A carbon fiber folding ebike for weight weenies


Ebikes are inevitably heavier than their analog counterparts thanks to the addition of a motor and battery, so getting them to approximate the weight of typical ‘analog’ counterparts isn’t going to happen unless you make some unique changes to the frame. And nothing is more associated with reduced weight in the cycling world than good old carbon fiber.

That’s the approach FuroSystems’ Furo X takes as one of relatively few carbon fiber folding ebikes on the market. The ebike manages to weigh just 34 pounds fully loaded with battery, fenders, and a rack, which is positively featherweight by ebike standards. The only ebike I’ve tested that’s significantly lighter are the new LeMonds, and while I’ve tested a few other featherweightebikes, it’s rare to find something under 40 lbs in the folding category.

That does come at a price though: the Furo X costs $2,299, or $2,599 for the larger battery variant I tested. There are also a few flaws that prevent it from being an unqualified recommendation. Still, for those looking for a compact and very ‘live-with-able’ ebike, the Furo X is worth a closer look.

Featherweight carbon

What do I mean by ‘live-with-able,’ you ask? It’s about the subtler things you don’t see on a spec sheet. Is the bike going to be easy to carry into a subway? Is there an easy way to lock up the bike? Is the assistance smooth or jerky? The Furo performs well at most of these.

For the most part, the Furo X feels well thought out. The carbon fiber frame means it’s easy to carry up a set of stairs, and the folding mechanism obviously opens up a lot of storage possibilities — as well as the ability to call a cab if you get a flat.

Here are the specs you’re getting for your hard-earned money:

  • Bafang 250W rear hub motor (500W peak).
  • 25 km/h (15.5 mph) speed limit, adjustable up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in the settings.
  • 15kg/33lbs weight (tested at 34 lbs with the larger battery).
  • 314/378 Wh battery options with Samsung cells.
  • Shimano Sora 9-seed derailleur.
  • A USB port on the battery.
  • Shimano Hydraulic disk brakes.
  • An adjustable stem to support riders from 5′ 2″ to 6′ 2″.
  • Turn signals

As of posting this article (and for the past several months), Furo has included the fenders, rear rack, kickstand, and front and rear lights with the bike, although these accessories are listed as a ‘limited offer.’

Furo Systems Furo X folding ebike