Different countries have different regulations about traveling with a bicycle on public transport. I think it is best to know what is acceptable in your country before you make a decision to carry one on board.
A regular alloy 26″ bicycle can weigh 15kg or less while a 20″ alloy folding bike can weigh between 9kg to 12kg. Which of these weights are manageable for you to carry around?
If you travel with a folding bike, once it is folded, it does not intrude the space of fellow passengers. As the pedals can also be folded you do not have to worry about anyone bumping into them or your handlebar and getting hurt.
You can also get a bag for storing your folding bike before boarding a public transport. That way, you can be assured that it does not get scratched by your own carelessness or by passengers bumping into it.
This folding bike bag comes with a storage bag that you can hang on your handlebar when it is not in use. If you leave the folding bike bag at home, you can use the empty storage bag as a handlebar bag.
This is also a bag for folding bike but with wheels attached. It will be easier for you to move your bike around if you do not intend to ride it after alighting from the public transport.
Here are guideline provided by Rapid KL of what you must look out for when traveling on their trains with a foldable or non bicycle in tow.
Provided you are lucky enough to find a friendly bus driver who is willing to accept a token from you to help, most bus company in Malaysia will not allow you to take bikes onboard their buses. However, if it is a folding bike packed in a bag small enough to store in the bus luggage compartment, the driver will consider it a piece of luggage.
