The DYU R1 electric bike valued at $ 999 looks awkward but works really well!

25/01/2022 Drive Pilots

The DYU R1 electric bike definitely wins our minds for its unique design, but how well does it work in reality? Want to know,

As a semi-folder with low battery capacity, DYU is a city-based electric bike. But when used in its element, it packs a lot of convenience.

Like the traditional folding e-bike, the handlebars fold down, though not in the middle of the frame.

This means you can still lower the bike’s height to the rear seat or desk.

But when opened, the bike offers all the utility you’d expect from a 20 ″-wheel electric bike, complete with a front suspension and a rear rack. The bike has some interesting security features built into it.

Check it all out in my review video below, then continue reading all my thoughts on the DYU R1 e-bike!

DYU R1 Technical Specifications

Motor: 250W rear geared hub motor

Maximum speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)

Range: Up to 25 km (15 mi)

Battery: 36V 5Ah (180 Wh)

Weight: 20kg (45 lb) with battery.

Maximum load: 150 kg (330 lb)

Frame: Aluminium

Wheels: 20 inches

Brakes: mechanical disc brakes

Extras: integrated LED head / tail lights, torque sensor for pedal assist, LED display, seat-built battery, lock seat post clamp, locking disc brake anti-theft device

Lots in a little package

The DYU R1 does not have a throttle, so it is a pedal assist-only e-bike.

Even so, adding a torque sensor means the pedal assist works really well. It responds with almost zero lag from the pressure on the pedal to the motor assist kick in.

The single-speed nature of the bike means there is no gearing to choose from and so I prefer a slightly larger chainring to get a better top end gear ratio. Even when it stands, the bike is comfortable to pedal to its maximum speed.

That top speed is not particularly fast, as DYU is sticking with the European and Asian limits of 25 km / h (15.5 mph). I played with the display settings but couldn’t find a way to unlock the high speed from it.

As with a city bike, speed is ideal as long as you stick to the bike lanes. The motor is only 250W, so don’t expect to fly in line or through the air in any massive jumps. Performance is acceptable, but it is not a rocket. You can probably pass by a hipster in a fix on the bike lane, but at least you can pedal.

So if it’s not an e-bike to go fast or go away, what is it? In my opinion, this e-bike is a nice little city runabout. The integrated battery on the seat post is convenient to remove for charging (and prevents someone from stealing your seat when you park your bike), and you can lock the bike (and again) if you don’t want to bring the battery in, preventing someone from stealing your seat). The only problem with the seat post lock is that it is occasionally manipulated to get the lock and the pin fully attached. In such cases, it takes a few seconds to push the quick release lever up or down until the locking pin finds its hole and sits itself.

There is also a nifty low lockdown from the rear disc brake which prevents the rear wheel from turning. That means no one can ride on your bike. Sure, they can throw it in a truck (or on their shoulders, because it’s only 20kg), but it reduces the chance of someone walking and looking at a beautiful looking bike.

Speaking of looking pretty, here are some cool features added to the design. The tail lights are built into the rear dropouts, which look more like a classic E-bike. They didn’t make it as slick as Harley-Davidson’s Serial 1 e-bikes as dropout-integrated tail lights, but you can buy these five DYU R1 e-bikes for the same Serial 1 price. A trade-off, of course.

Between a good saddle and a responsive pedal assist, the e-bike certainly delivers a comfortable ride. It is important for the daily use e-bike of the type needed by city commuters. This doesn’t mean being a weekend warrior – it’s a daily work-out. And so it would be a good ride. And this.

I’d love to see some more batteries built in it. The ride is so good, the 180 Wh battery doesn’t last much longer. 25 km (15 miles) is reasonable with the Pedal Assist (remember there is no throttle here and therefore the bike is actually quite efficient), though you can get low if you stick to the most powerful pedal assistance level of all time. So I’d like to see a slightly larger battery if possible.

I have no idea how this is possible with a seat post battery like this. It’s a cool design and everything, but it’s limited on the strength front.

At $ 999 though, how much more could you ask for? Torque-sensor e-bike with built-in lighting, front suspension, included rack and fenders, convenient seat post battery and other tidy security features seem to me a deal. If you need a faster or more powerful e-bike, it doesn’t matter how affordable it is; DYU R1 will not be for you.

But if you’re looking for an affordable, simple e-bike for a city that doesn’t take up much space in an apartment, but offers more features than a cheap Amazon e-bike, DYU may be just what you’re looking for.

It’s a slightly odd design, but the bike works well and gives a good bang for your buck. That is what I am looking for in an e-bike that offers more than what I expect at reasonable prices.

It doesn’t compete with Fancy-Schmancy e-bikes, but it’s not trying. It’s just trying to do the job, and that’s the best.