What is a mini electric bike?
A mini e-bike has smaller wheels (14 to 20 inches) than a standard bike (26 to 28 inches), but uses the same motor and battery.
The result: a compact, full-performance bike.
Features :
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Wheels 14", 16" or 20" wheels
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Weight 12 to 20 kg (easy to carry)
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Range 40 to 80 km on average
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Motor 250 W (EU legal limit)
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Speed assistance up to 25 km/h
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Battery 250-500 Wh, often removable
Difference with a folding bike Not all mini e-bikes fold, but many can. A folding bike is designed to fold up completely; a mini e-bike relies above all on the compactness of its wheels. Looking for a folding model? Consult our dedicated guide.
5 reasons to choose a mini e-bike
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Stores anywhere: Small apartment? No problem. No bike shelter at the office? Take it inside. Some models, like the Brompton Electric, can be folded into a suitcase in 20 seconds.
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Ideal for the city: Short distances, heavy traffic, narrow streets: the mini e-bike excels in this terrain. Handy and light, it slips easily between cars.
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Easy to carry
Weighing in at 16-19 kg, it's easy to carry up and down stairs or on the train, far more practical than a 28 kg cargo bike. -
Attractive price
new, a mini e-bike costs between €1,200 and €2,500. At Upway, reconditioned models are available from €750 to €1,500, a saving of 40 to 60%. Discover our selection of inexpensive electric bikes. -
Surprising range
Despite their size, many of them achieve 60-80 km range. The Fiido D11 even goes up to 100 km in eco mode, thanks to its 417 Wh battery.
Popular models at Upway
Brompton Electric
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Motor 250 W (front wheel)
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Battery 300 Wh (integrated in removable bag)
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Range 40-80 km
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Weight 16.6 kg
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Special feature folds in 20 seconds
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Ideal for : commuters combining train + bike
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Pricenew €3,200-3,800, refurbished from €1,900
QIO EINS P-5
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Motor 250 W (rear wheel)
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Battery 378 Wh (removable)
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Operating range up to 80 km
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Weight 18.5 kg
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Equipment aluminium frame, disc brakes, LED lighting
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Ideal for : city dwellers looking for a handy, lightweight bike
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Pricenew €1,800-2,200, refurbished from €1,100
Points to check before buying
|
Aspect |
Why it matters |
Recommendation |
|
Engine |
Determines power |
250 W is enough for urban use |
|
Battery (Wh) |
The larger it is, the greater the autonomy |
300 Wh minimum, 400 Wh for long distances |
|
Removable? |
Easier refilling |
Yes, unless plug is within reach |
|
Brakes |
Security |
Hydraulic discs = better control |
|
Weight |
Portability |
< 18 kg si vous le portez souvent |
|
Speeds |
Maintenance |
Hub = low maintenance, derailleur = more versatility |
Practical tip Always test the bike in "high" mode. Often, advertised autonomies are in eco mode, i.e. 30-40% more than in reality.
For whom?
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City dwellers with limited space
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Shuttles train + bike
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Students Lightweight, affordable and durable
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Travelers / campers Fits in a trunk or camper
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Seniors limited speed, accessible frame, easy handling
Simplified maintenance
Every month :
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Check tires pressure
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Clean chain if dirty
Every 3 months:
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Check brakes
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Keep battery indoors in cold weather
Every year :
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Complete overhaul (€50-100)
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Battery capacity test
Tip Recharge at least once a month, even when not in use. An empty battery deteriorates over time.
Why choose a refurbished Upway bike?
What you get:
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20-point check:
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12-month warranty: motor, battery, electronics
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14-day free return policy
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Savings: 40-60% compared with new
Example: Brompton Electric new : €3,500 → refurbished : €1,900. Savings: €1,600
Ecological impact: A refurbished mini e-bike saves 80% in CO₂ emissions, or around 320 kg, the equivalent of 1,600 km by car.
FAQ
Are mini e-bikes stable?
Yes. Small wheels don't reduce stability; you just feel the irregularities a little more. The wide tires compensate for this effect.
Battery life?
Between 500 to 800 cyclesor 3 to 5 years of daily use. At Upway, every battery is tested and replaced if necessary.
Are bicycles allowed on trains?
Yes, folded bikes are free on trains (NS, SNCB). Just check the dimensions.
Cost of recharging?
Around €0.12-0.15 per charge (400 Wh battery). Or €4-5 per month.
Suitable for hills?
Yes, for gentle slopes. For steep climbs (>8%), use a more powerful central motor (60 Nm+).
Conclusion: small but strong
A mini electric bike combines maneuverability and power, ideal for urban use and limited space.
Choose a mini e-bike if :
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You're running out of space
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Combine cycling + transport
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You travel ≤ 20 km/day
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You prefer flexibility to speed
Upway offers you :
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Models from €750
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40-60% savings
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12-month warranty
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Free home delivery
Choose the QIO EINS P-5 for style, or the Brompton Electric for ultimate compactness. Both benefit from full reconditioning and the Upway warranty.