In this MOD City+ 3 e-bike review, I’m looking at a folding electric bike that focuses on everyday practicality. It combines a step-through frame, a torque-sensing motor, hydraulic brakes and a useful snap-on accessory system. MOD also adds a few thoughtful touches, including a color display and Lumos smart helmet integration.
The bike has a 750W geared hub motor producing 69Nm of torque. Its removable 48V, 15Ah battery provides 720Wh of capacity and a claimed range of up to 50 miles. You also get 20-inch tires, a front suspension fork and a suspension seatpost.
Is it still one of the most practical folding electric bikes you can buy in 2026? Let’s find out.
VERDICT: The City+ 3 is a well-equipped folding e-bike with a strong motor, a useful torque sensor and plenty of everyday features. Its snap-on accessories and Lumos helmet integration help it stand out. However, its 69.5lb weight, premium price and limited rear suspension make it less appealing to riders who prioritize portability or value.
At-a-Glance Rating Scorecard
Scores based on the bike’s specifications, features and comparison with similar folding e-bikes.
Build Quality & Frame ████████░░ 8.7/10
Motor & Torque Performance ████████░░ 8.8/10
Battery Life & Range ████████░░ 8.5/10
Comfort & Ride Quality █████████░ 9.0/10
Safety Features ████████░░ 8.5/10
Rider Ergonomics ████████░░ 8.4/10
Smart Tech & Display ████████░░ 8.6/10
Value for Money ████████░░ 8.0/10
OVERALL SCORE: 8.6 / 10 ★★★★★★★★░☆
Who Is This Bike For?
✅ IDEAL FOR
- Riders who want a well-equipped folding e-bike for commuting and everyday errands.
- Anyone who needs removable accessories for carrying groceries, bags or other cargo.
- Commuters who value a torque sensor, hydraulic brakes and a comfortable riding position.
⚠️ NOT IDEAL FOR
- Riders who want a lightweight folding e-bike that’s easy to carry upstairs.
- Anyone shopping on a tight budget, since its price is above many folding competitors.
- Riders who need full suspension for rough trails or frequent off-road riding.
👉 [Check Current Price on MOD BIKES’ Official Website]
MOD City+ 3
Full Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Motor System | 750W Geared Hub Motor |
| Motor Torque | 69 Nm |
| Top Speed | Up to 28 mph, configuration-dependent |
| Battery | 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3 to 6 Hours |
| Claimed Range | Up to 50 Miles |
| Sensor | Torque Sensor |
| Throttle | Optional, depending on class configuration |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels, 5 Riding Modes |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Suspension | 40mm Front Fork and 40mm Suspension Seatpost |
| Drivetrain | Shimano ALTUS 7-Speed |
| Frame Material | 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Step-Through, Foldable |
| Tires | 20″ x 3″ |
| Display | MOD S3 Smart Color Display with USB |
| Headlight | 300-Lumen LED |
| Taillight | Integrated LED with Brake Light |
| Max Payload | 275 lbs |
| Rear Rack Capacity | 70 lbs |
| Bike Weight | Approximately 69.5 lbs with Battery |
| Folded Size | 42″ x 15″ x 26.5″ |
| Rider Height Range | 5’2″ to 6’8″ |
| Accessories | Snap-On System, Lumos Helmet Integration |
| Price | $1,799 Sale Price / $1,999 Regular Price |
Specifications and prices can change. MOD’s speed and throttle options depend on the selected class configuration, so confirm the exact setup before ordering.
Pros & Cons
An honest assessment of what the City+ 3 gets right, and where it makes trade-offs.
Pros
- Large Battery: The 720Wh removable battery has a claimed range of up to 50 miles.
- Powerful Motor: The 750W motor produces 69Nm of torque.
- Torque Sensor: Provides more responsive pedal assistance than a basic cadence sensor.
- Comfortable Setup: A front suspension fork and suspension seatpost help absorb road bumps.
- Snap-On Accessories: Baskets and bags are easy to swap.
- Hydraulic Brakes: Provide dependable stopping power.
- Lumos Helmet Integration: Connects the bike’s lighting controls with a compatible helmet.
Cons
- Premium Price: It costs more than several competing folding e-bikes.
- Configuration Differences: Speed and throttle availability depend on the selected class setup.
- Limited Rear Suspension: It has a suspension seatpost rather than a conventional rear shock.
- Heavy for a Folder: At approximately 69.5lbs with the battery, carrying it is not easy.
MOD City+ 3 E-Bike Review
Design & Build Quality
Frame Architecture
The City+ 3 uses a 6061 aluminum step-through frame with a folding design. Its low step-over height makes mounting easier, while the compact 20-inch wheels help keep the overall package manageable.
The bike folds down to 42″ x 15″ x 26.5″. That’s useful for storage and transport, although its weight means you won’t necessarily want to carry it very far. If you’re comparing other compact options, our roundup of the best folding electric bikes is a good place to start.
Cockpit and Controls
The City+ 3 comes with the MOD S3 Smart Color Display. It shows essential riding information, including speed, battery level, distance and pedal-assist settings. A USB port is also included for charging a phone or another compatible device.
The handlebar setup includes the main control panel, a bell and the riding controls. Depending on the selected configuration, the bike can also include a thumb throttle.
Build Finish and Components
A Shimano ALTUS seven-speed drivetrain handles gear changes. The bike also uses 20″ x 3″ Kenda tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a Selle Royal comfort saddle.
The 40mm suspension seatpost adds another layer of comfort. Combined with the front suspension fork and wide tires, it should help smooth out everyday road imperfections. Our guide to the best suspension seatposts for electric bikes explains why this component can make a difference.
Snap-On Accessories
This is one of the City+ 3’s most practical features. MOD offers a snap-on accessory system that makes it easier to switch between different carrying options.
Available accessories include front and rear baskets, bags and racks, along with options for specific uses such as carrying children or food deliveries. The rear rack has a 70lb load limit, while the bike’s total payload capacity is 275lbs.
For more ideas, browse our list of the best electric bike accessories.
Battery Life & Real-World Range Analysis
HONEST RANGE FIGURE
MOD equips the City+ 3 with a removable 48V, 15Ah battery offering 720Wh of capacity. The manufacturer claims a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge.
That’s a maximum advertised figure, not a guarantee of everyday range. Rider weight, terrain, assist level, speed and throttle use will all affect how far the bike can travel.
The optional dual-battery setup can increase the advertised range to as much as 100 miles. That’s useful for longer rides, although the additional battery adds cost and weight.
Charging takes approximately three to six hours with the supplied charger. For more information, read our guide on how long an electric bike battery lasts and our walkthrough on how to charge an electric bike.
PRO TIP: The City+ 3 offers five riding modes: Fit, Eco, Cargo, Sport and Turbo. Use Eco on flatter routes when range is your priority, and save the higher-power modes for hills or heavier loads.
Motor Performance & On-Road Handling
Torque Sensor in Practice
The City+ 3 uses a 750W geared hub motor producing 69Nm of torque. Its torque sensor measures how hard you pedal and adjusts motor assistance accordingly.
This gives riders a more responsive experience than a basic cadence-sensing system, which generally provides assistance based on whether the pedals are turning. If you want to understand the difference, our guide on how pedal assist systems work explains the main options.
The motor’s 69Nm torque rating should provide useful assistance on hills and when carrying everyday cargo. The five riding modes also give riders more control over how much assistance they use.
Suspension in Practice
The City+ 3 combines a 40mm front suspension fork with a 40mm suspension seatpost. The setup is intended to reduce the impact of potholes, uneven pavement and smaller road obstacles.
It’s important to understand that this isn’t a full-suspension e-bike. MOD’s specifications list no conventional rear shock. The suspension seatpost adds comfort, but it doesn’t provide the same performance as a rear suspension system on rough trails.
Braking Performance
Hydraulic disc brakes provide the stopping power. They’re a welcome feature on a folding e-bike with a powerful motor, particularly when riding in traffic or carrying additional weight.
If you’re comparing brake systems, our guide to mechanical vs. hydraulic disc brakes explains the differences.
On-Road Handling
The City+ 3’s speed and throttle setup depends on the class configuration selected. MOD lists options that can support Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 operation, with different speed and throttle arrangements.
Its compact wheels and folding frame make it suitable for urban commuting, errands and everyday rides. However, the bike’s weight is worth considering if you regularly need to lift it into a vehicle or carry it upstairs.
Our guides to how fast electric bikes go, the best Class 2 electric bikes and the best Class 3 electric bikes provide more context.
Safety Features
The City+ 3 includes several features that support everyday visibility and control:
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Provide reliable stopping power.
- 300-Lumen Headlight: Helps illuminate the road ahead.
- Integrated Taillight: Includes a brake-light function to make braking more visible.
- Lumos Helmet Integration: A compatible helmet can connect with the bike’s lighting controls for turn signals and brake-light synchronization.
- Motor Inhibitors: Help cut motor power when the brakes are applied.
The Lumos integration is a useful extra, especially for riders who regularly commute in traffic. However, the compatible helmet is a separate accessory rather than a standard part of the bike.
Our guide to the best helmets for electric bikes covers other options worth considering.
HONEST CONCERN: The City+ 3 is relatively heavy for a folding bike. Its 69.5lb weight can make lifting and carrying difficult, even though the folding frame helps with storage. Also, MOD does not publish a clear water-resistance rating in the specifications reviewed here. Read our guide on whether you can ride an electric bike in the rain before relying on it for wet-weather commuting.
Smart Security & Anti-Theft
The City+ 3’s Lumos integration focuses on visibility and riding safety, not theft protection. MOD does offer an optional Bike Alarm & Finder accessory, but a built-in GPS tracker should not be assumed to come standard.
I’d still recommend using a quality U-lock whenever you park the bike outside. Its folding design may make indoor storage easier, which is often a better option than leaving an expensive e-bike unattended.
The bike’s price also makes security worth considering. Our guide on why electric bikes are so expensive explains some of the components and features that contribute to their cost.
Head-to-Head Competitor Comparison
| Feature | MOD City+ 3 | RadExpand 5 Plus | Ride1Up Portola 02 |
| Motor | 750W | 750W | 750W |
| Motor Torque | 69 Nm | 64 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Battery | 48V, 720Wh | 48V, 720Wh | 480Wh or 720Wh |
| Claimed Range | Up to 50 miles | Up to 65 miles | Up to 60 miles |
| Sensor Type | Torque Sensor | Torque Sensor | Selectable Torque/Cadence |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| Suspension | Front Fork + Seatpost | 50mm Front Fork | 100mm Front Fork |
| Top Speed | Up to 28 mph, configuration-dependent | Configuration-dependent | Up to 28 mph Pedal Assist |
| Throttle | Configuration-dependent | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | About 69.5 lbs | About 72.5 lbs | About 61–63 lbs |
| Payload | 275 lbs | 315 lbs | 342 lbs |
| Price | $1,799 Sale / $1,999 Regular | Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
The MOD City+ 3 stands out for its torque sensor, snap-on accessories and Lumos helmet integration. Its 69Nm motor also offers more torque than the RadExpand 5 Plus, although the Ride1Up Portola 02 has the strongest torque rating in this comparison.
The Ride1Up Portola 02 is worth considering if you want a lighter folding bike with a higher payload capacity. The RadExpand 5 Plus offers fat tires and a claimed range of up to 65 miles, although it is also heavy.
The City+ 3 makes the most sense if you value its accessory system and specific smart features. If price is your biggest concern, our list of the best electric bikes under $2,000 is worth exploring.
Final Thoughts
The MOD City+ 3 is a well-equipped folding electric bike built around everyday convenience. Its 750W motor, 720Wh battery, torque sensor and snap-on accessories make it a practical option for commuting and errands.
However, it’s not perfect. The 69.5lb weight makes it difficult to carry, and its front suspension fork and suspension seatpost shouldn’t be confused with full suspension. The price is also higher than some competing folding models.
I’d consider the City+ 3 if I wanted a feature-rich folding e-bike and planned to make regular use of its accessory system. Riders who prioritize a lighter frame, a higher payload or a lower price may find better alternatives.
Overall, the MOD City+ 3 earns its place among the more thoughtfully equipped folding e-bikes, but its value depends on how much you need its additional features.