Fiido X Recall: E-Bike's Frame Can Reportedly Break in Half

After identifying a flaw that might cause the folding e-bike to break in half, Fiido, a maker of low-cost direct-to-consumer electric bikes, has halted the sales and is contemplating recalling its Fiido X electric bike.

The fault seems to lie in the chosen material and the new folding mechanism of Fiido X's frame.

What's the Reason Behind the Recall?

Last summer, the Fiido X electric bike was launched followed by a successful Indiegogo campaign. When the electric bike was initially pre-sold for a discounted $1,099 price, it raised over $1 million dollars, Electrek reported.

However, a company's representative notified the members of Fiido X E-bike Owners Group on Facebook that Fiido X would be discontinued after the company received a defective frame report on April 3, which Fiido was able to confirm in its R&D lab in Shenzhen.

The company has promised to provide more information regarding the recall implementation, a "user protection plan" and a deeper technical analysis of the issue on April 12.

Is Fiido X's Design Faulty?

According to The Verge, the fault seems to lie in the chosen material and the new folding mechanism of the Fiido X's frame. It was noted that a magnesium alloy frame with a low-profile folding mechanism is used in the bike's folding design.

As Electrek reported, although the design is far more elegant than most folding e-bike frames, it appears to have come at a cost: strength.

Several Fiido X electric bikes have apparently developed concerning fatigue signs in the folding area, with several breaking in half at the joint.

While the company has decided to halt the sales and considered recalling its Fiido X electric bike, Electrek said the company also assured that Fiido X owners will be compensated based on details that are yet to be released.

You can watch Fiido X's promotion video below:

Thomas Ricker of The Verge noted in his review of the Fiido X that with direct-to-consumer e-bikes, support will always be an issue. He is particularly concerned about how the customer would file a warranty claim against China-based Fiido if something goes wrong with the device.

Six months later, as the latest report by The Verge, the global recall would be a true test for the young firm that used Indiegogo to send hundreds of thousands of e-bikes all over the world.

Fiido X Models

The Fiido X comes in three different models:

The Fiido X model is worth $1,298 and weighs 17kg. It has hydraulic brakes, a 250W motor, and a 417.6Wh battery. This model has top speeds of 25km/h (16mph).

The Fiido X (US) model is worth $1,298 and weighs 17.5kg. It has hydraulic brakes, a 417.6Wh battery, and a beefier 350W motor. This model has a top speed of 32km/h (20mph).

The Fiido X Lite model is worth $1,098 and weighs 16.7kg. It has disc brakes, a smaller 208.8Wh battery, and a 250W motor. This model has top speeds of 25km/h (16mph).

These e-bikes do not have a throttle and are simply pedal-assists.