Btwin E-Fold 500 review

Full review

The E-Fold 500 is Decathlon's entry model and it is easy to see why it is popular. For a modest outlay you get a 250 W rear hub motor with 35 Nm of torque, assistance that stops at the legal 25 km/h, and a Shimano six-speed gear set. The battery sits on the rear rack and lifts off with a key, so you can charge it indoors rather than carrying the whole bike up the stairs.

The standard 252 Wh pack is small. Decathlon claims up to 50 km in Eco mode, falling to 30 km in Boost, and those figures depend on rider weight, hills and tyre pressure, so treat them as best case. If you need more, a 417 Wh battery is sold separately, with a claimed 45 to 70 km. Lights, mudguards and the pannier rack are all built in, which saves money on accessories.

Expect compromises. The brakes are alloy V-brakes rather than discs, and at 21.4 kg it is not a bike to carry far. It folds from the side to 84 x 73.5 x 46 cm and can be rolled along while folded, but it is bulkier than a Brompton or Tern. For short commutes, shared flats and the occasional boot-of-the-car trip, it is a practical and affordable choice, and Decathlon's high street presence makes servicing simple.