Highlights based on this e-bike’s specs, comparisons and practical strengths.
100
Excellent storage practicality
The foldable frame should make the bike much easier to store indoors or in tight spaces.
The foldable frame should make the bike much easier to store indoors or in tight spaces.
The folding bike format is naturally better suited to storage in flats, offices or cars.
The bike is lighter than many similar e-bikes, which should make storage and moving it around easier.
The smaller wheel size should help reduce the bike’s storage footprint.
The removable battery can make storage and indoor charging more flexible.
100
Excellent battery efficiency
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The calculated range per battery unit is 127.8.
84
Useful removable battery
The removable battery makes charging, storage and battery handling more flexible.
The removable battery makes charging, storage and battery handling more flexible.
The folding bike format benefits from removable battery flexibility for storage and transport.
The longer charging time makes it more useful to charge the battery separately from the bike.
The folding frame and removable battery combination should make storage and transport more flexible.
74
Easy to lift
The bike is lighter than average for its type, which should help day-to-day handling.
The bike is lighter than average for its type, which should help day-to-day handling.
The listed weight is 18 kg.
The aluminium frame material is a practical lightweight choice for many e-bikes.
The foldable frame can make the bike easier to move through tight spaces or store.
The removable battery can reduce the weight when lifting or moving the bike.
The folding bike format is usually easier to move, store or carry short distances.
The smaller wheel size should make the bike more compact and easier to handle off the bike.
61
Fair value for money
The price/value label suggests this bike is very strong value compared with similar options.
The price/value label suggests this bike is very strong value compared with similar options.
The listed price is GBP 560.
The bike appears to save around GBP 4,103 versus the average.
Cadence-sensing assistance still provides basic motor support.
A removable battery adds practical value for charging and storage.
A foldable frame adds practical value for storage, transport or mixed-mode commuting.
The included display or control unit adds useful everyday value.
The bike has a practical number of gears for varied riding.
53
Mixed range-to-weight balance
The bike is lighter than average for its type.
The bike is lighter than average for its type.
Battery efficiency appears strong, which supports a better range-to-weight balance.
The calculated range per kg is 2.22.
The calculated range per battery unit is 127.8.
53
Decent everyday equipment
The included display or control unit adds useful ride information for daily use.
The included display or control unit adds useful ride information for daily use.
A removable battery makes daily charging and storage more flexible.
Rim brakes are usable everyday equipment, though less confidence-inspiring in poor weather.
A foldable frame adds useful everyday storage and transport flexibility.
The folding bike format adds practical everyday transport flexibility.
Overview
The Carrera Crosscity Folding Electric Bike 2021 is a lightweight, foldable e-bike designed for urban commuting and easy storage. Its efficient battery provides a decent range for short to medium trips, while the removable battery adds convenience for charging and storage. The bike feels light and manageable, making it simple to carry and handle in tight spaces. However, the motor’s assistance is modest, which may feel less punchy when accelerating or climbing steeper hills. Additionally, the rim brakes, while functional, may lack confidence on wet or downhill sections, so cautious riding is recommended in such conditions.
Best For
✓
This folding e-bike should suit riders who need a compact, portable option for urban travel or mixed-mode commuting. Its efficient battery use and removable design make it convenient for those who value flexible charging and easy storage. The lightweight frame and foldable structure also make it a practical choice for riders who need to transport the bike easily or use it in combination with other travel modes.
Who Should Avoid It
×
Riders who prioritize longer rides or need a larger battery may want to compare alternatives, as the range is lower than average for similar folding e-bikes. Riders seeking stronger braking confidence or faster charging may find better options next to rivals with disc brakes or quicker charge times. However, the bike still suits those who value compact storage, easy lifting and efficient battery use for shorter urban commutes.
Ownership considerations
These points highlight practical ownership factors such as maintenance, storage, charging, everyday
handling and bad-weather usability.
39
Some maintenance considerations
Weak
Chain drive is common and serviceable, but needs more cleaning and lubrication than a belt drive.
Chain drive is common and serviceable, but needs more cleaning and lubrication than a belt drive.
Rim brakes are simple, but can wear faster in poor weather and wet conditions.
A removable battery makes charging, storage and battery care easier.
Tyres are listed, but there is no clear puncture-protection signal.
The aluminium frame material is practical for everyday use and general maintenance.
100
Excellent storage practicality
Excellent
The foldable frame should make the bike much easier to store indoors or in tight spaces.
The foldable frame should make the bike much easier to store indoors or in tight spaces.
The folding bike format is naturally better suited to storage in flats, offices or cars.
The bike is lighter than many similar e-bikes, which should make storage and moving it around easier.
The smaller wheel size should help reduce the bike’s storage footprint.
The removable battery can make storage and indoor charging more flexible.
74
Easy to lift
Good
The bike is lighter than average for its type, which should help day-to-day handling.
The bike is lighter than average for its type, which should help day-to-day handling.
The listed weight is 18 kg.
The aluminium frame material is a practical lightweight choice for many e-bikes.
The foldable frame can make the bike easier to move through tight spaces or store.
The removable battery can reduce the weight when lifting or moving the bike.
The folding bike format is usually easier to move, store or carry short distances.
The smaller wheel size should make the bike more compact and easier to handle off the bike.
84
Useful removable battery
Good
The removable battery makes charging, storage and battery handling more flexible.
The removable battery makes charging, storage and battery handling more flexible.
The folding bike format benefits from removable battery flexibility for storage and transport.
The longer charging time makes it more useful to charge the battery separately from the bike.
The folding frame and removable battery combination should make storage and transport more flexible.
0
Very slow charging speed
Poor
Charging time is longer than average for this type of e-bike.
Charging time is longer than average for this type of e-bike.
The quoted charging time is long in absolute terms.
100
Excellent battery efficiency
Excellent
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The calculated range per battery unit is 127.8.
53
Decent everyday equipment
Mixed
The included display or control unit adds useful ride information for daily use.
The included display or control unit adds useful ride information for daily use.
A removable battery makes daily charging and storage more flexible.
Rim brakes are usable everyday equipment, though less confidence-inspiring in poor weather.
A foldable frame adds useful everyday storage and transport flexibility.
The folding bike format adds practical everyday transport flexibility.
0
Limited bad-weather practicality
Poor
Rim brakes can feel less confidence-inspiring in wet conditions.
Rim brakes can feel less confidence-inspiring in wet conditions.
Built-in lights are not listed, so bad-weather visibility may depend on extra accessories.
The folding bike format can still be practical for mixed-mode commuting in poor weather.
Frame material is listed as aluminium, which gives useful durability and maintenance context.
10
Limited family utility practicality
Poor
The folding bike format can be practical for storage, but usually has less utility capacity.
The folding bike format can be practical for storage, but usually has less utility capacity.
The listed maximum payload is 100 kg.
A removable battery makes charging easier around family or utility use.
100W more power20 miles more range1 Ah more battery2 kg lighter7 fewer gears
Potential limitations
Areas where this e-bike may be less strong based on its specs and comparisons.
0
Limited motor punch
Motor power is below average for this type of e-bike.
Motor power is below average for this type of e-bike.
Torque is average for this type of e-bike.
Power-to-weight is low.
Cadence-only assistance may feel less responsive than torque-sensing support.
The bike is lighter than many similar e-bikes, which should help responsiveness.
The calculated power-to-weight score is 13.89.
0
Not ideal for steep hills
Torque is average for this type of e-bike.
Torque is average for this type of e-bike.
Power-to-weight is low.
Motor power is below average for this type of e-bike.
The cadence sensor may feel less natural on climbs than a torque sensor.
The bike has a moderate number of gears for climbing.
The bike is lighter than many similar e-bikes, which should help on climbs.
The calculated power-to-weight score is 13.89.
0
Limited downhill control
No suspension may reduce control and comfort on rough or steeper descents.
No suspension may reduce control and comfort on rough or steeper descents.
The brake type may limit confidence on descents.
0
Not very off-road capable
The folding bike format is usually less suited to rough off-road riding.
The folding bike format is usually less suited to rough off-road riding.
No suspension limits comfort and control on rough off-road terrain.
Rim brakes may be less confidence-inspiring for off-road use, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
Torque is average for this type of e-bike.
The smaller wheel size is usually less suited to rough off-road terrain.
0
Limited braking confidence
Rim brakes are likely to feel less confidence-inspiring on an e-bike, especially in wet conditions or on descents.
0
Limited rough-road comfort
No suspension may make rough roads, potholes and uneven paths feel harsher.
No suspension may make rough roads, potholes and uneven paths feel harsher.
The wheel size can handle some rough surfaces, though larger wheels may roll more smoothly.
Rim brakes may feel less controlled on rougher or wet routes.
Frame material is listed as aluminium, which gives useful comfort and build context.
0
Low power-to-weight ratio
Power-to-weight is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Power-to-weight is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Motor power is below average for this type of e-bike.
The bike is lighter than many similar e-bikes, which helps the power-to-weight balance.
The calculated power-to-weight score is 13.89.
0
Limited technical trail control
The folding bike format is usually less suitable for technical trail riding.
The folding bike format is usually less suitable for technical trail riding.
No suspension is a major limitation for technical trail control.
Rim brakes are a major limitation for technical trail control.
The smaller wheel size is usually less suitable for technical trail control.
Torque is average for this type of e-bike.
Cadence-sensing assistance is usable, but usually less precise than torque sensing on technical terrain.
E-system & battery comparison
Motor Power
250 watts
▼ 38 W below average
Motor Torque
35 Nm
▼ 1.2 Nm below average
Power-to-weight
13.89 W/kg
▼ 0.8 W/kg below average
Battery Capacity
313 Wh
▼ 53 Wh below average
Claimed Max Range
40 miles
▼ 13 miles below average
Charge Time
6h
▲ 54 mins slower than average
Sensor Type
Cadence Sensor
Removable Battery
Yes
Motor Name
Shengei (Sheng Yi) rear hub motor system
This folding e-bike offers a modest level of assistance that should feel manageable for urban and short-distance riding, with a focus on simplicity and portability. Next to similar e-bikes, it provides a more reserved level of motor punch, which may feel less lively for riders used to more powerful systems. The motor should offer reasonable support for climbing and loaded riding, though it may not feel as strong as some alternatives in this category. With a cadence sensor, the assistance should be straightforward but may lack the subtlety of torque-sensing systems, which could affect how smoothly the power is delivered. Riders looking for a lightweight, easy-to-handle folding e-bike that prioritises efficiency and portability over high power may find this motor setup well-suited to their needs.
This explanation is based on the bike’s motor power, torque, battery capacity, claimed range, charging
time, sensor type and how those figures compare with similar e-bikes in our database.
eBike FAQs
Is this bike suitable for daily commuting and folding for transport?
This folding e-bike is well-suited for daily commuting, especially in urban environments, thanks to its lightweight design and foldable frame, which makes it easy to store and transport. The removable battery adds convenience for charging, and the bike’s efficiency should handle short to medium trips comfortably. However, the motor’s assistance is modest, so you may need to pedal more on steeper hills or longer distances.
How does the motor perform when climbing hills or accelerating from a stop?
The motor provides smooth support for gentle inclines and acceleration from a stop, but it may feel less punchy when climbing steeper hills or needing quick bursts of speed. With 250W of motor power and 35Nm of torque, it's adequate for most urban terrain but not the strongest in its class. If you frequently tackle steep hills, you might notice the motor's limitations, though it should still handle typical city riding comfortably.
What is the real-world range on a single charge for typical city riding?
The Carrera Crosscity Folding Electric Bike 2021 offers a real-world range of around 40 miles on a single charge for typical city riding. While this is below average for similar folding e-bikes, the bike's battery efficiency is strong, meaning you get good range from its relatively small battery capacity. If you need to recharge frequently, keep in mind that the battery takes about 6 hours to fully charge, which is slower than average for this type of e-bike.
How easy is it to carry or lift this bike due to its weight?
The bike weighs 18 kg, which is below average for similar folding e-bikes, making it relatively easy to lift and carry. The lightweight design, combined with a removable battery, should make handling and storage more convenient for daily use. However, while it's manageable for most users, it's still a folding e-bike, so you may need to lift it occasionally, especially when moving it between storage locations or carrying it on public transport.
Is the battery efficient enough for regular use, and how long does it take to charge?
The battery efficiency is above average for similar folding e-bikes, which means you can expect a reasonable range of 40 miles on a single charge for typical city riding. However, the battery capacity is below average, and the charging time is longer than average, taking around 6 hours to fully charge. The removable battery adds convenience for charging and storage, which is especially useful for a folding bike.
How practical is this bike for everyday use, including storage and portability?
This folding e-bike is quite practical for everyday use, especially when considering its foldable frame, which makes storage and transport easier, particularly in small spaces or when using public transport. The removable battery adds flexibility for charging and storage, while the bike's below-average weight of 18 kg should make it easier to lift and handle. However, as a folding bike, it may not be the most practical for long-distance or heavy-duty commuting, and the chain drive system may require more maintenance compared to belt-driven models.
Is this bike good value for the features and performance it offers?
This bike offers a good balance of practical features for a folding e-bike, especially with its efficient battery use and easy storage. While the price is favourable compared to similar models, the motor power and battery capacity are below average, which may affect performance on hills or longer rides. However, for everyday use and portability, it should meet the needs of most urban commuters.
What are the main limitations or trade-offs of this e-bike?
This e-bike has a few trade-offs to consider. The motor power is below average for similar folding e-bikes, which may make acceleration and hill climbing feel less responsive. Additionally, the power-to-weight ratio is also below average, which could affect performance when carrying heavier loads or climbing steep inclines. However, the bike compensates with a lighter weight, removable battery, and good storage practicality, making it a solid choice for everyday use and portability.
eBike Overview
eBike Type: Folding Bike
The style of riding intended for this bike
Released:
2021
The bike was released 5 years ago
Screen
Kingmeter LED Display
Lights Included
No
Weight (inc battery): 18 kg
The website average for electric bikes is
23.93 kg.
This electric bike is 5.94 kg under the average. Total bike weight may vary depending on frame size.
Sizing & Geometry
Min / Max Rider Height
Folded Dimensions
Unknown
Wheel & Tire Details
Wheelset Name
20-inch double-wall aluminium alloy rims laced with heavy-duty spokes
Wheelset Size
20 inch
Tires
20 x 1.75
Frame Info
Frame Material
Aluminium
Suspension Type
No suspension
Foldable Frame
Yes
Max Payload
100 kg (220.5 lbs)
Drivechain Details
Groupset details
microSHIFT Mezzo
Drivechain type
Chain drive
Shifters
micro SHIFT (or Shimano) 8-speed thumb trigger shifter
Amount of gears
8 Gears
Rear Derailleur
micro SHIFT M 36 S
Front Derailleur
None
Cassette
Shimano or micro SHIFT 8-speed cassette
Cranks
Alloy 170 mm crank arms paired with a 52 T single chainring
