DYU D3S at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The DYU D3S is DYU’s compact folding bike with 14-inch wheels, and it is small. It weighs nineteen kilos and, when folded, is roughly the size of a large suitcase. What people mainly stumble over with this brand is legality, because the predecessor, the D3F, was sold both with and without a throttle, and that makes a major legal difference. The D3S we sell is the version suitable for public roads. We explain that first below.

Is the DYU D3S legal on public roads?

The version we sell is. The motor delivers 250 W, assistance stops at 25 kilometres per hour, and the bike will not move unless you pedal. This places it in the same category as ordinary electric bicycles: no registration plate, no driving licence, and no helmet requirement. The versions you come across online have a throttle that lets you ride away without pedalling. Those fall into a different category and may not simply be ridden on public roads. So pay attention to this when comparing models. What may seem like a minor detail on paper can make a noticeable difference on the road.

What you get with 14-inch wheels

Small wheels make the bike compact and agile, but you feel the road surface much more clearly than with large wheels. There is no suspension, so this is not a bike you can ride comfortably over cobbled streets and sunken paving stones. Where it really excels is manoeuvring in tight spaces and storage. It fits easily in a hallway, behind a desk, or in a car boot, and that is exactly what this size is designed for.

DYU D3S range

The battery is 36 V with a capacity of 10 amp-hours, and our specifications state a range of approximately 40 kilometres. The product page itself lists a higher figure, which is common with compact models: the manufacturer measures it in the lowest assistance setting with a lightweight rider. So use the lower figure as your benchmark and you will avoid surprises. For the final leg from the station or a ride around town, that is more than sufficient. Charging takes four to six hours. Do not leave the battery outside in freezing temperatures; this will help preserve its capacity over time.

Fold it up and take it with you

The D3S folds at the frame and handlebars, then fits in a car trunk or under a desk. At nineteen kilos, it is light for an electric bike, although you will still need both hands to lift it. For anyone who has to carry it up a flight of stairs every day, that weight is still noticeable. Taking it on a train or boat is no problem. The bike has a front light integrated into the frame, so separate lights are not needed.

Who is the DYU D3S for?

For people with limited space, for the last leg of a train journey, and for short trips around the city. The recommended height in our specifications ranges from approximately 1.10 to 1.35 metres, indicating that this model is designed for shorter riders. If you are taller than that, consider a 20-inch folding bike. Without suspension and with 14-inch wheels, this is also not a model for long daily distances. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the stated values.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

With such a small frame, the riding position is different from what you might expect, so come and try it before ordering. You can do that at ten showrooms and even fold it up while you are there. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. Insurance can be arranged when you place your order. There is a three-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on the components and battery. Upon delivery, the bike will be assembled and adjusted at your door.

See also: folding bikes | foldable electric bikes | folding bikes for camping | small electric bikes