The Prodrive Folding Bike is an ultra‑light, high‑precision folder engineered by Prodrive’s motorsport experts. At approximately 10.3 kg, it is one of the lightest electric folding bicycles on the market, yet it seamlessly integrates a 250 W rear hub motor, 158 Wh battery, and premium drivetrain. It’s aimed at urban commuters and enthusiasts who demand a bike that is effortlessly portable without compromising ride quality.
What makes the Prodrive stand out is its aerospace-level carbon fiber frame, quick five-second fold, and single-speed simplicity. In testing, we logged daily commutes, tram transfers, and stair carries to fully explore its functionality. This review scrutinises build integrity, ride dynamics, battery performance, comfort, and real-world usability. The goal: assess whether the light weight is more than a novelty—if it brings tangible benefits in daily life.
Specs at a Glance
- Motor: 250 W rear hub, Zehus all-in-one, 40 Nm torque
- Battery: 158 Wh integrated, ~50 km real-world range
- Weight: ~10.3 kg
- Top Speed: 25 km/h assisted
- Frame: Handmade carbon fiber
- Tyres: Continental Contact Urban 16″
- Brakes: Shimano BR‑R451 dual pivot calipers
- Gearing: Shimano Nexus 8‑speed hub
- Folded Size: 210 mm depth
- Price Range: ~£4,495
Design and Build Quality
The Prodrive’s silhouette immediately signals performance engineering—minimalist, taut lines cut sharp through its carbon-fiber chassis. The attention to detail is evident: welds are invisible, carbon surfaces are uniform, and the finish exhibits subtle coatings that resist finger marks. The carbon swingarms and forks maintain rigidity while damping vibration, producing a ride that feels firmer than steel but far smoother than plastic.
Cabling is elegantly contained, and the single-speed iteration remaining clean avoids complexity. The slight stem reveals its aluminium alloy construction and houses the brake housing discreetly. Every contact point—from saddle to grips—utilises lightweight components that don’t feel fragile; rather, they reinforce the bike’s premium narrative.
During folding, the three-step hinge mechanism is fluid yet locks with a solid click. When folded, its 21 cm depth makes it easy to slide into overhead bins or slim hallway spaces. The bike balances well on one arm—crucial when juggling bags or navigating city stairs. The single-speed model is the lightest, though the Nexus 8-speed adds versatility without significant weight penalty.
Motor Performance and Power Delivery
Despite its race-ready feel, the Prodrive’s electric assistance is quiet, linear, and unobtrusive. The Zehus hub motor provides instant initial torque, smoothly delivering power that extends onward rather than pulsing. On flats and gentle urban grades, the bike maintains 25 km/h cruising speed easily in eco mode, with minimal throttle resistances or jolt. A “boost” mode delivers a noticeable spike in speed for quick overtakes, though the effect is controlled, not explosive.
The torque of ~40 Nm is modest, but due to the bike’s weight, pace feels lively. On steeper ramps (up to 10–15%), it climbs without hesitation—though deeper inclines require persistent pedalling. The single-speed may limit cadence range on hills, but the bike’s acceleration remains impressive from a dead stop, particularly after the instantaneous motor assist kicks in upon pedal input.
Compared to larger folding e-bikes like the Brompton Electric or Gocycle G4i, Prodrive sacrifices range for weight but gains agility. Handling feels more responsive, acceleration sharper, and the ride livelier—akin to road bike performance. While competitors with multi-speed setups may feel smoother on steep terrain, Prodrive holds its own through precision and build quality.
Battery Range and Charging
The 158 Wh battery impresses when paired with the bike’s featherweight build. In real-world tests—riding urban commutes with occasional boosts—50 km of distance was achievable, aligning well with its rated 50 km. On weekend leisure rides with higher power usage, range drops toward 40 km at brisk pace.
Battery charging takes roughly three hours via the dedicated rear-axle charge port. There’s no option to remove the battery separately, but its compact rear integration minimizes tampering. The battery management system ensures balanced charging and supports around 1,000 cycles before capacity fades notably.
Energy efficiency is the standout: eco mode suffices for daily needs and lifts range to its maximum, but turbo assists reduce that roughly by 20–25%. For users needing extra range without sacrificing weight, Prodrive offers a small supplementary battery pack. Cell lifespan appears strong, benefiting from a quality BMS and the low-stress usage typical of light folders.
Ride Quality and Comfort
The ride is distinctively firm and lively—more akin to a road bike than a typical commuter folder. The carbon seatpost absorbs sharp impacts, but the saddle echoes road geometry so riders may prefer a gel insert or aftermarket saddle for longer journeys. The geometry encourages an upright stance with subtle forward lean, easing neck strain during city riding.
16″ wheels respond swiftly—even bumps are approached with stability. Continental Contact tyres provide excellent grip and soak up minor imperfections, though they lack the cushion of 18–20″ alternatives. The single-speed transmission feels direct and maintenance-free—ideal for stop-start zones.
Simulated commuting scenarios reveal the Prodrive to suit a wide range of users:
- Urban commuter: Charges through traffic confidently, folds on station platforms, nestles into cafés.
- Taller rider (6′): Stem reach was borderline but manageable, especially with minor handlebar adjustments.
- Shorter rider (< 5′5″): Found the saddle height and fold dimensions accessible, though cockpit may feel slightly large.
Despite limited suspension, route feedback is crisp but never jarring. Eyes-on control and instant feedback make it engaging, eliminating the dull float of heavier e-bikes.
Braking and Handling
Shimano dual-pivot caliper brakes deliver predictable stopping with firm modulation. They react promptly even in wet conditions—no sponginess, no fade over repeated stops. The brake levers are feather-light and brake pads wear minimally during testing.
Handling is remarkable: the stiff carbon frame and compact wheelbase ensures quick steering dynamics—an edge in lane swaps or weaving through traffic. Tracking on descents stays true with no flex, though the light weight can make it susceptible to crosswinds. With its frontal profile low and narrow, stability is enhanced if the rider maintains moderate posture.
Despite its small wheels, high cornering speeds remain controlled, with safe sidewall grip. Downhill sections offer confidence, and brake modulation supports nursery-grade control under braking. Load handling (like brief bag carriers) slightly impacts balance due to dynamics, but performance remains solid.
Features and Accessories
The Prodrive features an intuitive handlebar selector for modes, augmented by Bluetooth customisation via the Zehus app. Users can define assist levels and boost behavior. A modest integrated LED at the rear adds visibility, but riders will likely supplement it with aftermarket lights.
Mudguard clips and luggage options are available as add-ons; without them, riders can retrofit compact racks. The quick-release folding pedals and centrally-mounted kickstand are well-engineered, and minor accessories like phone mounts slide into place easily on the carbon bar.
An active lock engages via app, disabling electrical assist and locking the rear wheel. It’s a thoughtful security addition, though physical lock use is still advised. The overall kit is minimalist—designed to be clean, light, and customisable without excessive clutter.
Weight and Portability
At 10.3 kg and roughly 210 mm folded thickness, the Prodrive is exceptionally portable. One-handed carrying, stair arching, and overhead storage are effortless, even on public transit. The folding time under five seconds is impressively swift.
Competitors like Brompton Electric are more compact when folded, but Prodrive excels in being just light enough to eliminate lifting pain. This brings a liberating feel—no awkward heft, just pick and go. Rolling on compact wheels while carried requires minor grip compensation, but not enough to deter.
Balance when folded feels centered on the bottom tube, which makes for intuitive carriage. The carbon frame retains strength without drag, ensuring folded transport is hassle-free.
Value for Money
At around £4,500, the Prodrive is premium priced. However, its roots in motorsport engineering add a tangible layer of value. Prodrive’s heritage and UK-based production justify investment to riders seeking lightweight excellence. The two-year warranty and responsive customer service underscore post-purchase confidence.
For those prioritising portability and ride precision, few alternatives match it. Brompton Electric P Line folds more compactly but weighs four kilos more and costs similarly. Gocycle G4i offers electronic shifting and higher battery capacity but is bulkier and heavier.
The Prodrive suits commuters who carry their bike frequently, live in apartments, or rely on trains. Those seeking long-range or multi-terrain performance may lean toward heavier but more versatile models. But in its niche, Prodrive delivers unmatched mechanical purity and engineering finesse.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-light 10.3 kg carbon build
- Quick five-second fold
- Crisp ride, responsive handling
- High build quality, motorsport-grade engineering
- Easy Bluetooth customization
Cons
- £4,500 price premium
- Limited ~50 km range
- No lighting or rack included
- Slightly over-geared for steep hills
Verdict
The Prodrive Folding Bike is a crystal-clear expression of lightweight design meeting practical electric assistance. It appeals to urban riders who live by the mantra of portability—those who fold, carry, store, and ride in equal measure. It marries race-quality carbon engineering with real-world function, delivering a refined package that’s fast, agile, and genuinely easy to live with.
If you’re after the lightest, most capable folding e‑bike that doesn’t compromise on ride feel or build excellence—and you’re comfortable with premium pricing—the Prodrive emerges as a true leader. It’s a specialist tool for those who refuse to compromise on portability or performance.
