Dahon Folding Bikes

Founded: 1982
Country: United States (California)
Range: Folding bikes and electric folding bikes
Price segment: Mid-to-high price range
Reputation: World leader in folding bike technology, known for innovative, compact designs that prioritize portability, eco-friendliness, and performance.
Appearance: Sleek, compact designs that fold easily for storage and transport, with a focus on minimalism and modern engineering.
Overall quality: High-quality materials, including aluminum and carbon frames, offering long-term durability with advanced folding mechanisms.
Durability: Strong focus on robust construction, with patented technologies like the Deltec system for enhanced frame strength.
Customer service: Good, with a focus on dealer-based support for warranty claims and comprehensive product information available online.

Who or What is Dahon ?

Dahon is a pioneering bicycle company founded in 1982 by Dr. David Hon, a physicist who shifted from a career in aerospace technology to focus on green transportation. American, based in California, Dahon specializes in folding bicycles, which are designed to offer sustainable, portable, and efficient urban transportation solutions.

The company’s mission is rooted in providing environmentally friendly mobility while maintaining high performance and user convenience. Dahon has become the world’s largest manufacturer of folding bikes, with a global presence and a reputation for innovation. Over the years, Dahon has developed more than 300 patents related to folding bike technology, continuously enhancing the portability and functionality of their products.

What Makes Dahon Good or Unique?

Dahon’s unique selling points (USPs) lie in their pioneering technology and expertise in folding mechanisms. Their bikes are renowned for being compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store, particularly in urban environments where space is limited.

Dahon has consistently led the market with advanced folding designs, such as their patented ViseGrip hinge and Deltec technology, which improves frame strength without adding weight. Another key USP is their emphasis on sustainability—Dahon bikes are designed not only for easy commuting but also to reduce reliance on cars, thus supporting a greener, eco-friendly lifestyle.

The brand also excels at combining portability with high performance, offering electric folding bikes with long-range batteries and robust motors, perfect for modern commuting.

Dahon Bikes of 2025

Dahon specializes in folding bicycles, producing both traditional and electric folding models. Their product lineup includes bikes for urban commuting, leisure rides, and more recently, electric bikes for those who need pedal assistance. Some of their best-known models include the Mariner D8, a non-electric folding bike, and the Unio E20, an electric folding bike equipped with a mid-drive motor for efficient city commuting.

Dahon’s target audience consists primarily of urban commuters, environmentally conscious individuals, and those who require versatile transportation solutions that can be combined with other modes of transit like trains or buses.

Price of Dahon bikes

Dahon’s bikes are typically positioned in the mid to high price range. Their traditional folding bikes, like the Mariner D8, are priced between $700 and $1,000, while their electric models, such as the Unio E20 and CURL Ei4, can cost upwards of $2,500 to $3,000 depending on the model and specifications.

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Dahon History

Dahon was founded in 1982 by Dr. David Hon, a physicist who left his career in laser technology to pursue a passion for green transportation. After recognizing the increasing environmental challenges and the dependence on fossil fuels, Dr. Hon invented a compact, foldable bicycle that aimed to provide a sustainable alternative to cars. His vision was revolutionary at the time, and Dahon became a pioneer in folding bicycle technology.

The company gained global recognition for its innovation, becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of folding bikes. Dahon bikes quickly became known for their portability, performance, and ease of use, making them a favorite among urban commuters and environmentally-conscious consumers. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Dahon expanded its operations, filing hundreds of patents, improving its folding mechanisms, and introducing various models to cater to different cycling needs.

By the 2000s, Dahon had solidified its place as a leading brand in the bicycle industry, offering both traditional folding bikes and newer electric models. The brand also focused on enhancing its folding technology, ensuring that bikes were easier to carry, more durable, and increasingly lightweight. Dr. Hon’s continuous drive for innovation, paired with the company’s commitment to green mobility, kept Dahon ahead of competitors.

Despite some challenges, including legal disputes within the company in the early 2010s, Dahon remained a dominant force in the market, always pushing the boundaries of what folding bikes could offer.

Timeline of Dahon Bikes:

1982: Dr. David Hon founds Dahon in California.
1983: The first Dahon folding bike is launched, featuring a revolutionary design compact enough to fit under a train seat.
1988: Dahon starts gaining international attention, leading to rapid growth and distribution across the globe.
1999: Dahon sets a Guinness World Record for being the largest manufacturer of folding bicycles, producing over 500,000 units per year.
2004: The Dahon Flo wins Fortune’s Product of the Year award.
2006: Dahon receives the Fiets RAI Bike of the Year award for its innovative folding designs.
2011: Dahon faces legal challenges involving a split within the company, with family members establishing a competing brand, Tern. The matter is settled in 2013.
2019: Dahon introduces its Deltec technology, enhancing frame strength and performance.
2021: The brand marks its 40th anniversary with continued innovations in electric and folding bike technology.
2023: Dahon introduces new carbon fiber folding models and wins the Gold Award at the China Bicycle Electric Bicycle Design Competition.

News about Dahon Bikes in 2024

In 2024, Dahon has continued to expand its product offerings with a focus on electric folding bikes. One of the key highlights is the launch of the Unio E20, an updated model from its existing lineup that features a mid-drive motor for enhanced torque and a sleek aluminum frame. The Unio E20 has been specifically designed to cater to urban commuters, offering a balance between portability, performance, and sustainability. Its features include a 200W motor, a range of up to 100 km, and improved gear systems, making it a practical option for daily commuters looking for both power and convenience.

In addition, Dahon’s CURL Ei4 model has made waves in the market as one of the most compact and advanced folding e-bikes. Launched at international cycling exhibitions, including Eurobike, the CURL Ei4 has received positive feedback for its ease of folding, its powerful 36V motor, and its versatility for multimodal transportation. Dahon has positioned this model as a solution for riders looking to reduce their reliance on cars while still being able to navigate urban environments efficiently.

Moreover, Dahon has announced plans to introduce new models featuring their proprietary Deltec technology, which further strengthens the bike frame and improves durability while keeping the bikes lightweight and easy to handle. The brand is also set to debut on the Beijing Stock Exchange in 2024, signaling its growing influence and ambition to expand further into international markets.

Dahon Contact and Warranty

Dahon offers a limited warranty that covers bicycle frames, handle posts, and rigid forks for up to 5 years against defects in materials or workmanship. Additionally, non-wear components (excluding parts like tires, tubes, brake pads, and chains) are covered for 2 years. The warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is non-transferable.

For any warranty claim, the bike must be purchased from an authorized Dahon reseller and maintained according to the scheduled maintenance guidelines. Owners are required to perform annual maintenance, and warranty claims must be processed through the original dealer or an authorized reseller.