Electric bike review: Perry Ehopper 16" Electric Folding Bike

What is it like? 

The Perry Ehopper is a capable and convenient way to get you from A to B with less effort than an unassisted bicycle. If you’re looking to speed up your commute or ride to the train station without breaking a sweat, the Ehopper is an ingenious bit of kit.

One particular brilliance of the Ehopper is how easily it folds. Like many folding bikes, it does require adjustment to the saddle height so be wary of this when you unfold the bike, but once you’ve figured out the process, it does only take ten or so seconds to get it in a transportable condition. This and its compact size means it’s ideal for taking on a train or bus without worrying about taking up space.

The ride itself is relatively smooth thanks to the wide tyres, although there was a confidence-sapping creak from the joints of the bike every time it rode over a bump in the road. There is only one frame size, which can be limiting if you're above average height, but the bike's fit is adjustable through the stem and saddle height. At 170cm this tester found it was adequate, but another rider at 180cm struggled to find enough saddle height.

The Ehopper comes with five assist modes and will aid with speeds up to the legal limit of 15.5mph. In a flat, urban area, you probably won’t need to crank it up, but if you live anywhere with hills, you’ll probably find yourself using the highest level quite often. It struggled on inclines as a result of the low power of the battery and the small wheels. The assist, however, does kick in quite quickly, which makes it great for setting off from traffic lights or junctions, with barely any lag.

The screen on the handlebars provides you with information such as mileage, assist level, and battery level. Perry has even included additional items that take it from a convenient bike to something extremely practical; there's a pannier rack, a bag, mudguards, and lights. The test bike even included a lock, which is thoughtful for those quick stops at the shop - or bakery, if you're of the same mindset as this tester.

Should I buy one?

Lightweight, compact, and easy to use, the Perry Ehopper ticks all the boxes of a commuter electric bike at a reasonable price point.

The single size could be an issue for taller people, but there are levels of adjustability to be had. An alternative to more expensive brands, the Ehopper will make your journey easier and more enjoyable without the need for any specialist cycling kit.

Perry Ehopper 16” Electric Folding Bike verdict - 3/5 stars

It’s lightweight and great value for money, but the ride quality leaves a little to be desired. With a few tweaks, possibly including a higher battery output this could be a seriously nifty urban bike but at the moment it struggles when faced with hills or headwinds, so recommended only for those that live in the flatlands.