E-Scooter are currently very popular, therefore they also get a lot of bad press. Further they are illegal in some countries. So could folding e-bikes be an alternative to e-scooters? Which one is better in which situation?
I tried to come up with pros and cons using the example of FIIDO D2 and Xiaomi Scooter Pro. I use my Xiaomi Scooter Pro for my daily commute to work but I was thinking of replacing it with the FIIDO D2 folding e-bike. Here’s a comparison of them. Since there are many FIIDO versions you can find a comparison of FIIDO D1 vs FIIDO D2 vs FIIDO D3 at the bottom of this article and why I chose D2 for the comparison.
Folding e-Bike vs e-Scooter
To me it seemed FIIDO D2 provides the best offer. It offers larger tires and suspension, which should contribute to a more comfortable ride. Being foldable is definitely a puls (at least for me) to store it within your flat or office. So that’s why I chose this one to compare it to my current choice of commute – the Xiaomi Scooter Pro.
FIIDO D2 vs Xiaomi Scooter Pro
[pricing_table separate_columns=”no”]
[pricing_column title=”FIIDO D2” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range (autonomy): 40 km (25 mi)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 19 kg (42 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 120 kg (265 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 5 h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 250W
rear wheel drive[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 16″[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake front: mechanical (disc)
brake rear: mechanical (disc)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 30%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer]486 USD
(from EU warehouse)[/pricing_footer]
[/pricing_column]
[pricing_column title=”Xiaomi Scooter Pro” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range: 45 km (28 mi)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 14,2 kg (31.3 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 100 kg (220 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 8,5 h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 300W (600W peak)
front wheel drive[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 8,5″ air tube tires[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: no[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake front: electrical
brake rear: mechanical (disc)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 20%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer]539 USD
(from EU warehouse)
[/pricing_footer]
[/pricing_column]
[/pricing_table]
Comparison Review
There are a few similarities: you can ride at about the same max. speed (25km/h) for about the same range. This is of course only true for electric power. You can achieve a higher speed and wider range when you use FIIDO D2 pedal assisted! There are is a seat available for Xiaomi M365, but I think sitting on the e-bike provides a better driving experience. Also because of the suspension that is offered on FIIDO D2. If you are worried about the legal situation of a scooter, I think you are going “under the radar” if you are sitting on a bike.
I do expect a bit slower acceleration on the FIIDO e-bike since it provides less power than the Xiaomi Scooter Pro and further has to deal with a higher weight. This of course is only true for the electric only acceleration. Of course you can support it by pedalling.
That’s my first impression without testing the FIIDO e-bike, which I hope I can do soon. If you want to read a field test of Xiaomi Scooter Pro, check out my comparison review with the older Xiaomi M365 version: Xiaomi M365 vs Xiaomi Scooter Pro.
Field Test
Paul, a friend of mine, already did an extensive YouTube review of FIIDO D2. He is also riding his Xiaomi scooter, so I asked him about his opinion when comparing them. Here are his statements on both products, if you have further questions, let me know in the comments and I will forward them to him.
[fontawesome icon=”plus-circle” size=”14px” color=”green”] Advantage Xiaomi: The scooter is lighter and and easier to take with you, especially indoors, and therefore more comfortable to charge on the go. You can also easily carry the scooter when folded compared to the bike.
[fontawesome icon=”plus-circle” size=”14px” color=”green”] Advantage FIIDO: For Paul it is much more comfortable to ride FIIDO e-bike rather than a scooter as you can sit down. It also feels much safer as you have two large wheels and two brakes that give you a secure feeling. That is even more important when having to share a road rather than using a bike lane. It has more torque as you can support it with the pedals and a wider range as you can also operate with with human power as well.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6OlexePsjk” autoplay=”no”]
FIIDO D2 (shifting)
The FIIDO D2 uses an aluminum alloy frame that is, as mentioned, foldable from 130 x 40 x 110 cm to 75 x 35 x 65 cm for storage. The 19.5 kg heavy bike is available in white or dark grey. Its seat and handlebar is adjustable in size to customise seating position. As mentioned there is a “shifting version” that offers Shimano 6-speed mechanical shifting.
The 250 W brushless motor offers 7.3 Nm of torque. You can reach a max. speed of 25 km/h, of course you can ride faster when pedal assisted. FIIDO D2 offers Bluetooth so you can connect it with your smartphone to display current speed.
Retailer / Price Comparison
FIIDO D2 – shifting
- Banggood:
- Europe Warehouse: n/a
- China Warehouse: 669 USD
- CN Version (CN-Plug)
- 3 weeks shipping
- in stock
- Gearbest:
- TomTop: n/a
FIIDO D2 – non shifting
- Banggood:
- Gearbest:
- TomTop:
- Europe Warehouse (Germany): 635 USD
- EU Version (with EU plug)
- no taxes & customs within Europe
- free shipping within Europe within estimated 1 weeks
- out of stock
- Europe Warehouse (Germany): 635 USD
Xiaomi M365 PRO
- Banggood
- Europe Warehouse (Czech): 519 USD – visit store [fontawesome icon=”thumbs-o-up” size=”14px” color=””] best EU offer
- Coupon Code: BGXMP365PCZ
- 7 day shipping within EU
- no taxes & customs within EU
- in stock
- Aliexpress
- Chinese Warehouse: 538 USD – visit store
- no taxes to EU & USA (see offer for details)
- in stock
Currently out of stock at Geekbuying, Gearbest & TomTop
Need help? I have contacts at Banggood, Gearbest & TomTop who provide me with coupon codes and stock information. If you have troubles with your order, contact me.
Shipping times
I ordered my Xiaomi M365 from Gearbest in China and I got it within 3 weeks to Europe. I ordered my Xiaomi Pro from Gearbest EU Warehouse and it received it within 5 days.
FIIDO D1 vs FIIDO D2 vs FIIDO D3
There are three different FIIDO e-bikes available: D1 – D2 – D3. And there are even some sub versions: FIIDO D1 is available with 2 different battery sizes. FIIDO D2 is available as “shifting version” with a 6 speed mechanical shift and one version without. Here’s an overview:
[pricing_table separate_columns=”no”]
[pricing_column title=”FIIDO D1
(7.8 Ah)” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 25 km/h (15 mph)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range (autonomy): 40 km (25 mi)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 17.5 kg (39 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 110 kg (245 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]folding: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]battery: 7.8 Ah[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 5 h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 250W[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 14″[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: no[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake: disc brakes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 30%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer][/pricing_footer]
[/pricing_column]
[pricing_column title=”FIIDO D1
(10.4 Ah)” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 25 km/h (15 mph)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range (autonomy): 40 km (25 mi)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 17.5 kg (39 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 110 kg (245 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]folding: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]battery: 10.4 Ah[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 7 h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 250W[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 14″[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: no[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake: disc brakes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 30%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer][/pricing_footer]
[/pricing_column]
[pricing_column title=”FIIDO D2
2 Versions ” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 25 km/h (15 mph)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range (autonomy): 40 km (25 mi)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 19 kg (42 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 120 kg (265 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]folding: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]battery: 7.8 Ah[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 5 h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 250W[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 16″[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake: disc brakes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 30%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer][/pricing_footer]
[/pricing_column]
[pricing_column title=”FIIDO D3
– ” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 25 km/h (15 mph)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range (autonomy): 40 km (25 mi)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 19 kg (42 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 120 kg (265 lbs)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]folding: no[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]battery: 7.8 Ah[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 5 h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 250W[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 14″[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: no[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake: disc brakes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 30%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer][/pricing_footer]
[/pricing_column]
[/pricing_table]
Comparison of FIIDO e-bikes
Basically all mentioned FIIDO bikes offer an aluminum alloy frame with 250W motor power. All of them offer a maximum speed of 25 km/h and can be operated in “pedal mode” just with human power; “electric mode” just with the power of the motor or in “moped mode” a mixture of both. They offer disk brakes on front and back wheel and are equipped with LED lights and display. There are minor differences regarding maximum payload. What differs them is the battery capacity (e.g. there are two versions of D1 with different batteries) resulting in different range and weight. The major differences are: FIIDO D3 is not foldable. FIIDO D2 offers suspension and larger wheels. Again there are two versions: shifting and non-shifting.
Price Comparison:
Europe Warehouse deals are shipped within Europe with no additional taxes & customs within 1 week.
FIIDO D1 – 7.8 Ah
FIIDO D1 – 10.4 Ah
FIIDO D2 – shifting
FIIDO D2 – non shifting
FIIDO D3
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