The Carbon Fold 1 has been a near-perfect companion for city commuting. With its folding design and weighing just 29 lbs, the Fold 1 is light enough to carry onto public transit, small enough to store in tight spaces, and has plenty of oomph to keep up with city traffic. It lacks some premium features found on other premium e-bikes—such as GPS tracking and anti-theft alarms—but honestly, I prefer the more practical approach here.
It may not always have the smoothest ride, but with a 40-mile range, quick folding mechanism, and reliable acceleration, this e-bike delivers everything I need for my daily commute. After riding the Fold 1 through New York City traffic for over nearly two months, it's definitely a strong contender for the best electric bikes around.
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 review: Specifications
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 review: Price and availability
The Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 is listed at $2,499, but it’s almost always available for $1,599 on sale. At that price, it undercuts many premium folding e-bikes while offering similar—or better—performance in some key areas, especially weight and range.
The Carbon Fold 1 is available in two colors: Saffron Yellow (which I have) and Aegean Blue. I personally would have loved to see a Sage or Dark Grey option as well, but these two colors are solid. Shipping is free when purchasing from Urtopia directly and they are currently offering the fenders and kickstand for free.
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 review: Assembly and first impressions
I assembled this in mid-January, and despite the sub-30-degree temperatures, the process was straightforward. I appreciated how well-packed the bike was and how easy it was to put together on my own. From lifting the bike out of the box to installing the folding pedals, inserting the battery/seat post (they are one piece), connecting the battery wire from underneath (which I do have some concerns about), to installing the rear mudguard and optional rear basket holder—assembly took me under 30 minutes. I probably could have done it even faster if it hadn’t been so cold.
My first impression? Dang, this bike is small. The bright yellow color and overall build felt very premium. I liked how Urtopia opted for a much simpler integrated color LCD display instead of the dot matrix screen they’ve been using on other recent models, including the Carbon 1 Pro I reviewed last year. This display is easier to read, provides much more detailed information, and feels like a natural fit for the bike.
That said, before my first ride, I was skeptical. Surely a bike this small and light wouldn’t be that powerful or quick. The ride can’t be that great either, right? I’d soon be proven wrong (for the most part).
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 review: Design & portability
Compared to other folding e-bikes in this price range, the Carbon Fold 1 is about 10 pounds lighter and offers roughly 10 miles more range. The handlebars fold down, the bike folds in half with a strong magnet holding both halves together, and even the pedals fold, making it incredibly compact. A typical SUV can fit 2–3 of these in the trunk with ease, and since it’s so light, loading them solo is no problem.
I’m a big fan of the battery being integrated into the seat post. This not only balances the bike but has practical advantages, too. If you’re locking it up in public, removing the battery and seat together is a great theft deterrent—no battery, no ride. Plus, taking out the battery makes the bike even lighter, making it easier to carry or store. The adjustable seat post is also great for shorter riders—my 5’ fiancé had no trouble riding comfortably. Official specs say it accommodates riders from 5’1” to 6’1” and supports up to 200 lbs.
One thing worth mentioning: the battery cable connects underneath the seat post, which leaves it a bit exposed. I have some concerns about how well it will hold up over time, especially in bad weather or if it gets knocked around during folding and transport. It’s something I’ll keep an eye on. Also, at its lowest height (which you absolutely should not ride at), the battery will touch the ground. On one hand, it gives the bike extra stability to not knock over when it's on its kickstand, but try to avoid moving the bike around like this.
In my small apartment, the bike’s compact size has been a game-changer. Storing it in my living room is incredibly convenient, and I can easily lift it over my couch and navigate my tight hallway corner to get it out the door. Taking it on the subway is effortless—I can fold it in two steps without taking up much space or annoying other riders. At my stop, it’s light enough to carry up the stairs and through the tight station doors. Within seconds, I’m unfolded and back on the street, riding to the office, where it folds neatly under my desk until the workday is done.
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 review: Performance
The Carbon Fold 1 has a top speed of 20 mph. Initially, I thought it might struggle to hit those speeds, but it actually accelerates quickly and maintains 17+ mph with ease, even on slight inclines, in its higher power modes. Speaking of which, there are five power modes to dial in the level of assistance from the 500W peak motor. My most used is Smart mode, which adjusts motor assistance based on your pedaling resistance. This helps maintain speed better while also allowing you to put in more manual effort before the motor kicks in.
I particularly like how the display can show the power distribution between the motor and your pedaling, and it's especially interesting to see how it differs as you switch between power modes—it’s a small but useful feature to make you feel more in tune with the bike. There’s also a Walk Assist mode, which is handy when pushing the bike.
For testing, I took it through rush hour in Manhattan, weaving up 5th Avenue, then through the much more peaceful Randall’s Island Park. I rode on a mix of smooth roads, well-paved bike paths, pothole-ridden streets, cracked curbs, and even some light off-roading. On smooth roads, the ride is perfect—super smooth and effortless. But once the bumps start, I quickly find myself standing on the pedals and bending my knees to absorb the impact. This bike is designed for street riding, but in NYC, the definition of “street” is very loose.
@tomsguide ♬ original sound - Tom’s Guide
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 review: Battery life and range
With a 40-mile range, the Carbon Fold 1 offers more than enough for my daily commute, and with a 3-hour charge time, I can top up quickly when needed. With a mix of power modes, I found its claimed range to be quite accurate. The charging port is located underneath the seat, though you can remove the entire seat post if you’d rather charge the battery indoors while leaving the bike outside.
Being able to remove the battery in seconds is a huge advantage for security and portability. Not only does it make the bike significantly lighter to carry, but it also deters thieves—not only is the battery missing, but so is the seat itself! Obviously, you'll want to still invest in a good lock and avoid leaving your bike unattended for too long, but this trick may offer you some extra piece of mind.
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 review: Verdict
While the lack of suspension means it won’t be the smoothest ride on rough streets, the Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 nails the essentials: speed, portability, and convenience. It’s an excellent choice for urban riders who need a lightweight, compact e-bike without sacrificing performance.
From dodging NYC traffic to carrying it up my apartment stairs, the Carbon Fold 1 has earned its place as one of my favorite e-bikes in years. If you’re looking for a high-quality folding e-bike for city commuting, this one is worth strong consideration.
