More than a car lover, I enjoyed riding bicycles when I was younger. From the first kiddie bike to the mountain bike my parents gifted me, I’d find myself riding one whenever I was out.

But a lot has changed since then. I had my first job at a TV station in the early 2000s, and I started riding a motorcycle after that.

For the next two decades that followed, I would alternately use a scooter, a motorcycle, or a car. I have not cycled for years, and I didn’t see the need to do so.

It was only during the pandemic when I tried riding a bicycle again. This time, I borrowed my aunt’s surplus Japanese bike and went to the nearest drugstore to get our stash of multivitamins.

What I thought was a usual exercise turned out to be a very challenging one. Over the years, I had gained so much weight that my body was in pretty bad shape. I struggled to pedal the relatively light bicycle.

Then, it dawned on me: I wanted to own a bicycle again. Although I knew this wouldn’t be my main tool for commuting, I saw it as an opportunity to get fit again. Also, having a bike would help when running quick errands around our neighborhood.

While I wouldn’t get one immediately, I started checking online for an electric bicycle to buy. I asked my colleague (and avid bike enthusiast) Leandro, and he suggested I try the Fiido D11.

Seeing the electric folding bike in the metal made me feel underwhelmed yet intimidated. Although the saddle height was adjustable, I found the 20-inch wheels diminutive for someone used to a mountain bike.

I’m just 5’6” but I’m quite heavy at 110kg. I doubted that the small wheels and the thin tires would be good enough to carry someone as heavy as I am.

The D11 features an aluminum frame. Even with my limited knowledge about bicycles, I can confidently say that the e-bike is well-built.

I thought the folding mechanism and the pedal assist system were unnecessary complications. But things changed the moment I hopped on it.

The 417.6Wh battery is cleverly integrated with the seat post, with a charging time of up to seven hours. If you’re worried, the electrical components have an IP54 waterproof rating, so riding in moderate rain should be okay.

Since the frame sits low, mounting and dismounting the bike are rather easy. The controls for the mechanical disc brakes, the seven-speed drivetrain, the throttle, and the digital display are also intuitive.

I just hopped on and pedaled. It was as if I had never stopped biking for so many years. I was too proud about this until I realized the pedal-assist system was working wonders.

When the cadence sensor detects that you are pedaling, it activates the 250W hub motor at the rear. Despite my lack of fitness, I was able to achieve an average riding speed of 20km/h.

However, I began sweating like a pig after traveling only 2km. I eventually became more comfortable with the e-bike as I spent more time riding it.

During another ride, I covered over 10km in 25 minutes, using up 20% of the battery charge. For someone who hadn’t biked a lot, this was a testament to how easy and comfortable the D11 was to use.

The folding mechanism may seem a little too complicated for some. But when folded, this doesn’t take much space, so you can put it in your car’s trunk or take it to your workplace.

At P42,999 from Popcycle, the Fiido D11 might be too expensive for the average commuter. Thankfully, there are available financing schemes to help make owning one easier. With soaring fuel prices and worsening traffic conditions, getting one seems like a worthwhile investment.

The Fiido D11 is a good proposition with its tasteful design and many useful features. If you’re seriously considering bike-commuting, this electric folding bike would be a great companion.