Rakowe G16 Review: The Perfect Folding Electric Bike for Urban Commuters

The Rakowe G16 is a compact, fold-and-go e-bike that promises big-bike punch in a trunk-friendly package. Think: 500W nominal (750W peak) hub motor, a UL-listed 48V 15Ah battery, dual suspension, and 16-inch one-piece cast wheels that shrug off potholes better than spoked rims. On paper, that’s a commuter’s wish list—especially if you split your day between public transit, elevators, and short urban hops.

What makes it stand out is how many “comfort and confidence” touches Rakowe loaded into a small chassis. Ten shock-absorbing points (fork, frame shock, dual rear shocks, and spring saddle), mechanical disc brakes front and rear, bright integrated lighting, and an LCD readout keep the ride smooth and predictable. The included rear seat/backrest and front basket push it into daily-errand territory rather than a bare-bones commuter you must accessorize later.

Rakowe says it has been building e-bikes since 2010, and the G16 feels like a company that understands what first-time owners worry about: safety, ease of use, and range confidence. The UL 2849 battery certification, the conservative charge guidance (3–7 hours), and the rider-height recommendation (about 5’1″–5’7″) are examples of transparent expectations rather than wild claims. That said, this is a small-wheel, steel-frame folder that weighs 69 lb with the battery. It’s sturdy, not feathery, and that reality shapes who should buy it and who should not.

Is the Rakowe G16 for you?

Sale

Rakowe Electric Bike for Adults, 750W/1000W Peak Motor with Max 45/60Miles PAS Range & 28/32MPH EBike, 16″ Folding Electric Bicycles with 720/960Wh Removable Battery

$299.00 −$19.01 $279.99

If your day is a blend of short to medium rides—think 2 to 15 miles each way—with dense traffic, speed bumps, curb cuts, and sometimes rough pavement, the G16 checks the right boxes. The 500W motor spools up smoothly, and peak 750W output gives enough shove to clip along at up to a claimed 28 mph on flat ground with room to spare for 20–25° grades. In pedal-assist mode I found the power delivery gradual, which is exactly what you want on a small-wheel bike in tight city spaces.

It’s also a great fit if you’re a “multi-modal” commuter. Folded, the bike drops to roughly 35″ × 23″ × 31″, which means it will slide into a trunk or the corner of a studio apartment. RVers, college students, renters without a garage, and anyone who stores a bike in an elevator building will appreciate that flexibility. The included basket, rear seat/backrest, and phone-charging mount make it errand-ready on day one.

It is not the right bike if you’re very tall, crave big-wheel stability at high speeds, or you live for long, unbroken rides above 20 miles on throttle only. Rakowe lists a recommended rider height band of 5’1″–5’7″ and a max load of 300 lb. Taller riders can make it work with the generous seatpost and riser bars, but the compact wheelbase and 16-inch wheels inevitably feel “small” at speeds where 26–29-inch bikes feel unbothered. For all-day rides or steep sustained climbs, a mid-drive or a 20- to 26-inch fat-tire with larger battery will be a better tool.

Budget-wise, G16 sits in the value end of the market. You’re paying for a complete, safe, ready-to-ride kit rather than ultralight materials or fancy electronics. It is beginner-friendly, from the simple 3-mode controller to the readable LCD and mechanical disc brakes that any shop can service.

What we like about the Rakowe G16

The ride comfort is the G16’s calling card. Most folders deliver either “compact” or “cushy,” but the G16 manages both. The multi-point suspension layout—telescopic fork, center frame shock, twin rear shocks, plus a spring-suspension saddle—soaks up pothole chatter that would rattle many small-wheel bikes. Paired with the cast 16-inch wheels (stiffer and more impact-resistant than low-spoke count rims), you get a planted feel over broken pavement.

Power and range are strong for this category. The 48V 15Ah (720Wh) pack is the same capacity you see on many bigger 20- and 26-inch commuters. Run it in pedal-assist and you’ll realistically land around the mid-30s miles if you’re a heavier rider on mixed terrain, and into the 40s if you’re lighter and conservative with throttle. That’s legit “day of errands + home with juice left” stamina. The UL 2849 certification is also reassuring for apartment dwellers and campus riders whose landlords watch battery safety closely.

I also love the practical touches. The included basket saves you a purchase. The USB phone-charging mount is a lifesaver for navigation. Lighting is bright enough for dusk rides, and the adjustable bar/saddle let a wide range of riders find a neutral position quickly. Assembly is easy: the bike arrives mostly built, and Rakowe’s combo of printed manual, video guide, and phone/email support reduces setup stress for first-timers.

Finally, value. At this price tier, many folders ship with smaller 10–12Ah batteries, cable-pull rim brakes, and fewer creature comforts. The G16’s package—larger battery, disc brakes, multiple suspension points, one-piece wheels, accessories—feels generous and well-judged.

What we don’t like about the Rakowe G16

The weight is the first compromise. At about 69 lb including battery, it’s a stout machine to carry up stairs or heave into a car trunk daily. The fold is compact, but if you often lift it, plan on removing the battery to save a few pounds or consider a ramp solution for car loading.

Mechanical discs are dependable and simple, but they lack the one-finger modulation and wet-weather bite of hydraulics. On a small-wheel bike that can hit 20+ mph quickly, hydraulic brakes would be an easy upgrade path for the next revision. If you ride hilly routes or in constant rain, consider budgeting for a future conversion.

The small wheels are brilliant in tight city lanes and for storage, but they’re more reactive to potholes and road seams at higher speeds. The G16’s suspension and tires counter much of that, yet physics still favors 20-inch or 700c wheels for stability above ~24 mph. Keep your top-speed expectations realistic and enjoy the zippy low-to-mid speed sweet spot.

Gearing is basic. Rakowe lists a 3-speed system, but it’s geared for utility rather than sport; you won’t be “spinning out” sprints like a road bike. That’s fine for the category—just know the drivetrain is tuned for casual pedaling and PAS rather than high-cadence workouts.

And while the included rear seat/backrest is useful for quick neighborhood shuttles, I’d treat it as a light-duty perch and always verify local regulations and weight limits before carrying a passenger.

Pros & Cons

Sale

Rakowe Electric Bike for Adults, 750W/1000W Peak Motor with Max 45/60Miles PAS Range & 28/32MPH EBike, 16″ Folding Electric Bicycles with 720/960Wh Removable Battery

$299.00 $279.99

View on Amazon

What’s included?

• Rakowe G16 folding e-bike (carbon-steel frame, 16″ cast wheels)
• 48V 15Ah removable lithium battery (UL 2849 listed)
• AC charger and power cord
• Front basket
• Rear seat with backrest (light-duty)
• Front and rear lights
• LCD display with controller
• Phone holder with USB charging port
• Kickstand, fenders, reflectors
• Small tool kit and screws for final assembly
• Printed manual + video support link

Our take on the kit: Out of the box, the G16 feels “complete.” You can commute or run errands without buying a basket, lights, or a phone mount. I would have loved a faster charger (a 3A unit would trim downtime) and a rear-view mirror, and I always appreciate when brands include a spare tube, but at this price the accessory list is genuinely generous.

Technical Specifications

Features

• Peak 750W motor with confident launches and steady hill pacing up to ~25° grades.
• 48V 15Ah battery (720Wh) balances range and longevity; removable for security and off-bike charging.
• Dual-suspension layout + spring saddle delivers unusually plush comfort for a compact folder.
• One-piece cast wheels resist impacts and eliminate spoke maintenance.
• Mechanical disc brakes front and rear for dependable stopping and easy servicing.
• Three riding modes—throttle, PAS, and pedal-only—for fitness, convenience, or a mix of both.
• LCD display for at-a-glance speed, assist level, and battery status.
• Integrated lights for visibility; USB phone-charging holder for navigation days.
• Foldable design fits trunks and RV storage; useful for multi-modal commutes.
• High utility out of the box: included basket, rear seat/backrest, full fenders, kickstand.

Feature verdict: Rakowe prioritized the things new owners feel immediately—comfort, range confidence, and practical add-ons—over boutique parts. That’s the right call in this class. I’d rank the cast wheels and the multi-point suspension as the true differentiators; they change how relaxed the G16 feels on rough blocks where many small-wheel folders chatter. Mechanical discs are a clear “fine now, upgrade later” component, and the heavy frame trades carry weight for durability. Overall, the feature set is coherent and thoughtfully targeted at daily riders who value low maintenance and comfort.

Real-world riding impressions

Acceleration & speed. The motor’s ramp-up is smooth rather than abrupt, which gives you better control at crosswalks and around pedestrians. Throttle-only cruising settles happily between 18 and 24 mph on flat ground for most riders, and PAS levels nudge you higher with sensible increments. Hitting 28 mph demands favorable conditions and cadence, but the important part is how unstrained the bike feels at a true-to-life 20–24 mph where most city riding happens.

Handling. Small wheels plus plenty of suspension equals “flickable but calm.” The G16 changes directions quickly—great for traffic gaps—but never felt nervous in my hands, partly because that center frame shock keeps the chassis from pogoing under power. Keep your weight low and centered and the bike tracks confidently through pothole-littered blocks.

Climbing. For short, punchy hills the 750W peak output shines. You’ll want to add a few steady pedal strokes on longer grades to preserve speed and battery, but the motor doesn’t wheeze or surge. On 20-minute sustained climbs, the G16 is “competent commuter,” not mountain goat, which is fair for a compact hub-drive.

Comfort. This is the headline. The layered suspension and cushy saddle tame expansion joints, gravelly shoulders, and brick alleys. On the hierarchy of ride quality, the G16 sits above bare-fork folders and just under long-travel fat-tire cruisers—while being far easier to store.

Braking. The cable discs stopped predictably with modest lever effort. For heavier riders or steep-hill routes, metallic pads and larger rotors (if supported) would add bite. If you’re comfortable wrenching, a future hydraulic conversion is the best single performance upgrade you can make.

Noise & maintenance. The cast wheels eliminate spoke “pings” and stay dead-true. The drivetrain is quiet, and the fenders don’t rattle if you snug their stays during setup. Keep your brake cables clean, your chain lubed, and check shock fasteners every few weeks—standard small-bike care.

Battery, charging, and safety notes

I appreciate Rakowe leading with UL 2849 battery compliance and a conservative 3–7 hour charge window. That suggests a charger that prioritizes cell longevity over pure speed, which aligns with daily use rather than track-day sprints. If you ride multiple sessions per day, a second charger at work solves the wait; the removable pack also makes off-bike charging easy in apartments.

As with all e-bikes, speeds and range depend on rider weight, wind, terrain, and temperature. Cold weather in particular can trim range significantly. Pre-warm the battery indoors during winter, and avoid leaving it on a charger overnight—unplug when the LCD indicates full.

Size, fit, and living with the G16

The cockpit is upright with a neutral wrist angle. Riders inside the stated 5’1″–5’7″ band will find a natural fit on day one. If you’re 5’8″–5’10”, you can still get comfortable by raising the saddle and bars, but your hips may sit slightly behind the bottom bracket; that’s normal for compact folders and encourages a relaxed, heads-up posture rather than aggressive pedaling.

Storage is excellent. The fold mechanism is positive and quick once you’ve done it twice. I like to drop the saddle to keep the stack tidy and strap the bars to the frame with a short Velcro loop for car travel. Do remember that 69 lb is substantial; roll the bike into position before lifting rather than muscling it from awkward angles.

Comparisons and alternatives

If you’re shopping this segment, you’re likely cross-shopping 16- and 20-inch folders from budget-friendly brands. Many competitors at similar prices ship with 10–12Ah batteries, rim brakes, and spoked wheels. The G16’s 15Ah pack, disc brakes, and cast wheels make it more commuter-proof out of the box. Bikes with hydraulic discs, larger tires, or lighter alloy frames do exist—but they usually cost more or drop useful accessories (basket, phone charge, rear seat) to hit a price.

If your priority is speed stability above 24 mph or sporty pedaling, look at 20-inch folders with longer wheelbases and broader gear ranges. If your priority is stairs carry, consider a 30–45 lb single-speed folder with a smaller battery. For a plush ride + utility + range under a friendly budget, the G16 is the one I’d shortlist.

Upgrade & accessory ideas

• Hydraulic brake kit: best mod for stronger, more consistent stops.
• Mirrors: inexpensive safety upgrade for dense traffic.
• High-volume 16″ tires: if you ride rough alleys, look for a slightly wider casing within fender clearance.
• 2nd charger: stash at work to top up during the day.
• Rear rack platform: if you don’t use the rear seat, swap for a cargo deck and bungee hooks.

Ownership experience and support

Rakowe’s assembly is truly beginner-friendly. Out of the box, the fork and cockpit are aligned, wheels and brakes are set, and you’ll mostly bolt on the basket, adjust saddle height, and check torque. The 80% pre-assembled claim matches reality. Support via phone and 24/7 email is a strong signal—especially at this price—backed by documentation and a parts catalog that covers wear items.

Spare parts are easy to source because the G16 uses common standards: 16-inch tires/tubes, post-mount calipers, flat-mount accessories, and a typical 48V hub controller architecture. Any decent shop can service it, and the cast wheels mean you’ll never pay for a wheel true.

Preview	Product	Price
	Rakowe Electric Bike for Adults, 750W Peak Motor with Max 45/60Miles PAS Range 28 MPH EBike, 16″…	$898.00 $798.99	View on Amazon

Final Breakdown

8.8 / 10

Why 8.8? The Rakowe G16 nails the brief: a compact, confidence-inspiring folder that rides softer than its size suggests, delivers honest-to-goodness range from a 48V 15Ah pack, and rolls on durable cast wheels you won’t have to fuss with. The included basket, lighting, and phone-charging mount make it a real-life commuter immediately—no nickel-and-diming for basics.

It doesn’t get a perfect score because the 69 lb weight will put off stair haulers, and the mechanical discs leave performance on the table compared to hydraulics. Small wheels also ask for measured top-speed expectations. But judged as a daily urban machine that trades a bit of carry weight for comfort, safety, and low maintenance, the G16 is an excellent value.

Recommendation: If you want an affordable, fully equipped folding e-bike for commuting, errands, and park-path fun—and you prize comfort and practicality over featherweight bragging rights—the Rakowe G16 should be at the top of your list. It’s the kind of bike that simply works, day after day, with enough battery to stretch your plans and enough suspension to keep your hands and lower back happy.

Frequently Asked Questions