Is the Aipas A4 the Best Budget Folding E-Bike for City Rides?

BEST VALUE FOLDER

Aipas A4 Folding Electric Bike — 1000W Peak, Step-Thru Comfort

Our take: compact yet punchy—28MPH top assist, up to 62 miles, and fat-tire stability with a quick, space-saving fold.

4.6/5

• 1000W peak rear hub (78Nm) for brisk starts and confident hill climbs
• 48V 12.8Ah removable battery (IP65); charge indoors, ride up to 62 miles
• Step-thru folding frame, dual suspension, 20×3.0 fat tires for stable comfort

Motor

1000W Peak / 78Nm

Battery

48V 12.8Ah (499Wh)

Top Speed

28 mph (PAS 5)

Range

Up to 62 miles

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Electric bikes are at their best when they make everyday riding simple. The Aipas A4 takes that approach to heart. It blends a low step-through frame with a compact 20-inch fat-tire setup and a foldable chassis that tucks neatly into a trunk or corner. Add a punchy 1000W peak hub motor, a removable 48V 12.8Ah battery, dual suspension, and 7-speed gearing, and you’ve got a commuter that feels like a “bring-it-anywhere” mini SUV on two wheels.

Over two weeks I rode the A4 to the grocery store, to the park with a backpack full of camera gear, and along a few hilly side streets that I use as a baseline for testing. What surprised me most wasn’t raw speed—though it will touch a claimed 28 mph—but how stress-free it felt in daily use. Step-through makes mounting trivial with bags on the rack. The fold unlocks quickly when you need to stash it. The wide 20×3.0 tires provide the kind of stability that helps new riders relax and experienced riders carve through street clutter.

Aipas is a value-driven brand that leans hard on practicality. The A4 fits right into that mission. It ships 85% pre-assembled, includes the bits most riders expect (battery, charger, basic tools), and backs everything with a one-year warranty and lifetime technical guidance. There’s nothing flashy for the sake of flash. The attention is on getting from A to B, comfortably, at a fair budget.

Is Aipas A4 for you?

The A4 is built for riders who want a compact, low-maintenance commuter that’s easy to live with. If you’re new to e-bikes, the step-through frame and foldable design reduce the intimidation factor. If you already ride, the 20-inch fat tires, front suspension fork, and rear shock take the sting out of potholes and curb cuts while keeping handling calm.

It’s a strong fit for multi-modal commuters who need to throw a bike into a car, elevator, or office nook. Anyone in the 4'10"–6'3" range will find a workable fit, and the rated 350-lb payload leaves headroom for a rider plus groceries or a kid’s backpack. The removable 48V 12.8Ah pack is a bonus for apartment dwellers who charge indoors.

Who should look elsewhere? If you need a high-speed Class-3 road ripper for daily 20-mile freeway-adjacent commutes, a big-wheel 27.5" or 700c bike with a torque-sensor drivetrain may suit you better. If you plan to haul heavy cargo every day, a long-tail utility e-bike will be more efficient. And if you’re chasing serious singletrack, a dedicated e-MTB will beat the A4’s comfort-commuter suspension.

Budget-wise, the A4 sits in the “affordable commuter” tier. It’s beginner-friendly, forgiving to ride, and doesn’t require advanced bike skills to assemble or maintain.

What We Like About Aipas A4

The ride quality is far better than the spec sheet might suggest. Those 20×3.0 tires add a big cushion of air, and the front fork with about 40 mm of travel plus the rear shock keeps chatter under control. On broken city pavement the A4 glides instead of rattles, which is exactly what you want in a city folder.

The motor tuning is well judged. At PAS 1 the bike eases you off the line without lurching, so you feel in control when starting near crosswalks. Bump to PAS 3–5 and you get the punch you expect from a 1000W peak hub—enough to merge into neighborhood traffic, clear short climbs, and hold mid-20s speeds with light pedaling. Throttle response is smooth and predictable.

The folding mechanism is confidence-inspiring. A stout center hinge and safety latch keep flex at bay while riding, and the folded footprint—roughly 32×22×28 in—makes it simple to stash. I like that the frame is step-through and reinforced; you can feel it when you stand and sprint.

Aipas also nails the commuter details. The battery is removable for indoor charging and carries an IP65 waterproof rating. The LCD shows the basics clearly (speed, PAS, battery, trip) and the handlebar-mounted USB port genuinely comes in handy for a phone or action camera. Integrated lights—especially the bright, multi-LED headlight and blinking tail light—mean one less set of batteries to fuss with. Finally, the 7-speed drivetrain gives you the cadence options you need to pedal along comfortably at 12 mph or 25 mph.

What We Don’t Like About Aipas A4

At this price, compromises happen. The cadence-sensor PAS isn’t as silky or intuitive as a torque sensor when you’re riding in tight spaces. You occasionally feel a beat of delay before assist ramps up or down. It’s not unsafe—just less “natural” than more expensive systems.

The mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors get the job done, but they require regular tuning to stay quiet and consistent. On long downhills you’ll want to plan your braking rather than hammering the levers all at once. Hydraulic systems would be a meaningful upgrade, even if it nudged the price upward.

While the bike folds fast, it’s not feather-light. Around 55 lb is standard for this class, but lifting it into a car trunk or up a flight of stairs will still feel like a workout. If you expect to carry it daily, consider a ramp or ground-level storage.

Lastly, the rear suspension helps comfort but isn’t designed for aggressive trail riding. Hit a series of sharp bumps at speed and you’ll reach the limits of damping. Think “soaks up city abuse,” not “downhill bomber.”

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Confident, cushy ride from 20×3.0 tires and dual suspension	Mechanical discs need periodic adjustment; hydraulics would be nicer
Punchy 1000W peak hub with smooth throttle and 28 mph assist ceiling	Cadence-sensor PAS feels less natural than torque-sensor systems
True step-through frame; easy on/off for riders of many sizes	~55 lb weight makes frequent carrying a chore
Compact, sturdy fold and safety latch; easy to stash	Rear shock is comfort-oriented, not for rough-trail hits
Removable 48V 12.8Ah battery with IP65 rating; indoor charging	20" wheels trade a bit of high-speed stability vs. larger diameters
Clear LCD, handlebar USB, integrated bright lights	Stock saddle and grips are serviceable but basic
7-speed drivetrain keeps cadence comfortable up to mid-20s mph

What’s Included?

• Aipas A4 folding e-bike (step-through frame, dual suspension)
• 48V 12.8Ah removable battery
• AC charger (48V)
• Basic multi-tool and pedal wrench
• Pair of folding pedals (pre-installed or boxed)
• Owner’s manual and quick-start guide
• Reflectors and integrated headlight/tail light
• Ship-ready assembly at roughly 85%

Overall I’m satisfied with the package. The essentials are there and the bike arrives well protected.

Technical Specifications

Spec	Aipas A4 (as tested)
Motor	Rear hub, 1000W peak (approx. 500W nominal), 78 Nm
Top Speed	Up to 28 mph (PAS 5)
Battery	48V 12.8Ah removable pack (IP65)
Range	Up to ~62 miles PAS (realistic mixed riding 30–50 miles)
Charging Time	~4–6 hours from low
Gearing	7-speed rear derailleur
Frame	Step-through, aluminum alloy
Suspension	Front fork ~40 mm travel + rear shock
Brakes	Dual mechanical disc, 160 mm rotors
Tires	20×3.0 puncture-resistant
Lights	Integrated LED headlight + brake-indicator tail light
Display & Controls	Backlit LCD, 5 PAS levels, throttle, walk-assist
Rider Fit	Recommended 4'10"–6'3"; max load 350 lb
Weight	~55 lb (without accessories)
Folded Size	~32" × 22" × 28" (est.)

Features

• 1000W peak brushless hub motor with smooth power delivery and quick take-off in higher PAS levels.
• 48V 12.8Ah removable battery with easy seat-tube-adjacent placement, indoor charging, and IP65 rating.
• Step-through folding frame for easy mounting and compact storage; reinforced hinge with safety latch.
• Dual suspension—front fork and rear shock—to tame potholes and speed bumps.
• 20×3.0 puncture-resistant fat tires for stability on gravel paths and rough city streets.
• Dual 160 mm disc brakes for predictable stopping in dry and wet conditions.
• 7-speed drivetrain to fine-tune cadence from slow climbs to fast flats.
• Backlit LCD + USB-A charging at the bars for your phone or action cam.
• Integrated lighting—a bright, multi-LED headlight and a brake-responsive tail light.
• Multiple riding modes: pedal-only, 5-level PAS, throttle-only, and walk-assist.
• Color options in Black, White, Blue, and Cyan to fit your vibe.

In practice these features come together nicely. The A4 feels like a small bike with big-bike confidence. The battery’s placement keeps weight centered, and the fold doesn’t introduce wobble thanks to a stout latch. Riders coming from analog bikes will appreciate that PAS 1–2 still lets you do the work while taking the edge off headwinds; PAS 4–5 turns it into an effortless cruiser.

Real-World Ride Impressions

Comfort and Fit

I’m 5'11" and hover around 180 lb. With the seatpost raised and the handlebar telescoped, I found an upright posture that kept wrists neutral and visibility high in traffic. The step-through cutout makes quick hops on and off easy, especially when wearing a backpack or carrying bags on a rear rack. The saddle is medium-firm; fine for 45-60 minute rides, though heavier riders might prefer a gel upgrade.

The dual-suspension layout is tuned for comfort, not aggression. On cobbled back streets and cracked asphalt, the fork and shock remove the harshness so your hands and lower back don’t take a beating. You can still bottom the rear shock if you deliberately slam a deep pothole, but on normal urban stuff it stays composed.

Handling and Stability

Small-wheel folders can feel twitchy; the A4 does not. The 3-inch width and relatively tall sidewalls of the tires slow down steering just enough to feel planted, yet the bike remains nimble in tight spaces. It’s easy to weave around parked-car doors and roll up curb cuts without drama. The short wheelbase also helps with quick U-turns on narrow paths.

Power, Speed, and Climbing

On a flat bike path with PAS 5, the A4 cruises in the mid-20s without fuss. With light pedaling it will touch its 28 mph ceiling. Acceleration is brisk from 0–15 mph, then steady up to top speed. On my standard 10–12% grade test hill, PAS 5 plus a moderate cadence kept me around 10–12 mph; throttle-only settled closer to 8–9 mph. That’s perfectly respectable for a compact commuter with a hub drive.

Range and Charging

Your range will depend on rider weight, terrain, wind, temperature, and how much you lean on PAS 4–5 or throttle. Over three mixed rides (a 14-mile errand loop, a 16-mile river path cruise, and a 10-mile neighborhood spin with stop-and-go traffic) I averaged a hair over 40 miles before looking for an outlet, landing right in the realistic middle of the claimed up-to-62-mile figure. Charging from low to full took about 5 hours with the included charger.

Braking and Control

The dual 160 mm mechanical discs have a friendly lever feel and a decent bite once bedded in. They stop fine in the wet thanks to the fat tires’ contact patch. That said, like all cable discs, they want regular cable tension checks and caliper centering to avoid squeal. If your route includes long, steep downhills, downshift your speed early and use both brakes together.

Noise and Build Quality

Hub drive whir is mild and consistent. No creaks from the hinge or cockpit after several fold/unfold cycles. The loom routing is tidy. The only minor rattle came from the kickstand over sharp hits; a turn of the wrench fixed it. Paint and welds look above average for the category, and the included pedals fold without feeling flimsy.

Ownership Experience

Assembly and Setup

Out of the box, assembly ran about 30 minutes: install the handlebar, thread the pedals, align the front wheel and reflectors, and check bolt torque. The included multi-tool works, though a dedicated 4/5/6 mm hex wrench set speeds things up. Aipas’ setup guide is clear enough for a first-timer. Tires arrived seated; I set them to ~18–22 psi for comfort on my mixed surfaces.

Living With the Fold

Fold/unfold takes under a minute once you’ve done it twice. Lower the seat, release the central latch, fold the frame, and the cockpit tucks in. If you’re carrying it by hand, I recommend a simple Velcro strap to keep the two halves from flopping apart. For car loading, the ~55 lb weight is manageable but not “one-hand easy.” A telescoping ramp or hatch-level loading spot is your friend.

Security and Battery Care

The removable battery is a security win for apartment riders: take it with you, lock the frame. The IP65 rating is reassuring in rain, but I still avoid pressure-washing and prefer to wipe clean with a damp cloth. Store the battery at 50–70% charge if you’ll be off the bike for a few weeks, and top it up monthly.

Maintenance

Plan on basic cable adjustments every few weeks early on as housing beds in, then less frequently. Lube the chain every 100–150 miles or after wet rides. Check hinge tightness monthly. If you’re sensitive to brake squeal, switch to upgraded pads or consider a future hydraulic kit; the rest of the bike’s maintenance is standard and approachable.

Who Beats It—and Who Doesn’t

Compared with slimmer-tire 20" folders, the A4 rides far smoother and handles rough pavement with more grace. Against premium torque-sensor folders, the A4 gives up some pedal-feel nuance but keeps a large chunk of the comfort and all of the practicality at a friendlier budget. And versus larger-wheel commuters, the A4 wins on portability and step-through convenience while conceding a touch of high-speed stability.

If your priorities are compact storage, easy on/off, confident urban manners, and no-drama commuting, the A4 sits in a sweet spot. If you’re chasing the most natural pedal feel and zero-maintenance brakes, it’s worth budgeting for a torque sensor and hydraulics on a higher-tier model.

Accessory Suggestions

1. Suspension seatpost or gel saddle. The stock setup is fine, but comfort upgrades extend ride time.
2. Folding-bike carry strap. Makes short carries easier and keeps the bike closed.
3. Folding lock with frame mount. Compact security that matches the bike’s “bring-anywhere” ethos.
4. Front basket or small panniers. Keeps weight low and centered; the A4’s handling stays composed with 10–15 lb aboard.

Final Breakdown

9.0 / 10

The Aipas A4 nails the assignment for an everyday folding commuter. It’s approachable, genuinely comfortable on lousy pavement, and quick enough to make short work of cross-town errands. The motor’s punch and the confidence of fat tires will make new riders feel like pros inside a week. The fold is compact and sturdy; the battery system is practical; the lighting and USB port are the sort of quality-of-life touches you appreciate daily.

I’d love to see hydraulic brakes and a torque sensor in a future refresh, but those misses don’t undercut the A4’s core appeal. If you want a budget-friendly, step-through folder that you can ride hard all week and stash in a small space on the weekend, the A4 is an easy recommendation.