Most electric bikes are bulky, often weighing 40 to 50 pounds, making them difficult to carry up stairs or mount on bike racks. According to WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam, the Fiido Air, a single-speed pedal-assist ebike from Chinese direct-to-consumer brand Fiido, solves this with a carbon fiber frame and components that bring the total weight to just 30.3 pounds.
Design and Build
The Fiido Air's curved carbon fiber contours and internally routed cables give it a sleek, futuristic appearance. Haslam noted that while some people chuckled at the bike and a child called it 'cool,' he finds it resembles a traditional commuter bike—albeit a supercharged, space-age one. The bike uses a belt-drive system instead of a chain, reducing maintenance, and features pneumatic disc brakes, integrated lights, a fingerprint scanner, and smartphone and smartwatch connectivity via an app.
Performance and Specs
The bike is powered by a 250-watt rear axle motor and a 208.8 Wh battery. Fiido quotes a maximum range of 37.49 miles on a single charge. Haslam reported absolutely loving riding it, calling it the best urban commuter bike he has ridden for a reasonable budget.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30.3 pounds |
| Frame Material | Carbon fiber |
| Motor | 250-watt rear axle |
| Battery | 208.8 Wh |
| Max Range | 37.49 miles |
| Drive System | Belt (no chain) |
| Brakes | Pneumatic disc |
| Special Features | Fingerprint scanner, integrated lights, app, smartwatch |
"I’ve absolutely loved riding it."
Verdict
While Haslam notes there is plenty he would change and the bike won't suit everyone, for urban commuting on a reasonable budget, he has not ridden better. The Fiido Air stands out against heavier models like the $7,850 Brompton T-Line E-Motiq, offering a lightweight alternative for city dwellers who lack garage space or face bike theft risks.
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