Folding mountain bikes have quietly carved out a space in the cycling world that few predicted. Not long ago, the idea of taking a trail-ready mountain bike, folding it in half, and carrying it onto a train sounded like something out of a design sketchbook.
But 2025 is showing us just how real and useful this blend of portability and performance can be. Especially for city riders who want off-road capability without giving up precious apartment space, or weekend adventurers who want to toss their bike in the trunk without a rack, folding MTBs are solving real problems.
Let’s get into what’s worth riding this year.
1. Montague Paratrooper Pro — Best Overall for Performance and Portability
Price: $1,295
Weight: 31 lbs
Folded Size: 36″ x 28″ x 12″
Wheel Size: 26″
Speeds: 27
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
The Montague Paratrooper Pro was built with military use in mind—literally. Originally developed with a DARPA grant, this bike is built like a tank but rides surprisingly light and responsive.
The 27-speed Shimano drivetrain gives you range for anything from steep inclines to speed-oriented flats, and the hydraulic disc brakes deliver consistent stopping power in all conditions.
You’re getting full mountain bike geometry here, not a weird hybrid compromise. The only notable omission is a 27.5” wheel option, which some riders prefer for rollover smoothness. Still, the 26” setup gives it great agility.
- Military-grade durability
- Wide gear range and powerful brakes
- Folds fast and compactly
- Accommodates a huge range of rider heights (4’8” to 6’4”)
- No 27.5″ wheel option
- Higher-end price (but worth it)
2. Rundeer 750W Electric Folding Ebike — Best for Power Off-Road
Price: $1,299
Weight: 82 lbs
Wheel Size: 20″ x 4″ Fat Tires
Motor: 750W
Speeds: 7
Suspension: Full
If you want to climb hills without gasping for breath, the Rundeer 750W might be your new best friend.
With a punchy 750W motor, this thing hauls. It’s not just for casual cruising either—the fat tires and full suspension give it serious traction across snow, sand, and dirt. You’ll hit up to 32 mph with pedal assist.
Just keep in mind: this bike is heavy. At 82 lbs, it’s not something you’ll casually lift over your shoulder. And while it folds, the mechanism feels a little clunky compared to slimmer models. But if you care more about torque than tight storage, this one delivers.
- Fat tires grip in all terrain
- Strong motor and speed
- Comfortable full suspension
- Great for winter and beach use
- Very heavy
- Folding isn’t particularly elegant
3. Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding MTB — Best Budget Pick
Price: $299.99
Weight: 42 lbs
Wheel Size: 26″
Speeds: 21
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
Suspension: Full
Let’s say you don’t want to drop a grand—but you still want something capable. Xspec’s 21-speed folding MTB fits the bill.
It’s designed for casual riders or newcomers who want a taste of the folding MTB life without emptying their wallet.
It’s got full suspension, decent geometry, and legit hydraulic disc brakes. Yes, there are some quality compromises—you might run into rear wheel bearing issues down the road, and it doesn’t ride like a high-end trail bike. But for under $300, it’s hard to argue with the value.
- Affordable entry point
- Full suspension
- Decent components for the price
- Heavier than it looks
- Long-term durability concerns
4. Eurobike OBK G4/G6 — Best Value with Wheel Size Options
Price: $293.55
Weight: 40 lbs
Wheel Size: 26″ or 27.5″
Speeds: 21
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
Suspension: Full
Here’s a little-known gem that’s getting more attention lately. The Eurobike OBK G4 and G6 are super versatile and give you something rare in the folding bike world—an option for 27.5” wheels. That means smoother rollover, better trail performance, and a more modern ride feel.
You’re still getting hydraulic discs and a 21-speed drivetrain, plus a very trail-capable full suspension system.
At under $300, it’s a steal. The catch? It’s still 40 lbs, and the folding isn’t as intuitive as more expensive models.
- Choice of wheel size
- Great feature set for the price
- Off-road capable
- Folding is clunky
- Weight may be a drawback for commuters
5. Wooken 26″ Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike — Best Affordable E-MTB Hybrid
Price: $435.99
Weight: 71 lbs
Wheel Size: 26″ Fat Tires
Motor: 500W
Speeds: 21
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
The Wooken brings a lot to the table for a price that’s almost suspiciously low. With 26” fat tires, a 500W motor, and a 30-mile range, you’re getting a capable electric ride that can handle both city streets and light trail riding.
There are some trade-offs. It struggles on steeper hills, especially if you’re on the heavier side.
The power key design has gotten some criticism too. But for someone looking for a commuter-friendly electric MTB that won’t break the bank, it’s an appealing option.
- Excellent value
- Three riding modes
- Fat tires for better grip
- Motor underperforms on steep grades
- Some reliability quirks reported
6. Kinetics MTBrompton — Best for Compact City Living
Price: ~$1,840
Weight: 32 lbs (14.6 kg)
Wheel Size: 20″
Brakes: Hydraulic or cable disc
Gearing: Alfine or Rohloff hub
Take a classic Brompton and beef it up for trails—that’s essentially what Kinetics did with the MTBrompton.
It uses 20” wheels with 60mm tires, comes with upgraded disc brakes, and offers hub-based gearing options that are known for reliability and low maintenance.
This is a city dweller’s dream. It folds to a tiny footprint, handles light off-roading with surprising confidence, and still looks like something you’d roll into a café without getting side-eye.
You are paying a premium though, so it’s more for the enthusiast than the budget-conscious.
- Super compact fold
- High-end hub gearing
- Great for urban/off-road crossover
- Expensive
- Smaller wheels limit off-road aggression
Why Folding Mountain Bikes Are Gaining Ground
A folding mountain bike isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a legit solution for people who need flexibility. Think of urban commuters who want to ride to the train station, fold up their bike, then stash it under their desk.
Or someone living in a walk-up who needs to carry their ride upstairs every night. Add to that the weekend warriors who want a capable bike they can toss in their car without fuss.
So, what makes a folding MTB good? Three things:
- Portability: It needs to fold quickly and easily. The more compact, the better.
- Trail-readiness: Suspension, brakes, gearing—it should ride like a real mountain bike, not a compromised toy.
- Balance: If it can handle potholes, gravel, light trails, and still feel smooth on the road, you’re in business.
Now let’s get into the bikes.
Honorable Mentions Worth Checking Out
Montague Bikes (Brand)
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Their full lineup deserves a look. Full-size wheels, quality suspension components from RockShox and Suntour, and great folding designs make Montague one of the most trusted names in this space.
CHANGE Folding Off-Road MTB by Flatbike
Starts at $2,080 and goes up to $3,800. You’re getting a carbon frame that passed ISO-4210 destruction testing, a 120mm RockShox fork, and a 1×11 drivetrain. It’s made for serious riders who want elite-level performance and portability.
Key Buying Tips
| Feature | What to Look For |
| Weight | Under 35 lbs if you plan to carry it a lot |
| Wheel Size | 26” or 27.5” for better off-road control |
| Suspension | Full suspension is ideal for trails |
| Brakes | Hydraulic discs preferred for consistent stopping |
| Folded Size | Under 0.2 cubic meters is ideal for storage |
| Motor Power (E-Bikes) | 500W minimum for hilly routes |
| Budget Range | Under $300 (entry-level), $1,000+ (premium) |
Final Thoughts
Folding mountain bikes in 2025 are no longer novelty items—they’re real, practical machines that can hold their own. From full-suspension budget beaters to premium electric monsters, there’s a solid range of options depending on your budget, storage situation, and how wild your rides get.
For the best all-around experience, the Montague Paratrooper Pro still leads the pack with its mix of performance and portability. But if you’re hunting value, the Eurobike OBK G6 and Xspec models punch way above their price tags. And if you want to go electric, Rundeer and Wooken have you covered.
The point is—there’s no need to compromise anymore. Whether you’re bouncing between subway platforms or picking your line through forest trails, your bike should go where you go. And now, it can fold, too.
