DYU SP1 Review: A Lightweight Folding Electric Bike with a Clever Power Bank Battery

The DYU SP1 is a compact 14 kg folding electric bike with a 250W motor, 20-inch wheels, Shimano 7-speed gearing, and a removable battery that doubles as a power bank. Easy to carry and quick to fold, it is designed for short city commutes. Its biggest drawbacks are the limited real-world range, modest motor performance, and untidy cable routing.

Unboxing and Assembly

The DYU SP1 arrives in a compact, well-protected box that is relatively easy to handle. Its lightweight design makes it a practical choice for people who need to carry a bike upstairs or store it in a small apartment.

Assembly is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes. The main tasks are fitting the pedals, inserting the handlebar stem, and unfolding the frame. The folding mechanism takes a little time to understand the first time, but once you get familiar with it, the process becomes quick and convenient.

DYU also includes a small wrench, which is a useful addition for getting the bike ready to ride.

Design and Folding Mechanism

The DYU SP1 has a clean, modern appearance, with subtle pink and reddish accents around the rims that give it a little personality without making the design too flashy.

Its aluminium alloy frame uses 3D forging technology, according to the product specifications. Combined with the bike's low weight of approximately 14 kg, this makes the SP1 particularly appealing to riders who prioritise portability.

The folding mechanism works well once you understand how it operates. The bike folds down quickly and neatly, making it easier to carry, store in a car, or take along on public transport.

For anyone looking for a lightweight folding electric bike for everyday urban travel, portability is one of the SP1's strongest selling points.

Removable Battery That Doubles as a Power Bank

The most distinctive feature of the DYU SP1 is its removable battery, which can also be used as a power bank. Rather than functioning only as the bike's power source, the battery can be taken out and used to charge a phone or other compatible devices while you're on the go.

The battery is removed from the top of the handlebar area, making it a particularly unusual design compared with conventional folding e-bikes.

There is another clever detail: the battery itself includes a built-in light, and DYU also supplies a USB-C light in the box. This adds flexibility to the bike's lighting setup.

However, the battery mounting arrangement is not the most elegant part of the design. Although the locking mechanism feels solid enough, the attachment looks somewhat bulky compared with the otherwise clean frame.

The power bank function is a genuinely useful idea, especially for commuters who want to keep their phone charged throughout the day. Just remember that using the battery to charge other devices may affect how much energy remains available for riding.

Motor Performance and Riding Experience

The DYU SP1 is powered by a 250W brushless motor running on a 24V system, with a maximum assisted speed of approximately 25 km/h.

Performance is modest rather than exciting. The motor provides assistance when you need it, helping make short urban journeys easier, but it does not deliver particularly strong acceleration or standout power.

That is not necessarily a problem for the bike's intended purpose. The SP1 is a lightweight folding city e-bike designed around convenience, not high-speed riding or long-distance performance.

On smooth city streets, the motor does its job adequately and complements the bike's compact design. However, riders who want powerful assistance or regularly tackle steep hills may prefer a more capable electric bike.

Shimano 7-Speed Gearing

One of the most welcome features of the DYU SP1 is its Shimano 7-speed drivetrain.

The gears shifted properly during testing, with no notable problems. Having seven speeds on such a small folding electric bike gives riders more flexibility when adjusting their pedalling effort to different roads and conditions.

This is a useful advantage over simpler folding bikes with fewer gears, particularly when the battery is running low or you want to pedal more actively.

Brakes, Mudguards, and Everyday Equipment

The DYU SP1 uses mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors. They work adequately for a bike weighing around 14 kg, although braking performance is fairly ordinary rather than exceptional.

Mudguards are included, which is a practical benefit for everyday commuting in changeable weather. Not every compact folding bike comes with them, so it is good to see DYU include this equipment as standard.

The kickstand also feels sufficiently sturdy and does its job.

Both the saddle and handlebar height can be adjusted, allowing riders to find a more suitable riding position. This flexibility is useful on a compact bike, where getting the fit right can make a noticeable difference to comfort.

Battery Range and Charging Time

Range is the biggest limitation of the DYU SP1.

The battery is rated at 24V and 5Ah, and based on the test, I would expect a real-world range of around 20 km, potentially a little more for lighter riders or under favourable riding conditions.

That is enough for short commutes, local errands, and quick trips around town, but it is limited if you need to travel longer distances without recharging. Riders planning a daily round trip should consider their total journey distance carefully rather than relying on a more optimistic advertised range.

The charger is unusually small, making it look quite different from the chargers commonly supplied with electric bikes. Despite its size, it works as intended, with a charging time of approximately three to four hours.

The charging time is reasonable for a battery of this capacity, but the limited range remains an important consideration before buying.

Cable Routing and Finishing Details

Although the DYU SP1 looks clean overall, the cable routing is noticeably untidy. The cables run around the frame without being neatly guided, which creates a less polished appearance.

This does not appear to affect the bike's basic functionality, but it stands out against the otherwise thoughtful design. Better cable management would make the bike look more refined.

The battery mounting system is another area where the visual finish could be improved. It works, but the attachment looks bulkier than the rest of the bike's design would suggest.

These are relatively minor issues individually, but together they prevent the SP1 from feeling as well finished as its more attractive design initially promises.

What Could Be Improved?

The DYU SP1 has several strengths, but there are a few compromises to consider:

• Limited battery range: Around 20 km of real-world range makes it better suited to short journeys.

• Modest motor performance: The 250W motor provides useful assistance but is not particularly powerful.

• Cable management: The exposed, untidy cable routing detracts from the clean design.

• Battery mounting appearance: The connection mechanism looks bulkier than the rest of the bike.

• No rear light included: The bike has a rear reflector rather than a rear light, so an appropriate rear light should be added before riding.

These limitations matter most if you want an electric bike for longer commutes or expect a highly polished finish at this price point.

Final Verdict: Is the DYU SP1 Worth Buying?

The DYU SP1 is a distinctive lightweight folding electric bike with a genuinely interesting feature: its removable battery can also act as a power bank. At approximately 14 kg, it is easy to carry, folds into a compact package, and is well suited to smooth city streets and short everyday journeys.

The Shimano 7-speed drivetrain is a clear positive, the assembly process is simple, and the included mudguards add useful practicality. The overall design is attractive, and the battery's additional charging function gives the SP1 something different from many conventional folding e-bikes.

However, its approximately 20 km real-world range is restrictive, the motor is fairly modest, and the cable routing and battery mounting could be better finished. The lack of a rear light is another detail buyers should address.

If you need an ultra-light folding electric bike for short commutes, compact storage, or combining cycling with public transport, the DYU SP1 is worth considering. Its power bank feature is a genuine bonus if you will use it. Just be realistic about the limited battery range: this is a bike for shorter urban journeys, not long-distance riding.