Volt Lite (2024 - ) review

The Lite is the fanciest of Volt’s range of electric folding bikes, and sits above the more basic Metro models. You get what you pay for, though, the Lite looking more premium for its classy, brushed aluminium finish and neat integration of the battery into the chunky seatpost. That gives it a very clean look, the exposed welds showing off the quality of the manufacturing while the parts all look suitably premium. Compared with its obvious rival from Brompton the Volt uses bigger 20-inch wheels, which make it faster, more stable and more comfortable when riding. True, it doesn’t fold away into quite such a compact package. But the mechanism is just as fast and easy to use, and it’s small enough to carry on the train or stick under your desk without raising too many eyebrows. The Volt’s other main advantage is an integrated frame-mounted motor, meaning a more natural boost of electric power and sophisticated feel than the wheel motor on the Brompton alternatives.

Folding bikes are inevitably compromised in their riding position compared with regular ones but, like a Brompton, the Volt balances ‘one-size-fits-all’ adaptability against compact size for storage. Electric power also mitigates any compromises in sizing that might make a non-assisted alternative equivalent feel hard work. In this instance the position felt quite short and upright but was spacious enough for your six-foot tester, with adjustment to spare in the seatpost and handy markings on it so you can remember the right setting for your height. There’s also a huge range of adjustment for the handlebar height via a quick-release clamp depending on whether you prefer a more upright riding position or not.

Folding bikes are a brilliant solution to issues like storage and security, for the fact you can take them with you wherever you go rather than having to lock them up outside and risk coming back to find a broken lock and empty space where your bike was. It’s also really handy if you live in a flat or similar where space for a storing a regular bike might not be possible. While the folding system is neat the Volt is quite heavy and awkward to carry compared with a Brompton, so you’ll be wanting to use the lifts rather than the stairs at the station. In better news we liked the fact mudguards and lights are standard, meaning it’s ready for year-round commuting straight out of the box. We’d caveat that by saying we’d mount additional lighting on the bars and seatpost to have something more in the eyeline of car drivers for riding after dark. But, other than that, you’re good to go.

Frame-mounted motors like the Volt’s contain sophisticated engineering but deliver stronger power to the pedals, and feel more natural to ride than the Brompton’s wheel-mounted alternative. They are heavier and more expensive but we’d accept that as a price worth paying, the Volt’s Bafang motor as powerful as those fitted to full-size electric mountain bikes and smoothly boosting your pedalling efforts up to the legally mandated 15.5mph limit . There’s nothing stopping you going faster if you have the legs for it on the flat or downhills but the ability to maintain your speed on climbs or into headwinds helps confidence for the fact in city riding you’re more or less going at the speed of the traffic at all times. A selection of power modes helps you tune the assistance to your needs, the most assertive enough to have the front wheel lifting off the ground if you’re not careful! Three-speed Shimano hub gears at the back and quality hydraulic disc brakes are also good to see, and both work well.

Once you adapt to the slightly unusual and slightly feet forward riding position the Volt is good fun, the initial sense of top-heavy twitchiness countered by the stability enhancing weight of the low-slung motor system. Confident riders will appreciate how this helps the Lite carve the corners and, while you never shrug off the 18kg weight, the extra stability of the bigger wheels are another plus over a Brompton, the fact they are less likely to be deflected by potholes, drain covers or other obstacles also welcome.

The Lite isn’t cheap, but then nor is station parking or tube or bus fares on top of your train season ticket. And for the convenience, ability to leave the car at home and fact you get a bit of a workout every day feels well worth it. If your employer offers it you’ll save a chunk buying on a before-tax cycle to work scheme as well. Beyond that running costs will be the same as any conventional bike, beyond a few pence to charge the battery when needed.

We didn’t live with the Lite long enough to comment on how reliable it will prove to be but one look at the quality of the components tells you it’s built to last, given they are of much better quality than many electric bikes. Ultimately much will come down to how often you use it, and how well you look after it.

You’ll need to register your Lite to score the full two-year warranty but that feels like a fair quid-pro-quo and it covers the bike, motor and battery. As above, servicing needs will depend on usage and how engaged you are with keeping up with basic maintenance, the fact it uses a belt rather than chain one less thing to worry about. Beyond that servicing will be just like any other bicycle, and well within the capabilities of any qualified mechanic or bike shop.

As mentioned, the Lite comes as standard with lights, mudguards, reflectors and all you need to stay safe and dry when commuting in all weathers. The quality of the parts on the Volt is also confidence inspiring, Schwalbe tyres, Tektro brakes and the Shimano hub gear system all well-proven and a cut above the no-name parts used by many rivals. The standard centre stand and neat folding pedals meanwhile help with storage, and mean the bike is self-supporting even when folded. The Panasonic battery is removable, good for a minimum of 1,000 charge cycles and can be topped up in two to three hours from the supplied charger whether on or off the bike. Accessories options include a rear rack and pannier bag if required.

Brompton’s compact P Line and C Line are the benchmark for folding bikes, and have now been joined by the bigger-wheeled G Line all with the option of electric assistance if you want it. Their brand recognition is a powerful selling-point but we were impressed with Volt’s attention to detail, build quality and the fact it’s designed from the start as an electric bike rather than a conversion of a regular one. Pricing is also competitive, it has quality parts, is well-finished and rides well, making it one of the best electric folders out there and an impressive all-round package.