Varun S20-1 vs S20-2 PRO: Which Folding Varun Should You Buy?

The Varun S20-1 and Varun S20-2 PRO are two folding electric bikes that look similar at first glance. Both use 20 inch wheels and a folding frame, which makes them easy to store and carry. The real differences sit in the details.

This guide compares the two models side by side. We look at price, motor rules, battery life, comfort and day to day use. It will help you choose the right folding Varun for your commute or weekend ride.

Key differences at a glance

Think of the S20-1 as the value pick. It costs £702 at Biktron, which is £100 less than its RRP of £802. That price makes it one of the more affordable folding e-bikes in the range.

The S20-2 PRO sits a step above. It is priced at £879, reduced from £1079. The higher ticket buys you a longer range and a few practical upgrades for longer journeys.

Both bikes are sold as UK legal folding e-bikes. They share the same assisted speed limit, but the PRO aims at riders who want more time between charges.

• S20-1 costs £702, while S20-2 PRO costs £879.
• S20-2 PRO has a larger battery and longer manufacturer quoted range.
• Both use 20 inch wheels and a folding frame.
• The PRO adds features that matter for regular commuting.

Which model is for whom?

If your rides are short and mostly flat, the S20-1 is the natural choice. The lower price leaves room in your budget for a good lock and helmet.

If your commute is longer or has hills, the S20-2 PRO is the better fit. Its larger battery reduces the worry of running out of charge halfway home.

Price and what you get

The Varun S20-1 is the cheaper of the two at £702. That is a £100 saving on the RRP. It is a sensible first e-bike if you mostly ride short trips.

The Varun S20-2 PRO costs £879. The RRP is £1079, so you save £200. The extra spend goes towards a bigger battery and a more complete spec.

If budget is the main concern, the S20-1 leaves money for a good lock, helmet and lights. If you can push to £879, the PRO gives you more flexibility.

• Check the exact battery capacity on each product page before buying.
• Ask about the charger type and charge time if you commute daily.
• Budget for accessories such as lights, mudguards and a folding lock.

Is the PRO worth the extra?

For a short commute, the S20-1 does the same job for less money. You would not lose much, and you would save £177.

For longer rides, the PRO earns its keep. More range means you can charge less often and still have power left for a detour home.

Battery and motor under UK law

Both bikes are sold as EAPCs, which means the motor must be capped at 250 watts. The assisted speed limit is 15.5 mph on both models. You can pedal faster, but the motor stops helping.

The S20-2 PRO gives you more range per charge than the S20-1. Varun quotes a longer distance for the PRO, but real range always drops on hills, in cold weather and with a heavy rider.

Treat quoted range as a best case figure. Riding in stop start city traffic will use more battery. Expect roughly half to two thirds of the quoted miles in daily conditions.

If your commute is under 8 miles each way, the S20-1 is usually enough. For 10 miles each way or hilly routes, the PRO's extra capacity reduces worry about running flat.

Real world range

Cold weather reduces battery performance, and hills demand more power. A headwind also eats into your range.

Plan your charge routine around your longest regular journey. It is better to have spare range than to be caught short on a wet evening.

Folding design and portability

Both bikes fold in the middle of the frame, so they fit into a car boot or a hallway cupboard. The 20 inch wheels help keep the folded package compact.

Folding electric bikes are heavier than normal folding bikes because of the motor and battery. You will feel that weight when lifting one onto a train or up stairs.

Check the folded size before you buy. Measure your car boot or storage space, then compare it with the numbers on each product page.

The S20-1 and S20-2 PRO use a similar folding mechanism. The PRO may weigh slightly more because of its larger battery, but the difference is small.

Weight and carrying

Even a light folding e-bike feels heavier than a regular bike. If you have to carry it up a flight of stairs, think about this carefully.

Most train operators allow folding bikes if they are folded and covered. Check your local operator's rules before you travel with either model.

Ride comfort and brakes

Small wheels can feel twitchy on rough roads. Both Varun models use fat tyres, which help absorb bumps and give a stable ride around town.

The S20-2 PRO generally includes better brakes or a better display than the base S20-1, depending on the batch. Check the current spec on each product page.

For most UK commutes, the standard brakes on either bike are enough. If you ride down steep hills regularly, choose the model with the best brake spec.

Comfort also depends on saddle and handlebar height. Both bikes offer adjustment, but you may still want to add a suspension seatpost for extra cushioning.

Tyres and brakes

Fat tyres are useful on potholed streets and gravel paths. They add grip and take some sting out of the ride.

Check the brake type, because disc brakes tend to work better in the wet. British weather makes this a practical point.

Commuting vs leisure

For a short commute, the S20-1 is hard to beat. It costs less, folds easily and handles the daily ride without fuss.

The S20-2 PRO makes more sense if you ride longer distances or want to go leisure cycling at weekends. The longer range means fewer stops to charge.

If you only use the bike on flat cycle paths, the S20-1 is plenty. Hilly towns and longer days in the saddle lean towards the PRO.

• Short commute, budget: choose S20-1.
• Longer commute or hilly route: choose S20-2 PRO.
• Mix of train and bike: both fold, but check weight.
• Leisure rides over 20 miles: S20-2 PRO's extra range helps.

Storage and train travel

Plan routes along traffic free paths with Sustrans. This can make a longer commute more pleasant.

Both bikes fold down small enough for a car boot or a cloakroom. The exact folded size is on each product page, so measure before you order.

UK legal status and safety

Both Varun models are sold as EAPCs. That means you can ride them on roads and cycle paths, but not on motorways or most pavements. You must be 14 or older.

You do not need a licence, tax or insurance for an EAPC, but you do need to follow the same rules as pedal cyclists. Helmets are not a legal requirement, but they are strongly advised.

The government's e-bike guidance explains the rules clearly. It covers motor power, speed and age limits.

Keep your battery charged with the supplied charger. Store the bike indoors or in a dry shed, and use a good quality lock when you park.

Age and equipment

You must be at least 14 to ride an EAPC on UK roads. There is no upper age limit, which makes these bikes useful for older riders too.

Cycling UK offers helpful maintenance advice for folding bikes, which is worth a read before your first commute. Cycling UK explains basic checks that keep any e-bike safe.

Verdict: which should you buy?

Choose the Varun S20-1 if you want the lowest price and have a short, fairly flat commute. It does the job well and leaves cash for accessories.

Choose the Varun S20-2 PRO if you ride further, live in a hilly area or simply want more range. The extra £177 buys genuine peace of mind.

If we had to pick one for most UK riders, the S20-2 PRO is the better all round choice. But the S20-1 remains excellent value at its price.

• S20-1: best value under £750.
• S20-2 PRO: best range and spec for longer rides.

The honest answer

You will be happy with either bike if it matches your commute. The S20-1 is a strong budget buy, while the S20-2 PRO is the more complete package.

Browse all our all bikes if neither fits. You can also read our guides for more comparisons.