The Folding 1 by Denago is a versatile eBike that brings together the benefits of a folding bike with the performance features of a traditional electric bicycle. Boasting a Shengyi rear hub motor, a high-capacity battery, and a host of rider-friendly features, let's take a closer look at what this eBike has to offer. Oh, and it’s only $1,500 to boot.
Video Review
General
Frame and Contact Points
Electronics
Bicycle Components
Featured Accessories
Written Review
Introduction
The Folding 1 by Denago is a versatile eBike that brings together the benefits of a folding bike with the performance features of a traditional electric bicycle. Boasting a Shengyi rear hub motor, a high-capacity battery, and a host of rider-friendly features, let's take a closer look at what this eBike has to offer. Oh, and it’s only $1,500 to boot.
Motor and Speed
The Folding 1 is powered by a 48V, 500W Shengyi rear hub motor, providing plenty of torque for tackling hills and getting up to speed quickly. With a top speed of 25 MPH on pedal assist and 20 MPH on throttle, this Class III eBike is capable of a swift commute, all while allowing you the convenience of being compact and portable. In our testing, the Folding 1 really surprised me on the way it was able to tackle hills. There’s something magical about gliding up hills with a throttle, and this little folder has got the magic.
Battery and Range
With a substantial 672Wh (48V, 14Ah) battery equipped with LG cells, the Folding 1 ensures that you can cover significant distances on a single charge. This high-capacity battery is ideal for long commutes or leisurely rides around town, and you should be getting somewhere around 25-30 miles, depending on how you’re riding this thing.
Display and Throttle
The bike's high-resolution Denago LCD provides critical data like speed, trip distance, odometer, trip time, and battery charge level. The simple-to-use control pad on the left-hand side can be used to turn on the lights, which are integrated thank goodness, and enter walk mode, or change what your display is showing you. The left-side, under-bar thumb throttle worked well here in this configuration.
Frame and Drivetrain
Constructed with 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, the Folding 1's step-through style frame caters to a broad range of riders, providing ease of mounting and dismounting. And when I say a broad range of riders, I mean it! The double telescoping seat post means you could easily get a giant on this thing, yet, in its lowest position, it is extremely approachable for non-giants as well. They also give us enough telescoping length on the handlebars, plus the right amount of cabling for the bike to function well, no matter how you have it set up. The folding feature is an added advantage, making the bike a compact package that's easy to carry and store.
Brakes
Safety on the Folding 1 is handled by Jak mechanical disc brakes that feature motor cut-off. This setup ensures responsive and reliable stopping power, giving riders confidence in all types of conditions. While we would love to see hydraulics on Eikes these days, the brakes functioned well and seemed to be able to adequately handle the speed and weight of the bike.
Tires and Wheels
The 20”x3" anti-puncture tires with safety reflective stripes add to the bike's durability and safety profile. As some of you may know, 3” is my favorite diameter, and seeing the reflective stripes here was just icing on the cake.
Additional Features
With a range of rider-friendly features like a comfortable Denago saddle, adjustable and folding stem, and included rear rack for carrying cargo, the Folding 1 caters to the practical needs of everyday riders. Furthermore, its dimensions when folded are impressively compact, making it easy to take this eBike with you wherever you go.
Final Thoughts
The Folding 1 by Denago strikes an excellent balance between portability and performance. With a top speed of 25 MPH on the pedal assist, a high-capacity battery, and a comprehensive feature set, this folding eBike is a compelling option for urban commuters or those who need a versatile and compact transport solution, all the while not spending more than $1,500. What are your thoughts on this one? Let us know in the comments below!
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