APYEAR A1 Folding Electric Bike: Is This Compact E-Bike Worth It?

The APYEAR A1 electric bike is an ultra-budget folding e-bike that costs less than $180, making it one of the cheapest options on the market. It has a 400W motor that can reach 20 mph and a decent 576 Wh battery for reasonable range. The bike folds up thanks to its tiny 14-inch wheels, making it easy to store in small spaces or carry on public transportation. It comes with UL safety certification, integrated lights, and requires no assembly. However, the rock-bottom price comes with significant compromises that buyers need to understand before purchasing.

This bike works best for short trips in the city where you need something that folds small and doesn't cost much money. If you live in a tiny apartment and need to bring your bike inside, or if you take the bus partway to work and need to fold it up, this could work. It's good for flat areas and smooth roads where you won't go far. Students on a tight budget or people who want to try an e-bike without spending much might find this appealing. The 20 mph speed is fine for bike lanes and neighborhood streets.

The problems are hard to ignore though. Those tiny 14-inch wheels make the ride feel bumpy and wobbly compared to normal bikes with bigger wheels. The 400W motor struggles on hills and can't handle heavier riders well. The 2.7-star rating from only 3 reviews is a red flag that suggests quality problems or unhappy customers. There's no screen to show your battery life or speed, no fenders to keep you dry when roads are wet, and no rack to carry your stuff. If you weigh over 200 pounds, need to climb hills, want a comfortable ride, or plan to use this bike every day for years, you should spend more money on a better e-bike. This is really only for people who need the absolute cheapest folding option and understand they're getting basic transportation, not a quality bike.