Far from bursting, the e-bike bubble has just gotten more interesting. As demand for motor-assisted bicycles continues to soar and various makers strive to beat the competition, we're entering a new stage in the so-called e-bike revolution – one that brings improved performance, higher-quality materials, better tech, and higher affordability.
Today, e-bikes are a fixture in most large cities, where adoption is higher because of their appeal as daily commuters that bring about more convenience, more time efficiency, and a more fun way of spending the minutes or even hours of the commute than being stuck in traffic, reading a book or cursing rush hour.
The appeal of these motor-assisted two-wheelers extends beyond that, though, to include better sustainability cred, health benefits, and, through accompanying tech, a sense of belonging to a wider community. With soaring demand came a higher diversity of models and, with that last one, more affordable price points. But that was just the beginning, it would seem.
Right now, we're at a point where mid-level bike makers are turning to better materials and higher-quality components to create e-bikes that are higher performance, better looking, more reliable, and overall improved. Fiido is a good example in this sense, having just launched the Fiido Air, a carbon-fiber e-bike that's vying for the title of the world's lightest e-bike.
Photo: Fiido
The Fiido Air Carbon Fiber Electric Bike, which is the full name it goes by, or Fiido Air for short, is a sleek, minimalist, and tech-packed e-bike – and the latest addition to Fiido's already impressive lineup. According to the company, it's the direct result of costumer request for a lighter-weight machine, one that would do away with the number one issue of most e-bikes: the extra weight brought on by the motor and battery.
The Air tips the scales at a little over 13 kg (29 lbs) because it uses carbon fiber extensively in critical components. The seatpost, handlebar, diamond frame, and fork are made of carbon composite, offering unprecedented weight reduction compared to aluminum alloy e-bikes.
Another way in which the Fiido Air shaves off excess weight is by getting rid of all the "unnecessary" features, including fenders, a kickstand, a bell, a multi-speed drivetrain, or even the bike's main display. This creates a sleek, minimalist and, according to Fiido, most elegant machine that stands out in every way you can think of.
Photo: Fiido
Because Fiido also offers a companion app and a companion smartwatch (the Mate S3 we reviewed a while back), either one of these can substitute for the main display that's been removed from the cockpit. Either allows access to riding stats and settings, and the watch can do double duty as odo and speedometer.
The Fiido Air can also be operated by means of fingerprint sensor, which is another Fiido first. The Air allows users to lock/unlock the bike and go through the three levels of pedal assist (PAS) with a simple touch of the finger. You won't get a visual of your current speed or distance covered, but presumably, neither will matter that much when you're having this much fun.
The Air is powered by a Mivice 250W motor with 40Nm of torque and a top speed limited electronically at 25 kph/15.5 mph and unlockable to 30 kph/18.6 mph. There's no torque button or thumb throttle because that, too, falls in the category of "unnecessary" items that would add weight and visual clutter.
Photo: Fiido
The battery is a 208.8Wh one, hidden in the frame along with all the wiring and is non-removable for charging. The estimated range for a 3-hour charge cycle is 80 km (55 miles).
Fiido says their testing has revealed 100+-km (62+-mile) ranges for trips done solely in Eco mode (that would be the first PAS, with the lowest level of assist) by riders weighing 75 kg (165 lbs). That said, a range extender is offered as an optional, which can be mounted onto the frame and will double the range. Maximum payload is no more than 120 kg (264 lbs).
Another first with the Air is the use of a Carbon Drive CDN belt instead of the standard chain, ensuring minimal maintenance and a much smoother ride. The motor has a torque sensor, which adapts assistance to the rider's way of riding. Stopping power is provided by Shimano BR-MT410 hydraulic brakes, and the Air comes with integrated front and rear light, so that it's legal to use in traffic.
Photo: Fiido
The spec list also includes Kenda 700*40C tires and a Velo saddle designed for city riding.
Recognized with the 2024 Red Dot Design award, the Fiido Air is currently taking pre-orders, with a super early bird discount of $1,000. Deliveries are scheduled to kick off in August 2024, with a MRSP of $2,799/€2,799, but riders eager to be among the first wave of riders of this new machine can get it for $1,799/€1,799. The Mate smartwatch is included in this discounted price, which, as you may have noticed, is comparable to what you'd pay for a mid-entry non-carbon fiber e-bike. An unbeatable deal, by all means.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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