Today, I’m talking about F-Wheel’s new electric bike, the DYU D3. It is a mix of its two predecessors, the DYU D1 and D2, and brings its share of improvements, mainly focused on driving comfort. What surprised me the most is above all its autonomy. Is it worth it?
My opinion on the DYU D3 (250W)
A light mini electric bike that you can take everywhere with you. Possibility to pedal when the battery is empty. Adjustable seat. Disc brakes. Quick folding.
Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 37 miles
This new version of the famous DYU folding bike incorporates a concentration of technologies and better autonomy (25 miles). Made of aluminum alloy (light but strong) and equipped with double disc brakes, it is particularly suitable for city or country walks. Its weight of 40 lbs makes it easy to use in bike mode when it has run out of battery.
Why choose the DYU D3?
The DYU D3 is available in 3 colors: red, black and white. Sober and effective colors. Personally, I really liked black so I ordered it with this color and I’m not disappointed! I find that the black gives a “luxury” side to the DYU D3 F-Wheel which fits well with the minimalist aspect of the bike.
The small wheels it has make it very different from the bikes we are used to seeing and this adds a certain elegance to it. The designer of this bike wanted to make it look like a dolphin and it’s quite successful in my opinion.
The F-Wheel DYU D3 is a foldable electric bike which makes it possible to transport it everywhere without worries. It is very thin and also very light: its weight is 4à lbs, so it can be transported easily. It fits very easily in a car trunk.
3 driving modes that adapt to your use
The DYU D3 bike offers the possibility of alternating between 3 driving modes:
- The first mode is the mode pure electricity, it allows you not to have to pedal. The bike turns into a kind of electric scooter. I like this mode a lot because it is not common on electric bikes. After a long day of work, there’s nothing like not having to pedal home! However, it will cause you to lose autonomy: count about 18 miles autonomy with this mode.
- The second mode is driving assistance. It helps the user like all electric bikes. That will increase the range of your bike up to 25 miles. It is activated directly via the LD screen located on the handlebars.
- The third mode is an “unassisted” mode, so you have to pedal to move forward, like on a classic bike. Ideal if you want to do some sport.
According to the manufacturer, the bike can reach 25 miles of autonomy. After several tests, I rather see an average of 22 miles (I weigh 165 lbs). Note that the maximum weight not to be exceeded is 265 lbs.
Small solid wheels and optimized braking
The size of DYU D3 tires is 14 inches. At first I was quite confused about the size but in the end no problem because the manufacturer has focused on the quality of manufacture. They are composed of very resistant rubber to wear, which prevents tires from degrading too quickly.
The design of the tires is made in such a way as to improve the handling of the bicycle in wet weather. I specify that the bike meets the IP65 standard, so it is resistant to water.
The bike is equipped with disc brakes at the front and at the rear which allow to reach a braking distance of 1.8 meters in sunny weather and 2.5 meters in rainy weather. A fairly short braking distance, which reinforces the safety aspect of this electric bike.
Comfort and shock absorbers
The saddle of the bike is not unpleasant. Since it is adjustable over 30 centimeters it prevents us from having the knees bent too much. The saddle is equipped with springs which make the ride smoother and absorb shocks. With several tens of kilometers on my clock on this bike, I haven’t felt any big shocks except when the road is in very bad condition.
Battery and motor
The battery of the DYU D3 electric bike has a capacity of 6Ah/10Ah and it is a lithium battery (the best!). It has the particularity of having a better capacity and a longer life than the average. Count 4 hours to recharge it from 0 to 100%. Which is not enough for its autonomy of 25 miles.
The motor itself is 36V and 250W. I was able to achieve speed of 15.5 mph thanks to pedal assistance. Note that this is in line with European pedelec legislation. The engine has torque and fishing, we climb all the slopes very easily.
The DYU D3 has a mobile app that can be connected via Bluetooth. It allows you to choose the speed you want as well as to have direct information on the bike. It also allows to provide lock the bike remotely with a password that are configured using the application. A feature that I really like.
The on-board computer allows you to see the battery level thanks to bars (which are 4 in number). It also allows you to turn on the lights of the bike, there is one at the front and one at the back. The front light illuminates really well. I was quite surprised by its range. The rear light flashes, so you can be spotted when it’s dark.
The computer also allows you to choose between different speed modes such as: eco, medium and fast. What is present on most electric bikes and which allows you to adapt the speed of your bike.
Conclusion
This mini e-bike is a real good surprise. Far from being a toy, the DYU D3 is a real reliable means of transport on which you can rely even on long distances. Comfort is particularly well studied for such a small bike: everything is adjustable in height to best adapt to the rider’s morphology. I particularly recommend for everyday use in the city.
A light mini electric bike that you can take everywhere with you. Possibility to pedal when the battery is empty. Adjustable seat. Disc brakes. Quick folding.
Budget: $ | Speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 37 miles