Bicycles

Fiido X folding ebike rocks smooth lines and 130 km of range

Fiido X folding ebike rocks smooth lines and 130 km of range
The Fiido X and X Lite feature a brushless geared motor for a top speed of up to 25 km/h
The Fiido X and X Lite feature a brushless geared motor for a top speed of up to 25 km/h
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The hinge mechanism has been hidden inside the frame, with only the hinge lock interrupting the smooth lines
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The hinge mechanism has been hidden inside the frame, with only the hinge lock interrupting the smooth lines
The rear LED light is integrated into the frame
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The rear LED light is integrated into the frame
The magnesium allow frame is reported to weigh in at just 3 kg
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The magnesium allow frame is reported to weigh in at just 3 kg
The Fiido X offers a per-charge range of 130 km, while the X Lite can roll for 60 km
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The Fiido X offers a per-charge range of 130 km, while the X Lite can roll for 60 km
The Fiido X and X Lite feature a brushless geared motor for a top speed of up to 25 km/h
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The Fiido X and X Lite feature a brushless geared motor for a top speed of up to 25 km/h
The Fiido X and X Lite ride on 20-inch CST tires, come with a geared hub motor and Shimano 7-speed derailleur, and promise more responsive pedal-assist courtesy of the included torque sensor
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The Fiido X and X Lite ride on 20-inch CST tires, come with a geared hub motor and Shimano 7-speed derailleur, and promise more responsive pedal-assist courtesy of the included torque sensor
The Fiido X and X Lite ebikes each fold down to 84 x 40 x 59 cm for between-ride transport ease
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The Fiido X and X Lite ebikes each fold down to 84 x 40 x 59 cm for between-ride transport ease
The seatpost battery features a rail power system to enable flexible height adjustment
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The seatpost battery features a rail power system to enable flexible height adjustment
The LED front light is integrated into the magnesium alloy frame
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The LED front light is integrated into the magnesium alloy frame
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There's no denying that hauling a folding ebike on public transport is a much easier proposition than traveling with a full-sized model. The latest fold-down offering from China's Fiido boasts up to 130 km of range, torque sensing, an adjustable seat post battery, and keyless security.

There are actually two flavors of Fiido's latest folding ebike – the X and the X Lite – and the overall design appears quite similar to last year's D11. But there are a few notable differences.

The magnesium allow frame is reported to weigh in at just 3 kg
The magnesium allow frame is reported to weigh in at just 3 kg

The X flavors have much in common, featuring the same seamless magnesium alloy frame (instead the aviation-grade aluminum alloy frame on the D11) that tips the scales at just 3 kg (6.6 lb). The folding mechanism has been hidden inside the frame too, and cables are routed internally to preserve the clean lines. In ride-ready mode, the ebikes rock 150 x 58 x 100 cm (59 x 22.8 x 39.3 in) dimensions, but fold down to 84 x 40 x 59 cm (33 x 15.7 x 23.2 in) for between-ride transport.

They each come with a brushless geared motor for 40 Nm (29.5 lb.ft) of torque and 25 km/h (15.5-mph) top speed, a torque sensor system that responds to rider input for the promise of a more responsive assisted ride, and a Shimano 7-speed derailleur for ride flexibility. And rather than run a cable up to a seatpost light or bolt a front light onto the frame, like with the D11, the LED lighting for the new model has been integrated in the frame.

If you have problems remembering to take keys along to unlock your ride, the Fiido X comes with a keypad smart code lock for security, and a mobile app is in development that will offer a social element to the Fiido experience, as well as allow for real-time ebike monitoring. Elsewhere there's a LCD display with built-in USB charging port, the folding ebikes roll on 20-inch CST tires, and a kickstand is included.

The Fiido X and X Lite ebikes each fold down to 84 x 40 x 59 cm for between-ride transport ease
The Fiido X and X Lite ebikes each fold down to 84 x 40 x 59 cm for between-ride transport ease

The Fiido X comes with hydraulic disc braking and a 36-V/11.6-Ah seatpost battery for a per-charge pedal-assist range of 130 km (80 miles), with power rails down the back allowing for flexibility in seat height adjustment. The X Lite doesn't benefit from hydraulic brakes, and has a less capable 36-V/5.8-Ah seatpost battery for up to 60 km (37 miles) of range.

As with previous ebike launches from the company, Fiido will be making a production bid on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo from July 13. Pre-sale levels for the Fiido X will start at US$1,099, while the X Lite will start at $899. By way of comparison, pricing for the G4 range from folding ebike veterans Gocycle starts at $3,999. The video below has more.

Fiido X: The Future Starts Here

Update April 13: Fiido received a report of a serious frame fault on April 3, and subsequently tested and confirmed the fault in the lab. The company stopped selling new models and advised existing owners to stop riding their Fiido X ebikes immediately.

Now a product recall notice has been issued, full details can be found at the end of our Fiido X review.

Source: Fiido

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2 comments
2 comments
Uncle Anonymous
The two things that would prevent me from buying one of these are the starting price of $3,999 and that these ebikes are Chinesium. Chinese manufacturing brings up the spectre of embellishment in their specs and issues of quality control.
Adrian Akau
This e-bike is designed for level roads. It will not work well for hills as the torque assist is low and the battery is very small. The motor power is not given but it probably is around 250 watts or less, given the stated range.