Looking for an e-bike that fits into my daily routine can be difficult because I want something relatively light, foldable, and can still act like a steady workhorse.
Most importantly, I want something that still feels like a manual bike.
So when I got my hands on the Fiido D11 from Popcycle, it felt like a match made in e-bike heaven. From around-the-corner errands to long-ish rides across Metro Manila, the D11 easily fits the bill as my ideal urban e-bike.
Disclaimer: Popcycle was kind enough to lend me the Fiido D11 for a few days. This is an honest review based on my personal experience, and I was not paid or asked to say anything specific in return.
Technical Specifications
The Fiido D11 features a 250W rear hub motor paired with a 36V 11.6Ah removable battery cleverly hidden inside the seatpost. It’s a 7-speed e-bike using Shimano Tourney components and sports mechanical disc brakes.
The bike weighs around 18kg with the battery installed. The 20-inch wheels offer a balance between portability and ride comfort, while the aluminum alloy frame keeps things relatively light.
Fiido claims a range of up to 100km with pedal assist (Eco mode), though real-world mileage may vary based on the chosen PAS mode, terrain, tire pressure, and rider weight.
FYI: I’ve ridden the D11 at speeds up to 32kph in mostly flat terrain and biked distances up to 40km.
Folding Mechanism
The folding design of the Fiido D11 is compact and intuitive, though it takes a bit of practice to get smooth with it. The frame folds in half, the stem collapses downward, and the seatpost slides down and doubles as a stand or stabilizer that protects the drivetrain from damage. You can keep the stem upright and wheel it around like a trolley, which makes moving it indoors a bit easier.
It has no dedicated carrying handle though, so if you need to bring it up a bunch of stairs and there’s no elevator in sight, it can be a challenge. I haven’t done it myself, but I think one workaround is to wrap a strong bungee cord around the frame to keep it together when you need to carry it. If I need to carry it up a few steps, I keep the bike unfolded.
Completely folded, the bike fits into small spaces like under desks, in closets, or even inside larger car trunks. However, it’s not a light e-foldie; lifting it, especially with the battery inserted, may be hard for some users.
Still, for a folding e-bike with decent range, the Fiido D11 is honestly quite practical.
Battery & Power Management
The Fiido D11’s seatpost-integrated battery performs reliably in real-world use. When I went from Makati to Brew J Cafe in Marikina and back, I started with a little more than three bars and returned home with just one left—impressive, as it was on Sports mode all throughout.
I did notice that if it gets too hot out or if you do most of your errands in the afternoon, on top of using faster pedal assist modes like Sports and Turbo, the battery depletes faster than usual. So it’s best to trickle-charge twice or thrice a week (2-3 hours) to have enough juice for daily commutes.
Charging is quick and hassle-free; I simply plug it in while the battery is still clamped to the frame. A full charge takes around 8 hours.
Riding Experience
The D11 is such a joy to ride. I’ve said this to some friends who are interested in getting e-bikes: Mas naeengganyo ako mag-bike with this e-bike to the point I’ll even use it to go to places that are less than a kilometer away.
Why? The Pedal Assist System is incredibly efficient.
I sometimes forget that the thumb throttle exists (or mistake it for a shifter) because the D11’s Sports and Turbo modes are more than enough to safely speed through Manila’s streets. And when I do use the throttle, I quickly switch back to pedaling.
In short, the PAS is enough to get you to places faster while still giving you that feeling that you’re cycling. This is a dealbreaker for me: As someone who’s steeped into traditional cycling, I want an e-bike that still lets me pedal. I only need to shift down to an easier gear when I go up slopes or steep streets then let the pedal assist work its magic.
But for those who don’t want to put so much effort making ahon, the throttle will be your best friend.
The stock saddle is comfortable even at long distances. I’ve ridden more than 18km each way from Makati to Marikina and didn’t have the need to constantly adjust myself, especially when I found the right height for the seatpost in relation to my body and contact points. I haven’t ached yet from riding the D11, so I guess my DIY bike fit worked!
Also, the bike is IP54 waterproof. I used it during two rainy days in Makati without any issues, which adds to my peace of mind. I just have to remember that I need to do a general wipe down to prevent rust and grime from accumulating around the drivetrain.
But even with its efficiency on the road, the D11 does come with a few minor, but easily solvable, setbacks. The first one is that its mechanical disc brakes have a strong initial bite, which can be a bit jarring if you’re not used to it.
This isn’t a huge problem for experienced riders on both manual and electric bikes, but it’s best to ease into your stops and start braking a little earlier than usual, especially at higher speeds.
Another miss is its weak front light. You’ll need to get an additional light (like a Gaciron). If you rarely ride at night, it shouldn’t be an issue; though it’s good to be always prepared.
After riding nearly 100km with the Fiido D11, I can safely say it can replace my Traction Gritt as my daily commuter, as long as I install a better front light and a rear rack to make it more functional.
Who It’s For
The Fiido D11 is a great fit for urban commuters looking for a lightweight, foldable alternative to manual bikes, without sacrificing the “bike” part. It’s also ideal for people with mobility concerns as the e-bike has an ace of a thumb throttle.
Get the D11 for short to medium daily commutes and errands, and even casual rides up to 50km on a single charge.
However, those needing to cover more miles consisently may want to either bring the charger along, or explore e-bikes with larger batteries and sturdier frames, such as the Fiido T1 Pro and T2, and the C11 Pro.
Verdict: The Fiido D11 Puts the “Bike” in e-Bike
The Fiido D11 stands out by preserving the cycling experience while giving you a boost when you need it. Its pedal assist is responsive and efficient, encouraging you to pedal more.
While it has some quirks, like the lack of a carrying handle and a slightly abrupt braking feel, its range and riding experience make it a dependable tool for city commuting. Overall, it’s a lightweight, stylish e-foldie that’s fun to ride.
At a P45,000 price point, the Fiido D11 is an easy recommendation for the bike commuter who wants to ride further and with less effort, without giving up the joy of cycling.
Follow Popcycle on social media and visit their website today!
Visit their stores in:
(Soon to open) Greenhills
Other e-bikes I reviewed for Popcycle:
Leave a Reply