BIKE/BOARD

Model F Folding E-Bike is Made in America

September 20, 2022

What’s electric, folds in half, and is made in America? The all-new Model F e-bike from Newport Beach-based Electric Bike Company

Newport Beach company Electric Bike Company is known for not only its straightforward name but also its straightforward e-bikes. Now the brand has added a long-awaited folding e-bike to its roster.

The Model F has the same cruiser vibes of the rest of the Electric BIke Company’s lineup, just in a more portable package. It has a low step-through frame and 24-inch wheels, which offers a nice compromise between the usual 26-inch cruiser wheels and the small-ish 20-inch wheels you often see on folding e-bikes. The tires themselves are 3 inches wide, so not quite a fat tire but a bit cushier than your standard street tire, yet still compact enough when folded.

The hydroformed aluminum frame on the Model F integrates the battery in the downtube. There, the battery can be locked in place and charged on the bike itself or unlocked to remove and charge separately. The bike can apparently get up to 50 miles on a single charge when using pedal assist, but the range would definitely be shorter if you rely on the throttle to reach higher speeds.

Speaking of speed, the 750 W motor on the Model F can read a top speed of 25 mph. The single-speed drivetrain uses a massive 58T chainring, meaning that riders can still pedal even at top speed. To slow back down, the bike has a pair of comfort brake levers connected to the hydraulic disc brakes.

In keeping with the Electric Bike Company’s other designs, this folding e-bike has the standard vegan leather grips, LED front and rear lighting, an adjustable handlebar stem, and a wide comfort saddle. It currently comes in white, black, and red, but Electric Bike Company does have its own paint facility in Southern California, so we may see more color options soon.

It has a maximum load of 300 lbs, and the bike’s weight itself is a fairly hefty 56lbs. The bike will run $1,799.