Mokwheel, while not as established as industry giants like Rad Power Bikes or Aventon, is making significant strides with its lineup of electric bikes. Among these, the Mokwheel Basalt ST stands out as a robust fat tire ebike designed for both rugged trails and urban landscapes. But does it justify its $1,699 price tag? This detailed review will delve into the Basalt ST’s features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications of the Mokwheel Basalt
- Bike Category: FAT TIRE / HYBRID PATH
- Price: $2199 (Promo – 1699 with free Fenders and Rear Rack)
- Battery: Samsung 48V 19.6Ah
- Charger: 48V 3.0A 100-240V
- Speed Class: Up to 28 mph on Level 5 PAS
- Weight: 79 lbs
- Range: 60~80miles
- Motor: 48V 750W Brushless Rear Hub Motor, 90 Nm
- Payload Capacity: 400 lbs
- Tires: CHAOYANG 26×4.0″ Puncture Resistant Fat Tire
- Display: LED Integrated
- Brakes: TEKTRO HD-E350 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Chain: KMC Stainless Chain
- Crank Set: 44T DOUBLE-SIDED ALUMINUM ALLOY CRANKSET
- Derailleur: 7 Speed Shimano Rear Derailleur
- Front Fork: 110mm Adjustable Suspension
- Frame: 6061 Aluminum Alloy with Internal Battery
- Gearing: Shimano 7-Speed
- Throttle: Thumb Throttle
- Handlebar: Aluminum Alloy 31.8mm, 720mmy
- Kickstand: 6061 Aluminum Kickstand
- Rims: Aluminum Alloy
- Saddle: Customized Comfort Leather Seat
- Sensor: Torque Sensors
- Spokes: Front 12 and Rear 12 Gauge
- Rider Height: 5’6″ ~ 6’8″
- Headlight: Included Dual LED Light
- Taillights: Included
- Peal Assist: 5-stage PAS
First Impressions
Look and Feel
Right out of the box, the Mokwheel Basalt ST impresses with its sturdy build and eye-catching design. Available in five colors—dark orange, dark olive green, plum, jungle combo, and white—the Basalt ST offers aesthetic choices that cater to a variety of personal styles. Its step-through frame ensures easy access and comfortable rides for cyclists of varying heights, from 5’6″ to 6’8″.
Enhanced Riding Experience
The bike’s front suspension smooths out the uneven terrains typically encountered on adventurous trails or bumpy city streets, improving ride quality and comfort. Additionally, the integrated dual LED light system promises enhanced visibility for those late-evening rides, ensuring safety with improved illumination.
Comfort – Seats and Handlebars
The Basalt ST is designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring a custom leather seat and precision-engineered handlebars that promise long-lasting comfort and a conducive riding posture for both leisurely cruises and more spirited trail riding.
LCD Display
The LCD display of the Basalt ST, while functional, sticks to the basics. It provides essential information such as speed and pedal assist level, but lacks detailed battery life indication, which could be a setback for those planning longer journeys.
Main Specs – Motor/Battery/Brakes
Beneath its rugged exterior, the Basalt ST is equipped with a powerful 750-watt motor that delivers up to 90 nm of torque, allowing for top speeds of around 30 mph on pedal assist. This makes the Basalt ST not just a capable cruiser but also a speedy option for thrill-seekers. The integration of a torque sensor enhances the responsiveness of the pedal-assist system, making the ride smoother and more intuitive.
The bike is powered by a 48-volt 19.6 amp-hour battery, promising a range of 50 to 80 miles depending on riding conditions. This substantial range is supported by UL-certified Samsung cells, ensuring reliability and safety. The inclusion of a 48V 3.0A charger allows for efficient charging, keeping downtime to a minimum.
For stopping power, the Basalt ST features Tektro hydraulic brakes, providing confident and responsive braking performance across all terrains. These brakes are complemented by 26×4.0″ CHAOYANG puncture-resistant fat tires, which offer enhanced grip and stability, crucial for safe stopping and robust performance in varied weather and trail conditions.
A Test Ride to Remember
During the test ride, the Basalt ST’s performance stood out. The torque sensor adjusted smoothly to pedaling effort, allowing for a responsive and intuitive riding experience. Unlike other ebikes that may feel jerky or unresponsive, the Basalt ST was a pleasure to ride, both on flat urban streets and more challenging, uneven paths.
Highlights of the Mokwheel Basalt ST
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The first thing that struck me about the Mokwheel Basalt ST was its exceptional build quality. Right from the unboxing, it was evident that significant attention had been paid to the weld jobs, color choices, and overall branding. The bike doesn’t just look good; it feels solid and durable. The sleek and clean aesthetics enhance its visual appeal, making it not only a functional piece of equipment but also a stylish one.
Performance Components
Equipped with industry-leading Tektro hydraulic brakes and a reliable Shimano 7-speed derailleur, the Basalt ST guarantees a smooth, safe, and efficient riding experience, standing out for its commitment to quality and durability. Riding it confirms the top-notch quality of these components, contributing to a smooth and reliable biking experience.
Powerful Motor with High Torque
The heart of the Basalt ST’s performance is its 750W motor, which delivers 90 newton meters of torque. This powerful setup enables a top speed of around 29-30 mph on pedal assist, with the throttle capping at 20 mph. Despite not being the strongest in uphill conditions, the motor provides a remarkably smooth acceleration curve, eliminating the need to pedal hard to reach high speeds. This feature makes the Basalt ST a pleasure to ride, offering both speed and comfort.
Innovative Power Solutions
Although I haven’t personally tested this, the Basalt ST comes equipped with an auxiliary port that allows for the connection of solar panels and an inverter. This innovative feature presents an eco-friendly solution for charging the bike, ideal for long-distance tours or remote adventures where conventional power sources are unavailable. It’s a thoughtful addition that highlights Mokwheel’s commitment to sustainability and practical innovation.
Value-Added Extras
Purchasing the Basalt ST currently includes several additional benefits. Buyers will receive a high-quality rear rack and fenders, which many ebike companies typically offer as optional extras. Furthermore, the bike comes with an adjustable stem right out of the box, enhancing its customizability and comfort. Mokwheel also offers accessory packages that provide significant savings on extras like a front rack, mirrors, and other enhancements that can enhance the riding experience.
Availability and Local Support
One of the most appealing aspects of the Mokwheel Basalt ST is its availability through local dealers across the US, in addition to direct online sales. This accessibility ensures that buyers can test ride different models, get a feel for the right sizing, and enjoy local support and services. This network of dealers, including those in places like Santa Barbara where Mokwheel bikes are popular, also means that the bike can be serviced by experts who are familiar with the brand, ensuring that any issues are quickly and efficiently resolved.
Points for Improvement
Simplistic LCD Screen
One of the less impressive aspects of the Mokwheel Basalt ST is its LCD screen. For an ebike in its price range, the display is surprisingly basic, particularly when it comes to showing detailed battery life information. While the simplicity of the screen might suffice for basic needs, it lacks the advanced features and user-friendly interface found on competitors like the Aventon Adventure.2 or Rad Power Bikes’ RadRover, which feature richer displays that enhance user interaction and monitoring capabilities. This can make it a bit challenging for riders to gauge their remaining range accurately during longer rides, requiring a period of adjustment and possibly detracting from the overall convenience.
Ghost Pedaling at High Speeds
Another drawback I noticed is the phenomenon of ghost pedaling, which occurs when reaching speeds of around 28-29 mph. Ghost pedaling happens when the pedals continue to move despite not actively pedaling, which can be particularly noticeable and annoying when you’re trying to maintain a high speed. Although this is a common issue in many ebikes, it’s something that could potentially be mitigated with future upgrades or adjustments to the drive system.
Conclusion: A Robust and Reliable Ebike Worth Considering
The Mokwheel Basalt ST is an impressive addition to the fat tire ebike market, offering a blend of style, performance, and durability at a competitive price point. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as the basic LCD display and the ghost pedaling issue, its strengths in motor power, build quality, and innovative features like the solar charging compatibility make it a worthy consideration for both new and experienced riders. If you’re looking for a versatile and robust ebike that can handle both city streets and mountain trails, the Mokwheel Basalt ST should definitely be on your radar.