​CUBE Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540: This stylish folding e-bike is set to become even more affordable in 2027!

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor

CUBE has made just the right tweaks to the new Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540. The 2027 folding e-bike costs 3,199 euros, which is 100 euros less than last year’s Fold Hybrid Comfort 545, which is still available. Nevertheless, the basic technical concept remains virtually unchanged, whilst the frame is significantly sleeker – making it a real bargain. The key point is that CUBE isn’t simply updating the old bike. The manufacturer has improved the folding mechanism, fitted a redesigned carrying handle and integrated the luggage rack more elegantly into the frame. At the same time, the weight has been reduced marginally to 25.5 kilograms.

This could make the Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540 one of the most interesting folding e-bikes in its class. Not because it is particularly light or sporty, but because, even by its own standards, it offers exceptional value for money.

Key facts

• Model: CUBE Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540
• Model year: 2027
• Availability: from December 2026
• Price: 3,199 euros
• Weight: 25.5 kg
• Wheels: 20 inches
• Engine: Bosch Performance Line, 75 Nm
• Control unit: Bosch Purion 200 with integrated display
• Battery: Bosch PowerPack 540 Wh
• Circuit: Shimano Nexus, 5-speed
• Drive: Gates CDC belts
• Brakes: Shimano MT200, hydraulic, 180/180 mm
• Tyres: Schwalbe Motion Super Moto-X, Double Defence, 20 × 2.4 inches
• Frame: Aluminium Superlite
• Frame size: One size
• Height: 1.60 to 1.90 metres
• Facilities: Luggage rack, mudguards, lighting system, centre stand
• Folded dimensions: 810 × 920 × 450 mm
• Max. rider weight: 100 kg

3,199 euros – making it cheaper than its predecessor

This is where the highlight of the new Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540 lies. Only CUBE is asking 3,199 euros for the 2027 model. At first glance, that doesn’t sound like a bargain, but the picture changes immediately when you compare it with its predecessor: the Fold Hybrid Comfort 545 actually costs currently 3,299 euros.

Despite the lower price point, there’s no need to compromise. The spec remains at the same level. Both models feature the Bosch Performance Line motor, a Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gear system, and the low-maintenance belt drive is retained. And as if that weren’t attractive enough, CUBE has given the Fold Hybrid – despite its lower price point – a completely new and, in our opinion, much sleeker frame, optimised the folding mechanism and, to top it all off, reduced the overall weight by a few grams.

Bosch Performance Line meets the 540 Wh battery

In the bottom bracket area of the compact frame, the Bosch Performance Line motor with a maximum torque of 75 Newton-metres. Bosch controls the assistance via the Smart System and the Purion 200 control unit with integrated display. A PowerPack 540 is housed behind the seat tube to store energy.

This means the Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540 offers exactly the kind of drivetrain you’d expect from a high-quality everyday e-bike: powerful assistance when setting off, ample battery life and, thanks to the belt drive, a low-maintenance overall design.

The 540 Wh battery should provide sufficient range for most commuting and everyday use. However, anyone wishing to use the folding e-bike as a touring bike over long distances will probably find the limited gear range a bit of a challenge.

A new take on the folding mechanism

CUBE has done more than just change the design of its 2027 model. The manufacturer describes it as a optimised folding mechanism and an ergonomically redesigned carrying handle. This should make the bike quicker to fold up and more comfortable to carry.

When folded, the Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540 measures, according to CUBE 810 × 920 × 450 millimetres. This means it takes up significantly less space than a traditional e-bike in the boot, the cellar or on public transport.

Fully equipped at no extra cost

CUBE has designed the Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540 specifically for everyday use. Mudguards, lights, a centre stand and an integrated rear luggage rack are all included as standard. The HIC mounting point also allows for the fitting of the brand’s own ACID front luggage rack.

The lighting is also neatly integrated: at the front there is an ACID Front Light PRO-E 80 X-Connect, whilst at the rear there is a rear light integrated into the mudguard.

The Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes feature 180-millimetre discs at the front and rear. This combination is more than adequate for city riding and touring.

One size fits all for heights from 1.60 to 1.90 metres

CUBE continues to rely on a One-size-fits-all approach. The seat post and handlebars can be adjusted to suit different body heights. According to the manufacturer, the Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540 is suitable for riders between 1.60 and 1.90 metres tall.

This makes the bike an attractive option for families or couples who want to share an e-bike. At the same time, however, it is still more difficult to achieve a personalised riding position than on a traditional bike with a range of frame sizes.

When it comes to a folding e-bike, however, it’s not so much perfect ergonomics that matters as straightforward handling in everyday use – and that is precisely what CUBE is aiming for.

Editorial commentary

CUBE combines a tried-and-tested Bosch motor with a large battery, a low-maintenance belt drive, in-hub gears and a full range of everyday features. Added to this is the folding mechanism. The result is not aimed at athletes, but at people who want to use their bike as flexibly as possible: to work in the mornings, to the motorhome at the weekend and for shopping in between.

However, the key issue remains the price. At 3,199 euros, the new Fold Hybrid Deluxe 540 actually costs less than the outgoing Comfort 545.

This creates an unusual situation: the new model doesn’t simply succeed its predecessor at a higher model-year price, but is actually priced below it. At the same time, it features an optimised folding mechanism, a redesigned carrying handle and a newly integrated luggage rack. With this new model, CUBE is once again making a strong statement when it comes to value for money.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plus

• cheaper than the outgoing model, despite its new features
• Bosch Performance Line motor
• 540 Wh battery
• low-maintenance Gates belt drive
• Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub
• optimised folding mechanism
• a more ergonomic carrying handle
• Luggage rack, mudguards and lights as standard
• One size fits all for heights from 1.60 to 1.90 metres
• Smart System with the Bosch eBike Flow app

Minus

• 25.5 kg is still quite a lot for a folding e-bike
• manageable range of translations