Man, I thought folding electric bikes were stupid. Like, really stupid.

Two years ago, when my cycling buddy rolled up on what looked like a Transformer that someone had half-folded and slapped a motor on, I actually laughed out loud. The thing had these tiny wheels, this weird hinge in the middle, and it made him look like he was riding a motorized shopping cart. I couldn't understand why anyone would choose that over a proper e-bike.

Fast forward to now, and I'm writing this article on my laptop while my own folding e-bike sits next to my desk at work. Yeah, I became one of those people. And you know what? I don't care if it makes me look ridiculous, because this thing has completely changed how I move around the city.

The wake-up call came during a camping trip last summer. Five of us wanted to bring bikes, but nobody's car could fit them without dealing with bike racks, roof mounts, or leaving someone behind. Then Jake shows up with his Lectric XP, and the damn thing folded down small enough to fit in his Civic's trunk alongside a cooler, tent, and sleeping bag. By Sunday, we'd all put 60+ miles on that little beast through forest roads, and I was already browsing folding e-bike reviews on my phone.

That's when it hit me—these bikes aren't trying to be the fastest or prettiest things on two wheels. They're trying to solve the annoying parts of bike ownership that nobody talks about. And holy shit, do they ever solve them.

Why Americans Are Finally Coming Around

Europeans have been riding folding bikes forever because their cities force them to. Shoebox apartments, packed trains, medieval streets that barely fit a bicycle—compact transport isn't a luxury there, it's survival. Meanwhile, we Americans have been spoiled with garages, pickup trucks, and suburban sprawl that makes cramming a bike into small spaces seem unnecessary.

But things are changing fast. RV sales went through the roof during COVID, and good luck mounting a bike rack on a 40-foot motorhome without scraping every drive-through you encounter. Urban housing keeps shrinking while prices keep climbing. More people are mixing bikes with public transit for their commute. And honestly, we're all getting sick of wrestling with bike racks every damn time we want to take our bikes somewhere fun.

I've met retirees who fit three folding e-bikes in their RV where they used to struggle with one regular bike. City dwellers who finally own a decent bike without turning their studio into a bike storage facility. Even suburban parents who can throw bikes in the minivan for kids' activities without the roof rack drama.

The tech finally caught up too. Five years ago, most folding e-bikes were either underpowered toys or heavy, unreliable messes. Today's models pack real power, decent range, and surprisingly solid build quality into frames that actually fold properly. Many have features that put full-size bikes to shame: fat tires, suspension, cargo racks, and motors that laugh at hills.

How I Actually Test These Things

Testing folding e-bikes isn't like reviewing regular bikes. Sure, speed and range matter, but there's this whole other layer of practical stuff that can make or break the experience. How fast does it fold? How compact does it get? Can you actually carry it without needing a chiropractor?

I have this thing I call the "airport test"—if I wouldn't want to drag this folded bike through an airport terminal, it's not really portable. Some of these 70-pound "portable" bikes fail spectacularly here.

For performance stuff, I use a brutal hill climb that separates the real motors from the marketing bullshit. Range testing happens in actual conditions—mixed terrain, realistic assist levels, stop-and-go traffic, whatever. None of this lab testing that produces numbers nobody hits in real life.

But the most important test is living with each bike for at least a month. Daily commutes, grocery runs, weekend adventures, whatever comes up. That's where you find out if the folding mechanism stays tight after a hundred cycles, whether the battery actually lasts as long as advertised, and if the thing is fun to ride or just efficient transportation.

The eleven bikes that made this list survived all of that. They're not perfect—no folding e-bike is—but they're all genuinely good at what they're supposed to do.

The Real Winners: Eleven Folding E-Bikes That Don't Suck

Lectric XP 4: The Budget Beast That Changed Everything

What makes it special: Best bang for your buck, period

The Lectric XP 4 basically forced every other company to ask themselves, "Wait, how are they doing all this for a grand?" When the original XP series dropped, it set a new floor for what you could expect from an affordable folding e-bike. The XP 4 takes that formula and cranks it up until bikes costing twice as much start looking like ripoffs.

Here's what a thousand bucks gets you: a 500-watt rear hub motor that spikes to 1,092 watts when you need it, 55 Nm of torque, and a 10.4 Ah battery. That's legitimate power for any e-bike, let alone one at this price. But here's the kicker—for just a few hundred more, you can get the upgraded version with a 750-watt motor and 17.5 Ah battery. Fifty percent more power, 67% more capacity.

What blew me away during testing wasn't just the raw power—it was how stable this thing feels when you're really pushing it. Most folding bikes get sketchy at speed because of their telescoping stems and compact geometry. The XP 4 stays planted and predictable even when you're maxing out that 28 mph Class 3 limit.

The 8-speed Shimano drivetrain fixes the "ghost pedaling" issue that made older XP models annoying at higher speeds. Now you can actually help the motor instead of just spinning your legs while it does all the work.

Lectric has always been good at cramming features into their bikes, and the XP 4 doesn't disappoint. The suspension fork handles broken pavement and light trail duty without complaint. The hybrid tires work well on both road and dirt. The color display gives you useful info without data overload.

But it's the utility features that really set this apart. The integrated rear rack holds up to 150 pounds—enough for an adult passenger with the right accessories, or serious cargo for errands. Lectric's website has tons of add-ons that let you customize the XP 4 for whatever you need.

The hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors stop this 65-pound bike like it's half that weight. In my brake testing, the XP 4 posted some of the best numbers I've seen from any folding e-bike. Combined with killer hill-climbing ability, this is a bike that handles real-world demands without breaking a sweat.

The downside? It's heavy as hell at 65 pounds. If you're planning to fold and carry this thing regularly, your back is going to hate you. But for occasional folding and transport, the performance more than makes up for the weight.

Ride1Up Portola: The Lightweight Surprise That Hits Way Above Its Weight Class

What makes it special: Best handling and actually portable performance

The Portola showed up quietly but earned my respect through pure performance. When I saw the sub-$1,000 price, I expected "decent for the money" performance. What I got was one of the most enjoyable folding e-bike experiences I've had, regardless of price.

This bike feels light and nimble in a way that makes you forget you're on a folder. The 750-watt motor delivers smooth, controlled power that never feels jerky or overwhelming. It's the kind of motor tuning that tells you someone actually rode this thing during development instead of just hitting spec targets.

The component selection caught my attention immediately. At this price point, Ride1Up included hydraulic disc brakes, an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, and a suspension fork with 80mm of travel. These are features that usually add hundreds to a bike's price.

The integrated rear rack handles 130 pounds, making it actually useful for cargo duty. Ride1Up even threw in a tether strap to keep the bike folded during transport—the kind of thoughtful detail that shows they understand real-world use.

Range testing showed impressive efficiency thanks to smart motor tuning and power management. Hill climbing revealed performance that rivals bikes with much bigger motors. Brake testing produced outstanding results that inspire confidence in all conditions.

The bike's only real limitation is sizing. The one-size-fits-all frame works great for riders under 6 feet but gets cramped for taller folks. If you fit the intended size range though, this bike delivers premium performance at a bargain price.

Velotric Fold 1 Plus: The Heavy-Duty Hauler That Doesn't Mess Around

What makes it special: Highest capacity and best customization options

The Fold 1 Plus takes a totally different approach by prioritizing capacity and features over weight savings. With a 450-pound payload capacity, this thing can handle big riders or serious cargo loads without complaint. It's built like a full-size e-bike that happens to fold, not a folding bike trying to fake it.

The standout feature is Velotric's SensorSwap tech. The bike has both torque and cadence sensors, and you can switch between them depending on what you want. Want a chill cruise with preset speed limits? Use cadence mode. Prefer responsive power that matches your pedaling? Switch to torque mode. It's flexibility you won't find anywhere else.

Customization goes way beyond sensor selection. Through the display or smartphone app, you can tweak speed limits, braking modes, and choose from three riding modes with fifteen different assist levels. There's even cruise control and integrated Apple Find My for theft protection.

Our 68-mile range test validated Velotric's bold claims. The big battery combined with efficient power management delivers genuine all-day capability. Hill performance is strong, though not quite as aggressive as some competitors with sportier motor tuning.

The design is distinctly modern with eye-catching colors that stand out from the usual black-and-gray crowd. Our test bike's Mango yellow definitely turned heads, but more subdued options are available for people who prefer to blend in.

Build quality is solid throughout, with attention to detail that suggests real quality control. The folding mechanism is smooth and positive, though the bike's weight makes frequent folding impractical for most users.

At around $1,600, it's not cheap, but the feature set and capacity justify the price for riders who need what it offers.

Lectric XP Lite 2.0: Proof That Cheap Doesn't Have to Mean Crappy

What makes it special: Best value under $1,000

The XP Lite 2.0 pulls off something remarkable—it's the cheapest e-bike I can recommend without any reservations. At well under a grand, it delivers real value instead of false economy. Lectric achieved this through smart compromises rather than corner-cutting where it matters.

The single-speed drivetrain eliminates complexity and cost while keeping maintenance minimal. The 300-watt motor is modest by today's standards but perfectly adequate for the bike's intended use. The 374Wh battery is small but efficient, providing reasonable range for commuting and errands.

What's remarkable is what Lectric didn't compromise on. Hydraulic disc brakes—usually reserved for much pricier bikes. A color display that provides clear information and easy control. Solid build quality throughout with no obvious cost-cutting that affects durability or safety.

At 48 pounds, the Lite 2.0 lives up to its name as one of the lighter options available. This makes it genuinely practical for riders who need to fold and carry regularly. The difference is immediately apparent when you're lifting it into a car or carrying it upstairs.

The compact design and 20-inch wheels provide excellent handling in urban environments. The 275-pound payload capacity is impressive for such a lightweight bike.

Lectric offers sensible upgrade options at purchase. A Gates carbon belt can replace the standard chain for even lower maintenance. A high-capacity battery nearly doubles range for riders who need it.

For riders wanting quality e-bike ownership without a major financial commitment, the XP Lite 2.0 delivers exactly what's needed and nothing more.

RadExpand 5 Plus: The Adventure-Ready Trail Muncher

What makes it special: Best for off-road and long-distance riding

While most folding e-bikes focus on urban commuting, the RadExpand 5 Plus is designed for adventure. It's built to handle rougher terrain and longer distances than typical folders can manage.

The 750-watt motor uses a torque sensor for intuitive power delivery based on pedaling effort. This creates a natural riding experience that's especially important when navigating technical terrain where precise control matters.

The massive 720Wh battery delivered over 80 miles in our testing—genuine all-day capability that opens up adventure possibilities most folding e-bikes can't touch. The battery also uses Rad's Safe Shield technology, adding fire-resistant barriers around each cell for enhanced safety.

Fat, knobby tires and front suspension encourage exploration beyond pavement. The bike handles light trail riding confidently, though it's not intended for serious mountain biking. Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in varying conditions.

Safety features include integrated turn signals in the rear rack-mounted brake light—a thoughtful touch for road riding visibility. Build quality inspires confidence for adventure use, with components chosen for durability over weight savings.

The bike accommodates riders from 4'10" to 5'10" with a 315-pound payload capacity. At under $2,000, it represents solid value for genuine adventure capability in a folding package.

Weight and size make frequent folding impractical, but for RV travel or occasional transport, the folding capability adds valuable flexibility to an already capable machine.

Aventon Sinch 2.5: The Commuter That Actually Rides Like a Real Bike

What makes it special: Best hill performance and most natural ride feel

The Sinch 2.5 prioritizes ride quality over folding convenience, resulting in a bike that happens to fold rather than a folding bike trying to ride well. The difference is obvious from the first pedal stroke.

Aventon's torque sensor is among the best I've experienced. It responds naturally to pedaling effort, providing assistance when you work harder and backing off when you ease up. Different assist levels modify this response, creating an intuitive, engaging riding experience.

The 500-watt motor paired with that torque sensor creates impressive hill-climbing performance. In standardized testing, the Sinch 2.5 posted the fastest throttle time I've recorded in three years and the second-fastest pedal time. That's performance that makes short work of challenging terrain.

Range performance is equally impressive, with testing supporting Aventon's 60-mile claims thanks to the efficient 672Wh battery and smart power management that uses energy only when needed.

The step-through frame makes mounting effortless—important for commuter use with frequent stops. The folding mechanism is straightforward and reliable, though most riders will use it for storage rather than frequent transport.

Safety details are well-executed throughout. Integrated brake lights and turn signals are prominently placed for maximum visibility. The overall design is clean and modern without unnecessary flash.

At around $1,500, the Sinch 2.5 represents excellent value for riders who prioritize performance and efficiency over maximum portability.

Mokwheel Slate: The Marathon Runner of Folding E-Bikes

What makes it special: Best range and acceleration

The Slate shows what's possible when efficiency and range take priority over everything else. While many folding e-bikes struggle to exceed 40-50 miles of real-world range, the Slate consistently delivered 90 miles in testing—numbers that rival dedicated touring bikes.

The 500-watt motor uses a torque sensor for dynamic power delivery, though the tuning feels different from others on this list. At lower assist levels, power delivery feels natural and intuitive. At higher levels, acceleration becomes more aggressive, prioritizing speed over subtlety.

A massive 720Wh battery is the foundation for an extremely impressive range. Combined with an efficient motor and intelligent power management, it can allow you to ride all day long without worrying about range. For commuters looking for the ultimate in comfort, this feature will be transformative.

One safety feature includes a quick-release display that shuts off the engine when removed. And it's a simple but effective theft deterrent for city stops.

Integrated turn signals and brake lights are carefully integrated into the frame design. The overall aesthetics are modern and practical without being overly luxurious.

The folding mechanism works smoothly and smoothly due to cleverly designed hinges that fold and unfold easily. Due to the possible load capacity of 350 pounds, it can easily carry serious loads and large riders.

The bike is designed for passengers between 4 feet and 5 feet 10 inches tall and is equipped with racks, lights and fenders for convenient use in urban environments. Three-inch tires and suspension also allow you to conquer easy off-road adventures.

For those who have range and efficiency at the top of their list, the Slate will provide performance that is hard to match.

Tern Vektron S10: The Premium Experience You Actually Pay For

What makes it special: Best mid-drive performance and truly premium components

The Vektron S10 occupies a unique spot as one of the few folding e-bikes with a mid-drive motor. This alone sets it apart, but the appeal goes way beyond motor placement.

The Bosch Performance Line mid-drive delivers 65Nm of torque through sophisticated systems that provide natural, intuitive power delivery. Mid-drives typically offer better weight distribution, more efficient power transfer, and superior hill-climbing compared to hub motors, and the Vektron demonstrates all these advantages.

Component specification is genuinely premium throughout. Magura hydraulic brakes provide exceptional stopping power and modulation. The Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain offers wide gearing and precise shifting. These are components typically found on much more expensive bikes.

At 39 pounds, the Vektron is remarkably light, making it genuinely portable for riders needing regular carrying capability. The frame design allows upright resting and wheeling like luggage, though Tern offers a shoulder bag for true portability.

Size adjustability is impressive, accommodating riders from 4'10" to 6'5" through telescoping seatposts and adjustable stem components. This makes it suitable for a much wider range than most folding bikes.

While I had limited testing time at an industry event, the experience was impressive enough to earn a place on this list. Ride quality, component integration, and overall refinement clearly set it apart.

The Bosch Energy Management System optimizes battery usage for maximum efficiency, contributing to respectable range despite the relatively small battery typical of mid-drive systems.

Build quality is exceptional, reflecting Tern's focus on premium materials and manufacturing. The patented folding frame is both compact and rigid, providing excellent ride quality without compromises.

For riders wanting the absolute best in folding e-bike technology and willing to pay for it, the Vektron represents current state of the art.

Brompton Electric C Line 12-Speed: The Urban Apartment Dweller's Holy Grail

What makes it special: Most compact design and ultimate city optimization

The Brompton traces its DNA back to original 1970s folding bike designs, and that heritage shows in every detail. While others have tried to reinvent folding bike design, Brompton spent decades perfecting their unique three-part system.

When folded, the C Line measures just 25.3×23×10.6 inches—dimensions suitable for the tiniest urban spaces. At 38 pounds, it's light enough to carry upstairs or onto public transit without excessive strain. Cleverly placed wheels allow rolling like luggage rather than carrying.

The 250-watt front hub motor provides adequate assistance for urban riding, though it's not designed for high-speed performance or serious hills. Motor placement allows maintaining the traditional rear triangle design and drivetrain layout.

The unique 12-speed gearing combines a Sturmey-Archer 3-speed hub with 4-speed derailleur, providing wide range for both acceleration and hill climbing. This arrangement works better than it sounds, offering efficient pedaling across broad speed ranges.

Despite compact size, the steel frame is remarkably robust. Brompton backs frames with seven-year warranties, reflecting confidence in durability. Even larger riders can ride confidently, knowing the engineering has been thoroughly proven over decades.

The riding experience is surprisingly engaging for such a compact bike. Small wheels and responsive handling make it feel nimble and quick in urban traffic. Upright riding position provides excellent visibility and comfort for commuting.

Build quality reflects Brompton's reputation for precision manufacturing. Every component feels purposeful and well-executed, from smooth folding mechanisms to integrated lighting systems.

For urban riders prioritizing compactness and portability above all else, the Brompton represents the ultimate solution. It's expensive, but engineering excellence and practical benefits justify the cost for the right application.

What Actually Happens When You Live with One

After two years of testing these bikes and using them for real transportation, I've learned stuff that doesn't show up in spec sheets or marketing materials.

The folding thing is genuinely useful, but probably not as often as you'd think. Most owners fold their bikes occasionally rather than daily. The real value comes from having the option when you need it—fitting in a trunk for weekend trips, storing in small spaces, bringing on vacation.

Weight matters way more than most people realize. A 65-pound folding e-bike might fold compactly, but it's not something you want to carry regularly. The lightest options like the Brompton and Vektron offer genuine portability. Heavier models are best viewed as occasionally foldable rather than truly portable.

Battery range estimates should be taken with a grain of salt. Real-world range depends heavily on rider weight, terrain, assist level, and weather. I consistently found actual range to be 20-30% less than manufacturer claims under normal conditions.

The folding mechanisms themselves need attention. Hinge points require periodic lubrication, and adjustment may be necessary as components wear. More complex folding systems generally require more maintenance over time.

How to Actually Choose the Right One

After extensive testing, I've figured out a framework for helping people choose the right bike for their specific needs.

First, be brutally honest about how often you'll actually fold the bike. If the answer is rarely, prioritize ride quality over folding compactness. Bikes like the Sinch 2.5 or RadExpand 5 Plus offer excellent performance with occasional folding capability.

If you need true portability for regular carrying or public transit, focus on the lightest options like the Brompton or Vektron. The weight difference between a 38-pound bike and 65-pound bike is dramatic when you're actually carrying it.

Think carefully about your primary use case. Urban commuting favors different features than recreational riding or cargo hauling. The Brompton excels in dense urban environments, while the RadExpand series is better for adventure riding.

Budget considerations should include long-term costs, not just purchase price. A slightly more expensive bike with better components and warranty support often costs less over its useful lifetime than cheaper alternatives with higher maintenance requirements.

Consider where you'll get service and support. Established brands with dealer networks offer advantages for long-term ownership, particularly if you're not comfortable performing your own maintenance.

My Personal Journey from Skeptic to Convert

Okay, I need to be completely honest here. Two years ago, if you'd told me I'd be writing about how much I love my folding electric bike, I would've laughed in your face. Those tiny-wheeled, origami-looking things seemed like toys for people who couldn't handle a "real" bike. They looked flimsy, awkward, and frankly ridiculous cruising down the street.

Life has a way of humbling you though. Today I'm that guy wheeling his folded bike through subway turnstiles, grinning like an idiot because I just discovered the perfect solution to problems I didn't even realize were driving me crazy.

So what changed? Reality smacked me in the face, hard. My beautiful, powerful regular e-bike had become more of a burden than a blessing, and I was too stubborn to admit it. But once I finally gave folding e-bikes a real chance, everything clicked. Now I'm kicking myself for being such a snob about it for so long.

The Morning That Changed Everything

Picture this: 7:30 AM on a Tuesday, running late for work, and it's started that annoying mist that makes everything slippery but isn't quite rain. My trusty 55-pound e-bike is chained outside my building, getting slowly soaked while I debate whether to risk riding in sketchy weather or give up and take the subway.

This wasn't the first time I'd faced this choice. Hell, it happened twice a week minimum. Rain, construction, unexpected meetings across town—my supposedly convenient e-bike kept becoming inconvenient at the worst possible moments. I'd bought it to simplify my life, but instead I was constantly making compromises.

That particular morning, watching raindrops collect on my bike seat, something just snapped. I thought about all the times I'd avoided riding because of weather, all the anxiety about leaving it locked up in sketchy neighborhoods, all the arguments with my roommate about it taking up half our narrow hallway. This wasn't working.

A buddy had been raving about his folding e-bike for months, but I'd dismissed it as a cute novelty. Standing there in the drizzle, his words started making sense: "Dude, you just fold it up and take it with you. Weather doesn't matter. Theft doesn't matter. It goes wherever you go."

That afternoon, I swallowed my pride and started researching.

The Test Ride That Opened My Eyes

Three weeks later, I was test riding my first folding e-bike, and honestly? I was prepared to be disappointed. The thing looked so compact, so... insufficient. Where was the commanding presence of my full-size bike? How could these tiny wheels possibly handle city streets?

But here's what nobody tells you: within about five minutes, you completely forget about the size. The assisted pedaling feels just as smooth, the acceleration is plenty snappy, and somehow those little wheels handle potholes and curbs better than expected. Most surprising of all, I actually felt more nimble, more connected to the bike.

Walking back outside empty-handed felt bizarre. For the first time in months, I wasn't mentally calculating whether my bike would still be there when I returned.

How It Changed My Living Situation

The transformation of my living situation has been dramatic. My old e-bike had turned our apartment entrance into an obstacle course. Coming home with groceries meant carefully maneuvering around pedals and handlebars. Friends visiting had to squeeze past it. My roommate had started leaving passive-aggressive sticky notes about "shared spaces."

Now? My bike disappears completely when I'm not using it. It lives folded behind my bedroom door during the week, completely out of everyone's way. On weekends, I can stash it in a closet if we're having people over. The constant low-level tension about space in our tiny place just... evaporated.

But the real game-changer has been the weather flexibility. Last month, I rode to a coffee shop across town, and halfway through my meeting, a proper thunderstorm rolled in. No problem—I folded up the bike, called an Uber, and tossed it in the back seat. Try doing that with a regular e-bike without getting soaked and pissing off your driver.

Breaking Down My Own Assumptions

I'd built up so many wrong assumptions about folding e-bikes. The biggest one? That they'd feel unstable or uncomfortable. Turns out, modern folding bikes have gotten incredibly sophisticated. Mine has front suspension, fat tires that smooth out road vibration, and geometry that actually feels more upright and comfortable than my old bike.

The motor power myth was another big one. I'd assumed folding bikes came with wimpy motors and tiny batteries as some sort of trade-off for portability. Wrong again. My current ride packs a 500-watt motor that pulls strongly up hills, and the battery easily handles 40+ miles on a charge. That's more range than most of my rides anyway.

And the weight thing? Yeah, folding e-bikes aren't featherweight, but they're typically 10-15 pounds lighter than equivalent full-size models. When you're carrying it up subway stairs or lifting it into a car trunk, every pound matters.

The Freedom I Didn't Know I Was Missing

This might sound dramatic, but switching to a folding e-bike has given me back a sense of spontaneity I didn't realize I'd lost. With my old bike, every trip required planning. Where would I lock it? Was the neighborhood safe? What if weather changed? Would there be bike racks available?

Now I just... go. Meeting moved to a different location? No problem, I'll ride there and fold it up. Want to grab drinks after work? Cool, the bike comes inside with me. Surprise invitation to dinner across town? I'm there, and I'm bringing my own transportation home.

The Weird Social Benefits

Here's something I didn't anticipate: people are fascinated by folding bikes. I get stopped constantly—"How does that work?" "Is it hard to fold?" "How fast does it go?" It's become this unexpected conversation starter that's led to connections I never would have made otherwise.

There's also a subtle practical networking benefit. I can bring my bike into client meetings, coffee shops, even restaurants without it being disruptive. I'm not that guy asking if there's somewhere "safe" to lock up outside or declining invitations because parking is sketchy. I just show up, bike in tow, ready for whatever.

The Honest Reality Check

Look, I'm not going to pretend folding e-bikes are perfect for everyone. If you're doing serious off-road riding or racing, stick with your full-size bike. If you have a garage and never deal with space constraints, maybe the folding feature isn't worth it for you.

But for urban living, commuting, and general getting-around? The advantages are overwhelming. I'm more willing to ride in different conditions because I have exit strategies. I take more spontaneous trips because storage isn't a concern. I worry less about theft because the bike comes inside with me.

Most surprisingly, I actually ride more now than I did before. When your bike is less of a logistical challenge, you end up using it more often. Simple as that.