I am interested in a folding bike. I would love to be able to take it on trips with the family and not have to mess with rack. i am 5'9"

Is there a cheap decent quality folding bike?

i would love to be able to also let my daughter or wife use it. 5'3' and 5'5". any suggestions?

Did you read the FAQ?

Cheap is a relative term, but under $500, you have quite a few options. Personally, I wouldn't bother with anything other than a Tern or Dahon at that price point. My own experience is that going cheaper than those brands is a quality compromise not worth the price difference.

Check out ThorUSA. Thor is a regular poster here and has a nice selection of Terns and Dahons.

Also, if you are not using it for multimodal transportation or have much need to carry it, you can look at some larger wheel sizes (24-26") if that appeals to you.

Also consider whether you need gearing or not. Going single speed will reduce price, weight, and maintenance.

I have a Dahon Speed D7 which is an inexpensive but great all-around bike.

+1 Lots of good info in there.

thanks for the response.

i will go back and reread it as well. I guess i was looking more for people saying watch out for this or make sure you have this feature... but I will read. Thanks

The risk of a question like this is that people tell you why their folding bike is best. Most of us can only really confirm that we have the best solution for our own use. there are pros and cons to all the different wheel sizes, gear systems, frame styles, manufacturers etc. The best advice I can think of is already given above. Don't buy cheaper that Dahon/Tern. These are worth every penny and won't disappoint. And a good folder keeps its value if you find you made the wrong choice. A cheapy is worth nothing.
Hope this helps you a bit.

Check out the Origami Crane 8. It has a wide range of adjustment and should fit all of you. It is light, compact, and loaded with features.

Just going by price alone, is not necessarily the only determining factor in purchasing products. For a number of months, I was leisurely researching & shopping for a folder bike. For my personal criteria, I went for the Crane 8. I am not saying that it is the best but I feel that I made a good value purchase of a folder bicycle with similar quality features of the higher end models. Just to give OP my personal overview about my acquisition of this folder bike:

I am not a hardcore dedicated cyclists like many on this forum. Just general recreational riding on my vintage regular sized bikes... a Trek tourer & Specialized Hard Rock mtb. I do maintain my own bikes being sort of handyman DIY'er. Out of box, Crane 8 components appears to be properly set-up & adjusted ... brakes, derailleurs, shifter, and generally, screws/bolts firm/tight. I found it ready to ride ... just remove all the packing material, unfold and adjust seat & handlebar height with the quick lock release levers.

Not since my youthful child days, have I ridden 20 inch wheel size bikes. Interesting riding again as adult. Adjusted quickly to the slightly different steering feel (compared to regular bikes). Obviously in general, a folding bike of this size would not be as fast moving as larger wheel bikes. I see that Crane 8 uses a bigger sized front chainwheel of 52 teeth, so when pedaling on flats, it does move at reasonably good pace. Its rear cassette has a large sprocket of 34 teeth, so that is helpful in low gearing and works on very gradual, slight to moderate grades. I am accustomed to pedal straps (Trek) and Zefal half clips (my mtb) which assist me in more efficient pedaling. Perhaps, I may custom fabricate some pedal straps for the Crane 8 pedals to maybe help me take-on a bit more of the challenging uphill grades.

For me, the narrow & firm road style seat works. It also looks Streamlined Cool! I ride in somewhat bent over hunch seating position with seat high & handlebars lower, so my body weight not always fully on seat. For upright-style riders, since your weight may be resting more fully on seat, the road style narrow seat might be a bit firm such as on longer rides, however, one can always replace seat or get those gel-filled thick seat covers. Since I am under 6 feet height, I am able to adjust seat height, to my preference of having seat in high position and getting a little bit leg stretch when I pedal. Other's obviously prefer not to have seat in high position. Also, Origami Bicycle Co specifications for Crane 8 bicycle says that this model can accommodate shorter height riders of 4 feet 10 inches.

In past, I have seen in-person some Terns & Dahons models (not rode them). In my layman's generalist cyclist view, these folders appear to have similar overall folding system but some variances in design of hinges and other elements. Crane 8 includes the strong rear rack & water splash protection fenders. So far, I do not much ride in the rain so I may remove fenders for that Sleek & Trim look . If I do ride in wet weather, I will re-attach fenders. It is an aluminum frame like the more expensive folders and so, not too heavy. To my surprise, Crane 8 frame comes with a brazed-on front derailleur mounting tab. For the more advanced folder aficionado who might want to later 'Hot-rod' their folder to 16 Speeds Although as is, the current gearing seems to be good for general riding.

I acquired this folder, as a spare back-up, to more easily carry & store in my vehicle. I do not partake much in airline travel, however, since most public road/ground transportation in my area allow folder bikes as carry-on, that is also my foreseen use. In the bikes folded state, with a long length of nylon webbing strap, looped through frame's main hinge, I've tested carrying it with strap over my neck/shoulder and bike hanging to side of my hip.

Being a newbie folder owner, I have learned a new term here on bike forum ... Multi-modal transportation ... or ... how about Humanoid Multi-modal Transport Unit?!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT work for and NOT associated in any way with Origami Bicycle Company!

NB: in folding bikes what size you, or they are, does not matter.. because they , folding bike factories, only manufacture one size..

Only exception seems to be Bike Friday's Tikit, built to order in Oregon. (small medium large is available)