Review of the F-Wheel DYU D1 Electric Balance Bike

The DYU D1 is one of the top-selling electric bikes in France. Positioned between an electric bike and an electric scooter, I had the chance to test it during my month-long commute to work.

My Thoughts On the F-Wheel DYU D1

Standing at approximately 35 inches in height and 39 inches in length (once in possession, it’s barely noticeable), the DYU D1 electric bike is truly versatile! It features a highly durable steel frame capable of supporting up to 265 lbs.

The handlebars are equipped with the brake lever, throttle lever, cruise control button, and an onboard computer displaying battery status. In terms of portability, it’s lightweight at only 26.5 lbs, and the handlebars can be folded to conserve space.

Despite its size, this electric bike is designed for adult use. At 5’10” myself, I found it comfortable to use. However, if you’re 6’3” tall, the comfort may be less optimal.

In conclusion, it’s an excellent choice for commutes under 10 miles round trip. Since it offers a range of 10 to 11 miles, recharging is necessary for round trips over 5 miles. Note that it’s approved for road use, and while adult helmets are not mandatory, they are highly recommended.

Its compact size makes storage at work effortless. For trips exceeding 5 miles one way, recharging at the destination is advised to avoid battery depletion. Its lighting enables safe riding during day and night, adding a significant advantage. The wide tires offer excellent grip in wet conditions. However, it’s not suitable for severely damaged dirt roads despite its good shock absorption.

It lacks a battery-saving mode; however, it maintains performance until the last mile, ensuring a smooth ride throughout.

One positive aspect is that the bike arrives almost fully assembled. You only need to unfold the handlebars, attach the footrests, and fit the mudguards. Besides its practicality, this electric bike features a very appealing design. The manufacturer’s attention to detail is evident in the selection of parts and finishes, including the lighting, which I find quite impressive.

Regarding colors, you have the option of black or white, both of which complement the bike’s overall design. The red finish appears to be DYU’s signature touch, echoing the color of its logo.

The handlebar layout includes a small display indicating battery life and the left-side brake lever (which I’ll discuss further in the review). Front and rear mudguards are installed and effectively prevent splashes (I didn’t encounter any stains on my clothing).

Given its compact size, I didn’t anticipate exceptional comfort. However, I was pleasantly surprised because once on the road, it provides a comfortable experience akin to riding a traditional scooter.

The bike maintains stability even at its maximum speed (18 mph). The footrests, positioned like traditional pedals, allow you to comfortably rest your legs.

The F-Wheel DYU D1 electric bike is compact yet sturdy. You feel secure, even during acceleration.

I appreciate the comfort-enhancing feature of the charging connector tailored for French plugs, eliminating concerns about compatibility. Nonetheless, you’ll need to carry the charger with you to connect it to the power source.

Technical Specifications

In this type of vehicle, the battery type and quality, and consequently the range, are critical factors.

During my testing, I achieved a maximum range of 11 miles, with a minimum of 10 miles. This translates to an outing lasting slightly over an hour. The decrease in acceleration power is noticeable only in the last few meters, enabling you to fully utilize the range without limitations.

To recharge the battery, simply open the hatch and connect the supplied cable. The 4400 mAh battery is replaceable with a higher-capacity option (a 10400 mAh model is available). Battery status can be monitored using the DYU D1’s mobile app. The display on the right handlebar indicates the current battery level of your electric bike.

This electric bike is equipped with a 350 W motor, which is quite potent given its size. Initially, during the first few miles of use, you’ll be restricted to a maximum speed of 12 mph until you become accustomed to it. To unlock higher speeds, you’ll need to utilize the DYU app.

When pushed to its maximum capability, it can theoretically achieve a top speed of 18 mph. In my test, I reached speeds of up to 15 mph, unable to exceed this threshold. The achieved speed can be influenced by the rider’s weight (I weigh 154 lbs) and prevailing weather conditions.

Acceleration is smooth and comfortable, devoid of any sensation of backward movement. The motor is positioned within the rear wheel.

The braking system is situated on the left handlebar and exhibits responsive behavior without excessive abruptness. Similar to scooters, activation of the brake lever illuminates the rear light, enhancing safety by signaling to other road users to adjust their speed accordingly.

A feature I particularly value is the speed regulator integrated into the F-Wheel DYU D1 electric bike.

Activation is achieved by pressing the green button located on the right-hand side of the handlebars after adjusting your speed via the throttle. It’s truly enjoyable to maintain a steady pace without having to continuously grip and twist the throttle (which can be uncomfortable during lengthy rides).

Safety is paramount when selecting a mode of transportation for road use. I felt considerably secure during my journeys with this electric bike. The illuminated brake light enhances visibility, alerting other road users to anticipate your braking maneuvers.

The lighting system is well-suited for urban environments, providing adequate visibility for both seeing and being seen. The wheels effectively absorb minor road imperfections, although caution should be exercised to avoid larger potholes.

The accompanying app is compatible with Android and iOS devices, enabling you to oversee the utilization of your electric balance bike.

Through the app, you can

● Monitor the overall condition of your bike;
● Track the battery health and charge status;
● Adjust the maximum speed of the bike;
● Access ride history details, including distance covered and cumulative miles traveled since acquisition.

Conclusion

Initially, I wasn’t overly enthused about the format, but eventually, I discovered numerous admirable qualities! Firstly, its affordability: I must acknowledge that it’s exceptionally budget-friendly compared to competitors in the market. Secondly, this model provides sufficient range to accommodate multiple short trips before requiring recharging.

The speed performance is another highlight for me. It’s well-balanced, ensuring you maintain pace without feeling left behind, and it feels secure once you reach cruising speed (no discomfort or sensation of regression). In summary, the F-Wheel DYU D1 encompasses beauty, comfort, safety, affordability, and ample range, making it a standout choice for electric transportation.

For daily urban commuting, this DYU model would be my top choice in electric balance bikes. It offers excellent value for its range, attractive design, and comfortable ride experience. Notably, it’s important to mention that it lacks pedals, rendering it impossible to pedal once the battery is depleted, although this is not a significant drawback considering its overall performance.