Brompton Electric 2 Speed C Line, Mid, Turkish Green - RRP £2800

The Brompton Electric M2L is a British-made folding bike designed for urban commuters who want the practicality of a fold with electric assistance built in. It uses Brompton's traditional steel frame and lateral fold mechanism, which collapses the bike down to a compact package that fits under a desk, in a train luggage rack, or in a car boot. The 16-inch wheels and lightweight construction make it genuinely portable without feeling flimsy or compromised as a ride.

The 2-speed hub gear keeps things simple and reliable. You get a low gear for getting going from traffic lights and hills, and a higher gear for cruising on flatter sections. The side-pull caliper brakes are responsive and straightforward to maintain, and the electric motor takes the sting out of hills and rolling terrain without requiring constant pedal input. The Turkish Green colour gives it a distinctive finish that stands out from the usual matte blacks and silvers.

Day to day, this is a bike that handles the unpredictable demands of city riding. The electric assistance means you can arrive at work without working up a sweat in smart clothes, and the compact fold means you're genuinely free to combine cycling with train or bus journeys. The riding position is upright and comfortable for short to medium distances, and the bike feels stable and planted rather than twitchy or nervous.

This works well for commuters who move between cycling and public transport, or anyone who needs a bike that takes up minimal space at home or in an office. The electric motor extends the practical range and makes hills far less daunting than they would be on a non-electric Brompton, whilst the proven fold design means the practicality hasn't been sacrificed in the name of adding power.