The Carrera Crosscity E is a folding electric bike aimed at urban commuters, leisure riders and caravan owners. Priced at around £949, it promises good value and practicality. Key features include a lightweight aluminium folding frame, an integrated 313Wh battery and a 250W rear hub motor. The bike also includes mudguards, a rack and lighting as standard, making it ready for commuting out of the box.
Where this ebike stands out is in its fully integrated design. The battery is hidden inside the frame, giving the Crosscity E a sleek look that hides its electric nature. With 8-speed Shimano gearing and three levels of pedal assist, it aims to offer flexibility for different terrains.
In this review, we tested its real-world range, ride comfort, folding mechanism and performance on both city roads and canal paths. This hands-on test assesses whether the Carrera Crosscity E delivers genuine everyday usability or simply ticks best foldable electric bike boxes on paper.
Specs at a Glance
- Motor: 250W rear hub, speed sensor assist
- Battery: 313Wh (36V, 8.7Ah), integrated, Samsung cells
- Range: Claimed up to 30 miles
- Weight: Approx. 18kg
- Top Speed: 25km/h (15.5mph)
- Frame: One size, aluminium folding
- Tyres: Kenda 20×1.95″ reflective sidewall
- Brakes: Tektro C310 alloy V-brakes
- Suspension: Rigid steel fork
- Gearing: 8-speed Shimano Acera
- Price Range: Around £949
Design and Build Quality
The Crosscity E features a clean-looking aluminium folding frame with a rigid steel fork. The frame has a low step-over height which helps with accessibility. Welds are neatly finished, and the black matte paintwork looks durable. All cables are externally routed but remain tidy and protected. Folding handlebars and pedals help reduce bulk when folded.
The battery is fully integrated into the down tube, contributing to balanced weight distribution and a sleeker appearance than many ebikes in this category. The bike folds in two via a central hinge and the handlebar post. Folding takes around 15 seconds once familiar.
Riders get thoughtful commuter features like a welded rear rack, full-length mudguards and a kickstand, all included as standard. Contact points include Velo-style ergonomic grips and a comfortable Carrera-branded saddle. The 20-inch double-wall alloy rims paired with 1.95-inch Kenda tyres give it a solid feel on urban surfaces.
While the bike is not the most compact when folded, its proportions are manageable. Weight is distributed centrally thanks to the battery placement, making it stable when riding and steady when parked or carried.
Motor Performance and Power Delivery
The Crosscity E uses a 250W rear hub motor paired with a speed sensor and three levels of pedal assist. Power delivery begins after around half a pedal stroke. It is not as immediate as torque sensor systems but feels smooth and gradual once active.
On flat roads, the motor provides steady support and helps maintain 25km/h without much effort. PAS level 2 was sufficient for most riding, with level 3 helping tackle moderate inclines. The 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain complements the motor, allowing cadence adjustments on hills and when riding unassisted.
Acceleration is measured but effective, and the motor remains quiet in operation. It lacks a throttle or walk-assist function, so starting uphill can require some rider input. In headwinds and uphill gradients, the motor’s assistance is helpful though not aggressive.
Compared with torque-sensor rivals, the Crosscity E prioritises reliability over responsiveness. It offers practical support without feeling jerky or underpowered for commuting and leisure use.
Battery Range and Charging
The 313Wh Samsung battery is rated for up to 30 miles of range depending on rider weight, terrain and assist level. In testing with a 75kg rider on mixed routes using PAS level 2, the range consistently reached between 25 and 30 miles.
Flatter routes with PAS level 1 extended the range slightly, while hillier routes and higher assist levels reduced it to around 20 to 23 miles. The range is adequate for daily commutes and short leisure rides, though heavier riders or very hilly conditions may push the battery more quickly.
The battery is sealed within the frame and not user-removable, which limits off-bike charging. It charges via a port located on the frame and takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours to reach full capacity using the standard charger. The integrated battery management system protects against overheating and overcharging.
Overall, charging is simple, and the range meets expectations for urban riding with moderate assist use.
Ride Quality and Comfort
The Carrera Crosscity E offers a comfortable and upright riding posture suited to city use. The swept handlebars and adjustable seatpost accommodate a wide range of rider heights. During testing, riders from 5’5″ to 6’2″ found it comfortable and well proportioned.
The rigid steel fork transmits some road vibration, but the wide 1.95-inch tyres do a good job of damping minor bumps and rough surfaces. The Velo-style grips and cushioned saddle also contribute to comfort on longer rides.
For stop-start city riding, the ride is smooth and manageable. The gearing helps maintain a relaxed cadence whether assisted or not. On towpaths and canal-side routes, the bike remained stable and composed, though it is better suited to tarmac and compact gravel than very rough ground.
Heavier riders found the bike remained structurally sound, with no noticeable frame flex. Despite the lack of suspension, the comfort level is good for an entry-level folding ebike.
Braking and Handling
The Tektro C310 alloy V-brakes offer decent stopping power in dry conditions. Brake levers feel solid, and braking distance is acceptable for city speeds. In wet conditions, performance drops slightly, which is typical of rim brakes.
Handling is agile thanks to the short wheelbase and 20-inch wheels. The bike feels stable at commuter speeds and can handle tight corners and sudden stops well. At low speeds, it remains easy to control even in narrow spaces or crowded paths.
There is no noticeable frame flex at the folding joint, and the geometry gives the rider a confident, balanced stance. When carrying cargo on the rack, the handling remains predictable and controlled.
Features and Accessories
The LED display is mounted on the left handlebar and shows battery status and current assist level. It has an integrated button to switch between assist modes and includes a basic walk-assist function.
Front and rear lights are powered by the main battery and included as standard. The front light offers visibility in low-light conditions, while the rear light is mounted to the rack for good rearward visibility.
Additional accessories include full mudguards, a kickstand, folding pedals and a rear carrier rack compatible with panniers. There are no smart features or app integration, and no built-in anti-theft system beyond the battery management controls.
The Crosscity E offers a ready-to-ride commuter setup that needs no upgrades to be practical from day one.
Weight and Portability
At approximately 18kg, the Crosscity E is relatively light for a fully equipped folding ebike. It folds to approximately 93cm x 40cm x 74cm, which is compact enough for most car boots or home storage areas.
Folding is quick, requiring only the frame hinge and handlebar fold-down. There is no frame magnet or carry handle, so lifting the bike may feel awkward for smaller riders. Carrying it up stairs or onto a train is possible but not effortless.
When folded, the bike remains stable and can be wheeled short distances. With practice, it becomes manageable for multimodal commutes or storing under a desk or in a hallway.
Value for Money
At around £949, the Carrera Crosscity E offers strong value in the folding ebike category. The integrated battery design, standard accessories and reliable components give it a premium feel at a budget price.
Shimano gearing, Kenda tyres and Samsung battery cells offer durability and easy maintenance. Halfords provides a 2-year warranty on electrical parts and nationwide support, which adds peace of mind.
Compared to more expensive torque-sensor folders, it lacks finesse but makes up for it with simplicity and practicality. It competes closely with the Raleigh Stow-E-Way and Fiido D11, offering a similar feature set but a cleaner aesthetic and better component spec.
The Crosscity E suits commuters, first-time ebike buyers and leisure riders who want an affordable, practical and well-built folding electric bike.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Integrated battery and sleek design
- 8-speed gearing with good range
- Mudguards, rack and lights included
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Strong value under £1,000
Cons
- V-brakes less effective in rain
- Battery not removable
- No torque sensor or throttle
- Slightly bulky when folded
- No smart features or anti-theft tools
Verdict
The Carrera Crosscity E is a well-rounded folding electric bike that delivers dependable performance for under £1,000. It offers a comfortable ride, solid component choices and all the features needed for practical commuting or leisure use. While it lacks advanced tech like torque sensors or app integration, it succeeds by keeping things simple and reliable.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly folder that does not compromise on quality or usability, the Crosscity E is one of the best value options currently available. And a good choice as a best electric bike overall.
