Samebike LO26-II-FT-YD Review: Folding Fat Tyre E-Bike, UK Test

The Samebike range has become a sensible budget option for UK riders who want a folding fat tyre e-bike without spending over £1,000. This review focuses on the SAMEBIKE LO26-II-FT-YD Folding Electric Bike.

It sells for £689, down from an RRP of £799. We judge it on portability, comfort, UK law compliance and value for money. We have not ridden it, so this is a spec based assessment, not a road test.

What is the Samebike LO26-II-FT-YD?

The LO26-II-FT-YD is a folding electric bike with chunky fat tyres and a step through style frame. It is designed for riders who want a bit of off-road grip and a bike that stores in a small space.

The motor is a UK legal 250W unit, so it is classed as an electrically assisted pedal cycle. Power cuts out at 15.5 mph, which matches UK EAPC rules. From there you pedal normally.

The £689 price puts it at the lower end of folding fat tyre e-bikes. You get a functional machine, but not the polish of a premium brand. That is fine if your expectations match the price.

Because it is a fat tyre folder, it sits in a niche. You get the off-road grip of a fat bike with the storage advantage of a folder. That combination is rare at this price.

What the name means

The LO26 part refers to the frame family. FT stands for fat tyre. YD tells you it uses the folding version of this chassis. The same platform appears in other Samebike models, so parts are fairly easy to find.

Who is the Samebike LO26-II-FT-YD for?

This bike suits leisure riders, caravan owners and people with limited storage. It folds down for a car boot or a hallway cupboard. If you commute a few miles with a train leg, it can work too.

It is less ideal for long daily commutes over 10 miles each way. The fat tyres and folding hinges add weight, and the motor is modest. For that, a lighter folding bike may be easier.

If you use a train, check the operator's rules. Many allow folding bikes at any time, but some ask you to cover the bike. The folded size is compact enough for most luggage areas.

Best use cases

• Weekend rides on gravel paths, canal towpaths and park trails.
• Short commutes where you fold the bike under a desk or in a car boot.
• Riders who want extra stability from fat tyres.

When to look elsewhere

If you need to carry the bike up several flights of stairs every day, the weight will annoy you. If most of your riding is fast road commuting, thinner tyres and a lighter frame would feel quicker.

Motor, battery and real-world range

Samebike fits a 250W rear hub motor. That is the legal maximum for on-road use in the UK. It gives steady assistance rather than explosive acceleration, which suits riders who want a gentle boost.

The manufacturer quotes a range figure, but treat it as a best case. Real range drops on hills, in cold weather and with a heavier rider. Sustrans explains why e-bike range varies so much.

Expect the battery to last shorter if you always use the highest assist level. Keeping the tyres pumped up and using a lower assist setting will stretch the miles. For most UK leisure riders, the battery is plenty for an afternoon outing.

The battery is removable on most Samebike models, so you can charge it away from the bike. If your storage area has no power socket, that is a useful feature. Check the product listing for confirmation.

Charging and battery care

Charge the battery indoors at room temperature. Avoid leaving it fully charged for weeks. Most batteries prefer to sit between 20% and 80% when not in use, which helps them last longer.

Folding design and portability

The frame folds at the middle, the stem folds down and the pedals usually fold too. That turns the bike into a chunky but manageable package. You can slide it into a car boot or store it in a narrow hallway.

Fat tyre folders are never featherlight. The wide rims and tyres add mass compared with a slim folding commuter. Lifting the bike into a train luggage rack takes a bit of effort, but the fold itself is straightforward.

The folding joints are simple and robust. You will not need tools to fold the bike. It takes under a minute once you know the order. Practice at home before you try it on a busy platform.

Is it really portable?

For a car boot or shed, yes. For carrying up a flight of stairs every morning, maybe not. If portability is your top priority, the Samebike CY20 PRO is lighter and easier to lift.

Storage tips

Store the bike folded and keep the tyres off a cold concrete floor if you can. Use a fabric cover if it lives outside. The hinges should stay clean and lightly greased so they never seize.

Fat tyres and ride comfort

The 20 inch fat tyres are the headline feature. At low pressure they soak up broken tarmac, tree roots and loose gravel. You feel less of the road buzz than on a skinny tyre.

Fat tyres also give more grip in wet or muddy conditions. That makes the bike feel stable on canal paths and light trails. The trade-off is more rolling resistance, so you work a bit harder once the motor cuts out.

Fat tyres also let you run lower pressure for sand or snow, though this bike is not a full fat bike. For UK conditions, a pressure around the middle of the recommended range works well on most paths.

Tyre pressure matters

Check the sidewall for the recommended pressure range. Too soft and the tyres feel draggy. Too hard and you lose the comfort benefit. A small pump with a pressure gauge is worth carrying.

Brakes, gears and everyday usability

The LO26-II-FT-YD comes with disc brakes, which stop well in the wet. The gear range is modest but enough for gentle hills and stop-start town riding. You can find the full component list on the product page.

Fat tyres, folding hinges and a motor mean this bike needs a little more maintenance than a standard bike. Keep the chain clean, check the brake pads and make sure the folding clamps stay tight.

Day to day life

The step-through frame is easy to mount, which is good if you are less flexible or wear a coat. The saddle and bars are upright for a relaxed position. This is a bike to ride gently, not to sprint.

UK e-bike law and where you can ride

In the UK, an e-bike must have a motor of 250W or less and assistance must stop at 15.5 mph. The LO26-II-FT-YD meets these rules, so it is classed as an EAPC. You do not need a licence, tax or insurance.

You can ride it anywhere a normal bicycle can go, including cycle lanes and bridleways where cycles are allowed. Riders must be 14 or over. The UK government sets out the full electric bike rules.

Because it is road legal, you do not need to register it with the DVLA. Just make sure you do not modify the motor to provide power above 15.5 mph, or it becomes a moped in the eyes of the law.

Insurance and security

Insurance is not compulsory, but a folding e-bike is easy to steal. A decent sold-secure rated lock and a home contents or specialist bike policy are wise. Cycling UK has good advice on e-bike care and security.

How it compares to other Samebike models

Samebike makes several bikes on similar platforms. The Samebike LO26-II-YD is a folding electric mountain bike with a sportier riding position. It costs £689 too, so the choice is mostly about tyres and style.

The Samebike LO26 Plus is another fat tyre folder at £849. It has a larger battery and a more powerful feel, but the core idea is the same. If you want extra range, the LO26 Plus is the better pick.

For riders who rarely leave tarmac, the Samebike CY20 PRO at £549 is a lighter, simpler option. It folds smaller and is easier to carry. The FT-YD makes sense if you value the fat tyre comfort over pure portability.

Which one should you choose?

If your rides include gravel, grass or rough paths, the FT-YD is the right compromise. If you mainly ride on roads, the CY20 PRO saves money and weight. If you want the longest range, look at the LO26 Plus.

Is the Samebike LO26-II-FT-YD worth £689? Verdict

At £689, the LO26-II-FT-YD is good value for a folding fat tyre e-bike. It does not feel premium, and you will notice the weight, but the ride comfort and UK legal simplicity are hard to argue with.

The best reason to buy it is the fat tyre stability on mixed surfaces. The main reason to pause is the weight if you have to carry it up stairs. For most leisure riders with a car boot or a shed, it is a sensible buy.

The honest verdict is that £689 buys a capable, UK legal folding fat tyre e-bike with no nasty surprises. It is not the lightest or fastest, but it does what it promises.

Pros and cons

• Pros: UK legal, fat tyre comfort, folding frame, reasonable £689 price.
• Cons: heavy for a folder, modest motor, basic components.

You can see the latest stock and compare other models on the All Bikes page. If you want more options, our guides cover the full range in detail.