FAFREES F20 Pro Review, Folding Electric Bike UK Test

Folding electric bikes are soaring in popularity across the UK. They solve two big commuting challenges: cramped train carriages and storing a bike at home. The FAFREES F20 Pro is one such model that promises power, portability, and value. We borrowed one from Biktron for a real-world test on urban streets and canal paths.

This isn't a quick spin around a car park. We rode the F20 Pro in all weather, folded it on busy platforms, and checked every detail. Our aim is to give you an honest, everyday verdict. Let's see if this folder deserves a place in your life.

FAFREES F20 Pro: First Impressions and What's in the Box

The box is heavy but manageable with two people. Inside, the bike arrives 80% assembled. You’ll attach the pedals, handlebar stem, and seat. Basic tools are included, and the manual is clear. No specialist skills are needed.

Build quality struck us immediately. The aluminium frame feels sturdy, welds are neat, and the hinge mechanism is solid. The bike weighs around 22 kg – typical for a fat-tire folder. It’s not the lightest, but the frame carries the weight well.

What You Get in the Box

Alongside the bike, you get a charger, a basic tool kit, front and rear lights, mudguards, and a rear rack. The lights are integrated and powered by the main battery, which is a neat touch. The rack is sturdy enough for a pannier or a child seat adapter.

Design and Paint Options

The F20 Pro comes in a dark grey or a striking blue. Reflective tyre strips and a sleek battery integration give it a premium look. It doesn’t scream “electric” – important for city parking. Cables are routed internally, keeping the lines clean.

Motor and Battery: Power and Range on UK Roads

The F20 Pro uses a 250W rear hub motor, the maximum allowed for UK EAPCs. It delivers 45 Nm of torque, which is plenty for starting at traffic lights and tackling mild hills. The motor is brushless and quiet – you’ll hear only a soft whirr.

Battery capacity is 10.4 Ah (374 Wh), tucked neatly behind the seat post. FAFREES claims 30–50 miles per charge. Of course, that depends on assist level, rider weight, and terrain. On our mixed test routes, we consistently hit around 35 miles with moderate pedal assist.

Real-World Range Test

We rode a 14-mile round trip with hills, starting on full charge. The battery indicator dropped by only one bar. Over a week of shorter commutes, we charged once every three days. If you use the throttle a lot, expect less – around 20–25 miles. That’s still enough for most daily journeys.

Charging and Battery Removal

Charging takes about 4–5 hours from empty. The battery locks into the frame and can be removed with a key, so you can charge it indoors. This is a big win if you store the bike in a shed or a shared bike room. The charger is compact and doesn’t get hot.

Folding Mechanism: How Quickly Does It Fold?

Folding is the F20 Pro’s party trick. You release the frame hinge, fold the pedals, drop the handlebar stem, and lower the seat. The whole process takes under 30 seconds once you’ve practised. It’s intuitive and doesn’t require brute force.

When folded, it measures roughly 85 x 45 x 70 cm. That’s compact enough to slide under a desk or into a car boot. The magnetic catch holds the wheels together so it won’t unfold while you carry it. At 22 kg, lifting onto a train rack requires some muscle, but it’s doable.

Storing and Transporting the Bike

In a flat, it tucks behind a door. On public transport, you’ll want to avoid rush hour if possible. The folded package is stable and you can wheel it along like a trolley. The rear rack doubles as a carrying handle.

Riding Experience: Comfort and Handling

We rode on potholed city streets, gravel paths, and gentle hills. The fat 20-inch tyres (4 inches wide) soak up bumps like a champion. You don’t feel every crack, and the bike stays planted. The riding position is upright and relaxed, ideal for seeing over traffic.

It comes with 7-speed Shimano gearing. That’s enough range for most UK cities, though on very steep climbs you’ll work harder. The five levels of pedal assist are smooth, and a half-twist throttle gives you a boost up to walking speed. After that, you must pedal to keep motor power legal.

Brakes and Safety

Mechanical disc brakes front and rear offer reliable stopping power, even in wet weather. They lack the bite of hydraulics, but they’re easy to adjust and maintain. The levers have a comfortable reach and a cut-off switch that kills the motor instantly.

Lights and Visibility

The built-in LED lights are bright enough for urban riding. The rear light acts as a brake light – a thoughtful safety feature. Reflective tyre strips boost side visibility. For rural night riding, you might add a secondary headlight.

UK Legal Compliance: Is the F20 Pro Road-Legal?

For an e-bike to be treated as a regular bicycle in the UK, it must meet the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) rules. The motor must not exceed 250W, assistance must cut off at 15.5 mph, and the rider must be 14 or older. You don’t need a licence, insurance, or helmet (though we always recommend one).

The FAFREES F20 Pro complies fully. Its 250W motor and speed limiter meet the law. The throttle is limited to 6 km/h when not pedalling, which is allowed under UK government e-bike regulations. Out of the box, it’s street-legal – no tuning needed.

Staying Legal: Throttle and Speed

The throttle only operates up to a fast walking pace without pedalling. Some riders want a full-throttle option, but that would classify the bike as a moped. If you value legality, the F20 Pro is safe. We never felt the need for illegal speed; the 15.5 mph assist is fine for stop-start city riding.

Who Is the FAFREES F20 Pro For?

This bike shines for commuters with a mixed transport routine. If your journey involves a train ride, or you climb a hill on the way home, the F20 Pro helps. It’s also great for leisure riders who want a bike they can hide in a campervan or boat.

It’s less suited to very heavy off-roading or long distance touring. The small wheels and folding hinges add weight and complexity. But for everyday practical cycling, it’s a brilliant option.

Commute vs Leisure Use

On a 5-mile commute each way, you’ll arrive fresh. The assist levels let you control effort – use level 1 for exercise, level 5 for a sweat-free ride. At weekends, it handles gentle towpaths and park loops with ease. You can even carry a small child seat on the sturdy rear rack.

FAFREES F20 Pro vs Other Biktron Folders

Biktron stocks several FAFREES folding bikes. The FAFREES F20+ Folding Electric Bike is similar but has a smaller battery and no front suspension. It’s a bit lighter and cheaper. If budget is tight, it’s worth a look.

Another rival is the ENGWE ENGINE PRO 2.0, with a more powerful motor (but still UK legal) and hydraulic brakes. It’s heavier and pricier, though. For pure urban commuting, the F20 Pro hits a sweet spot on features and cost.

Comparing Specs: F20 Pro vs F20+

The Pro has a 10.4 Ah battery vs the F20+’s 10 Ah, and adds a front suspension fork. The price difference is modest, so we’d lean towards the Pro for comfort. Both share the same solid frame and Shimano gears. Check all folding electric bikes to compare.

Verdict: Should You Buy the FAFREES F20 Pro?

After weeks of testing, we can confidently recommend the FAFREES F20 Pro. It’s well-built, easy to fold, and rides like a much larger bike. The battery range is honest and the motor is strong enough for typical UK hills. Legal compliance is baked in.

There are minor niggles: the weight when lifting, the mediocre twist throttle control, and the basic display. But at its price point, these are acceptable compromises. It brings folding e-bike convenience to a wider audience.

Pros and Cons

• Quick, tool-free folding; fits in car boots and trains.
• Fat tyres give excellent comfort on rough roads.
• Removable 10.4 Ah battery with real 35-mile range.
• Strong aluminium frame, integrated lights, and rack.
• Heavy at 22 kg when folded – a lift up stairs needs care.
• Mechanical disc brakes require more hand force than hydraulic.
• Throttle is walking-speed only without pedalling (legal but limited).

Final Recommendation

If you want a practical, well-priced folding e-bike that you can rely on for a UK commute, the F20 Pro is a top choice. It makes every journey quicker and less tiring. You can see the full spec and order yours from Biktron’s FAFREES F20 Pro page. For more riding advice, explore our electric bike guides.