rider or a tall rider, or both, we’ve got you covered. But before we dive into the list, let’s talk about the importance of finding the right folding bike as a big guy.

First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room (pun intended) – weight capacity. As heavy riders, we need a bike that can support our weight without compromising on stability and safety. And let’s be real, nobody wants to be that guy who breaks the bike while out on a ride.

Secondly, as tall riders, we need a bike that can comfortably accommodate our height and provide a smooth ride. Being cramped up on a bike is not only uncomfortable, but it can also lead to poor posture and potential injury.

So, without further ado, let’s get into the list of the best folding bikes for heavy and tall riders. We’ve got a mix of electric and muscle-powered options, so there’s something for everyone. But before we get started, let’s make one thing clear – just because these bikes are designed for heavy and tall riders, it doesn’t mean they’re only for big guys. These bikes are suitable for any rider looking for a sturdy and comfortable ride.

Check Also:
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> MTB for Big Guys – 9 Best Mountain Bikes for Heavy Riders & Tall Men

How to choose a folding bike for a heavy/tall man

Choosing the right folding bike for a heavy or tall man can be a bit of a daunting task, but no worries, we are here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect bike for your needs.

As we all know, due to the folding mechanism, most folding bikes have limited weight-bearing capacity. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a bike that will work for you. The key is to know what to look for.

First and foremost, it’s important to pay attention to the weight capacity of the bike. Make sure that it can handle your weight without any issues. You may also want to look for a bike with a stronger frame, as this will help to ensure that the bike can hold up under the pressure of your weight.

Next, consider the size of the bike. As a taller man, you’ll want to make sure that the bike can comfortably accommodate your height. Look for a bike with a longer seat post and a higher handlebar stem. This will help to ensure that you can ride comfortably without having to hunch over.

Getting a bit more technical, an important factor to consider is the bike’s stack and reach. Stack refers to the vertical distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube, while reach refers to the horizontal distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the tip of the handlebars. For taller riders, a bike with longer reach and stack may be more comfortable, while for heavier riders, a bike with a larger reach might be more stable.

A key point is deciding if you want to go muscular, and sweat your excess fat away, or electric. Electric folding bikes are a great option for heavy riders as they assist you while pedaling.

Finally, make sure to pay attention to the brakes and tires of the bike. Look for a bike with high-quality brakes that will provide good stopping power, and wider tires, able to handle the weight of a heavier rider while keeping the rig stable.

All in all, finding the right folding bike for a heavy or tall man may take a bit of extra effort, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. Just remember to pay attention to the weight capacity, size, drivetrain, brakes, and tires, and you’ll be sure to find a bike that works for you.

After all, riding a bike should be a joyous experience, no matter your size or shape. So, let’s get started on finding the best folding bikes for heavy and tall riders, and don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the ride!

4 Best Electric Folding Bikes for Tall / Heavy Riders

Best: Hummingbird Electric Gen 2

• Model: Electric Hummingbird Gen 2.0
• Max payload: 110 kg (242 pounds)
• Max rider’s height: up to 210cm / 6″10 (with proper set-up)
• Drivetrain: 65 Gear inches, 5.20 meter development
• Brakes: Shimano BR-R 451 Super SLR dual pivot design
• Tires: Schwalbe Kojak with puncture protection / 16″ 32
• Weight: 10.3kg / 22,7 pounds
• Folded Size: 117x60x20 Centimeters / 46x23x8 Inches
• Price: about $4,000

The Ferrari of folding bikes, the Electric Hummingbird is a sleek and stylish folding e-bike that can claim the title of “lightest folding electric bike on the market”.

Its all-in-one power system, combined with a 250W motor and built-in battery, provides a smooth and effortless ride. The Bitride App allows for customization of assist settings and monitoring of the bike’s performance.

The Gen 2.0 model boasts an impressive 50% more torque and 20% more range than its predecessor, making it even more capable of tackling steep hills and longer rides.

As Hummingbird states “The Hummingbird is very versatile and can accommodate most heights. A suitable saddle height is measured by the length of your inner leg. The standard seat tube is intended for people with an inside leg measurement of around 74 – 97 cm. You can adjust your reach by rotating the handlebars.”

A 97 inseam should be enough for most riders up to 210cm (6″10), quite impressive for a folding bike. The weight limit is also above most of its competitors at 110kg (242 lbs).

The easy folding mechanism allows for quick and convenient storage and transportation. Customization options, such as the ability to choose your own frame color or even design a bespoke bike, add an extra level of personalization.

Premium: Brompton Electric

• Model: Brompton Electric
• Max payload: 110kgs (242 lbs)
• Drivetrain: Brushless geared hub motor
• Brakes: Dual pivot alloy caliper brakes
• Tires: 16″ x 1-3/8″ Schwalbe Marathon Racer
• Weight: Approximately 13.6 kg (30 lbs)
• Folded size: H: 56cm x W: 59cm x D: 27cm (22″ x 23″ x 11″)
• Price: from $3,500

The Brompton Electric is a folding bike that packs a punch. Its small size when folded makes it easy to take with you on the go, whether you’re commuting to work or taking a trip on public transportation. But don’t let its compact size fool you – this bike packs a powerful fist with its electric assist motor. The motor provides just the right amount of boost to make hills and headwinds a breeze.

The bike is built with a lightweight aluminum frame and comes with a variety of gears, making it easy to tackle any terrain. The handling is precise and responsive, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable ride. The folding mechanism is intuitive and easy to use, making it a great option for city dwellers or those with limited storage space.

For taller riders, the Brompton Electric offers a larger frame size, with a maximum rider height of around 6’4″ for the largest available frame. This allows for a comfortable and efficient riding position for taller individuals. Overall, this bike offers great value for money, with its impressive capabilities and convenient folding design.

Mid-Range: Dahon UNIO E20 20″

• Model: Dahon UNIO E20
• Max payload: 105 kg (for Unio with 20″ wheels) and 85 kg (for Unio with 16″ wheels)
• Max rider’s height: 145cm-185cm (for Unio with 20″ wheels)
• Drivetrain: DAHON Custom 9-Speed Trigger Shifter
• Brakes: DAHON Custom V-brakes, Stainless Link, anchor and pivot bolts
• Tires: 20″ Lightweight Aluminum Double Wall w/CNC
• Weight: 16.10 kg (35.49 lbs)
• Folded Size: 69 x 38x 75cm (27.17 x 14.96 x 29.53 inches)
• Price: from $1,800

Introducing the Dahon UNIO E20, a folding bike that packs a punch with its lightweight and sturdy construction. With options for both 16-inch and 20-inch wheels, this bike is perfect for riders of various sizes.

The weight is great for an assisted pedal folding bike, only 16.10 kg (35.49 lbs), easy to carry around and can be folded down to a compact size of 69 x 38x 75cm, making it perfect for city dwellers with limited storage space.

The frame is constructed with a lightweight Dalloy Aluminum Sonus Tubeset and a Lattice Forged Hinge, featuring ViseGrip Technology, ensuring stability and durability. The fork is also lightweight and responsive, made with Dalloy and featuring an integrated crown, providing a smooth ride. The handlepost is a Forged Aluminum Radius Telescope with Fusion Technology, which is adjustable, allowing you to customize your ride to your comfort level.

The bike is equipped with a DAHON custom 9-speed trigger shifter, 20-inch lightweight aluminum double wall wheels with CNC, and DAHON custom V-brakes with stainless link, anchor, and pivot bolts.

This bike is recommended for riders between 145cm-185cm in height and has a maximum rider weight of 105 kg (for Unio with 20″ wheels) and 85kg (for Unio with 16″ wheels), so you big guys should go for the 20″, slightly less compact.

Additionally, this bike also has a powerful DAHON 36V200W motor and a 36V8.7AH battery, perfect for those who want a little extra boost during their ride. With all these features, the Dahon UNIO E20 is a great choice for tall and heavy riders who want a lightweight and efficient bike.

Budget: Turboant Swift S1

• Model: Turboant Swift S1
• Max payload:  330 lb (150 kg)
• Range: 35–60 miles (56–97 km).
• Motor: 750W brushless gear motor.
• Brakes: Tektro Aries disk brakes
• Tires: 20″ × 4.0″ Kenda fat tires
• Weight: 72.8 lb (33 kg)
• Folded size: 38” x 23.5” x 31” (96.52 cm x 59.69 cm x 78.74 cm)
• Price: $1,799

The Turboant Swift S1 is a folding electric bike that is great for city commuters. With its lightweight aluminum frame and powerful 250W brushless geared motor, it can easily reach speeds of up to 20 mph. The bike also features a thumb-throttle and pedal assist mode, allowing you to customize your ride to your preference. Its 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes provide smooth and reliable shifting and stopping power. Additionally, the bike can fold down in seconds, making it easy to store and transport. With a maximum rider height of 6’2, the Swift S1 is a great option for taller riders looking for a compact and efficient mode of transportation.

The Turboant Swift S1 electric bike is a great option for overweight riders looking for a reliable and efficient folding commuter at an affordable price point.

With a weight capacity of 330 pounds, the Swift S1 can accommodate most of the heaviest guys.

The bike also features a convenient thumb throttle and pedal assist system, making it easy for riders to customize their ride experience.

A sleek and compact design, making it easy to store and transport adds up points making it an excellent choice for overweight riders, but note that at almost 73lbs, this is not an easy toy to haul around.

5 Muscular Folding Bikes For Big Guys

Budget: Tern Link D8

• Model: Tern Link D8
• Max payload: 220lbs
• Drivetrain: Shimano Nexus 8-speed
• Brakes: V-Brakes
• Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple, 20″ x 2.15″
• Weight: 28.6lbs
• Folded size: 34.2″ x 30.3″ x 11.8″
• Price: from $849.00

If you wanna break a sweat with a muscular and not “cheat” with a motor, here’s a marvel of engineering for a bargain price, meant to make your commute a breeze.

Built to last with a lightweight aluminum frame and a durable chromoly fork, the Tern Link D8 packs an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and reliable Tektro V-brakes.

The 20-inch wheels make it compact while still providing a stable ride, while the Schwalbe Big Apple tires offer great grip and stability. And with the ability to fold down in mere seconds, this bike is perfect for city dwellers or anyone looking for a convenient and easy-to-store option.

But don’t let its small size fool you, the Tern Link D8 can accommodate riders up to 6’5″ thanks to its large frame size, making it perfect for tall riders. And with its affordable price point, it’s a bang for the buck for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient folding bike.

Cheap: Dahon Mariner D8

• Model: Dahon Mariner D8
• Max payload: 110 kg (242.5 lbs)
• Max rider’s height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
• Drivetrain: 7-speed Shimano Tourney
• Brakes: V-brake
• Tires: Schwalbe Road Cruiser 20″ x 1.75″
• Weight: 12.7 kg (28 lbs)
• Folded size: 38 x 79 x 66 cm (15 x 31 x 26 in)
• Price: from $850

The Dahon Mariner D8 is a 20″ wheel folding bike that boasts a sleek and rust-resistant brushed aluminum finish. It comes equipped with a rear rack, luggage strap, kickstand, and fenders, making it a great option for those who want a versatile bike without the added cost of purchasing accessories separately.

In terms of portability, the Mariner D8 is above average. It can be folded compactly and weighs only 26 lbs/12.5 kg. The plastic Snap Lok clip system, unfortunately, may be prone to breaking – you get what you pay for, after all. Despite this, anyway, it does a good-enough job of securing the wheels when the bike is folded.

The Mariner is relatively inexpensive for a quality folding bike and features a Shimano Tourney 7-speed with an 11-32 tooth cassette for a decent variety of gear options. A compact design delivers the job, although the shifting may not be as smooth as high-end 7-speed derailleurs.

Dahon states that the bike can accommodate riders from 4’9″ to 6’3″, making it a suitable option for a wide range of riders, the weight limit is set at 105kg (230 lbs) so it might not be the one for the biggest of you.

A member of our team owns a Mariner and has done some light touring on it, the bike has proven to be durable, able to withstand being placed in a car trunk and checked onto an airplane, as well as being ridden on small, uneven roads.

The Mariner D8 features a lightweight Dalloy Aluminum Sonus Tubeset frame, Hi-Ten Steel Blades fork, and an adjustable Forged Alloy Radius Telescope handlepost.

Mid-range: Kwiggle®

most compact folding bike up to 220 lbs

• Model: Kwiggle
• Max payload: 100 kg
• Max rider’s height: 1.35 – 1.95 m
• Drivetrain: 3 or 6 gears, 4.1 – 5.9 m/rev (3) and 3.1 – 7.2 m/rev (6)
• Brakes: Not specified
• Tires: 12 inch
• Weight: 9.5 – 10.5 kg
• Folded Size: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
• Price: $1,680

Here behold the smallest and lightest folding bike in the world! And yes, it’s a fit also for big guys! Plus, it is made in Germany, a name for precision and high-quality materials.

The Kwiggle folding bike boasts a compact design, measuring just 55x40x25 cm when folded, making it perfect for transportation on buses and trains or storage in small spaces.

Its adjustable seat allows for riders of a wide range of heights (1.35-1.95m) to comfortably use the same bike.

One of the standout features of the Kwiggle is its upright riding position, which is said to be physiologically superior to traditional cycling. It also comes with the option of 3 or 6 gears and offers a smooth transmission with speeds of 4.1-5.9 m/rev (3) or 3.1-7.2 m/rev (6).

However, one potential downside of the Kwiggle is the small 12-inch wheels, which may not be suitable for all types of terrain.

Talking max payloads, the permissible total weight limit of 100 kg may be limiting for heavier riders.

Overall, the Kwiggle is a unique and innovative folding bike with some impressive features, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.

Mid-range: Montague Paratrooper Pro

Folding bike for the heaviest riders

• Model: Montague Paratrooper Pro
• Max payload: 136 kg (300 lb)
• Drivetrain: 27-speed Shimano drivetrain
• Brakes: V-brakes or disc brakes
• Tires: 27.5″
• Weight: 13.6 kg (30 lb)
• Folded size: M size 36″ x 28″ x 12″ (91.44 cm x 71.12 cm x 30.48 cm)
• Price: from $1,000 to $1,500

Alright, let me tell you about the Montague Paratrooper Pro folding bike. Now, I gotta say, I’m not exactly in the best shape, I could lose a few pounds, so when I first saw this bike I was a bit skeptical. But let me tell you, it handled my weight like a champ.

One of the things I really appreciated about the Paratrooper Pro was its sturdy build. This thing is built like a tank, and it’s clear that it’s designed to take a beating. The 27-speed Shimano drivetrain was smooth and responsive, and the disc brakes provided plenty of stopping power.

But, as much as I liked the build and the drivetrain, the thing that really impressed me was the folding mechanism. Now, I’ve tried a few folding bikes in my time, but this thing was a breeze to fold up. It only took a minute or two, and the folded size was surprisingly compact.

On the downside, the weight was a bit of an issue for me, coming in at 30 lbs, it’s not the lightest bike out there. And while the tires were big and grippy, they did make the bike feel a bit heavy and harder to maneuver. And although the price sits around the $1,000 to $1,500 mark, it’s not the most affordable bike out there.

All in all, I was impressed by the Montague Paratrooper Pro. It’s a well-built, sturdy folding bike that’s perfect for heavier riders like me. Just be prepared for the weight and the price, but the folding mechanism and the durability of the bike definitely make up for it.

Premium: Brompton C Line Explore

• Model: Brompton C Line Explore
• Max payload: 110 kg (242 lbs)
• Max rider’s height: Suitable for maximum inside leg of 35″/89cm (with extended seat post, suitable for people under 6’2in/189cm)
• Drivetrain: Brompton Wide-range 6 speed drivetrain (2 x 3 speed), 300% range
• Brakes: Brompton Dual Pivot Calipers
• Tires: 349 x 35C Schwalbe Marathon Racer, puncture resistant with reflective sidewall
• Weight: 28.66 lbs
• Folded Size: 645mm (H) x 565mm (W) x 270mm (D) (25.3” x 23” x 10.6”)
• Price: $1,850

Our award for the best Brompton for heavy and tall riders goes to the C Line Explore. Brompton is the leading brand in the folding bike industry, their name is basically a synonim of folding bikes, that’s because they are innovators and their rigs abide to the highest standards of manufacturing and safety.

The Brompton C Line Explore is perfect for exploring the city and beyond. With its precision-drawn heat-treated steel tubing and hand-brazed joints, the main frame is both strong and durable. The rear frame is made of hand-brazed cold-formed micro-alloy steel tubing, making it lightweight yet sturdy.

The seatpost is a Brompton Extended Chromoly steel tube, which is suitable for a maximum inside leg of 35 inches or 89cm. The saddle is a Brompton saddle with an integrated carry handle, mounts for a Brompton rear light, and saddlebag.

A wide-range 6-speed drivetrain (2 x 3 speed), and a 6061 forged aluminium crank with 50T chainring and integrated chainguard are the drivetrain of choice, a bit limited for hilly cities.

The wheels are double-wall rim, 28 spokes, the rear featuring a 3-speed internal gear hub + 2-speed external gears (13 and 16 tooth). The tires are 349 x 35C Schwalbe Marathon Racer, which are puncture-resistant and have reflective sidewalls.

The bike comes with fenders with rubberized flaps, Brompton Dual Pivot Calipers brakes, composite hinge clamp levers, and front and rear reflectors. The front carrier block adaptor is suitable for all types of Brompton luggage. It also comes equipped with a Brompton Zefal pump.

The Brompton C Line Explore is suitable for maximum inside leg of 35 inches or 89cm, and the rider weight, combined with any luggage, should not exceed more than 110kgs (242 lbs, 17 stone). The bike is perfect for people under 6’2in (189cm), but for taller people, the telescopic seat post will extend further and allow them to find a comfortable height.

For tall riders, I also recommend the high handlebar, as it will give you a more upright and comfortable position. You can test-ride the Brompton and find the ideal setup by visiting a Brompton retailer.

FAQs about the best folding bikes for heavy riders