Pikabike F26 Folding Electric Bike: Is This 45-Mile Commuter Worth It?

The Pikabike F26 is an ultra-budget folding electric bike that costs just $280, making it tempting for anyone wanting to try an e-bike without spending much money. It folds down really small, has a removable battery you can charge anywhere, and claims to go 45 miles on one charge. The motor can hit 1200 watts for short bursts and the bike goes up to 20 miles per hour, which is the legal limit in most places. It has three ways to ride - you can pedal like a normal bike, use the motor to help you pedal, or just twist the throttle and let the motor do all the work.

This bike works best for people who need something cheap and compact for short trips around town. If you live in a small apartment or need to take your bike on the train, the folding design is really handy. It's good for riding a few miles to work or to the store, as long as the roads are smooth. The low price makes it a decent choice if you're just testing out electric bikes and don't want to spend a lot of money yet. Students or casual riders who only need a bike once in a while might find this useful.

However, the 2.5-star rating from customers is a big red flag that something is wrong with this bike. The tiny 14-inch wheels will make every bump feel bigger and the ride less stable than normal bikes. There are no lights built in, so night riding requires buying extra equipment. It's not safety certified, which is worrying for something with a battery. The front-only suspension won't smooth out rough roads very well. The motor's real power is only 500 watts most of the time, not the 1200 watts advertised. If you can save up more money, spending $500-800 on a better-reviewed folding e-bike would likely save you frustration and repair costs down the road.