Best Ways to Carry a Folding Bike

Folding bikes are designed to be lightweight and portable, and their foldaway mechanism makes that possible. Thanks to this, you can take the bike on buses as hand luggage on all of Transport For London’s services. But what about when you’re somewhere that can’t have wheels on the ground, such as on an escalator?

Let’s be honest, you wouldn’t want to lug it around like a big, awkward bundle, would you? Well, we wouldn’t want that for you! So here are some ways to carry your folding bike for even greater convenience.

These methods are especially handy when squeezing through tight spaces—whether you’re on public transport, in a lift, carrying it up to your flat, or getting through airport security. Ready?

A Good Carry Handle Is Worth It

(Image Credit: Flickr)

A carry handle is a sturdy strap, usually with a velcro, that attaches to the top tube of a folded bike. It gives you a better grip, making it feel less like hauling around a heavy bundle and more like carrying a bag. This allows for easy holding, lifting, and carrying when you’re on the move.

Some handles are padded for added comfort, while others include shoulder straps. The materials vary depending on the brand.

With a carry handle, you can lift the bike in one hand with ease—no fiddly handling (or greasy hands from the chain - yikes!)

A DIY Carry Handle Be Just as Handy

You can make your own if you’re feeling creative or can’t find a carry handle that fits your folding bike. A King Cobra Paracord, with its thick, durable grip, is a great option.

Around 3-5 metres should do, depending on your bike’s frame. To measure and cut, find the grip point, a.k.a. the spot where your DIY handle will go. Cut enough paracord to create a King Cobra weave—ideally twice the length of your intended handle, plus extra for tying.

Weave until the handle is thicker and comfortable to hold. Then, tuck the ends under the weave and melt them a bit with a lighter to stop fraying. This tutorial from 123Paracord might help.

Note: This DIY approach is woven on the frame. Unlike velcro carry handles, it won’t come loose or need readjusting. You’d have to cut it and redo it if you ever want to remove it.

Make Use of Your ‘Bag for Life’

Another way to carry a folding bike is in a large bag, and what’s more fitting than a Bag for Life from the supermarket?

These reusable shopping bags last longer than standard plastic ones and are sturdier and bigger. Most have an approximate weight limit of 15–25 pounds (or more, depending on the brand), making them a perfect makeshift bag for holding a compact, folded bike.

It’s a quick hack, though you might not want to carry it for long distances. And, of course, you will need a very large one.

Tip: Fold your bike and place it upright inside the bag, and make sure the handles are facing up. Slip your arms through the handles to carry it on your back. This frees up your hands while walking and saves you money, too.

Keep in mind, though, that it can get a bit heavy, but you can take it off once you’re on the bus, escalator, lift, or when you’ve reached your floor.

Strap the bike to your back

You can make your own bike backpack using King Cobra Paracord, as above. Simply attach large straps to the bike frame that you can slip your arms through. However, for comfort’s sake you might also need to add some padding to your back so that you won’t be poked by any bike parts. Use some foam or a folded blanket for this.

Round-up

So, which of these techniques do you think will work best for you? Either way, they should all do the job—no more struggling to hold your bike with just your arms or biceps!

They can also work for smaller two-wheels, such as balance bikes, and even for standard adult bikes like commuter bikes (though this mainly works for carry handles).

Master the art of assembling and disassembling your bike with our guide, “How to Fold and Unfold a Folding Bike”.