Another win! Best folding bike at Klapprad Klemens

Frankfurter Allgemeine, Red Dot, Design and Innovation - now the Klemens special 🤓

Klapprad Klemens is nothing short of a reference in the world of folding bikes. His extensive blog regularly tests all kinds of folding bikes in depth and compares them to extract a single winner. Guess who won 2025?

Here's everything Klemens noted in his review:

"For my folding bike review, I took a closer look at the Ahooga A-Max and tested it extensively over several days. Find out how the Ahooga A-Max performed in the test, what technical specifications it offers, my experience with the 20-inch folding bike, and whether it rivals my previous test winner in my review. I'll also provide you with a price comparison and a detailed review of the Ahooga A-Max based on my test .

The most important things in brief

• The Ahooga A-Max achieved a very good result in the test and received a rating of 8.1 out of 10 possible points from me.
• The folding bike scores the most points in the quality and workmanship categories. It's also incredibly fun to ride and folds very compactly.
• The A-Max from Ahooga is an all-rounder that is suitable for commuting as well as for longer distances on weekends and holidays.
• The folding mechanism is uniquely designed. When folded, the Ahooga A-Max stands better and more securely than any other folding bike in my test.
• I recommend the A-Max for trips of 2 to 30 kilometers per trip on bike paths, roads, and even dirt tracks. The folding bike is currently available from the manufacturer * for €1,699.00 (as of July 28, 2025).
  
  

The 20-inch folding bike Ahooga A-Max in the test

When I was at Rave the Planet in Berlin three weeks ago , I noticed a special folding bike – the Ahooga A-Max. I immediately got talking to the owner, and as luck would have it, Stuart was Ahooga's sales manager for the DACH region. He offered me the opportunity to test the Ahooga A-Max extensively. He was a man of his word – within a week, I had the A-Max on my doorstep and was ready to begin my test.

At this point, I'd like to emphasize that I received the A-Max, but the manufacturer has no influence on the content of my review. This is always very important to me in my reviews, as it's the only way I can provide you with independent and objective information.

But now let's get started. First, I'll introduce you to the technical specifications and features of the Ahooga A-Max, partly along with my personal experiences from the test. Then, I'll give you a price comparison and my detailed review. After my conclusion, I'll answer some important questions about my review and the Ahooga A-Max.

1. The wheels, brakes and suspension

The Ahooga A-Max rides on 20-inch wheels with 2-inch-wide Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tires – and they really impressed me on my test ride. On bike paths, the folding bike rides smoothly and stably, but it also handles small cobblestones well. Even on gravel paths, you can still make progress, but, as with almost all folding bikes, loose, sugary sand is where it all ends. The tires feel sporty yet comfortable. They offer good grip, even in wet conditions, and I never felt like the bike was slipping out from under my feet.

For the brakes, Ahooga relies on hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano. Compared to mechanical disc brakes or traditional rim brakes, these are simply the better choice. They grip powerfully, offer precise modulation, and perform really well even in the rain or on downhills. I even rode in wet conditions during my test ride, and the braking performance was still excellent.

The A-Max doesn't have suspension, but that's not a problem. The wide tires absorb minor bumps somewhat—but don't expect a great deal of comfort. The bike remains pleasantly light and responsive in its handling.

2. The frame and folding mechanism

The Ahooga A-Max's frame is made of aluminum and is extremely sturdy, thanks primarily to the lack of a traditional main hinge in the middle. Instead, Ahooga relies on a patented double-triangle design that provides greater rigidity. This was clearly noticeable in my test – no creaking, no wobbling, everything appears to be of high quality.

The folding mechanism is significantly different from what you'd expect from other folding bikes. While it takes a few seconds longer to fold than conventional models, the result is a very stable, compact package. In my case, it took me around 20 to 30 seconds, depending on how skilled I am at the process.

First, you loosen the rear wheel and fold it inward, using your foot to help it along. Then, you bend the handlebars, before folding the front wheel to the side and securing it at the back. Finally, you retract the seat, which holds the entire package together and makes it comfortable to carry.

I particularly like the fact that the bike can be pushed along when folded thanks to small wheels on the rear mudguard. This means you don't have to carry it all the time, which is really practical in everyday life. It's also very compact when folded. On the train, the Ahooga A-Max was more stable than any other folding bike I've tested so far. I even took it to the office – folded up, it takes up hardly any space and was even a bit of an eye-catcher among my colleagues.

3. Equipment and road safety

Ahooga certainly hasn't skimped on accessories. The package includes a complete lighting package: You get the battery-operated Contec Hi247 Slim front light, plus the Arco set with a front and rear light that you can charge via USB and mount flexibly. This is especially practical for evening rides. Also included are four spoke reflectors and additional reflectors on the handlebars and seat post.

Everything else you need is included, too. A bell is mounted, the saddle is sporty yet comfortable, and the grips are ergonomically shaped and non-slip. I had a good grip while riding, even without gloves. There's no suspension on either the saddle or the seatpost, but that's not really necessary on this bike.

What I particularly liked: The pedals are easy to remove. This saves space, especially if you want to transport the bike in your car. It fits more easily in the trunk without anything getting in the way.

In terms of road safety, everything is on board. The bike meets the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), has good lights, a bell, and powerful brakes. I even rode it at dusk and in the rain and felt completely safe on the road.

4. The weight and folded size of the Ahooga A-Max

According to the manufacturer, the Ahooga A-Max weighs 14.6 kilograms – I weighed it myself and came up with 14.3 kg. While it's not the lightest folding bike in my test, it's still very portable. I had no problems loading it into the trunk. There are lighter models, but the A-Max remains well within a comfortable range.

The folded dimensions are 72 x 69 x 37 centimeters – measured by myself. This results in a total of 178 cm, making it the most compact folding bike I've tested so far. I particularly like how neatly the bike folds: a nice, rectangular package that's stable and really easy to handle in everyday life.

Thanks to the small wheels on the rear mudguard, you can easily push the folded bike alongside you, for example, on the train platform or in the office corridor. This makes it not only practical but also suitable for everyday use – especially if you're on the go frequently and don't want to have to lift it every time.

5. Driving pleasure and range

The Ahooga A-Max's handling is clearly on the sporty side. It feels almost like a BMX bike to me – compact, direct, and extremely maneuverable. It handles the road well, especially in curves, thanks in part to the grippy Schwalbe tires. Uphill climbs are easily tackled thanks to the 7-speed gear system. If you need to go fast, you can even ride while standing without the bike becoming unstable.

I cycled around 20 kilometers in Berlin, with everything that entails: train rides, a few stretches by car, plenty of bike paths, some cobblestones, and regular roads. There was also a small climb. For a folding bike without a motor, the A-Max performed really well. Despite the lack of suspension, the comfort is decent – the ergonomic grips help, as does the sporty, yet not uncomfortable, seating position.

The range is, of course, limited by your own power, as this is a pure "bio-bike." Nevertheless, I never felt like the bike was slowing me down. Quite the opposite: It rides smoothly and efficiently, even on longer distances or in heavy city traffic. In my opinion, the bike is ideal for distances between 2 and 30 kilometers per ride—depending on your personal fitness.

6. Optional: Convert the Ahooga A-Max into an e-bike

The Ahooga A-Max can be converted into a folding e-bike directly from the manufacturer . This simply involves replacing the front wheel with a motorized wheel. The rest of the frame remains the same – and this is noticeable even in the standard model, as the frame is already prepared for the electric drive. The battery mount is discreetly integrated, keeping the bike very close to the original in terms of both appearance and functionality.

I tested the standard version myself, but if you frequently ride longer distances or simply want a little assistance in your everyday life, you have the option of flexibly upgrading the bike. This way, you remain independent.

Test results & rating of the 20 inch folding bike Ahooga A-Max

In my test, the 20-inch A-Max folding bike from Ahooga received a rating of 8.1 out of 10. My experience and rating are as follows:

Quality – 9.0 out of 10

There's little to complain about the quality of the Ahooga A-Max. The welds are all well-made, the hinges are very high-quality and all do their job, and the individual components are from reputable manufacturers.

Range – 7.0 out of 10

After my test in Berlin, I recommend the Ahooga A-Max not only for short distances, but also for trips of 30 kilometers or more each way. Therefore, it's suitable for both commuting and vacation.

Facilities – 7.5 out of 10

The Ahooga A-Max's features include a bell, high-quality mudguards, lights, reflectors, and removable pedals. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide the necessary safety. Suspension and a luggage rack are missing.

Comfort & driving pleasure – 8.5 out of 10

Despite the lack of suspension, the A-Max offers a considerable amount of comfort while riding. This is thanks in no small part to Schwalbe's Billy Bonkers tires. The riding experience is immense.

Dimensions & Weight – 8.5 out of 10

In terms of weight, the A-Max ranks mid-range in my test. At 14.3 kg, it's still acceptable for daily commuting. The folded dimensions are a different story, at 72 x 69 x 37 cm. The overall dimensions of 178 cm place it first in the test."

Overall, Klemens concludes:

"When I unpacked it two weeks ago, I wondered whether the Ahooga A-Max's rating would ultimately be better than that of my previous test winner (7.8 out of 10 points). And lo and behold, with a rating of 8.1 out of 10 possible points, the Ahooga A-Max is my new test winner among folding bikes (without motor).

The 20-inch folding bike earned the most points for its high quality. But the A-Max from Ahooga also sets new standards in my test with its fun riding style and compact folding dimensions. It's an all-rounder , suitable for both short commutes and longer trips on weekends or vacations. I recommend the bike for rides of 2 to 30 kilometers per trip."