Can you buy a brand new folding electric bike for under $550 that isn’t a complete waste of money or a sketchy marketplace listing? The answer appears to be yes. Right now, you can walk into Walmart and purchase the Concord Urbanfold for a shockingly low $548. At this price point, skepticism is natural. Is a bike this cheap actually functional?
To find out, we didn’t just ride it around the block. We put it through a rigorous hill climb test and compared it head-to-head against the undisputed king of folding ebikes: the Lectric XP4. From the components to real world performance, here is what you need to know before you head to Walmart.
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Walmart Concord Urbanfold YouTube Review | See It In Action!
While the written review covers the data, some things you have to see to believe. Watch the video above to see exactly how the 350W motor behaves on a challenging hill climb, including the exact moment it stalls out. You will also see a side-by-side drag race against the Lectric XP4, which clearly visualizes the difference between a 36V and 48V electrical system.
First Impressions
The Urbanfold looks like a proper ebike and feels reasonably solid despite the budget price tag. One of the most immediate benefits is the weight. It tips the scales at just 45 lbs, which is considerably lighter than many folding options. It also comes equipped with commuter necessities like integrated lighting, fenders, rear rack, and a kickstand that’s even stable on soft ground.
The Folding Mechanism
The folding process is standard for this category: lower the handlebars, release the latch, fold the frame, and flip the pedals. Once folded, it is compact and easy to lift into a vehicle trunk or store in a small apartment.
Specs & Features: What Do You Get for $548?
When you spend under $600, you expect the bare minimum. Here is a breakdown of the components Concord provides:
- Motor: 350W Rear Hub Motor.
- Battery: 36V 7.8Ah (Approx. 20-mile published range).
- Tires: Chaoyang 20 x 2.2″ Street Tread.
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes with 180mm Front and 160mm Rear Rotors.
- Gearing: Shimano Tourney 7-Speed with SIS Index Thumb Shifter.
- Controls: Basic LED (Battery bar, Low/Med/High assist).
Safety Check: Is it UL Certified?
Safety is often the primary concern with budget lithium-ion batteries. We checked the certifications on the Urbanfold, and the news is good. The electrical system is certified to UL 2849, and the battery itself is certified to UL 2271.
Regarding support, Walmart relies on third-party suppliers for these bikes. We called the support line for Phoenix Bicycles (the supplier behind the Concord brand) on a Sunday, and they picked up. While support may not be strictly US-based, it appears to be active and willing to help with parts replacements.
The Ride Test: Speed and Performance
This is a Class 2 ebike with a top speed of 20 mph. We took it out to test the throttle response, pedal assist, and handling.
Throttle and Acceleration
The bike features a right-hand thumb throttle. However, it is important to note that you must be moving for the throttle to engage. This “kick-to-start” safety feature prevents the bike from taking off accidentally, though it requires a slight adjustment if you are used to being able to start from a dead stop.
Pedal Assist (PAS) and Handling
The Urbanfold uses a basic cadence sensor. In our testing, there was a delay of about one full pedal rotation before the motor kicked in.
- Low Mode: Cuts off around 12 mph.
- Medium Mode: Cuts off around 16 mph.
- High Mode: Reaches the full 20 mph.
The bike is geared appropriately; even at 20 mph in 7th gear, you won’t feel like your legs are spinning out wildly.
Handling: The ride can feel a bit “squirrely.” The combination of small 20-inch wheels and narrow handlebars makes the bike very nimble and able to turn on a dime, but it lacks the planted stability of larger, heavier bikes.
The Hill Climb Tests
A 350W motor on a 36V system is on the lower end of the power spectrum, but so is the Urbanfold’s weight. To test its limits, we subjected the bike to two separate, grueling hill climb tests.
Test 1: The Hill Near the “Masterpiece”
We started this test under the “Masterpiece” trail feature in Bentonville, AR. This is the exact same hill where the Concord Commuter (the step-through model) previously failed to climb on throttle power. Surprisingly, the Urbanfold fared better than its larger sibling. Likely thanks to the mechanical torque advantage of the smaller 20-inch wheels, it successfully made it to the top on throttle alone, though it struggled significantly, dropping to a minimum speed of 4 mph.
Test 2: The “Big Hill”
Next, we took it to a much steeper challenge: a massive quarter-mile climb with 127 feet of elevation gain. Honestly, we expected the motor to quit entirely here. However, it never stopped pushing. It managed to keep moving, albeit at a crawling pace of 4-5 mph on the steeper sections of the climb. While the motor didn’t technically fail, it did hit a minimum climbing speed of 3 mph. That is painfully slow, but by shifting into first gear with just a little bit of pedaling effort, the Urbanfold pick up speed immediately and it conquered the rest of the hill without issue.
Comparison: Concord Urban Fold ($548) vs. Lectric XP4 750W ($1,299)
Why would a rider spend more than double the money for the upgraded Lectric XP4? We rode them back-to-back to illustrate the difference in value.
- Power & Voltage: The XP4 750W runs on a 48V system with a motor peaking over 1300W. We tested it on the “Big Hill” and it hit a minimum 14 mph climbing speed as opposed to the Urban Fold’s 3 mph minimum.
- Ride Quality: The Lectric uses a torque sensor, which amplifies your effort naturally and provides instantaneous power, whereas the Urban Fold uses a cadence sensor that kicks in after one full pedal revolution and feels more like an on/off switch. The Lectric also includes a suspension fork and seat post, smoothing out bumps that rattle you on the more rigid Urban Fold.
- Braking: The hydraulic disc brakes on the Lectric require less hand strength to operate compared to mechanical brakes, but the Urban Fold has plenty of stopping power.
- Speed & Range: The XP4 is a Class 3 ebike capable of 28 mph and features a significantly larger battery capacity, reducing the need for frequent charging. The Urbanfold is a Class 2 ebike with a max speed of 20 mph and a much smaller battery.
You can find our full Lectric XP4 750W review here for an in-depth look at America’s best-selling folding ebike.
So Is This $548 Walmart Ebike For You?
Who is this for?
If you are on a strict budget, live in a flat urban environment, and need a lightweight bike (45 lbs) that you can easily carry up stairs, this is a legitimate option. The inclusion of UL certification at this price point is excellent, and for casual use, the components are adequate.
Who is this NOT for?
If you are a heavier rider (near the 220 lb payload limit), a taller rider (over 6’0″), or you live in a hilly area, you will likely find the 350W motor insufficient. It also has a smaller battery, rigid frame, and smaller narrow tires. If you need range anxiety relief, refined customization, or off-road capability, you are better off saving for a more powerful option like the Lectric XP4.
Did our review help you decide? If you plan on purchasing Walmart’s Concord Urbanfold , you can support our content at no extra cost to you by using our affiliate link when you make your purchase. Thank you for your support!
