Fiido Air E-Bike | Photo Fiido Electric Bike Company
The Fiido Air is one the sleekest and most lightweight electric bikes slated to hit the streets in the coming months— and I’ve been lucky enough to get a sneak peek. Engineered for top efficiency and weight savings, the Air boasts a complete carbon fiber construction and a Gates belt drive. Planning on upgrading your commuter bike or daily rider for the city? Check out this in-depth preview of the Fiido Air ebike that’s now available for pre-order.
Fiido Air Weight – 3o lbs.
If the famed MacBook Air were a bike, this efficient city and commuter model would be it. The hallmark trait— and the obvious reason behind the name— is the bike’s slim weight of just 30 lbs. Beyond simply shaving down the weight, the Air’s silver paint, integrated lights, hidden cables, and sleek belt drive give off a premium feel that’s loaded with features. As a devout Macbook Air user myself, I appreciate this bike’s similar design philosophy that packs so much into a shiny, lightweight package.
Carbon Construction
A big reason behind the Fiido Air’s featherweight specs is its use of carbon fiber nearly everywhere on the bike. The frame, fork, seat post, and handlebar are all made from carbon fiber to save weight compared to aluminum and allow for custom tube shapes. The unique seat tube design and elevated chainstays add a bit of visual spice— those chainstays also enable maintenance or removable of the belt drive without any frame disassembly. The silver paint and internally routed cables achieve an ultra-sleek aesthetic that’s perfect for modern city riding. Fiido recommends this model for riders between 5’6” and 6’4”. The maximum payload including the rider is 265 lbs.
18 MPH Top Speed
The Fiido Air will have a 250W rear hub motor that can reach a top speed of 18 mph. Fiido says the motor will be preset to 15.5 mph but can be easily unlocked to release a bit more pace. There are 3 pedal assist modes that riders can toggle through via the illuminated button on the top tube. It’s a super clean detail that removes the need for a bulky controller on the handlebars and adds some futuristic flair, too. That button also functions as a fingerprint sensor to securely turn on the bike— riders can also unlock the Air using the Fiidor mobile app or the compatible Mate smartwatch.
The rear hub motor uses a torque sensor for improved acceleration and responsiveness, especially compared to standard cadence sensors. The moderate motor pushes out up to 40Nm of torque to make it up hills and steeper gradients. There’s no display on the handlebar to see live metrics or speed but I don’t think future riders will miss that feature— the simple 3-mode button is a sleek and straightforward solution.
Battery Offers 50 Miles on Single Charge
The Fiido Air is so streamlined that it’s hard to guess where exactly the bike hides its battery. The 209Wh battery pack is integrated into the downtube and is rated as providing up to 50 miles on a single charge. Fully charging the battery will take around 3 hours and riders who want even more range can purchase a second battery to attach to the frame’s water bottle mounts.
Components
One of the major highlights of the upcoming Fiido Air is the Gates Carbon Drive system, an alternative to traditional chain-driven setups. The advantages of a belt drive include increased durability and longevity, especially considering the additional force on the drivetrain produced by the motor. It’s a silent, single-speed design that requires less maintenance and is ideal for busy commuters and city riders.
There are Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and Kenda 700 x 40c multi-surface tires. Approaching a kind of gravel bike package, these parts will perform well in the city environment and handle inclement weather just fine. Atop the carbon seat post sits a sporty Velo saddle.
Integrated Tech
Fiido has mentioned that the launch of the Air coincides with the brand’s 8th anniversary and it’s only fitting that this new model shows off innovative tech— futuristic design has consistently been Fiido’s trademark in a crowded ebike market. For example, the rear and front lights are neatly built directly into the frame and draw power from the battery so you’ll never be caught without lights at night again. There’s even an external hex wrench mounted to the bottom bracket for on-the-fly tool access. For true techies out there, Fiido sells a smartwatch that’s compatible with their ebikes.
Early-bird Pricing
Fiido is letting ebike enthusiasts know about the upcoming release of the Air model early so they can snag pre-order discounts. The brand is offering the super-early-bird price of $1,799 for pre-orders placed before June 1st and it’s slated to go up by $200 after that. Considering the MSRP is listed at $2,799, hopping onboard ahead of time can offer big savings for riders interested in the Air. The estimated time of shipping is August 2024.
Fiido Air Ebike Pros:
- Lightweight: At 30 lbs, it’s significantly lighter than most e-bikes, making it easier to maneuver and carry.
- Carbon Fiber Construction: This makes the bike strong yet lightweight, and allows for unique tube shapes for a sleek look.
- Belt Drive: Requires less maintenance and is quieter than a chain drive.
- Integrated Tech: Lights are built into the frame, there’s a fingerprint sensor to start the bike, and it can connect to a smartwatch.
- Long Range: The battery is rated for up to 50 miles on a single charge.
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Provide good stopping power in all weather conditions.
- Early-bird Pricing: Pre-ordering offers a significant discount.
Fiido Air Ebike Cons:
- Top Speed: Limited to 18 mph, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- No Display: There’s no handlebar display to show speed or other metrics.
- Single Speed: This bike only has one gear, which may limit its performance on hills.
- Price: Even with the pre-order discount, it’s a relatively expensive e-bike.
Overall Impression
Without getting my feet on the pedals of the Fiido Air, I can’t say much more about this improved city ebike but I’m looking forward to the first test rides soon. Diving into the details of this soon-to-be-released model reveals the huge advancements that have taken place in the ebike space over the past couple of years. Standout features like the carbon frameset, belt drive, and integrated tech make a solid case for the Air being the future of city riding. For commuters and urban cyclists searching for the next big thing, the Fiido Air is taking flight soon!
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