Hi.
As introduction, I am using the A-Bike for 3 years now. Not the original, which is expensive for us in Southamerica. The A-Bike is still the smallest usable foldable bicycle that I know; and the price, if manufactured in masses is very low, due to the materials used. It is perfect to carry it in the crowded chilean underground transport system.
Now to the problem. Material fatigue is normal, but this one, showed up suddenly, with a high risk to suffer a heavy injury. The fortune was at my side, I had a backpack full of clothing, it was very warm in the afternoon.
I recommend to the A-Bike users, after one ot two years of use, to check carefully the pile that failed. Picture attached.
I recommend to the designers of the A-Bike, to increase the material strength of the top of the pile and tensor to the seat tube, at least 3 times.
(I suggested in a post before, to make the main gear container body of metal instead of plastic)
I also recommend to long term A-Bike holders, to use a security ribbon as shown in the attached picture, in case of doubt of the condition of the rupture zone.
Regards
Cris from Chile