Originally Posted by
Reddleman
Lateral stability? They’re fine. Modern folders have stiff handleposts, particularly when they’re single piece and not telescopic, and the seatposts are stiff enough to take a heavy saddlebag. Folding bikes are often seen in North America and Europe as being a commuter device for the last mile, but they get used for far more than that, particularly in Asia where apartment life makes them easier to store. Folding bike touring is definitely a thing!
Space constraint reason makes a lot of sense for fold up bicycles to become popular in places like Japan and Manhattan. It is a very practical solution, given that some of them are nearly as reliable as their full size versions.
Fortunately, I do not necessarily have the space problem though my wife does bring up the point of getting rid of at least half of my bicycles so one more car can be parked in our garage, especially during the winter. 😉