Long-serving folding bike brand Dahon has been in and out of the UK market over the years, and 2026 will mark another return, with bikes like the E-Hemingway soon to debut here.
Revealed to be attending a UK trade event shortly to mark its arrival, the folding bike veteran’s electric bike presence is limited, with most models pedal cycles, but one exception is the E-Hemingway, a bike that we took for a spin earlier this year in anticipation of the imminent relaunch.
If you’ve been drawn here out of curiosity about electric folding bikes, then bookmark our tried-and-tested guide for reading later.
Pitched as one of a new generation of semi off-road capable folding bikes, in the sense that a gravel-suited tyres is chosen over a strictly urban slick, the Dahon E-Hemingway is challenging the space that Brompton’s G Line occupies, coming in markedly cheaper.
Because there is no UK pricing structure made official at the time of writing, we can look over to Europe and see €1,699 quoted, which at the current rate of exchange is just shy of £1,500. That’s more than 50% cheaper than its British competitor, so right away it’s going to be interesting to the budget conscious consumer.
Dahon E-Hemingway: The spec sheet
This is a hub-driven electric folding bike with a seatpost battery that claims as much as 100km. Often those estimates are generous, but it’s not the first time we’ve seen a 360Wh battery claim triple-digit assistance. Obviously, this will depend a lot on the rider’s weight, the terrain covered, even the headwinds of the day.
During our brief review stint at Eurobike, the feedback from the 42Nm-capable rear hub felt very similar to many other electric folding bikes in this category using similar drives, though we’ve not yet pointed it at any steeper inclines. This level of grunt is almost universal on e-folding bikes at present, however.
Dahon claims that it delivers efficiencies that are unseen, deploying something that it calls ‘Deltech’, which in simple terms is just an additional diagonal support that aims to bolster the rigidity of the frame and thus improve forward momentum. Folding bikes with hinges in the frame can flex a bit, so having this recognised and adapted to is a win.
At 9kg, the E-hemingway is neither the heaviest nor lightest, but based on our recent testing is in the upper middle of the pack on electric folding bike weights. The weight is well distributed, however, so the folding experience is pleasant and simple. It’s the classic frame and bar fold, with safety catches on the hinges to ensure you don’t accidentally unlock the latches. Folded, the bike packs down to 87 x 40 x 72cm.
Like most electric folding bikes, the details matter and because batteries are far too often stolen, a lockable seatpost clamp is a welcome feature, though it is also removable if you prefer. The charge port, if you were wondering, is on the upper end of the battery post, sheltered by the saddle.
Though not a standard feature, it is entirely possible to mount a pannier rack to the Dahon E-Hemingway, which may add value if you are commuting or testing out the Schwalbe Billy Bonkers gravel path capabilities for a picnic. There are even mounts on either side of the fork, which is a bit unusual on a bike that folds in on itself, but better to have than not.
As for the range of riders able to use this bike, Dahon suggests those up to 05kg in weight can hop on, plus there’s lots of height adjustability in the steerer column and seatpost. A quick-release clamp at the headset allows quick rotation of the handlebar too, so you can set your desired angles quickly.
Giving a little extra versatility, support on climbs and when accelerating from standstill, a Shimano Tourney 7-speed derailleur gear system features and this comes paired with the Shimano Revo paddle shifters on the handlebar.
If we were picking holes in the spec, a notable point is that the brakes are mechanical, rather than the hydraulics more commonly seen at almost every price point nowadays. We also noticed that the rear light is not a wired-in solution, while the front light is.
As yet, we’ve not had a longer spell with the Dahon E-Hemingway, but once the brand has settled in the UK, revisit our review for a fuller update.
Specifications
Stated weight: 19kg
Stated range: Up to 100km
Frame material: Alumniium
Motor: Dahon 95RS, 250W
Battery: Samsung 9.5Ah
Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
Brakes: Novich NV3-7 mechanical discs
Saddle: Dahon Ergo Comfort
Tyres: Schwalbe Billy Bonkers 20″ x 2″
Suspension: None
Included accessories: Wired-n front light, mudgaurds,