Best Bikes for College Students

More and more colleges across the nation are forbidding students from bringing their cars on campus. With no access to your vehicle, you need a reliable mode of transportation. As it turns out, all you need is a good bicycle.

If your college hasn’t restricted your vehicle access, then you may be considering making the more environmental choice of biking to and from class and around campus.

But all of the bike options out there can get so overwhelming. You have to know what different types of bikes there are, how they suit your needs, how big they are, where you can store them, and the list goes on and on.

But that’s where we come in. We’ve taken care of the hardest part for you. We searched the internet for some of the best bikes for college students and compiled a list of our favorites.

Best Overall: Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike

At the top of our list is the Vilano Urbana single-speed folding bike. This affordable bike checks off all of the criteria for the best bike for college students.

The Vilano Urbana is a fantastic beginner bike since it only has one speed and gear. This is perfect for riding around campus since you can’t go too fast. The Urbana’s aluminum frame and compact size make it super lightweight, weighing in at just over 21 pounds.

The Urbana’s lightweight frame isn’t all that makes it special. This bike can fold in half to make it easier to carry and store in your dorm if you choose.

The bike’s wheels are 20 inches tall, and the saddle is fully adjustable and has a weight capacity of 200 pounds, so this bike can comfortably fit a wide range of riders.

The bike comes almost fully assembled in the package, so it’s great for first-time bike owners who have never assembled a bike before.

Best for Beginners: Golden Cycles Single Speed Bike

The Golden Cycles single speed bike is a great choice for college students who are just starting their biking journeys. This lightweight and durable bike is sleek and has high-quality components, making it a solid contender on our list.

This Golden Cycles bike features a lightweight steel frame, and the bike itself weighs in at just 24 pounds. This bike comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 48 cm to 59 cm, so it’s suitable for a wide range of riders. This sleek bike also comes in ten different color options.

While it’s not foldable like some of our other options, it’s lightweight and compact enough to store in your dorm with ease if you choose to.

This single-speed bike is perfect for riding around campus or in urban environments. It can even handle well-traveled trails, compacted gravel, and grass.

Best Electric Bike: Jetson Electric Bike

Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular for bikers all around the world. For college students, we found that the best option is the Jetson electric bike. The Jetson is incredibly affordable compared to other electric bikes and has beneficial features.

The Jetson is a lightweight, aluminum electric bike weighing in at just 34 pounds. The 250W motor helps you accelerate and pedal uphill. This bike is foldable and compact, making it perfect for storing in a dorm room.

This bike features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will last for a span of 15 miles on a single charge, which is perfect for riding around campus or through town. The battery charges fully in five hours.

The Jetson has a maximum speed of 15 mph, so it’s not too fast and great for beginners as well. The seat is adjustable, and the weight capacity is 250 pounds, making the Jetson capable of fitting a wide range of bikers.

Most Versatile: Hiland Road Bike

For college students looking for a bike that will take them around campus but also off-road or racing, this is the bike for you. The Hiland is an affordable, versatile 14-speed road bike that can go from riding around campus to gravel trails with ease.

The Hiland road bike has a lightweight aluminum frame that makes it perfect for riders looking to go fast or uphill with ease. The double caliper brakes and 700c x 25c tires make for a safe ride in any weather and on any terrain.

This bike comes in 3 sizes: 50 cm, 55 cm, and 60 cm. It’s designed to fit riders ranging in height from 5’4” to 6’4”.

Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Bike for College Students

When searching for the best bike to use as a college student, it’s important to keep in mind what criteria your bike will need to meet to benefit you the most. Below are a few things to consider to help you make the best decision possible.

Budget

All of the bikes on our list are affordable options. There are high-end bikes on the market that are very expensive, so it’s imperative to determine your budget before purchasing a bike.

Frame Material

As a college student, you are most likely going to want to look for a lightweight bike. Aluminum bike frames are usually the lightest options. If you’re looking for a sturdier bike, you may want to consider carbon or steel frames.

Size and Foldability

Foldable bikes are increasingly popular since they store comfortably in tight spaces, like a dorm room. If you are going to be storing your bike in your dorm rather than on a bike rack, you should consider the size of the bike. This way the bike doesn’t take up an awkward amount of space in your room.

Final Thoughts

Biking around campus is a great environmentally-friendly alternative to driving. With the rising number of biking college students, it’s crucial to find the bike that will benefit you the most.

You can use this guide to help you determine what the best bike for college students is. But don’t just take our word for it. Purchase a bike today, and try it out for yourself!