Fiido C11

The C11 is Fiido’s new electric commuter bike. It has a low-step frame, a 500W motor, and fast-rolling 40mm tires.

In this review, we put the C11 through our standardized tests to uncover its strengths and weaknesses. These include stopping distance, acceleration, hill climbing, and range (Class 2 and Class 3).

Keep reading to find out what we liked and disliked about the Fiido C11.

What Is the Fiido C11?

The C11 has a low step-through commuter frame with a 40mm suspension fork and swept-back handlebars. It comes with a rack, fenders, lights, and additional mounting points for accessories.

This bike has a smaller-than-average 48V, 10.4Ah (499Wh) battery and an unusual 15.5mph factory-set speed limit. This is the speed limit for bikes sold in the EU and UK, both important markets for Fiido.

Owners can unlock Class 3 max speeds of 25mph, but this changes both throttle and PAS; it’s not possible to set the top speed to 20mph (Class 2).

Now, let’s explore the pros and cons to learn more about the C11.

Pros

Ease of Use

The C11 is a highly accessible e-bike. The step-through frame allows easy mounting and dismounting, as you don’t need to lean the bike or lift your leg high. This is especially valuable when the bike is loaded with cargo.

Another feature that makes the C11 easy to use is its adjustable stem that offers 60° of adjustment for quickly finding a comfortable riding position.

Display and Companion App

The C11 has a nice 2″ color display with integrated controls. The display is easy to read and compact, contributing to a clean cockpit. Riders can use it to unlock the top speed and change the factory kilometer readings into miles.

The C11 also has Bluetooth connectivity for using the Fiido app. This app offers additional features like remote locking and ride tracking.

Wheel Size

Fiido specs the C11 with a 700c wheelset and 40mm tires. This setup is suitable for riding on pavement and hard-packed dirt or gravel.

This traditional wheel sizing means broader compatibility with vehicle-mounted bike racks. Narrower rims and tires also reduce weight, further increasing bike rack compatibility and making it possible to lift or carry the bike. This tire size is also common, meaning it’s easier to find replacement tubes and tires.

Finally, the reduced drag of the narrow tires benefits battery range and makes it less demanding to ride the bike without motor assistance.

Cons

Low Class 2 Speed

The Fiido C11 doesn’t allow users to customize the max speed. Riders must choose between 15.5mph, which feels slow, or 25mph, which quickly drains the small battery.

Most e-bikes sold in the US offer a 20mph top speed option (Class 2 limit) or the ability to choose a specific max speed. I found this large difference between the two options to be frustrating.

Uncomfortable Saddle

Though this is a highly personal choice, the C11’s Velo saddle feels too wide. Sitting at the back of the saddle caused the rear ridges to dig into my glutes, leading to discomfort during the range tests. While some may find the seat comfortable, I was glad to get off the bike after 30 miles.

Front Fender Attachment Points

While assembling the bike, I noticed the pre-drilled holes for the front fender were incorrectly drilled, so I couldn’t install it properly. Fixing the issue would require a new fork or re-drilling the current one. This is probably a one-off manufacturing fault, which can happen with any bike and would be covered under warranty. Nonetheless, it’s frustrating when you receive a new bike.

What Does It Do Best?

The C11 is a cost-effective and practical commuter bike. It’s easy to adjust, easy to mount, and comfortable to ride.

The bike comes with a rear rack, fenders, and lights and has lots of attachment points for accessories. The range is also impressive, given the size of the battery.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

Riders seeking a fast, high-torque e-bike should look elsewhere. The C11’s motor is better for medium-distance rides at moderate speeds.

The narrow tires are great for riding on pavement but not off-road. Likewise, they won’t be as comfortable as fatter tires, and the low-travel 40mm suspension fork provides little benefit on rough terrain. If you regularly ride gravel and dirt trails, consider another bike.

Conclusion

The Fiido C11 is an affordable e-bike for commuting in urban environments. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and has relatively few downsides for this price point.

The max speed can be adjusted easily, but can only be toggled between two settings (15.5mph and 25mph). Fiido programmed the throttle and PAS to use the same speed limits, meaning the C11 exceeds Class 2 regulations when unlocked.

Other features I appreciate include the ease of attaching accessories, the straightforward display, and the extra features in the Fiido app.

While the C11 isn’t perfect, the affordable price, ease of use, comfort, and practical features provide good value.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: 2, 3, Unrestricted
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty (dependent on part)
Total Weight: Claimed: 54lb / Actual: 54lb
Motor Brand: Fiido-branded
Motor Type: Brushless rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 500W
Max Torque: 55Nm
Battery: 48V, 10.4Ah (499Wh)
Range Claimed: Up to 56 miles
Range Tested: Test 1 (Class 2) – 35.3 miles, 1,417 feet, 14.3mph  / Test 2 (Class 3) – 23.4 miles, 873 feet, 21.8mph
Max Speed: 15.5mph or 25mph (unlocked)
Throttle: Thumb, right side
Pedal Assist: 5 levels
Charger: 54.6V, 2A output
Charge Time: 6 hours
Display: Full-color LCD with Bluetooth and Fiido app integration
Frame: 6061 aluminum
Fork: 40mm hydraulic suspension fork
Brake Levers: Generic 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Calipers: Generic 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180mm rotors
Chain: KMC
Crankset: 170mm aluminum alloy, 48t
Derailleur: Shimano 6-speed
Shifter: Dual lever DSL-D200
Freewheel: 14-28t 6-speed
Rims: 700c aluminum
Tires: CST – 700c x 40mm
Fenders: Included
Lights: Headlight and taillight
Grips: Lock-on, rubber
Saddle: Velo
Handlebar: 670mm width, 60° adjustable stem angle
Kickstand: Included, single-sided
Pedals: Welgo plastic platform
Max. Total Capacity: 264lb (120 kg)

Frame and Geometry

The C11 frame looks good with clean, internally routed cabling. The low step-through makes it easy to mount the bike regardless of height or flexibility. The bike has a comfortable straight-backed riding position and a wide stated height range, but riders at the low end of the range would likely struggle with the 31.1″ minimum saddle height.

Seat Tube: 17.7” (450mm)
Reach: 15.6” (398mm)
Stack: 26.6” (676mm)
Standover Height: 22.5” (572mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 23.8” (605mm)
Min Saddle Height: 31.1” (790mm)
Max Saddle Height: 41.3” (1050mm)
Wheelbase: 43.9” (1115mm)
Recommended Rider Height: 5’1” – 6’5”

Motor

The C11 has a 48V 500W motor with a peak output of 676W and 55Nm of torque. This is a fairly standard motor size for this category, but some may find acceleration and climbing performance lacking. In both our 0-20mph acceleration and hill climbing tests, the C11’s performance puts it in the middle of the pack of 500W competitors.

These results show that the C11 packs enough punch for most urban riders, but those who want fast acceleration and speed on climbs should consider a 750W alternative.

Cockpit and Control

The C11’s cockpit is clean, with a small color display on the left and the trigger shifter and throttle on the right. The display is simple to operate and clear. The Fiido app offers additional features and connects to the bike via Bluetooth.

The app features include remote on/off, smart unlock, ride tracking, connection to the Fiido social network, and “Bike Guard,” which locks the bike and only allows it to be turned on through the app.

You can also change a few other settings from within the app, including the number of assist levels, activating cruise control, and toggling the display units between miles and kilometers).

Battery

The 10.4Ah (499Wh) battery is slightly below average for this category. Despite its lower capacity, it returned a reasonable range at max power and an impressive 34-mile range in Class 2 mode.

The battery level indicator drops more quickly through the first three of the five bars than the final two. The motor continues to provide full assistance until the “low battery” warning, which comes on when the five bars are gone. The power output only starts to reduce at this point, leaving enough power to limp home.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

The C11 comes with a basic 2A charger that delivers a six-hour charge time. The charge port is on the battery on the upper right side. The key slot is located beside it and is easily accessible.

Drivetrain

The C11 has a mixed drivetrain comprising a 6-speed Tourney derailleur, a 14-28t cassette, and a DSL-D200 shifter. The shifting is a little sloppy, and while the 6-speed 14-28t gearing is suitable for pedaling at speeds up to 20mph, you’ll experience ghost pedaling at higher speeds.

Brakes

The C11 has dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm rotors. The average stopping distance recorded in testing was 24.5 feet, which is longer than average.

Wheels, Tires

This bike has a standard 700c aluminum wheelset and slick 40mm CST tires. The front wheel is quick-release, and the rear has a bolted axle.

This wheel and tire setup works best for paved riding but is also suitable for hard-packed dirt and light gravel. The narrower tires experience less rolling resistance and are easier to maneuver than the fat tires found on many cheap electric bikes.

The C11 comes with front and rear fenders, but, as mentioned, I experienced an issue with the mounts that prevented me from installing the front one.

Safety

The Fiido C11 has front and rear lights with rear brake activation. The bike also has a motor inhibitor switch to cut motor power when braking.

Kickstand

The C11 has a non-adjustable kickstand mounted on the left side. It’s a good length for the bike and is stable when deployed.

Contact Points

Grips, Saddle, and Pedals

The C11 comes with rubber lock-on grips that offer good traction. The saddle is Velo-branded and has a wide back part that dug into my glutes, causing me to sit further forward, which was uncomfortable toward the end of the range tests. This is a personal preference; other users may find it comfortable.

Fiido includes basic Wellgo pedals, which I found a bit slippery. Owners should consider swapping them for a grippier pedal if they plan to ride in the rain.

Accessories

Fiido offers a selection of accessories, such as bottle cages, a phone holder, a front rack, and custom pannier bags. It also has a smartwatch that can control the bike.

The Fiido C11… proves that a convincing and well-equipped e-bike does not necessarily have to cost several thousand euros… the Fiido C11 is an all-round convincing e-bike for city traffic at an almost unbeatable price that is simply fun to ride.

If you are looking for an electric bike with this configuration for the city, the Fiido C11 is a model that you should definitely consider.

The Fiido C11 is an excellent city e-bike, comfortable, with a good range and a classic design that is unlikely to tire you.

… it’s also lighter than a lot of other commuter bikes. It is very comfortable to ride, has solid safety features, and it’s a fun commuter for city riders.

The Fiido C11 city e-bike is excellent value for money, with reliable performance and a host of practical features. It’s well-suited for urban commuting and provides a comfortable ride. The downside our team encountered during testing was minor but noteworthy.

The C-11 is a solid machine. It may not have the biggest engine or the longest-lasting battery on the market, but it will get you places in comfort.