It’s a bike that’s there for you through thick and thin, rain or shine, and in sickness and in health. The Popcycle Friend e-bike has everything you need for urban commuting.
Disclaimer: The unit I borrowed came from a friend of mine from the bike community. This is an honest review based on my personal experience, and I was not paid or asked to say anything specific in return.
Technical Specifications
The LCD on the Popcycle Friend e-bike is straightforward: Turn it on with one click of the “up” button and you’ll see your current battery level and odometer. Take a look at your speed and distance traveled without switching through different views–a distraction if you’re moving.
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find your pedal assist levels, ranging from zero to five.
The “up” button also serves as the switch for your front light; simply double-click it.
One big positive here is its front and rear hydraulic brakes. Given that the Friend is best used in urban commutes, these types of brakes give you better modulation, reliable stopping power in wet conditions, and overall confidence when moving quickly or navigating through traffic.
The L-TWOO shifter is the standard trigger type, but it definitely feels more than a “budget meal” piece. It’s competent for general use. In fact, the L-TWOO RD is trifold-specific. It also acts as the tensioner so the chain doesn’t go slack when folding.
Cyclists coming from bigger bikes may have to adjust to the 16×1.33″ tires on the Friend. While it aids in its foldable, compact features, you’ll feel bumps more, and you’ll potentially have less comfort or stability on the road. Be prepared for slightly less grip on uneven surfaces, especially if you’ve been riding long distances (more than 20km).
While I have not skidded or fell from the bike (thank heavens), this something I tend to be concerned with.
Battery & Power Management
The Popcycle Friend e-bike sports a discreet 36V, 7Ah Samsung lithium-ion pack on the seatpost. So what does this mean for urban commuters?
It’s a modest yet powerful battery. With around 252Wh of capacity, you’ve got enough juice for many typical urban commutes: Transit to work, errands, and switching between bike+MRT or bus, etc. You can go up to 28kph on flat terrain and reach distances up to 45km in a single charge.
Charging it is pretty easy, too, and overnight charging is feasible. To get full bars, you can charge it for seven hours straight. We do recommend, however, that you trickle charge throughout the week, and avoid repeatedly draining the battery to zero. Lithium-ion packs live longer if you ride to maybe 20-30% remaining rather than completely flat.
The Main Attraction: Trifold Capabilities
This is what makes the Popcycle Friend e-bike irresistable. This commuter is not only powerful, but also very compact. It folds down into something you can roll through an elevator, tuck under a cafe table, or slide beside you on the MRT/LRT.
Folding is a three-step process that takes less than a minute once you get the rhythm. The hinges are intuitive, firm, and click into place, with none of the wobbly play found on cheaper folding mechanisms. And when folded, the bike stands neatly on its own.
But… I wouldn’t carry it though. At 18.8kg, it’s a bit on the heavier side, so unless I absolutely need to, I won’t do a one-handed farmer’s carry with it.
Riding Experience
I knew the Popcycle Friend e-bike was going to be a fun bike. While I’m not romanticizing the issues commuters face on a daily basis, this bike, though, makes traveling from point A to B (and some trip chaining in between) even more liberating.
All my rides with the Friend feel responsive for a small-wheeled frame. The motor is quiet, giving just enough assist to make uphill climbs. The hydraulic brakes keep everything in check, stopping confidently when needed.
But where the joy really comes in is during multimodal travel. I took the MRT to skip biking along EDSA in the afternoon, just before rush hour, to have dinner with a (human) friend across town. All I had to do was fold the bike up, hop on the MRT, and unfold it again once I’m on street level and my destination near.
Other times, when the battery dipped low or I myself was low-bat, I’d get a Grab, fold the bike, and slide it neatly into the trunk. No hassle.
Truly, this is an e-bike that makes urban traveling easier.
The Popcycle Friend E-Bike is Perfect for…
The Friend is for those who crave flexibility.
It’s perfect for daily commuters who want an e-bike that folds small enough to fit under an office desk, yet rides confidently enough to weave through traffic. For those who want to skip the long lines at the MRT or EDSA bus carousel, they can bike through side streets, and still look relatively fresh.
It’s also a sweet spot for multimodal travelers: People who want to have a first or last mile on a bike after sitting on the MRT or bus, or folding it into a car when the battery runs low.
In short: This e-bike thrives on options.
The Popcycle Friend E-Bike is for anyone who believes urban mobility can–and should–be joyful.
Verdict: The Popcycle Friend E-bike Can Get You to Places In More Ways Than One
The Friend redefines what “range” means. Beyond distance, it provides the range of possibility you get on a bike that’s meant for urban life. The trifold design is the real game-changer, turning city travel into a more fluid experience.
As this urban jungle is built around cars that get stuck in traffic, this little e-bike reminds us that freedom “unfolds” on two wheels.
At its heart, the Friend is built to fit your life.
If you’re looking for an e-bike that blends convenience, practicality, and everyday reliability, the Popcycle Friend e-bike is well worth considering. Price starts at P65,000 in three colorways, exclusively at Popcycle.
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Other e-bikes I reviewed for Popcycle:
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