Have you ever dreamed of riding an electric bike that can go as far as a car on a single charge? A bike that can adapt to your riding style and the road conditions without you having to shift gears? A bike that can connect to your smartphone and alert you of any issues or theft attempts?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in the Flluid-3, a new electric bike from FUELL, a company founded by former motorcycle racer Erik Buell. The Flluid-3 is a step-through e-bike that boasts a range of up to 110 miles (180km) on a single 1kWh battery. It also features an automatic gearbox that adjusts to your speed and torque, as well as smart features such as GPS tracking, anti-theft alarm, and remote diagnostics.
In this blog post, I will review the Flluid-3 and share my honest opinion on its pros and cons. I will also compare it to other e-bikes on the market and give you some tips on how to choose the best e-bike for your needs. Whether you are looking for a new way to commute, exercise, or explore, the Flluid-3 might be the e-bike for you. Read on to find out more.
Things You Should Know Before Buying Flluid-3
Pros of the Flluid-3
One of the main advantages of the Flluid-3 is its long range and battery life. The Flluid-3 has a single 1kWh battery that can power the bike for up to 110 miles (180km) on a single charge. This means you can ride for hours without worrying about running out of juice or finding a charging station. The battery is also removable and can be charged at home or at work with a standard outlet.
Another benefit of the Flluid-3 is its smooth and quiet ride. The Flluid-3 uses a Valeo electric motor that delivers up to 130Nm of torque and can reach speeds of up to 20mph (US) or 25km/h (EU). The motor is integrated into the rear wheel hub and is virtually silent, unlike some other e-bikes that have noisy chain drives or mid-drive motors. The motor also has an automatic gearbox that adjusts to your speed and torque, so you don’t have to worry about shifting gears manually or losing momentum.
The Flluid-3 also offers easy access and comfort for riders of all sizes and abilities. The Flluid-3 has a step-through frame that makes it easy to get on and off the bike, especially for women, seniors, or people with mobility issues. The frame is made of aluminum alloy and has a low center of gravity for stability and balance. The bike also has an adjustable seat and handlebars, as well as front and rear suspension, to ensure a comfortable ride on any terrain.
The Flluid-3 also comes with smart features and connectivity that make it more than just a bike. The Flluid-3 has a color LCD display that shows your speed, battery level, distance, and other information. It also has a Bluetooth connection that allows you to pair your smartphone with the bike and access features such as GPS tracking, anti-theft alarm, remote diagnostics, and firmware updates. You can also customize your riding preferences and modes through the FUELL app.
Cons of the Flluid-3
Of course, the Flluid-3 is not without its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages of the Flluid-3 is its high price and limited availability. The Flluid-3 costs $4,995 (US) or €4,995 (EU), which is quite expensive compared to other e-bikes on the market. The Flluid-3 is also not widely available yet, as it is only sold online through the FUELL website or through a few selected dealers in some countries. You might have to wait for a long time to get your bike delivered or serviced.
Another downside of the Flluid-3 is its heavy weight and size. The Flluid-3 weighs 77lbs (35kg), which is quite heavy for an e-bike. This makes it harder to carry or lift the bike, especially if you have to go up or down stairs or load it into a car. The Flluid-3 also has a large frame and wheel size (26 inches), which might not fit everyone or every space. You might have trouble finding a suitable bike rack or storage space for your Flluid-3.
The Flluid-3 also lacks customization and accessories options. The Flluid-3 only comes in one color (black) and one size (medium). You cannot choose different colors, sizes, or styles for your bike. The Flluid-3 also does not come with any accessories such as lights, fenders, racks, or baskets. You have to buy them separately from FUELL or other vendors. This might limit your choices and increase your costs.
The Flluid-3 also has some minor issues that might bother some users. For example, some users have reported that the automatic gearbox sometimes shifts too abruptly or too late, causing jerks or delays in acceleration. Some users have also complained that the LCD display is too small or too bright, making it hard to read in some conditions. Some users have also experienced glitches or bugs with the Bluetooth connection or the app.
Comparison with other e-bikes
The Flluid-3 is not the only e-bike on the market. There are many other e-bikes that offer different features, prices, and styles. How does the Flluid-3 compare to some of the best e-bikes of 2023?
One of the closest competitors of the Flluid-3 is the Specialized Turbo Vado SL, which is also a step-through e-bike with a long range and a sleek design. The Turbo Vado SL has a range of up to 80 miles (120 with a range extender) on a single charge, which is slightly less than the Flluid-3. The Turbo Vado SL also has a lighter weight (33 lbs) and a lower price ($3,750) than the Flluid-3. However, the Turbo Vado SL has a lower torque (35Nm) and speed (15mph) than the Flluid-3. The Turbo Vado SL also does not have an automatic gearbox or smart features like the Flluid-3.
Another popular e-bike that rivals the Flluid-3 is the Cowboy 4, which is a city commuter e-bike with a minimalist design and smart features. The Cowboy 4 has a range of up to 43 miles (70km) on a single charge, which is much less than the Flluid-3. The Cowboy 4 also has a similar weight (37 lbs) and price ($2,990) as the Flluid-3. However, the Cowboy 4 has a higher torque (50Nm) and speed (25km/h) than the Flluid-3. The Cowboy 4 also has an automatic gearbox and smart features like GPS tracking, anti-theft alarm, and remote diagnostics.
A third e-bike that competes with the Flluid-3 is the ET Cycle F1000 Electric Fat Tire Bike, which is an off-road e-bike with a powerful motor and large tires. The ET Cycle F1000 has a range of up to 125 miles (200km) on a single charge, which is more than the Flluid-3. The ET Cycle F1000 also has a higher torque (160Nm) and speed (28mph) than the Flluid-3. However, the ET Cycle F1000 has a much heavier weight (75 lbs) and a higher price ($2,099) than the Flluid-3. The ET Cycle F1000 also does not have an automatic gearbox or smart features like the Flluid-3.
Conclusion
The Flluid-3 is a unique and innovative e-bike that offers a long range, a smooth ride, easy access, and smart features. It is designed for riders who want a versatile and comfortable e-bike that can handle any situation.
However, the Flluid-3 also has some drawbacks that might deter some buyers. It is expensive, heavy, and not widely available. It also lacks customization and accessories options. It might not suit everyone’s preferences or needs.
Therefore, the Flluid-3 is not the best e-bike for everyone, but it is certainly one of the best e-bikes for some. It depends on what you are looking for in an e-bike and how much you are willing to spend. The Flluid-3 is a premium e-bike that delivers a premium experience.
Source : Indiegogo
