DYU T1 test: Affordable folding e-bike with torque sensor

Foldable e-bikes are enjoying enormous popularity, especially in large cities. After all, the bikes can be folded up so compactly that they can easily be taken on buses and trains. The DYU T1 is just such a folding e-bike and comes with an impressive range of features for a low price of around 850 euros. Find out more in our test.

Technical data

DYU T1 test: quick to set up, high-quality workmanship

• Largely pre-assembled
• Elegant, sporty design
• Largely good workmanship

Like most e-bikes these days, the DYU T1 arrives at your home largely pre-assembled. The final steps, such as attaching the pedals, are then quickly completed – the manufacturer includes the necessary accessories and tools (including a multi-tool). All in all, assembly is completed in 10 to 15 minutes, which is great.

The only thing missing is an air pump. You should therefore have this ready when assembling, as the tires have lost a little air during transport. Once the tires are inflated, the T1 is ready to ride. However, you should leave the throttle, which is included in the scope of delivery, in the box, as it is not permitted on German roads.

And at first glance, it leaves a classy and high-quality impression. The price difference of around 1,000 euros compared to a SachsenRAD F12 (our test) is in no way visible on the DYU T1.

Visually, the T1 with its thick 20-inch wheels and rims with three wide spokes is somewhat reminiscent of the BMX bikes of the 1980s, giving it a pleasantly sporty look despite the low body typical of folding bikes. This is further enhanced by the elegant steel-grey color scheme and the curved magnesium frame.

The folding mechanism is pleasantly smooth-running without releasing too easily. The T1 can be folded in just three space-saving steps: First fold the front wheel, then the front part of the frame. And then the length of the 152 cm long e-bike when unfolded is massively reduced to just 85 cm, while the height is almost halved from 112 cm to just 48 cm.

There is also not much to complain about the build quality of the T1. However, the handlebars and saddle could feel a little more valuable and robust. With a weight of 22.5 kg, it is comparatively heavy for a folding e-bike, which testifies to its high-quality workmanship.

Strong equipment in the DYU T1

• 250 watt motor
• torque sensor
• convincing equipment

But it’s not just the design and workmanship of the DYU T1 that are absolutely impressive. The equipment also leaves almost nothing to be desired. The e-bike is powered by a 250 watt motor at the rear, which accelerates the bike up to 25 km/h.

The equipment also includes a torque sensor, which is rarely found in this price range. It delivers a maximum torque of 35 Nm and delivers the power at a pleasantly constant level, which makes for a smoother and more natural riding experience.

The necessary safety is provided by high-quality mechanical disc brakes, which ensure a short braking distance even in bad weather. The DYU T1 also scores points with a 7-speed Shimano gearbox and a bright front and rear headlight, which ensure impeccable visibility in poor light.

The T1 is also equipped with a standard but pleasantly loud bell on the left handlebar. This is highly commendable, as it is approved for use on German roads – a welcome change from the illegal horns fitted by some other manufacturers in this country.

The power button for activating the motor, including a three-stage LED display, is again located on the left handlebar. The T1 also has a pannier rack if you want to transport your shopping or other items. The seat post also has suspension, which is a noticeable benefit for riding comfort.

360 Wh battery for a range of up to 60 km

• 360 Wh capacity
• Up to 60 km range
• Battery removable for charging

The battery of the DYU T1 is located in the center of the frame and can also be removed quickly and easily for charging. It is, of course, protected by a lock to prevent theft.

The battery has a capacity of 360 watt hours and, according to the manufacturer, should provide a maximum range of 60 kilometers. In my opinion, this value is quite realistic, as the torque sensor has a positive effect on the efficiency of the motor.

Depending on weight, motor support and payload, a range of 50 to 60 kilometers is no problem. So here, too, you are on a par with and even slightly above the sometimes significantly more expensive competition.

DYU T1: Impressive ride comfort

• Excellent riding characteristics
• convincing comfort
• Saddle could be a little softer and bigger

The DYU T1 cuts a really good figure on the road. The motor is pleasantly powerful and well tuned, which in combination with the torque sensor enables convincing and smooth acceleration. The drive also masters easy hills without any problems, but lacks a little steam on steeper climbs.

The thick 20-inch tires provide a pleasant grip, even on wet road surfaces or somewhat rougher paths. However, you shouldn’t take the T1 onto very rough terrain. The brakes also do a great job of bringing the folding e-bike to a halt quickly and safely, even in wet conditions.

I also really like the fact that the motor is pleasantly quiet and – after the initial acceleration – you hardly notice that there is any electric assistance at all.

The suspension seat post ensures a pleasantly comfortable ride, even if the saddle could have been a little softer and wider. Nevertheless, the bike can be very comfortably adjusted to your height and offers a convincing riding experience even for riders over 1.90 meters tall.

DYU T1 test: Conclusion

With the DYU T1, the manufacturer has created a really classy and convincing folding e-bike that impresses with an excellent price-performance ratio. For less than 1,000 euros, you get equipment that is hard to find in this price range – including a torque sensor and a suspension seat post.

I particularly liked the riding comfort of the e-bike in the test, so it is not a problem that the T1 does not have a display for speed and other information or a more detailed battery status display.

If you are looking for a particularly compact folding e-bike with high-quality workmanship and convincing comfort, the DYU T1 is certainly a very good choice.