Spectrum: With the FR 6020, Jeep offers a compact folding e-bike with a hub motor at a very reasonable price of just under 1.800 euros. The vehicle, which is based on 16-inch wheels and a frame made of magnesium alloy, should be of particular interest to commuters who are looking for a companion for the "last mile".
Anyone who regularly uses public transport knows the problem: Only rarely do you have the luxury of getting to your destination directly after getting off the bus or train. These "intermediate routes" often cost a lot of time and nerves and this is exactly where the idea of so-called "last mile mobility" comes in - as a link between bus stop, office or home. The Jeep FR 6020 folding bike wants to be exactly this link, as a compact folding e-bike it is much more flexible and handy than an ordinary e-bike or even a bicycle.
The bike itself is extremely space-saving even when not folded: The small 16-inch wheels are of course primarily responsible for this, but the very compact frame is also a factor. The Jeep folding bike can be placed in the trunk of a regular VW Caddy, for example, ready to drive. The handling in "shuttle mode" is also really pleasingly simple - small elevators, narrow train compartments, stairwells, basement exits: all these potential problem areas on the way to the office or home are much easier to deal with with the Jeep FR 6020 than with one regular e-bike. Even stair steps lose some of their terror, since the well-balanced bike can be carried very well on the strut on the seat tube, even if you will certainly not set any long-distance records at just under 22 kg.
In view of these properties and also the fact that bicycles with wheels smaller than 20 inches can be transported free of charge on most public transport, one almost has to ask oneself whether the folding mechanism is even necessary? Honestly, on a regular commute we never felt the need to use the pivot in the middle of the top tube. Even if it has a robust design and good handling, when it is completely folded the bike is more bulky than more comfortable in terms of handling – despite its smaller dimensions. The weight of well over 20 kg also contributes to this, which is now all the more noticeable that you can no longer roll the e-bike. But: Anyone who regularly transports the Jeep FR 6020 in a normal-sized trunk or takes it with them on camping holidays, for example, will be happy about it.
The way from the train station back home or to work is covered quickly and comfortably with the FR 6020. The quiet hub motor provides reliable support and can also be easily controlled via the very brightly lit display. The battery, which is stowed in the top tube and can be easily removed for charging, has more than enough capacity for use on the "last mile" - even if the approx. 230 Wh for day tours might be a bit tight. Even on bad bike paths or even paved roads, things are going well.
The Jeep FR 6020 shows what "last mile mobility" can mean in everyday life: the time-consuming journeys between the parking lot, the train station, the office or home shrink to just a few moments.
