From the moment I hopped on the Fiido X, I could tell this wasn’t your typical e-bike. Its design is impressively compact, which makes commuting feel less like a hassle and more like a lifestyle choice. What stood out most was how stylish the trim frame looked—sleek, modern, and far from the chunky builds that plague many other folding bikes. The hidden hinge in the middle adds to the bike’s simple, uncluttered aesthetic while enhancing its performance with an incredibly smooth ride. In this Fiido X folding electric bike review, I’ll dive into why this electric option might just replace your car for good.
My daily experience with the Fiido X proved it’s not just a sleek folding ebike but also a practical one with a strong range of features for its price. This small-wheeled bike surprises with large tires and disc brakes that help it glide over rougher surfaces. The handling is a bit sharp due to the small wheels, but once you’re used to it, scooting around the city feels effortless. Full mudguards keep you clean and dry, while integrated lights mean fewer accessories to worry about—though a rack bag can block the rear light since it’s set low on the frame. The kickstand adds to easy parking, and the optional rack is ideal for carrying a pannier or backpack, which I’ve used on short grocery runs.
If you’re looking for guidance, Cycling Electric has a solid buyer’s guide for the best folding electric bikes on the market, and the Fiido X is definitely one of them. It is powered silently and smoothly by a rear-wheel hub motor, and charging is entirely risk-free and hassle-free thanks to the locked battery seatpost.. For the money, the specification is hard to beat, even though the security system with its tiny keypad can behave erratically at times. It’s one of those quirks you either adapt to or tolerate.
However, there are a few foibles. The folding-lock design could be easier, especially for those with smaller hands or weaker hands trying to unlock and fold the bike. Removing the rear wheel to fix a flat or change a damaged tire is a lot of faff, especially if you’re stuck roadside. That said, with a 417 Whr battery and some careful management, I’ve gotten through all-day rides and even a week’s worth of consistent city riding on a single charge. For what it offers, it’s a genuinely cracking little ride.
Fiido X
£1,399 (RRP £1,635)
Pros:
The power comes in smooth, making acceleration feel natural whether you’re starting from a stop or climbing a hill.
I love how small the bike is once folded—its size fits neatly into a car trunk or under a desk, which is perfect for commuting.
The integrated lights are bright enough for night rides, and the mudguards do a great job keeping me clean when the roads are wet.
Overall, this delivery of thoughtful features in a compact form has made riding and storing the Fiido X incredibly easy.
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Cons:
The folding mechanism is difficult to operate, especially for individuals with weak hands, and the lock can be challenging to engage.
Its keypad is small and confusing, and the locking software has been quite flaky during use.
I’ve noticed the brake levers are reversed, which takes time to adjust to and may not suit everyone.
Removing the rear wheel is a huge faff, particularly if you’re trying to fix a flat on the go.
Because it’s low-gear, it quickly runs out of speed, especially when pushing hard on open roads.
You need to set the assist level every time you power it up, which becomes a minor annoyance.
Features:
The torque-sensor motor gives a more natural pedaling feel, adjusting power based on how hard you push, which makes every ride smoother and more efficient.
I found the locking removable seatpost battery super practical—it’s easy to charge separately and adds a layer of anti-theft security when parked in public.
The hydraulic disc brakes are sharp and responsive, offering excellent control even on steep descents or in wet conditions.
Specifications:
The 250 Watt rear hub motor delivers enough push for daily commutes without being overly aggressive.
It runs on a DMEGC 417.6Wh battery, which gives a solid range of up to 130 km with good riding habits.
The wheels are built with aluminum alloy and a double-layer rim, and the CST 20×1.95 tyres handle city and light off-road surfaces well.
Its frame uses 20-inch magnesium material and features an integrated, double-hinge, folding design that feels solid and packs away compactly.
Stopping power comes from TEKTRO HM-M275 brakes, while the VELO vacuum full-fit saddle adds long-ride comfort.
The total weight comes in at 19.8 kg, making it manageable for lifting or rolling into storage.
Fiido X: Review
During my time with the Fiido X, I took it on various excursions, not just as a regular shopper bike around town but also across countryside routes involving multiple transport options and light luggage. From tarmac lanes to rough gravel surfaces, the bike held its own. Our tester, Michael Vincent, a seasoned rider with decades of reviewing, repairing, and running cycle clubs and events, truly put it through its paces. As a Bosch, Shimano, and Fazua certified engineer with his own cycle service business, he brought deep insight into the bike’s performance across road, gravel, and MTB settings.
What impressed me most was the fit. The seatpost and seat are adjustable in height, though the handlebars remain a fixed distance. Thanks to the relaxed angle of the battery seatpost, as the seat is raised, it shifts backwards, accommodating the longer arms of taller people. I had several friends and family try the bike, and each found a comfortable spot. The position avoids that uncomfortable bent-over feel, allowing your head to stay up and look clearly ahead.
Performance
When I was reviewing the Fiido X, I was surprised by how quiet and stable the ride felt, even for a small-wheeled and folding bike. The bike’s torque sensor in the bottom bracket delivers power naturally, without that awkward stop-start feel you get from a basic cadence sensor. There’s no throttle or walk assist, so you rely on the pedals for movement, which isn’t a problem on a small bike not made for passengers or heavy cargo. Its long wheelbase and extended fork rake contribute to confidence when downhill riding — I’ve even taken it to 35MPH without feeling unsafe.
The 52T chainring and assist limit of 15.5MPH work well for general commuting, but I did notice the bike quickly runs out of speed if you want more top-end output. In fact, some folks in Fiido groups are already upgrading to larger chainrings for a more aggressive, pedal-powered experience. Braking, however, is strong thanks to its hydraulic system, but the rear brake and back brake come set up for right-hand side use, which doesn’t match UK standard setups where the rear brake should be on the left.
To correct this, you’ll need to disconnect the brake lines, flip the levers, and replace parts like barbs and olives, which is no small task. The lever design features a reservoir at the top, so a simple swap isn’t possible. A good bike shop should handle it for around £50.
Related: What Is a Bike Hub?
Useability
Using the Fiido X daily gave me a chance to understand just how much thought went into the design—though not all of it works perfectly. The process of turning the bike on involves pressing a power button on the battery under the saddle, then a long press on the controller, entering a 6-digit code, and confirming again with the button. This may sound fine in theory, but the keypad is small, and for those with limited dexterity or weaker eyesight, it can be frustrating. And sometimes, even after following the steps, the bike stays non-functioning—which can be a real issue if you’re in a rush.
The security software is, frankly, poorly-designed. While Fiido claims it’s a theft deterrent, it doesn’t lock the rear wheel or frame, so you’ll still need a proper battery key lock or external frame lock for peace of mind. Without the code, the bike won’t power on, but a determined thief could still walk off with it. In this regard, the added complexity feels like overkill, especially when you’re just trying to lend the bike to a friend, which often results in needing to provide remote support.
Folding the Fiido X is modeled after a Brompton, with the handlebar folding alongside the front wheel, and the frame folding at the joint, held in place by a magnetic latch. The grub screw that adjusts the force needed to open the latch once fell out on me—thankfully, onto a clean floor where I could re-fit it using Loc-Tite. Still, the joint design needs improvement, as getting the latch just right between tight and functional requires careful adjustment.
When folded, the seatpost battery drops to form a third support leg, letting the bike rest beside a cafe table, pub bench, or even slide into an estate car. I’ve wheeled it through train stations and office corridors by the saddle, which is handy for longer walks where you’d rather not unfold. Its folding pedals help reduce width, and despite its small profile, it feels solid once unfolded for a ride.
A big issue I faced was dealing with a flat tire. The rear wheel motor cable isn’t connected with weatherproof connectors like most hub-drive ebikes, but instead routes into a hidden control box. This makes removing the rear wheel to fix a puncture a serious faff. To even reach the connection, I had to unscrew hex screws beneath the rear rack—not ideal when stranded on a trail. I now recommend using Slime sealant or even solid tires if you’re planning a longer trip.
At night, the integrated rear light is decently bright, but it’s mounted low on the rear rack and easily blocked. The front light is fixed to the frame, so it doesn’t light up corners on dark roads. It’s fine for legal compliance, but for proper visibility, especially on narrow city turns or countryside paths, I’d suggest adding a separate headlamp.
Fiido’s main competition includes the ADO Air 20, priced at £1,199, which lacks full mudguards but comes with a carbon belt drive. It’s clean and low-maintenance but falls short on protection. The estarli e20.7 Comfort at £1,510 has a locking battery seatpost and offers a smaller 259Whr battery but better comfort overall. If assist level memory matters to you, neither model truly solves it—the Fiido X still requires you to press the controller every time to select level 3.
And then there’s Fiido’s own D11, its cheaper cousin, coming in at just £726. It lacks a torque sensor, doesn’t include a battery key lock, and feels more basic with cable disc brakes and a chainring setup that offers less power efficiency. Still, for the distance, it covers the same range and mimics the ride quality well—minus the tech fuss. It’s an attractive option if you’re price-sensitive and don’t mind a little more manual setup.
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Any negatives?
While reviewing the Fiido X, I made sure to look at both the positives and negatives. Some things stood out—like the inconsistent software, which can make using the bike feel unreliable at times. Another issue is the flat rear tyre, which takes real effort to fix because there’s no in-line connector at the motor for a quick release. The rear light is placed too low for safety, especially at night, and for compliance with the law, you’ll probably want a clip-on light or to mount another up on the seatpost—like they do on the D11. The brakes are reversed from UK standards, which can be confusing if you’re used to the rear brake being on the left.
The folding lock also needs refinement. Its actuation demands too much clamping force, making it tricky for some riders. If Fiido were to swap the keypad for a key lock, add a connector for the motor, relocate the rear light, and adjust the latch mechanism, the X would shift from a good bike to a truly great one. It’s close—just a few tweaks away from becoming an easy recommendation.
Related: Do Bikes Have Weight Limits?
Final verdict
After a solid three months of test rides, it’s clear the Fiido X is a good all-round bike that punches well above its £1,181 price tag. Though it lists at £1,635, it’s always been on sale, roughly £450 off—a clear strategy by Fiido to keep interest high. For the money, you get a sleek design that looks great, folds down quickly, and delivers the kind of feature set you’d expect in far more expensive models. It rides comfortably and does most things right for city commuting or casual weekend use.
That said, it’s worth going into the purchase with open eyes. The brakes come reversed, which may require adjustment. The keypad can be a bit of a faff, and you’ll want to throw some Slime in the back tire just in case. Also, a quick checkover of small fittings—including a test for Loctite—is a smart idea before your first ride. Not as much as I had thought; I got to know the Fiido support team well. They were helpful when I needed them to be. Overall, this review leaves me feeling like this is a high-quality choice, especially if you’re willing to overlook a few quirks for the value.
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FAQs
Can the Fiido X carry luggage?
Indeed, a trunk bag is available, and it easily accommodates standard panniers as well.
Is the Fiido X OK for larger riders?
Yes, the seatpost is great for bigger riders and can hold up to 120 kg of rider weight.
Is the X easy to maintain?
But remember that taking off the back wheel can be hard, so you should put Slime on your tires just in case.
