I’m new to ebikes.

[B1ll]

Hi,
I bought my daughter an ebike and I was impressed. It took me up a very steep hill on pedal assist 1 and gave me some exercise.
I think that I might plump for a Fiido X or the, yet to be released ADO A20 TXE. The former has been significantly reduced in price but I’m not sure it will be durable with its fancy security code keypad etc; Fiido has had to recall it once. The ADO seems a more substantial bike. The TXE has a torque sensor, which I would prefer. Should I stay away from the Fiido X?
What do you guys think? Thanks.

 

[Bikes4two]

Hi,
I bought my daughter an ebike and I was impressed. It took me up a very steep hill on pedal assist 1 and gave me some exercise.
I think that I might plump for a Fiido X or the, yet to be released ADO A20 TXE. The former has been significantly reduced in price but I’m not sure it will be durable with its fancy security code keypad etc; Fiido has had to recall it once. The ADO seems a more substantial bike. The TXE has a torque sensor, which I would prefer. Should I stay away from the Fiido X?
What do you guys think? Thanks.

I've no experience of Fiido bikes - all I would say is that torque sensing is the way to go, especially if you like to get exercised when riding IMHO. That's not to say that 'cadence' enabled bikes done give you exercise, but the cycling experience is somewhat different.

 

[cyclebuddy]

Even though the Fiido X frame passed testing to all EU standards, the recall was about strengthening the frame further so that it's now twice as strong as European standards require.

Both Fiido D21 and X are torque sensor bikes, the X (according to one member here) having a higher quality branded torque sensor than the generic one fitted to the D21. The other main improvement is that the X also has hydraulic disc brakes rather than mechanical. Fiido have made a good number of improvements to it since its launch.

Personally, I'm not a fan of ADO's. They seem to offer a bigger bang for your buck, but so much seems poor (most notably forks, control system, paint) - it's a welded frame, the X a smooth cast Magnesium Alloy. I'd think both bikes would be quite different to ride.

 

[AndyBike]

ADO A20 TXE.

I love the names they come up with. Anyone know what TXE stands for ? or what the A20 is referring to.

 

[B1ll]

Thank you for your replies. The Fiido X will be my choice soon! Regards, Bill.

Even though the Fiido X frame passed testing to all EU standards, the recall was about strengthening the frame further so that it's now twice as strong as European standards require.

Both Fiido D21 and X are torque sensor bikes, the X (according to one member here) having a higher quality branded torque sensor than the generic one fitted to the D21. The other main improvement is that the X also has hydraulic disc brakes rather than mechanical. Fiido have made a good number of improvements to it since its launch.

Personally, I'm not a fan of ADO's. They seem to offer a bigger bang for your buck, but so much seems poor (most notably forks, control system, paint) - it's a welded frame, the X a smooth cast Magnesium Alloy. I'd think both bikes would be quite different to ride.

Hi, If I got a 350W Ebike, the Fiido X, would the police stop me? Thanks, Bill.

 

[soundwave]

Hi, If I got a 350W Ebike, the Fiido X, would the police stop me? Thanks, Bill.

no plod does not care about these things unless you kill someone.

 

[StuartsProjects]

Hi, If I got a 350W Ebike, the Fiido X, would the police stop me? Thanks, Bill.

Unlikely, but thats not the same as no.

 

[flecc]

Hi, If I got a 350W Ebike, the Fiido X, would the police stop me? Thanks, Bill.

The police are only likely to act if you are involved in an accident, but then the illegal use could cost you points on any driving licence you have and an increase in annual driving insurance prices.
.

 

[B1ll]

Hi, If I got a 350W Ebike, the Fiido X, would the police stop me? Thanks, Bill.

no plod does not care about these things unless you kill someone.

Excellent!! Thanks for your prompt reply. Bill.

 

[B1ll]

We’ll, today I ordered my Fiido X 350W ebike for £1099. By 5pm the price had gone back up to £1609!! Phew!! I’m trying to lose weight and the bike will be the perfect tool to shed the pounds. Does anyone one know the procedure for pressing the buttons to undo the speed limiter on the bike? Regards, Bill.

 

[soundwave]

the 350w one has a top speed of 19.2mph so even if you can get in to the controllers settings you wont get much more speed wise and worse range.

 

[cyclebuddy]

The 350w version does 20mph straight out of the box (it's intended for the US market where 20 is legal). The unlock on the UK version is a combo of brake squeezes and button presses. Fiido will tell you if you ask.

How fast do you want a 20" Wheeled bike to go? 20 is fast enough on my D11!

 

[soundwave]

id be more worried about it snapping in half tbh

 

[B1ll]

Thanks for your comments. You’re all right, especially the warning about breaking the back of my bike. I’ll let you know about my progress. Regards, Bill.

 

[Bonzo Banana]

Even though the Fiido X frame passed testing to all EU standards, the recall was about strengthening the frame further so that it's now twice as strong as European standards require.

Both Fiido D21 and X are torque sensor bikes, the X (according to one member here) having a higher quality branded torque sensor than the generic one fitted to the D21. The other main improvement is that the X also has hydraulic disc brakes rather than mechanical. Fiido have made a good number of improvements to it since its launch.

Personally, I'm not a fan of ADO's. They seem to offer a bigger bang for your buck, but so much seems poor (most notably forks, control system, paint) - it's a welded frame, the X a smooth cast Magnesium Alloy. I'd think both bikes would be quite different to ride.

I think the European standards are variable based on the weight limits of the bike so a bike that claims a 100kg total weight limit wouldn't have to be as strong as a bike that claims 160kg total weight limit. Many performance bicycles have lower weight limits as they are designed to be lower weight bicycles. I think the 160kg total weight limit might be the official recommendation if possible but you can certainly have bikes with much lower weight limits. I would of thought you can have higher weight limits too for cargo bikes etc and whatever weight limit it will be tested to that level plus a generous safety margin above that. Also they do ageing tests on the frame and forks i.e. repeatedly flexed under load for many thousands of times. In China bikes often have a total weight limit of 100kg, in Europe many brands go to 120kg and in the US 160kg is common with a weight limit of 136kg for the rider itself (300lbs) so different brands test to different weight limits under the same certification. Halfords go to 160kg but Decathlon were 100kg and Decathlon also had a lot of recalls where as Halfords have pretty much none but then Halfords bikes are typically a little bit heavier than Decathlon bikes which many weight obsessed cyclists don't like, preferring the slightly lighter Decathlon bikes.

 

[cyclebuddy]

I think the European standards are variable based on the weight limits of the bike so a bike that claims a 100kg total weight limit wouldn't have to be as strong as a bike that claims 160kg total weight limit. Many performance bicycles have lower weight limits as they are designed to be lower weight bicycles. I think the 160kg total weight limit might be the official recommendation if possible but you can certainly have bikes with much lower weight limits. I would of thought you can have higher weight limits too for cargo bikes etc and whatever weight limit it will be tested to that level plus a generous safety margin above that. Also they do ageing tests on the frame and forks i.e. repeatedly flexed under load for many thousands of times. In China bikes often have a total weight limit of 100kg, in Europe many brands go to 120kg and in the US 160kg is common with a weight limit of 136kg for the rider itself (300lbs) so different brands test to different weight limits under the same certification. Halfords go to 160kg but Decathlon were 100kg and Decathlon also had a lot of recalls where as Halfords have pretty much none but then Halfords bikes are typically a little bit heavier than Decathlon bikes which many weight obsessed cyclists don't like, preferring the slightly lighter Decathlon bikes.

The maximum load on the Fiido X is stated to be 120kg. That wasn't the issue here. It was an early production model: The rider was light, the bike had done no more than 50km, and it snapped in two riding smooth paving. I had a brief exchange with the guy whose bike it was after he'd posted his pictures on FB. He didn't seem too concerned, but the FB trolls ensured all-hell broke loose.

To Fiido's credit, they issued an immediate recall and replacement, full refund or alternative model programme for 2900+ bikes. Fiido's statement of their examination of the actual frame revealed this bike had suffered impact damage during shipping, although there was a hint/suggestion that they'd had a (limited) number of other failures occurring from rough riding/other causes.

The frame at the point of failure - at the fold - was perhaps further weakened by Fiido's desire to rebate/recess the folding latch into the frame for sleeker aesthetics, making the frame even thinner at that point. The owners own photos of the failed frame of the cross-section supports that view IMO.

Here's an image of the newly revised v2 frame design... see how the frame now has a bulge at that point to reinforce the strength where previously it was perfectly straight?

 

[Bonzo Banana]

The maximum load on the Fiido X is stated to be 120kg. That wasn't the issue here. It was an early production model: The rider was light, the bike had done no more than 50km, and it snapped in two riding smooth paving. I had a brief exchange with the guy whose bike it was after he'd posted his pictures on FB. He didn't seem too concerned, but the FB trolls ensured all-hell broke loose.

To Fiido's credit, they issued an immediate recall and replacement, full refund or alternative model programme for 2900+ bikes. Fiido's statement of their examination of the actual frame revealed this bike had suffered impact damage during shipping, although there was a hint/suggestion that they'd had a (limited) number of other failures occurring from rough riding/other causes.

The frame at the point of failure - at the fold - was perhaps further weakened by Fiido's desire to rebate/recess the folding latch into the frame for sleeker aesthetics, making the frame even thinner at that point. The owners own photos of the failed frame of the cross-section supports that view IMO.

Here's an image of the newly revised v2 frame design... see how the frame now has a bulge at that point to reinforce the strength where previously it was perfectly straight?

View attachment 49331

I used to be a compliance officer and dealt with many Chinese companies and many products were tested by Chinese test houses or even inhouse testing if large enough company to have those facilities. Even if the test house had CNAS accreditation sometimes it was difficult not to be suspicious and many Chinese companies knew this, so used European test houses where possible to insure their products were viewed more positively so importers etc knew the tests were valid. You would think the original frame design would have been caught out by initial testing if done properly.

Also importers could set their own tolerance. If an ebike was tested successfully at a 120kg load but failed at lets say 150kg after a relatively short time of testing then one importer might set the max load at that 120kg but another might state 100kg to reduce failures etc and extend the useful life of the ebike. I never dealt with bike certs in my job but my company had a site license for BSI and did look at the certification standards on occasion but never had any test reports of bikes to look at. I believe the expected lifespan of a bike was a minimum of 7 years although might be less for performance bicycles (road bikes).

Chinese companies have a reputation as risk takers, they are very cost focused and are always looking to use cheaper components or materials if they can get them. The certification test reports have critical components which they must use in order for the certification to be valid but even so many Chinese companies would try to use inferior components to increase their margin and hope to get away with it. It was always a bit of a battle to keep them focused on delivering the correct product.

 

[B1ll]

Hi Bonzo Banana! Thanks for your information and the effort you’ve put into replying. I’ve no intentions of putting my Fiido X through any off-roaring stresses or jumps, as seen in some videos. I didn’t rush to snap up the price reduction, offered by Vive Scooters, but, after speaking to you guys, I placed my order and the price, afterwards, shot back up to its normal level! That has made my start with an ebike very much better. Regards, Bill.

 

[guerney]

That's interesting - Fiido use DMEGC 18650 cells in the Fiido X

Fiido X Folding Electric Bike With Torque Sensor

Fiido X folding electric commuter bike continues the excellent performance, it has a lighter, more visually striking magnesium frame. Equipped with 36V 11.6AH removable battery that will reach range of 130KM.

www.fiido.com

"performs about the same as the Samsung 35E "

Bench Test Results: DMEGC 29E - 5.8A 2900mAh 18650

These tests below only note my personal ESTIMATED ratings for the batteries I tested at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the...

www.e-cigarette-forum.com

 

[cyclebuddy]

@Bonzo Banana
For the most part, I don't disagree with you.

However, Fiido have demonstrated a measure of honour and integrity that simply doesn't often exist - even with European manufacturers. That's why I bought one.

IMHO, Fiido's failing here - as is common with many manufacturers rushing to introduce a new product to market - is to test to meet the required standard. It's not necessarily exhaustive testing to the point of all failure possibilities. The Fiido X was an Indiegogo launch, with huge pressure to deliver... and with a novel innovative frame that's moved design standards forward.

My own experience with Fiido is that they don't shy from their responsibilities: AFAIK, warranty claims are never disputed. Product specification and manufacturing improvements are constantly being moved forward. And what cost to replace 2900 bikes? That must be crippling financially, but they didn't hesitate to issue a recall and refund/replacement program.

Not only has the Fiido X frame been redesigned to improve strength, Fiido have introduced some 12 other improvements. That's not indicative of a company sitting on their hands.