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Founded in Hong Kong in 2018, Vivi is a competitive electric bike and outdoor sports brand. Among its product range are several folding e-bikes.
If you’re in the market for an inexpensive e-bike, a Vivi folding electric bike may be for you. The bikes feature top-branded components for reliability.
Vivi’s folding bikes are ideal for commuting, daily chores, or leisure rides.
Top Picks:
- Vivi M026TGB 26” Folding 500W Electric Mountain Bike (Best For Heavier Riders)
- Vivi S3 26” Folding 350W Electric Mountain Bike (Best Hardtail E-MTB)
- Vivi FM20 20” Folding 500W Electric Commuter Bike (Best Commuter)
- Vivi 26LGB 26” Folding 350W Electric Mountain Bike (Best Dual-Suspension MTB)
- Vivi Z8 14” Folding 350W Electric Bike With Passenger Seat (Best For Range)
- Vivi F20F 20” x 4” Folding Fat Tire 500W Electric Bike (Best All Terrain)
- Vivi Z1 20” Folding 350W Electric Bike (Best Value)
- Vivi Z2 City 16” Folding 350W Electric Bike (Best Budget)
8 VIVI Folding Bikes Reviewed
Most of the Vivi folding bike range is reviewed below.
Vivi M026TGB 26” Folding 500W Electric Mountain Bike (best for heavier riders)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Weight: 64 lbs (29 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
A bike that gives you comfort on most terrain is the Vivi M026TGB 26” Folding 500W Electric Mountain Bike. This is a dual-suspension MTB with a powerful 500W motor, though a 350W model is available at a lower cost.
With its 48V 7.5 Ah removable lithium-Ion battery, this bike has a 360 Wh capacity. This provides up to 50 miles of claimed range, though you can expect this figure to be lower in real-world use.
The M026TGB motor delivers up to 50 Nm of torque and a max speed of 20 mph. For heavier riders, a 500W motor or bigger should be on the wants list. You may still need to use pedal-assist up big hills, but that helps extend the range anyway.
This bike features three pedal assist levels, a pure electric mode (throttle only), and a regular pedaling mode. It has 21 Shimano gears, which are useful in both manual and pedal-assist riding.
A downside to this bike is the larger folded size. But this still enables you to put it in the trunk of a car without putting the seats down.
What We Like
- Comfort – front and rear suspension to smooth the ride.
- Gears – a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain makes the bike versatile.
- Range – probably a decent range, though the stated figure is unlikely.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – a dual-suspension e-MTB is always heavy.
- Size – you need a bike with smaller wheels if you’re short on storage space.
Vivi S3 26” Folding 350W Electric Mountain Bike (best hardtail e-MTB)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
Relatively rare among folding e-MTBs is a hardtail like the Vivi S3 26” Folding 350W Electric Mountain Bike. This bike only has suspension at the front, which also makes it a few pounds lighter than other electric mountain bikes.
Hardtails are generally better MTBs for road use because they’re more efficient. Too much suspension in a bike reduces power transfer. Thus, the Vivi S3 would make a decent mixed terrain commuting bike as long as you don’t need to carry it.
This bike has a 36V 10.4 Ah Li-ion battery, which gives it a 374 Wh capacity. Vivi claims a maximum 40-mile range for this bike in pedal assist mode and 22 miles in throttle mode. You can certainly enjoy leisure rides on this bike without worry.
Other features of the S3 include disc brakes, a front light, and a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain. The gear range helps you find a comfortable cadence and resistance over any terrain, whether in pedal assist or manual mode.
The downside as far as folding bikes go is those full-sized 26” MTB wheels. This is not a good choice if you need the most compact folded size you can get.
What We Like
- Range – a 40-mile range gives you peace of mind.
- Gears – a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain helps you conquer hills.
- Commute – a good choice for mixed on/off-road commuting.
- Suspension – front suspension fork absorbs shock on bumpy surfaces.
What We Don’t Like
- Size – good for fitting into car trunks but less good for smaller spaces.
Vivi FM20 20” Folding 500W Electric Commuter Bike (best commuter)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 7
- Weight: 62 lbs (28.15 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
Although it’s heavy, the folded size of the Vivi FM20 20” Folding 500W Electric Bike makes it ideal for commuting. That’s on top of practical features like fenders, a rear rack, a front light, and an integral “handle” in the frame.
Adding to the weight of this bike is its dual suspension system. This helps smooth out the extra bumpiness you might otherwise feel on a bike with small wheels.
This bike has a powerful 500W hub motor that is especially good for heavier riders, which it can accommodate with a 330 lbs load capacity. The max speed is 22 mph, and you can squeeze up to 50 miles of range out of it in low pedal assist mode.
With its 48V 7.5 Ah Lithium-Ion battery, the FM20 has 360 Wh of capacity. Vivi says you can ride it up to 25 miles in throttle mode (aka pure electric). You also have manual mode if you fancy a workout.
The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain on this bike lets you tackle a few hills and pick a comfortable pedaling speed. Mechanical disc brakes bring you to a reliable halt.
What We Like
- Range – good range, though 50 miles is probably idealistic.
- Gears – the 7 Shimano gears (Tourney derailleur) add versatility.
- Commute – a handy size of bike with enough range for commuting.
- Extras – practical features for all-weather commutes or shopping trips.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – a hefty bike for its size.
Vivi 26LGB 26” Folding 350W Electric Mountain Bike (best dual-suspension MTB)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 21
- Weight: 64 lbs (29 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
A similar bike to our best overall pick is the Vivi 26LGB 26” Folding 350W Electric Mountain Bike. This one has a smaller motor, though the chief difference between the bikes is the wheels. It still offers comfortable dual suspension.
The Vivi 26LGB has “mag wheels” rather than wheels with traditional spokes. Magnesium wheels arguably look cooler (not to traditionalists), but their main advantage is lower maintenance. They don’t get knocked out of true.
Spoked wheels are designed to absorb shock, but as spokes loosen the wheels become misshapen. You’re more likely to buckle a conventional spoked wheel, but it’s usually reparable when buckled.
Magnesium wheels will give you a harsher ride, offset in this case by dual suspension and plush 1.95” wide tires.
This wheel design has more appeal on wheels with bigger diameters. Smaller folding-bike wheels (e.g., 14”, 16”, 20”) are super strong without special spokes.
The 50-mile max range claimed for this bike seems optimistic given the battery’s modest 288 Wh capacity (36V 8 Ah). Off-road use would make this less likely still. The maximum speed is 20 mph.
You get 21 Shimano gears with the Vivi 26LGB. Any of them can be bought to a firm halt with the included disc brakes.
What We Like
- Wheels – strong and stylish 6-spoke magnesium wheels.
- Gears – a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain adds versatility.
- Comfort – dual suspension and 1.95” wide tires provide comfort.
What We Don’t Like
- Claimed max range – you’d be wise not to expect 50 miles of range on 288 Wh.
Vivi Z8 14” Folding 350W Electric Bike With Passenger Seat (best for range)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 1
- Weight: 57 lbs (25.85 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
The Vivi Z8 14” Folding 350W Electric Bike offers exceptional capacity with its 48V 20 Ah lithium-ion battery. That makes a remarkable 960 Wh of juice, which translates into a credible 60 miles of range in assist mode or 40 miles in pure electric mode.
The Vivi Z8 has a top speed of 20 mph.
This bike is also notable in other ways. It features a passenger seat, for instance, though the maximum load shouldn’t go beyond 265 lbs.
A potential downside to this bike is its tiny 14” wheels, which are likely to make the steering feel over-sensitive. On the plus side, the wheels are sure to be strong, and they’re 6-spoke magnesium wheels to make doubly sure of this.
Small wheels can also feel uncomfortable over bumpy surfaces, but the bike has front suspension to help counteract this. There are spring shock absorbers under the passenger seat, too.
As well, this bike is smaller when folded than other bikes in the Vivo range. It measures 22.4” x 28.7” (H x L) when folded. The frame, handlebar, and pedals all fold. A downside is its 57 lbs weight, especially given its size.
What We Like
- Capacity – huge battery capacity of 960 Wh.
- Range – the capacity allows a long range of up to 60 miles.
- Passenger – has a rear passenger seat (e.g., parent & child).
- Wheels – ultra-strong magnesium wheels.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – heavier than you might expect for a small e-bike.
- Gears – single speed, so no choice of cadence.
Vivi F20F 20” x 4” Folding Fat Tire 500W Electric Bike (best all terrain)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 7
- Weight: 76.5 lbs (34.7 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
Another unique choice in the diverse Vivi range is the Vivi F20F 20” x 4” Folding Fat Tire 500W Electric Bike. This is a genuine fat bike with 4” tires you can ride over mud, sand, or snow. It has a powerful 500W motor to help you over difficult terrain.
Like all bikes of this nature, this is a heavy machine, but it’s tremendously fun to ride. It’s ideal as a commuting bike in snowy areas, albeit not one you’d want to lug onto a train. It has a big battery capacity of 500 Wh, which allows a max 50-mile range.
The top speed on this bike is 25 mph. You get five levels of pedal assist, which enables more nuance than the three levels found on many bikes. You can also ride it in manual mode, though you’d need to be on flat terrain to enjoy it.
There are, however, 7 Shimano gears to help you find the ideal level of resistance and a comfortable pedaling cadence. A suspension fork adds further to the comfort provided by fat tires, which you can run at low pressures.
Other features include dual disc brakes; an LCD with PAS mode, speed, mileage, and battery level; a rear rack; fenders; and a front light.
Read more: Fat tire folding bicycles
What We Like
- Capacity – useful 500 Wh of capacity.
- Range – ride up to 50 miles using minimal pedal assist.
- All-terrain – fat 4” tires let you ride over sand or snow.
- Power – 500W motor pulls you along at up to 25 mph.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – expected weight, but heavy, nonetheless.
Vivi Z1 20” Folding 350W Electric Bike (best value)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 6
- Weight: 57 lbs (25.85 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
A good all-around folding e-bike for a fair price is the Vivi Z1 20” Folding 350W Electric Bike. This stylish bike is a fine choice for everyday urban riding or commutes. It has a decent range of up to 35 miles from a 36V 10.4 Ah Li-ion battery.
You’ll get a top speed of 19-20 mph from this bike. A downside is the modest 28 Nm of torque, which means you shouldn’t expect to fly up steep hills without pedaling. However, low torque may enhance other properties like range and fitness!
To help you get up the mentioned hills, a Shimano drivetrain with a 6-speed freewheel makes pedaling easier.
Dual suspension makes this bike comfortable to ride even on rougher roads. It helps neutralize the bumpiness you’ll often feel on bikes with small wheels.
What We Like
- Range – useful range of up to 35 miles in PAS mode.
- Gears – a handy 6-speed Shimano drivetrain.
- Comfort – dual suspension ensures a smooth ride.
What We Don’t Like
- Torque – the max torque is modest at 28 Nm, which may mean having to pedal uphill in some cases. (The spec may also be wrong.)
Vivi Z2 City 16” Folding 350W Electric Bike (best budget)
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- No of Gears: 6
- Weight: 52 lbs (23.58 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
Vivi’s lightest folding e-bike is the Vivi Z2 City 16” Folding 350W Electric Bike. This bike is ideal for short urban rides and folds to a compact 30” x 20” x 22” size. It has a 6-speed Shimano drivetrain and powerful disc brakes.
The lack of any suspension in this bike helps keep its weight down, but that’s okay on smooth pavement or for short rides.
This bike is easy on the eye, partly because of its concealed battery and strong 6-spoke magnesium wheels. It has a 36V 10.4 Ah Li-ion battery (312 Wh) with a claimed range of up to 38 miles.
The Vivi Z2 has a pure electric mode (throttle only), three levels of pedal assist, and a manual mode. If you run out of battery or fancy a workout, you can ride it as a regular 6-gear bike.
Read more: Folding e-bikes under $1000
What We Like
- Stylish – clean-looking bike with concealed battery.
- Compact – folds to a reasonably compact size.
- Lightweight – not the lightest e-bike, but lighter than other Vivi models.
- Gears – handy selection of 6 gears (14-28t freewheel, 48t chainring)
What We Don’t Like
- Bumpy – you’ll feel bumps in the road more on this bike than on other Vivi models.
VIVI Folding Bicycles: FAQs
How Far Can VIVI Bikes Go?
Vivi bikes will go as far as their battery capacity allows, which lasts longer if you use the lowest possible level of pedal assist. Their range also depends on factors like terrain, rider weight, tire choice, and riding conditions.
Video: How Far Can Electric Bikes Go?
Where Are VIVI Bicycles Made?
Vivi bikes are designed by an international team and manufactured in China by the Guangzhou Plenty Bicycle Co., Ltd.
Are VIVI Ebikes Reliable?
Vivi e-bikes are reliable. They’re backed by warranties and a responsive customer care department. They’re also made with many branded parts (e.g., Shimano gears), though naturally, you don’t get top-tier components on inexpensive bikes.
Conclusion: Are Folding VIVI Bikes Any Good?
Though they tend to be on the weighty side, folding Vivi bikes are dependable machines made by a reputable manufacturer.
Looking back at our reviews, we picked the Vivi M026TGB 26” Folding Electric Mountain Bike for heavier riders. It has a powerful 500W motor as well as dual suspension for tackling rougher terrain.
For mixed on/off-road riding, the Vivi S3 26” Folding 350W Electric Mountain Bike is a good choice. This is an electric hardtail MTB with a suspension fork for comfort but a little less weight and sponginess for efficient road riding.
An ideal commuter bike is the Vivi FM20 20” Folding 500W Electric Bike. This is a more convenient size of bike for storing in a workplace or keeping under the stairs. It’s also loaded with practical features that commuters will appreciate.
We hope this article serves as a useful introduction to Vivi folding e-bikes. If it helps you find your ideal bike, even better.
