„"I can smell gasoline from afar" - this is the comment I received from an elderly person who saw the Duotts F20. Even if it doesn't smell of fuel, it must be admitted that this electric bike visually strongly resembles a retro motorcycle. The design, the choice of colors, the overall silhouette and the headlight all do their part - the F20 is hard to miss, and passers-by usually give it a second look.

The 52 V / 27 Ah battery and 250 W (1000 W maximum power) motor allow you to expect not only a considerable range, but also a very fun character. But what kind of bike is this in reality? Is it comfortable? Can it still be called a bike that you want to ride? And what is it like in everyday use? About this and more in this review.

Unpacking

The Duotts F20 arrives safely packaged and with all the necessary accessories - this is usual for this manufacturer. Unpacking itself does not cause any big surprises, everything is neatly arranged, so starting the assembly is quite simple.

True, the instructions turned out to be somewhat unusual. It lacks clear steps, such as how to install the trunk or seat, and it also does not indicate which screws to use everywhere. The assembly itself is not complicated, but in places you have to turn your head. The whole process is in this video:

First impressions

At first glance, the Duotts F20 looks much more expensive than it costs. The retro motorcycle style is maintained here practically everywhere - from the headlight to the frame lines. However, there is something to gripe about. The inscription www.duotts.com on the frame looks strange and more like an advertisement than a design element. The wiring layout was also a bit disappointing. Thanks to the design of the motorcycle, it would definitely be possible to install a front cover here, under which those wires could be hidden.

The build quality is typical of this manufacturer and is good. There are no creaks or extraneous sounds while driving, except for the work of the front shock absorbers when driving over deeper potholes. True, during the first ride I lost one leg part, which, apparently, was not properly attached at the factory, so before the first ride I would recommend additionally checking the tightness of all the screws.

Comfort and driving feel

Only after sitting down did my memories return to my childhood and riding a Delta scooter. The F20 is not just a retro design - it really creates the feeling that you are sitting on an electric scooter, not a bicycle. The curved seat turned out to be extremely comfortable. It is not too wide to interfere with thinking, and when accelerating, you do not feel like you are sliding backwards. Even during longer trips, fatigue is minimal.

The handlebar height is well chosen, and the button layout is convenient and easy to reach. However, there is practically no space for additional accessories here. If you plan to attach a phone holder, you should think about the solution before buying a bike. I also think that the rubber grips (although comfortable) do not really fit into the overall design - I wish Duotts had chosen a more interesting solution and better maintained the overall retro style.

The F20 has full suspension, so it handles minor bumps quite well. However, the front shock absorbers are not adjustable, and when driving over deeper potholes they bounce back quite quickly and make an unpleasant crashing sound. This is not a critical flaw, but when driving on poor quality roads you will definitely notice this sound.

Engine and driving dynamics

This bike has plenty of traction - the start is quite energetic, and the hills do not cause any major problems. However, it quickly became apparent that the maximum speed was artificially limited. The bike accelerates smoothly to about 45 km/h (the 39 km/h shown on the screen does not match the GPS readings, which in my opinion are more accurate), and then it seems to lean against an invisible wall. Considering the available power, it seems that the potential to reach 50 km/h is definitely there.

The throttle response was a bit disappointing. With just a slight twist of the throttle, the engine immediately delivers almost full power. Of course, this is not the fastest electric bike, but it still makes it harder to maintain smooth movement when riding slowly or maneuvering in tight spaces. The riding sensation is reminiscent of square wave controllers - the throttle acts more like an on-off switch for the engine, rather than allowing you to precisely dose the power. 

A speed sensor was chosen for the motor-assisted pedaling. The principle of operation is simple - when you start pedaling, the motor turns on and, depending on the selected assistant level, helps you reach the set speed. Although the torque sensor provides a more natural driving sensation, in the case of this model such a solution seems completely logical. Considering the general character of the F20, it is difficult to imagine that most buyers will pedal regularly.

Frankly, the F20 is not an electric bike that you want to think about. During the entire testing period, I used the pedals only a few times seriously. The low seat, geometry and the whole character of this model clearly suggest that it is designed to be ridden using the accelerator. The pedals are needed here more to fit the concept of an electric bike, rather than for everyday use. 

Screen and app

The screen left a very good impression. Its size and position are perfectly chosen, and the information is easy to read even in bright sunlight. After the C29 series models, this is a pleasant change, because I had no complaints about visibility with glasses here. However, the content of the screen itself could be used better. Although there is certainly enough space on it, the turn indication is not displayed, and the battery level is presented only in divisions. 

The app left a twofold impression. It allows you to update the software, view your ride history, use navigation, see your bike's location (when it's on), and turn on a sound signal that sounds when you move your bike. There's no shortage of features, but the app itself doesn't seem particularly complete. Navigation is free for one year, but I couldn't find an option to extend it after that period.

Brakes

The F20 is equipped with ZOOM hydraulic disc brakes and they do their job very well. The stopping power is more than enough even at maximum speed, and the levers can be conveniently operated with one finger. The F20 brakes really match the character of this bike. Considering the dimensions and character of this model, such brakes are simply necessary here. 

Driving uphill

After switching from the Duotts C29 Max, there is clearly a higher torque here. Although the maximum speed is not so high, acceleration is a little faster and driving uphill is much easier on the F20. In Vilnius, the Narbuto g. hill is overcome at a speed of 38 km/h, and at the steepest point of Želvos g. the speed drops to 11 km/h.

Battery and range

50-70 km - this is the distance traveled using the electric motor alone, as declared by the manufacturer. During my tests, I managed to travel 66.67 km on a single charge, and the total average speed reached 24 km/h. During the tests, I did not try to drive as economically as possible - there were a lot of accelerations, driving at maximum speed and uphills, so the distance traveled at a calmer pace could theoretically be even greater.

What did we like?

The biggest impression I had was that the F20 is completely different from a regular electric bike. As soon as you sit down, you feel like you are riding a small electric scooter. The comfortable seat, relaxed riding position and a sufficiently powerful engine allow you to simply enjoy the journey, and not think about pedaling. This is one of those models that you just want to sit on and ride. 

I also liked the hydraulic brakes. They work reliably, are easy to press with one finger and give more confidence when riding at higher speeds. I would also add to the pluses the screen, which is perfectly visible even on a sunny day, and the unique design that always attracts the attention of others.

What we didn't like?

Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the accelerator. Personally, I would like a much smoother power distribution. The situation would be somewhat improved by a speed limit based on the assistant levels, but here the accelerator always reaches maximum speed, regardless of the selected level.  

I also really wish Duotts would finally manage to hide the cables on the front more neatly. The screen is technically very good, but the software part of it does not seem to use its full potential, and the Duotts app seems unfinished. These are not critical shortcomings, but they are precisely what prevent the F20 from becoming almost perfect in its class.

Verdict

The Duotts F20 is not an electric bike in the traditional sense of the word. It is more of an electric scooter with pedals. If you are looking for a bike for active riding pleasure, you will definitely find better options on the market. However, if you want a comfortable vehicle for daily trips that stands out from the crowd, has a powerful engine, a comfortable seat and allows you to simply relax and enjoy the ride, the F20 leaves a very good impression.

For me, it is not without its flaws. The throttle control itself could be smoother, and a few small details show that the manufacturer still has room for improvement. However, the F20 has become one of the most interesting electric bikes I have tested. Not because it is the best in all areas, but because it has a clear and distinct character. Every time I rode it, I found myself looking for a longer route to my destination. And this is probably the best compliment I can give the Duotts F20.