This time, NiuxTech had the opportunity to test the DUOTTS F26 electric bike, which really surprised with its parameters. Two 750W motors each, a large 48V 17.5Ah battery, a top speed of 50km/h, wide 26" tires. It looks fun on paper, but what about in reality?
DUOTTS F26
Assessment:
What did we like?
What didn't we like?
Unboxing
DUOTTS F26 electric bike arrived from Geekbuying e-store. As usual, shipping from the EU warehouse was fast and without any problems, it took 1 week. until delivered by a courier to the door of the house. The box itself is slightly worn, but without any major damage, everything is okay.
Inside the box we found an electric bike, a manual, a charger, assembly tools and bike accessories. It took us about 20 minutes to assemble, we had to put on the front steering wheel, seat, steering wheel, screw the headlight, pedals, mudguards. And finally, inflate the tires, that's where they came to the rescue Xiaomi electric pump.
Quality
First of all, the beautiful design of the bike catches the eye. The battery is integrated into the frame, the wires are hidden. It was not enough to be completely happy that the controller box was nicely placed in the frame. The manufacturer probably failed to do this because they tried to fit as large a battery as possible. On the other hand, if something were to happen, the controller is easier to reach, and it will be quicker and more convenient to fix it.
As for the quality itself, I have no major complaints. It seems quite solid and solidly assembled. The components are not high-end, but I was pleasantly surprised that the brakes are the same. When conventional mechanical disc drives are standard on this type of bike, hydraulic ones are already installed on this one.
Engines and power
At first, I was quite skeptical about models with 2 motors. Somehow I thought that in reality they could just put a more powerful 1500W motor in the rear wheel and everything would be simpler. When I started driving the DUOTTS F26, I was surprised by its fun acceleration. When only 1 motor is connected, it does not distinguish anything from other similar electric bikes, but when you activate both, you immediately feel the difference and power.
When moving from a place, sometimes even the front wheel spins, and going up steeper hills is also not a problem for this powerhouse. Since I was testing the ENGWE M20 at the same time, the difference was very noticeable, even with one motor connected. DUOTTS F26 has always been ahead, although on paper they are both 750W.
Driving distance
Thick tires, high bike weight (~38kg), dual motors do not create the most optimal conditions for traveling longer distances. Even knowing that a relatively large 48V 17.5Ah battery is hidden under the frame, in real conditions, driving mostly on electricity, I managed to cover about 40km. It was tested with a load of 85 kg, with 2 motors connected, in city conditions.
Other reviewers say that when driving with one motor, it covers a distance of up to 50-60 km, which is really possible, but you have to understand that a lot depends on the weight of the driver and the chosen driving speed, whether it is driven solely on electricity or on its own.
Ride quality
DUOTTS F26 electric bike has front spring shock absorbers, the seat is softer and more comfortable than ENGWE M20. It drives quite comfortably on the city roads. On roads and forest paths, potholes, roots and other irregularities are more noticeable there. Probably also due to the fact that the front wheel is heavier (because of the motor), the vibrations are transmitted even more.
For a softer ride, you can play with the tire pressure a little. But just like with other fat-tire bike models, you don't want to lose mileage. The lower the tire pressure, the lower the efficiency and, accordingly, the faster the battery drains. Therefore, everyone will need to find a golden mean according to their personal needs.
What did we like?
I liked the F26 the most because of its power and acceleration. Two 750W motors do their job perfectly, it will be easy to climb medium and steeper hills. Well, if you want to save the battery more - just press the red button on the steering wheel and choose driving using only the rear motor. The maximum tested speed is about 50 km/h, in city conditions it is not even necessary.
This electric bike looks like a high-end model because of its design. The battery is integrated into the body, hidden wires give more aesthetics. In other words, let's count. Mudguards hold firmly, provide good protection against moisture and dirt. The screen is also bright, colorful, and shows information about speed, distance traveled, and remaining battery.
I personally like the "Half-throttle" option more than when there is a full throttle, because it provides more comfort, more stability while driving. The set also comes with a sturdy trunk, where a child seat or travel bags can be attached if needed.
What could be better?
Since the motors are both front and rear, the front wheel is inherently heavy. In situations where you want to "raise" the bike on some curb while driving - it's not so easy, I need more power. To the same can be added the total weight of the bike, which is about 38kg. If you need to lift/carry it to the third or fourth floor, it will not be very easy to do.
As usual in this budget segment, the gear system, although Shimano, is one of the cheapest. Yes, they do the job, the rails switch, but you'd always like something better, at least some Altus. The manufacturer could also think about larger diameter discs and higher grade hydraulic brakes to better control this heavy beast.
DUOTTS F26 has a lock on the steering wheel, so you need to turn the key to turn on the electronics. And although this is the most reliable and cheapest solution, at the same time you want more modernity. You could do NFC unlocking or even through APPs, after all, we live in the 21st century. Well, at the same time, we understand that everything also depends on the price.
As I mentioned at the beginning, the bike really looks great aesthetically, and if the manufacturer had been able to integrate the controller into the bike frame - it would be absolutely perfect. Greater driving comfort on rough roads could be ensured by a rear shock absorber, which is not available in this model.
Verdict
The DUOTTS F26 electric bike was the most fun 2023 model tested by NiuxTech. The charm is provided by the modern design, and excellent performance is provided by dual 750W motors, good acceleration and a hair-raising 50km/h max. speed.
When riding with this bike, you feel stable, confident, solid. You know that when you press the throttle, the motors will provide enough power to drive even up steeper hills. It is true that if portability and weight are a higher priority when looking for a suitable e-bike, then I would suggest looking more at other models.
Do you want to know more about the best electric bikes of 2023 under €1000? NiuxTech has compiled a personal list of TOP scooters and a comparison with other models!
The best electric bikes of 2023!
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2024-02-27
