Folding Bikes for Campervans

Folding bikes for campervan travel

A folding bike transforms campervan holidays by enabling exploration without moving the vehicle. Cycle to villages, beaches, and attractions while your van remains parked at pitch. This guide covers choosing and using folders for van life and touring.

Why folding bikes suit campervans

Interior storage: No external racks needed. Better security, no theft risk overnight. Easy access without climbing on roof.
No fuel penalty: External racks create drag (5-10% mpg loss). Internal storage maintains efficiency.
Flexibility: Explore from pitch without breaking camp. Cycle to shops, attractions, beaches from campsites.
Parking freedom: Leave van at site, cycle to towns with difficult parking. Avoid tourist traffic.
Electric options: Handle hills from camp without fitness demands. Extend range significantly (20-40 miles).
Multiple bikes: Couples can carry two folders in space of one full-size bike.
Weight distribution: Store low in van for better centre of gravity vs roof racks.

Campervan storage locations

Under-bed storage

Many campervans have space under fixed beds (typically 20-30cm height):

Brompton size folders fit easily (27cm height folded)
Standard folders may fit if bed height adequate (check 40cm clearance)
Slide bike in from side access
Use protective cover to prevent dirt on bedding

Wardrobe/cupboard storage

Vertical storage in wardrobes suits some layouts:

Requires minimum 60cm width and 60cm depth
Brompton stands upright easily
Standard folders need wider space (80cm+)
Secure against movement while driving

Rear garage

Larger motorhomes often have rear garage compartments:

Generous space accommodates multiple bikes
External access convenient
Consider security (lockable doors)
May be damp (use covers to protect bikes)

Living area

Smaller vans may require bikes in living space:

Under dinette tables
Against walls secured with straps
In shower when not in use
Compact fold critical for this option

Choosing a bike for campervans

Measure your space first

Before buying, measure actual storage dimensions:

Width, height, depth of storage area
Access opening size (bike must fit through)
Shape constraints (triangular spaces less efficient)
Add 5cm clearance for easy placement

Standard vs compact folders

Standard folders (80 x 70 x 40cm): Tern, Dahon, Decathlon

Pros: Comfortable riding (20-inch wheels), good value, better gearing options
Cons: Require more storage space, may not fit tight areas
Best for: Larger vans with dedicated bike storage, prioritising ride comfort

Compact folders (58 x 56 x 27cm): Brompton

Pros: Fits anywhere, under-bed storage easy, leaves more van space
Cons: Higher price, 16-inch wheels less comfortable for long rides
Best for: Smaller vans, tight storage, multiple bikes

Electric vs manual

Electric folders excellent for campervan use:

Handle hills from coastal/rural campsites easily
Extend range (20-40 miles vs 10-15 manual)
Enable exploration for all fitness levels
Charge overnight from campsite hook-up
Weight less critical (van storage, not daily carrying)
Cost: £1,200-2,500 typically

Manual folders sufficient if:

Flat terrain typical (coastal paths, towpaths)
Short rides only (under 5 miles)
Budget limited
Sites without electrical hook-up

Recommended campervans folders

Best compact: Brompton C Line Electric

Price: £2,895 | Weight: 17.4kg | Range: 30-60 miles

Combines Brompton's compact fold with electric assistance. Fits any van storage, handles hills, excellent range.

Best value electric: Decathlon Tilt 500E

Price: £1,400-1,600 | Weight: 19kg | Range: 25-50 miles

Affordable electric folder. Good for holiday use without premium investment. Requires more storage space.

Best manual: Tern Link D8

Price: £700-750 | Weight: 12.1kg | Gearing: 8-speed

Comfortable riding, good value, reliable. Ideal manual option for flat/moderate terrain.

Best compact manual: Brompton C Line

Price: £1,700-1,900 | Weight: 11.6kg | Gearing: 6-speed

Fits anywhere, quality build, good resale. Premium pricing but lifetime investment.

Practical campervan cycling tips

Storage and securing

Use protective covers to prevent dirt transfer to bedding/clothes
Secure bikes with straps/bungees to prevent movement while driving
Remove water bottles and loose accessories before storing
Lower saddle if needed for clearance
Check bikes are secure before each journey

Route planning

Check terrain around campsites (hills vs flat)
Identify nearby cycle paths and quiet roads
Plan supply runs to local shops (panniers or backpack)
Download offline maps (rural signal often poor)
Consider pub stops within 5-10 mile radius

Equipment

Compact pump suitable for van storage
Puncture repair kit and spare tubes
Basic tools (multi-tool, allen keys)
Locks for leaving bikes at attractions
Panniers or backpack for carrying shopping
Waterproofs stored on van (UK weather)
Lights for evening pub returns

Electric bike charging

Charge overnight at hook-up sites (3-5 hours typical)
Carry charger with you (do not leave in van)
Plan non-hook-up sites around battery range
Some cafes/pubs allow charging during visits
Bring home charger with UK plug

Campervan cycling scenarios

Coastal touring: Cycle to beaches, coastal paths, fishing villages. Flat terrain suits manual folders. 5-15 mile rides typical.

Rural exploring: Hills common. Electric folders transform experience. Visit villages, country pubs, viewpoints without van parking stress.

City/town sites: Cycle into centres, avoiding tourist parking. Explore attractions, restaurants, shops. Compact fold helpful for crowded areas.

Bike-friendly sites: Dedicated trails, towpaths, forest cycles. Longer rides (10-20 miles). Comfortable folders beneficial.

Supply runs: Cycle to local shops for supplies. Panniers or backpack. Usually flat, short distances (2-5 miles).

Carrying two bikes for couples

Folding bikes make two-bike touring practical:

Two Bromptons fit in space of one full-size bike
Store one under bed, one in wardrobe (distribute weight)
Standard folders: requires larger van or dedicated garage
Consider one electric, one manual (different fitness levels)
Budget £1,400-3,800 for two bikes plus accessories

Final recommendations

For most campervan users: Electric folder transforms touring experience. Hills become accessible, range extends significantly, all fitness levels enjoy exploration.

For tight budgets: Manual mid-range folder (£600-900) adequate for flat/moderate touring. Upgrade to electric later if needed.

For small vans: Brompton size folders essential. Fit anywhere, leave maximum van space for living.

For large motorhomes: Standard folders fine if garage space generous. Prioritise comfort for longer rides.