XDS E-City Folding Electric Bike Review

The XDS E-City is a folding electric bike designed for those who value portability and functionality in their daily commute. Compact enough to fit into tight spaces yet equipped with features for a comfortable ride, it aims to balance convenience and performance. But how well does it deliver? Let’s dive in.

This e-bike was loaned by Bikes DeVer for testing purposes, and all the words are my own.

EBA Note
This e-bike was reviewed for free. There is no affiliation with the store from which this e-cycle was sourced. I welcome any amendments or corrections you would like to suggest to my review; please do so by posting a comment at the end of the article.

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Specs Summary

MOTOR & TOP SPEED M400 Bafang Class 1 (pedal assist – PAS) 250w rear hub motor Max speed: 25 km/h (15 mph) Torque: 40Nm

BATTERY & RANGE Water-resistant integrated battery to rear rack 36v, 396wh Phylion Lithium, BMS Charging in ~4 to 5 hrs from drained Max Range: Approx. 75 km (45 miles) – PAS 1 Min Range: Approx 35 km/h (22 miles) -PAS 5

CONTROLLER & RIDING MODES Five (5) PAS levels Walk mode added Bafang Controller and LCD for 20″ tyres

FRAME Single frame size: 13″ Aluminium alloy folding with 2 safety lock levers The fork is steel, and the handlebar is aluminium made Made for people between 1.55 cm to 1.85 cm.

DRIVETRAIN SYSTEM Shimano Altus 7 speed Shimano Tourney gear shifter 14-28t freewheel and 52t chainwheel KMC chain

BRAKING SYSTEM Front and rear V-brakes

OVERALL WEIGHT & CARRYING CAPACITY ~17 kg (37 lbs). Max. 20 kg (44 lb) rear rack loading capacity

TYRES AND SUSPENSION Tyres CST 20″ x 2.1″ front and rear tyre Puncture resistant (Threads per Inch – TPI 30-40) Allow rims No suspension

FEATURES Integrated non-extendable alloy kickstand Rear rack Aluminium mudguards Double plastic plate to prevent chainring from falling off Bafang speed, brake and gear sensor No front suspension No front and rear lights included; only reflectors You can buy the rear light separately and attach it to the battery

PRICE The XDS E City price in Australia is between $1,500 and $1,800.

Riding the XDS E-City

Ergonomics and Comfort

– One standout feature of the XDS E-City is its adjustable stem height. For someone like me with shorter arms, this adjustability allowed me to maintain a straight back while riding, enhancing overall comfort.

– The seatpost is another noteworthy detail. Its extra length enabled me to extend my legs fully while pedalling, which is crucial for an efficient ride.

– The Velo saddle, while not the highest-end option, provided sufficient comfort even on bumpy paths. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it absorbed minor shocks, protecting my lower back.

– The handle grips offered subtle impact absorption, which I could appreciate during longer rides, especially as it reduced strain on my wrists.

Motor efficiency

– This foldable electric bike is powered by a 250W Bafang motor, which delivered varying levels of assistance depending on the selected pedal assist (PAS) mode.

– At PAS 1, the assistance was gentle, offering only a slight boost—perhaps too mild, in my opinion. PAS 2 felt similar, with only a marginal increase in support.

– Switching to PAS 5 transformed the experience. Here, the motor’s 40Nm of torque shone, providing significant assistance that required minimal effort on my part to maintain speed.

– While effective, the motor was noisier than I’d expected, especially when compared to other XDS models like the E-Spresso S2. One peculiar trait was the extra push I noticed after I stopped pedalling, likely a characteristic of Bafang’s motor configuration, as I experienced the same when test-riding the XDS E-Cruz.

Battery efficiency and portability

– Phylion is a brand that I haven’t explored much yet. The E-City uses a 36V, 396Wh battery, promising a range of up to 75 km on PAS 1. Realistically, expect a range closer to 35 km when using higher assist levels.

– While the battery placement within the rear rack makes sense for folding, it can be slightly cumbersome to remove.

– I found the battery’s performance reliable during my test rides. Despite being unfamiliar with the Phylion brand, XDS’s choice seems to align well with the motor’s requirements. For city commuting, this battery’s capacity is more than adequate.

XDS E-City controlling experience

– The Bafang display unit on the XDS E-City is sleek and user-friendly, providing essential stats like speed, distance, and battery level without being overly bulky.

– One minor drawback was the lack of precise minimum and maximum range estimations, which would be helpful for better battery management.

Folding and unfolding experience

– Folding this XDS model involves four steps: adjusting the stem, folding the frame, lowering the seatpost, and flipping the pedals. Despite initial concerns, the process was intuitive and quick to do. After a few tries, I could fold it in under 30 seconds.

– The bike folds into a surprisingly compact size, ideal for limited storage spaces at home or work.

– I wished for an additional feature to secure the folded sections together for easier handling. The main point was to ensure the seatpost sat at the level of the plastic footing. Having the seatpost further down the plastic footing could cause the bike to tilt or sit unstable.

– Unfolding was even simpler, with the frame snapping back into place with minimal effort.

Other features

One of its strengths is its simplicity. Its design avoids unnecessary complexity and focuses on functionality. One standout detail is the double plastic plate on the chainring, which prevents the chain from derailing—a common issue with many e-bikes.

– The bike includes three sensors (brake, speed, and gear) that operated seamlessly during my test rides, particularly the brake sensor, which enhanced safety.

– While the V-brakes might not appeal to everyone, they performed reliably during my rides.

– Even though it was not explicitly clear, I observed it is possible to connect a rear light directly to the battery.

These sensors are essential for the smooth operation of the motor and your safety.

– I really liked how thick the tyes were at 2.1″. This was great, as the capacity to absorb bumps was excellent.

What Other Things I Would’ve Considered?

– At around 17 kg, the XDS E-City is heavier than some other folding e-bikes.

– While removing the battery can reduce the weight slightly, lifting and carrying it regularly may not be ideal for all users. This is something to keep in mind if you frequently need to transport the bike upstairs or over longer distances.

How does it compare with other folding e-bikes?

– When compared to ultralight models like the Hummingbird e-bike, the E-City can’t quite compete in terms of weight. However, it excels in offering a robust motor and decent range for a more affordable price (under $1,800).

– Its folding mechanism is straightforward, and the compact size it achieves when folded is impressive. If portability and affordability are priorities for you, I believe it stands out as a practical choice for urban commuting.

EBA Verdict

The XDS E-City folding electric bike delivers on many fronts, particularly in ergonomics, ease of use, and compact design. While it has some limitations, like motor noise and weight, its functionality and value make it a strong contender in the folding e-bike market. For commuters seeking a reliable and space-saving option, this XDS model is worth considering.

If you have tested this e-bike, what thoughts would you like to share?

79%

79%

Good for its price tag

• Motor assistance

  8
• Battery range

  8.5
• Comfort

  8
• Folding experience

  8
• Unfolding experience

  9
• Accessories

  7
• Weight

  7
• User Ratings (0 Votes)
  0