As e-bikes’ popularity soars, innovative designers strive to stand out in a crowded market by pushing the boundaries of suspension design, transforming what was once a mundane aspect into a key differentiator. Now, the FucaRe Scorpio innovatively adapts a tried-and-true twin-rear-suspension concept to the unique demands of electric bicycles.
Can one truly overdo it when it comes to suspending disbelief?
Fucare Scorpio Video Assessment
Fucare Scorpio Tech Specs
- A robust and powerful 750W rear hub motor, with a peak rating of 1,400W for effortless acceleration.
- 32 mph (51 km/h)
- 30-60 miles (50-100 km)
- 48V 20Ah (960 Wh)
- : 84.4 lb (38.3 kg)
- 400 lb (181 kg)
- 6061 aluminum alloy
- Twin-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Customized motorcycle: premium features include vibrant coloration, high-visibility LED lighting at the entrance and rear, a sturdy rear rack, full-length fenders for added protection, enhanced suspension systems at both the front and rear, and a reliable kickstand for stable parking.
Outfitted for multi-purpose driving
The Fucare Scorpio is undoubtedly a versatile and multifaceted electric bicycle, designed to excel in various roles. The e-bike’s sleek design features an entrance/rear LED lighting configuration, complemented by full fenders and a sturdy rear rack, exemplifying its versatility for both utilitarian and commuting purposes. Despite its impressive capabilities on tarmac, the bike is also equipped with a comprehensive suspension system and robust fat tyres featuring aggressive, chunky treads to enhance its off-road performance even further.
This isn’t solely a single-purpose electric bike, but rather something akin to a dual-sport electric moped in my opinion.
The device also boasts high-speed capabilities, capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour), with an unlocked mode allowing for a slightly faster pace of approximately 32 miles per hour (51 kilometers per hour). Some riders may enjoy the swift transition from asphalt to dirt, which likely prompted Fucare to imbue the bike with sufficient speed, acknowledging the needs of urban commuters seeking to utilize the Scorpio as a versatile daily ride.
For a price tag of just $1,399, all this sounds like an impressive value proposition – indeed. The topic of suspension warrants consideration.
A lot suspension
The initial impression suggests that the suspension system appears to have a pleasing effect. The traditional suspension fork greets you at the front, while a pair of rearward-mounted shocks provide added stability. The challenge lies in reconciling the seemingly nostalgic twin rear shocks with their apparent mismatch to the modern motorcycle’s design.
The fundamental principles of the design aren’t flawed. Twin shocks have been a reliable and trusted design for many years. The apparent challenge lies in determining the spring pricing for these shock absorbers. It appears they’ve omitted to reduce the spring cost by half following their doubling of the suspension expense.
Despite my slender 150-pound frame, representing less than half of the bike’s 400-pound maximum capacity, I struggle to compress the rear suspension. If I pounce on it, I can momentarily gain a small degree of flexibility in the tail, but that’s essentially the extent of it. With four inches of fat tires, it’s as if I’m riding a hard-tail bike, feeling surprisingly at ease off-road – not that hazardous considering the extra traction provides a smooth ride even on rough terrain. If you expected installing two shock absorbers would result in doubled shock absorption, it seems this isn’t what’s happening in this situation?
The entry suspension feels surprisingly smooth and refined, exactly where I’d want it to be. I’ve ridden this bike extensively off-pavement, venturing onto everything from filthy trails to non-existent paths, and even tackling rugged overland excursions. With a potent 750W rear motor capable of delivering a robust 1,400W of peak power, I had every confidence that this e-bike was more than equipped to handle the demands placed upon it. While riding, I found it helpful to periodically lift myself slightly out of the saddle for added comfort and to prevent discomfort caused by pressure on my groin area from the saddle.
The bicycle seems to operate efficiently for both on- and off-road riding, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in various scenarios. The highly effective motor provides excellent acceleration and a swift prime pace, but it is not without its drawbacks in terms of the bike’s overall performance. While the pedal assist delay on this e-bike can be somewhat noticeable, it typically takes around two seconds for the motor power to fully engage as you start pedaling. While many riders rely solely on the throttle, those who prefer to pedal may experience frustrating lag at startup.
The pedal drivetrain’s derailleur is decidedly mid-range rather than high-end in terms of its caliber. The Shimano Tourney is decent, yet its build quality leaves something to be desired in terms of sturdiness. While the $1,399 price tag may seem reasonable for an e-bike that generally performs well, requiring occasional fine-tuning might be a drawback.
I was initially surprised that the DYISLAND hydraulic disc brakes didn’t provide the same level of stopping power I had expected. Upgrading to higher-quality brake pads with a more aggressive, sticky braking compound could significantly enhance stopping power and stability. Despite being robust in general, I found that hydraulic stoppers were surprisingly lacking in terms of sheer strength. I’d reasonably expect the adjustable levers to deliver seamless braking performance with a gentle touch, without any hesitation or compromise.
Despite some reservations, the bike does have its redeeming features, with the trellis body being a particularly appealing aspect. Not only does this casing thoroughly shield and protect the battery, making it much more resilient against attempts by thieves to access or remove it. The frame provides numerous options to secure your bike, offering flexibility when locking it to unusual-shaped bike racks or requiring alternative locking points.
With recent experience testing the Foldylock Endlessly, I’m pleased to report that it has earned a special place as my go-to bike lock in a long while. This factor has evolved into my primary go-to bike lock. With its impressive construction and exceptional safety features, this locking mechanism stands out as the most reliable folding lock available in the market today, boasting unparalleled security. I assure you, without embellishment, that I have thoroughly inspected a heap of such cases!
Sum it up for me!
For the price of $1,399, the Fucare Scorpio offers exceptional value, making it a worthwhile investment. While I’d appreciate some upgraded components – such as plushier rear suspension and sticky brake pads – my current setup still yields a ride that’s both effective and entertaining for casual street riding or mudding adventures.
While enthusiasts may opt to modify their own rear suspension, having a well-engineered platform from the outset is crucial for achieving both effectiveness and long-range capabilities, making it a welcome feature in the Fucare design.
