Electric Folding Bike or Electric Scooter: Which One Should You Choose for the City?

In a nuthsell.

Choosing Between an Electric Scooter and an Electric Folding Bike. The choice depends on your daily routes, the comfort you’re looking for, and how often you use it.

  • Range and power: an electric folding bike often exceeds 40 km, compared to 20–40 km for a scooter.
  • Comfort: with its saddle, large wheels, and ergonomic riding position, the bike is more stable and enjoyable, even on cobblestones.
  • Multimodality: both fold easily, but the folding bike is more practical for longer trips or commuting by train or metro.
  • Safety and durability: better braking, higher visibility, and longer lifespan make the bike superior.
  • Price: scooters are more affordable but wear out quickly. Folding bikes are more expensive but can last 10 years or more.
  • Connectivity: beware of overly complex systems that can make maintenance or repairs more difficult.

In conclusion: for regular urban commuting, the electric folding bike is the safest, most comfortable, and durable option.

For those seeking excellence, the Bastille E combines elegant design, light weight (16.7 kg), premium components, and instant folding — the perfect choice for discerning city dwellers.

Urban mobility is evolving fast. With the rise of the electric folding bike and the growing popularity of the electric scooter, city dwellers now have several ways to move quickly, avoid traffic jams, and choose a more eco-friendly mode of transport. But which one is the best option for your daily commute?

Bastille, the best of both worlds.

Designed and manufactured in France, with high quality components like any excellent bike. With a size advantage, it folds.

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The Electric Folding Bike: Comfort and Versatility

The advantages

  • Range and power: an electric folding bike generally offers between 40 and 100 km of range, far greater than that of a scooter.
  • Riding comfort: large wheels, adjustable saddle, and ergonomic position mean less fatigue and more stability, even on cobblestones or rough roads.
  • Multimodality: it folds easily and can be taken on the metro, train, or in a car trunk.
  • Carrying capacity: you can add a rear rack to carry a bag or even small groceries.
  • Enhanced safety: better visibility and more efficient braking than a scooter.
  • Durability: with quality components, a bike lasts much longer over time, with only yearly maintenance recommended by a dealer.

The limits

  • Weight: an electric folding bike weighs on average between 15 and 20 kg. Note that some models can be rolled when folded—like a suitcase—so they don’t need to be carried.
  • Price: a good-quality model costs between €2,000 and €3,500, more expensive than a scooter.

The Electric Scooter: Simplicity and Lightness

The advantages

  • Compactness: it folds quickly and is easy to transport.
  • Lightweight: most weigh between 12 and 18 kg, slightly lighter than a folding bike—though not by much.
  • Affordable price: you can find decent models starting at €300, though their durability is limited.

The limits

  • Reduced range: usually between 20 and 40 km.
  • Limited comfort: small wheels, no saddle, vibrations, and instability on cobblestones or uneven roads.
  • Safety: braking is sometimes insufficient and visibility in traffic is poor. In 2023, cyclist fatalities decreased by 8%, while deaths among electric scooter users increased by 20%*.
  • Durability: scooters wear out quickly, especially the battery and tires.

Quick Comparison: Electric Folding Bike vs. Electric Scooter

Criteria

Electric folding bike

Electric scooter

Range

> 40 km

20-40 km

Comfort

Hugh (Seat, large wheels)

Low (no seat, small wheels)

Portability

Folds easily, can roll when folded

Lighter and more compact

Safety

Better braking and visibility

Higher accident risk

Price

2000-3500€

300-1200€

Durability

Long-term investment (>10 years)

Shorter lifespan (2 to 4 years)

 

So, Which One Should You Choose?

  • For short trips (under 5 km) and occasional use, a scooter remains a practical and affordable solution.
  • For regular commutes over 5 km and daily use, an electric folding bike is far more comfortable, durable, and safe.

The Premium Option: The Bastille Electric Folding Bike

Mathieu Forget dances with the Bastille electric folding bike style=

Bastille bikes, equipped with large wheels and high-quality components, offer the perfect balance for an urban lifestyle:

  • Range and power suited to both city and suburban rides.
  • Fast, simple folding for metro or train use.
  • Premium components built to last: quiet and clean belt drive, dynamo lighting, mudguards, disc brakes.
  • Elegant design – unfolded, the Bastille E looks like a classic bike with a straight frame and large wheels.
  • At just 16.7 kg, it’s one of the lightest electric bikes on the market

In conclusion:
If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, premium, and elegant mobility solution, the Bastille electric folding bike is a truly smart investment.

*Cleanrider - Sécurité Routière : en 2023, moins de victimes à vélo mais davantage à trottinette électrique

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