STACK #209 Mar 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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many stairs.

There’s a key in the bottom of the frame that initiates the folding process

and activates the power for riding. An LCD

The Essentials Weight: 25kg Range: Up to 80km Max speed: 25km/h Battery: 48V - 12.5Ah Charge time: 9 hours Motor: 250w

display, visible in direct sunlight, is positioned on the left-hand side of the handlebars, which tracks battery life, speed,

ROAD WARRIOR

and kilometres travelled. You’ll

find gear select up and down and the accelerator on the

right. There are three assisted pedal modes on the M3 – the first you’ll barely notice, but the third throws the bike forward. Mechanical brakes provide reliable stopping power, and for dusk or night riding, an LED light is fitted on the top of the front forks with a reflector at the rear of the bike. For off-road riding – and this is where you’re going to have a lot of fun with the M3 – the suspension in the front fork has a 55mm rebound that is adjustable, while the back is served with a 35mm rebound. We put these through a rigorous test, including pounding across a sunbaked ploughed field, and the shocks performed admirably. While the M3 handles well on smooth surfaces, it’s when you take it into the bush that its full potential is realised. Now, if you haven’t ridden a bike with wide tyres before, take a little time to get used to rounding corners before taking it bush. It does demand a slightly different discipline from a standard bike. Engage the highest pedal-assist setting, and the M3 churns through the undergrowth. It thunders down bush trails at an exhilarating pace, with the tyres biting hard at every twist and turn. Hills, with a little legwork, present no problem either. You still need to put in a bit of effort, but the thrill of hammering through bush trails on an e-bike mounted with fat tyres never gets old. The M3 is a versatile ride straight out of Q’s lab in James Bond. It’s a versatile e-bike that handles well on all surfaces, can fold down to throw in a vehicle, or be stored where space is at a minimum. Furthermore, it packs a lot of grunt, is reliable, and is labeled with a price that won’t break the bank. That’s got to be worth a closer look.

Fiido’s chunky M3 is a wild ride both on and off the road.

T he popularity of e-bikes has grown exponentially in Australia as more riders recognise the benefits of combining traditional pedaling with powered assistance if required. If you’ve spent time in any major city or town across Australia over the last two years, you would’ve undoubtedly noticed the fleets of various-shaped electric bikes traversing busy streets with mail or food deliveries. However, it’s probably unlikely that you’ve seen anything quite like the Fiido M3. Designed for both on and off-road use, this e-bike could double for a prop pulled straight out of the post-apocalyptic battlefield wasteland of Mad Max 2 . The massive four- inch-thick chunky tyres are the most noticeable aspect of the M3 – the roar the treads generate when ridden on tarmac and concrete is guaranteed to turn heads. The frame, made from aluminium, is foldable down to 96 x 79 x 45cm (even the handlebars and pedals fold down), making it a good option for throwing in the back of the car or on public transport. While it does look like an e-bike specifically engineered for off-road conditions, it is certified as a road bike and makes an excellent alternative to the standard commute ride. Powered by a 250W brushless motor fitted

in the rear wheel and featuring a seven-speed Shimano cassette giving plenty of options for on and off-road racing, it has a good-sized battery that can be removed for charging when the bike is folded down. At 25kg, you won’t want to be lugging the M3 up and down too

Please Note: Each state and territory in Australia has a different set of rules and regulations pertaining to the usage of e-scooters and e-boards (including where e-scooters and e-boards can legally be used and whether e-scooters and e-boards need to be registered with the relevant road traffic authority). Any user of this product must ensure that they check and abide by their local by-laws and use responsibly. Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear when riding your e-scooter and e-board.

MARCH 2022

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