HITWAY BK35S 16-Inch Folding Electric Bike 250 W – Review

The HITWAY BK35S is an ultra-compact folding e-bike designed for everyday urban travel. Weighing in at just 18 kg, it stands out as one of the lightest folding e-bikes in its class. Its aluminium alloy frame and 16-inch wheels make it the ideal companion for city dwellers looking for a lightweight, practical and easy-to-store mode of transport.

Who is this bike for?

This model is particularly suitable for:

• Short to medium commutes (5 to 15 km/day)
• Multimodal journeys (train, underground, bus + bike)
• Users looking for an ultra-lightweight, easy-to-carry bike
• People with limited storage space (flat, office)

Performance and range

The HITWAY BK35S is equipped with a 250 W brushless rear hub motor delivering 30 Nm of torque. This motor provides smooth and quiet assistance, sufficient for urban journeys on flat terrain and gentle hills.

• Claimed range: 35 to 90 km (depending on assistance mode)
• Actual range: approximately 25 to 50 km depending on usage
• Maximum assisted speed: 25 km/h (EU standard)

In real-world conditions, range depends on:

• Rider weight
• Pedal assist mode (3 levels: 10, 15 or 25 km/h)
• Terrain (flat vs uphill)
• Weather conditions and tyre pressure

The removable 36 V 9 Ah (324 Wh) battery is easy to remove thanks to a secure locking system, allowing convenient recharging at home or in the office in 5 to 6 hours. The S869 colour LCD screen displays speed, mileage and battery status in real time, whilst the HITWAY app via Bluetooth adds route tracking and diagnostics.

Design and comfort

The BK35S focuses on lightness and compactness. Its aluminium alloy frame weighs just 18 kg including the battery, and folds in seconds to dimensions of 79 × 44 × 66 cm. The height-adjustable handlebars (87 to 106 cm) allow the riding position to be adapted for cyclists between 155 and 180 cm tall.

Its 16×2.5-inch tyres, approximately 18% wider than standard 16-inch tyres, offer better grip and increased comfort on urban roads. The single-speed drivetrain simplifies use and reduces maintenance, whilst the mechanical disc brakes with electronic braking ensure reliable stopping power in all conditions.

The handlebar-controlled LED headlight improves visibility during morning or night-time rides, combining safety with energy efficiency.

Key strengths

✔ Ultra-lightweight: just 18 kg, easy to carry
✔ Very compact folding design (79 × 44 × 66 cm)
✔ Removable battery with anti-theft lock
✔ Colour LCD screen and Bluetooth app
✔ Wider 16×2.5 tyres for greater comfort
✔ Minimal maintenance thanks to the single-speed drivetrain
✔ Height-adjustable handlebars

Weaknesses

❌ No suspension (rigid fork)
❌ Limited range due to small battery (324 Wh)
❌ 16-inch wheels less stable at high speeds
❌ Modest torque of 30 Nm (steep hills are challenging)
❌ Single-speed not well suited to hilly terrain

Comparison and positioning

The HITWAY BK35S is positioned as an entry-level folding e-bike focused on lightness and compactness. Compared to the HITWAY BK6S L1 (20-inch, 29 kg, 561.6 Wh), the BK35S sacrifices range and versatility in favour of a weight reduced by a factor of 1.6 and a smaller footprint.

It is ideal for short urban journeys and multimodal travel, where weight and compactness take priority over range.

This bike is for you if:

✔ you're looking for an ultra-lightweight, easy-to-carry e-bike
✔ you combine cycling with public transport on a daily basis
✔ you have limited storage space
✔ you mainly ride on flat terrain in town

This bike is NOT for you if:

❌ you need a long range (over 50 km in real-world conditions)
❌ you regularly ride on rough roads or trails
❌ you face steep hills on a daily basis
❌ you're looking for a bike with suspension for added comfort