What are the differences between folding bikes and folding bikes?

Folding or collapsible bike? That is the question!

Folding bike or folding bicycle? What is the correct name for this flexible two-wheeler? Or are both terms correct and each stands for something completely different? In colloquial language, the two types of bicycle are often equated. In reality, they are two different types of bicycles. We explain the differences.

Folding construction vs. origami technique

There is often confusion about the correct term for folding and collapsible bikes. In reality, however, they are two different bicycle models. In fact, the classic folding bike has been around for over fifty years. Folding bikes are the further development of this original model, a kind of "modern" variant of the classic folding bike. A grandfather-grandson relationship, so to speak. The two models have one idea in common: they can be made smaller from their original size in order to be able to transport and store it in a space-saving manner. The key difference lies in the technology. The folding bike has a main joint in the middle of the frame, which allows it to be folded up at exactly this point. Folding bikes, on the other hand, can be folded several times and are usually much lighter than their collapsible predecessors. The multiple folding also means that the folded size is smaller.

A Trip into History

The beginnings of smart bicycle technology lie in the 19th century, more precisely in 1878. In that year, the Briton William Grout patented his collapsible high-wheeler. It could be taken apart in exactly four places and transported in a suitcase. In 1896, MB Ryan patented the "Faun Folding Bike", which is considered the mother of all folding and folding bikes. This was followed by the so-called Parabikes, which were primarily used by soldiers in the First World War. Then there was a long period of silence around the flexible two-wheeler, until it picked up speed again in early 1960 with the "Moulton Stowaway", named after the Briton Alex Moulton. This was the first major wave of folding bikes, followed by constant further development in terms of technology and design. Fortunately! Today, the flexible folding bike is an indispensable part of the modern cityscape, as it makes the daily journey to work easier, especially for commuters.