Falträder

Falträder, or folding bicycles, are bicycles designed to fold into a compact size for easy storage and transport. Folding mechanisms are built into the frame, the steering column, or both, enabling the bike to be reduced to a small footprint for carrying in elevators, trains, or tight living spaces.

Most falträder use a hinge-based frame with locking latches to secure both riding and folded configurations. Common designs feature a main frame hinge near the seat tube and an additional hinge for the handlebar assembly, sometimes with a separate lock to stabilize the front wheel. Wheel sizes vary, with many models using 16 to 20 inch wheels to maximize compactness while others employ standard sizes.

History and market: Folding bicycles date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and gained widespread popularity in the late 20th century. Today the market is led by brands such as Brompton, Dahon, and Tern, which produce a range of models for urban commuting and multimodal travel.

Usage and considerations: Falträder are popular with commuters and travelers who need a bike that can accompany public transit or fit into small apartments. Advantages include easy transport and storage; drawbacks can include more complex folding mechanisms, greater maintenance needs for hinges and latches, potential weight penalties, and ride characteristics that may differ from nonfolding bikes.

Variants and evolution: Modern folding bikes include traditional manually folded models and electric-assisted versions. Ongoing design work focuses on reducing folded size, improving stiffness, and expanding wheel choices while balancing weight and cost.