Best Folding E-Bike of 2026: VELLO VIA+ Tour Wins the F.A.Z. Test
Eleven folding e-bikes put to the test and the VELLO VIA+ Tour comes out on top. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung’s Kaufkompass has named our new electric folding bike the test winner and crowned it the “best folding e-bike.”
For its latest folding e-bike comparison, F.A.Z. Kaufkompass took a close look at eleven models from different manufacturers. The bikes were assessed on factors including handling, motor assistance, safety, comfort, features and everyday usability.
The result: the VELLO VIA+ Tour stood out as a versatile all-rounder—ideal for the daily commute, multimodal journeys by train or car, and longer rides beyond the city limits.
A folding bike for the city and beyond
Unlike many conventional electric folding bikes, the VELLO VIA+ Tour is designed for more than short trips around the city. Its sturdy frame, wide Schwalbe tyres and comfortable handling make it a reliable companion on gravel, cobblestones and unpaved roads.
The elastomer rear suspension absorbs shocks and vibrations, providing added comfort—especially on longer rides. It can be selected according to the rider’s weight and tailored to individual riding needs.
The VIA+ Tour combines the best of both worlds: compact and flexible enough for everyday multimodal travel, while offering the ride quality of a full-size touring bike.
F.A.Z. Kaufkompass describes the VIA+ Tour as a strong all-rounder for both city riding and trips further afield. The following features stood out in particular:
- the powerful Bosch Hub Line rear-hub motor
- stable and confidence-inspiring handling
- wide, comfortable tyres
- the Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain
- hydraulic disc brakes
- a high-quality lighting system
The first folding e-bike with Bosch Hub Line
The VELLO VIA+ Tour is the first folding e-bike on the market to feature the new Bosch Hub Line rear-hub motor. Its compact design is integrated directly into the rear wheel hub, helping to keep the bike lightweight and ensuring a smooth, natural ride even without motor assistance.
With up to 45 Nm of torque, the motor delivers powerful support when setting off, riding into a headwind or tackling climbs. An integrated gradient sensor detects inclines and automatically adjusts the level of assistance to suit the terrain. It also responds to the rider’s own input: the harder you pedal, the more support the motor provides.
The result is a dynamic, natural ride that performs equally well in city traffic and on hilly routes.
Additional features are available through the Bosch eBike Flow app, including navigation, ride data, motor settings, theft protection and digital services. A USB-C charging port on the bike also lets you power your smartphone or navigation device while on the move.
Stability you can feel
Another key factor in the test was the VIA+ Tour’s frame. Unlike many conventional folding bikes with a single-tube design, VELLO uses a stable diamond-shaped frame made from high-quality Columbus chromoly steel tubing.
This provides a secure, controlled ride—especially on uneven surfaces, through corners, at higher speeds or when carrying luggage. The frame has been tested in accordance with the ISO 4210 mountain bike standard, making it suitable for demanding routes as well as everyday riding through the city.
Despite its sturdy construction, the VIA+ remains remarkably lightweight at just 16.5 kilograms and up. That makes a noticeable difference when carrying the bike up stairs, lifting it onto a train or loading it into the boot of a car.
Safe and in control, even in wet conditions and on descents
Safety was given the highest priority in the F.A.Z. Kaufkompass test, with factors such as braking performance and the stiffness of the frame and fork forming a key part of the assessment.
The VIA+ Tour also impressed in this area. Hydraulic Shimano Deore disc brakes provide reliable, easy to control stopping power, even on wet roads, at higher speeds or during longer descents.
The powerful Supernova lighting system clearly illuminates the road in the dark. This ensures that the VIA+ Tour remains not only comfortable and agile, but also offers a high level of control on daily commutes and longer rides.
More range when you need it
The compact, removable 250 Wh battery helps keep the VIA+ Tour lightweight and can be charged separately from the bike. Actual range depends on factors such as terrain, assistance level, load, temperature and riding style.
For longer journeys, a second battery can be added, increasing the total capacity to up to 500 Wh, ideal for extended tours, travel or longer commutes.
This modular approach keeps the bike light and compact for everyday use, while allowing the battery capacity to be expanded whenever additional range is needed.
An electric folding bike tailored to you
Unlike many standardised electric folding bikes, the VELLO VIA+ Tour offers a wide range of options to suit different heights, riding styles and intended uses.
The saddle, handlebars, tyres, gearing, luggage solutions and other components can all be individually configured. The elastomer rear suspension can also be matched to the rider’s weight.
The result is not an off-the-shelf bike, but an electric folding bike tailored to everything from daily commuting to travel and longer tours.
The VELLO VIA+ Tour: Awarded Best Folding E-Bike
We developed the VELLO VIA+ Tour to combine the flexibility of a folding bike with the ride quality and versatility of a full-size e-bike.
Being named the test winner by F.A.Z. Kaufkompass out of eleven electric folding bikes confirms exactly what we set out to achieve: a lightweight, compact folding e-bike designed not only for short urban journeys, but for everything beyond them.
Folds for the city, rides beyond.
Shop the VELLO VIA+ now at the introductory price of €2,990.
