Mokwheel Asphalt Review

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The Mokwheel Asphalt is my first-ever electric bike. Before this, I mostly rode mountain bikes. I got curious about electric bikes, especially for city commuting, and the Asphalt from Mokwheel seemed interesting. It costs $1799.00 and is made to work well in the city. In this detailed review, I’ll talk about how it’s put together, how good its parts are, and what it’s like to ride.

Unboxing the Bike

Upon arrival, the Mokwheel Asphalt was securely packaged in a sturdy box, bearing the company’s logo, name, and slogan. The packaging was robust, with thick cardboard that was both stapled and glued at the joints, ensuring protection during transit. The frame and major components were thoughtfully wrapped in protective coverings, while movable parts were secured with zip ties. Inside the box, I found a smaller box containing essential tools, a user manual, the charger, pedals, and an air pump.

Assembly of the Mokwheel Asphalt

I found the instructions for putting the bike together in a smaller box. They gave me clear steps to follow. To make sure I didn’t scratch the bike, I put a blanket down before I started. I took off all the protective foam and cut the zip ties holding things in place. Then, I checked the bike carefully to make sure it wasn’t damaged, and luckily, it wasn’t.

The trickiest part of putting the bike together was turning the handlebars in the right direction. Even after I loosened the bolts, it was hard to get them in the right spot. I had to use a lot of effort to make sure they lined up with the handlebars properly. Once I got past this part, the rest of the assembly was easy. I just had to attach the handlebars, digital display, front fender, and wheel. But I did have a problem with the wrenches they gave me not fitting one of the bolts used to keep the fork tube straight. So, I had to use my own 14mm wrench to make it secure. After that, I put on the pedals, and the bike was ready to ride.

Specs

Mokwheel Asphalt Design and Build Quality

The Mokwheel Asphalt boasts an aesthetically pleasing design, featuring well-placed rear lights that illuminate when brakes are applied, and a bright tail light. The bike feels sturdy, with high-quality components. However, there are some notable areas where build quality could be improved. The frame, constructed from durable 6061 Aluminum Alloy and powder-coated in various color options, exhibits minor imperfections in the upper front part where two major pieces are welded together.

The fitment of the battery compartment could be better, as it protrudes slightly from the frame. Additionally, the bike uses several plastic components that take away from its overall quality. These include the mounting bracket for the digital display, the throttle control, and the fenders.

Components on the Mokwheel Asphalt

Let’s dive into the critical components that make up the Mokwheel Asphalt electric bike and understand how they work together:

Brakes:

The TEKTRO hydraulic brakes are a standout feature. These brakes are easy to maintain, provide robust stopping power, and are fully enclosed. They do an excellent job of bringing the bike, weighing in at 60 pounds, to a controlled stop, even when you’re carrying the extra weight of the electric motor.

Shifter and Derailleur:

The bike is equipped with a Shimano 7-speed Tourney gear shift system, which makes changing gears a breeze. Although it arrived with a slightly crooked attachment, it performed good, delivering efficient gear changes that enhanced the overall riding experience.

Motor and Battery:

Now, let’s talk about power. The bike is equipped with a 500W motor with a torque of 65Nm of torque. This motor has the muscle to carry you smoothly and swiftly, even on challenging terrains and hills. It’s driven by a 48V 14.7Ah LG battery, which is a key part of the bike’s long-lasting performance. An advanced BMS (battery management system) intelligently handles each battery cell, preventing overcharging and over-discharging, extending battery life, and keeping an eye on battery status.

Torque Sensor:

The bike features a torque sensor that measures the pressure you apply to the pedals. This sensor activates the motor, giving you a helpful push during your journey. You have control over the level of assistance, ranging from 0 (no assist) to 5 (maximum assist). This feature is particularly useful for conquering hills and rough terrain, making your ride less draining and more energizing.

Front Fork:

Now, onto the front fork. It comes with adjustable preload and a lockout dial, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your liking. With 100mm of travel, the fork handles urban riding well, providing a comfortable and stable ride. It’s worth noting that this fork is designed for urban use and isn’t meant for serious off-roading or jumps.

Electronics:

The electronic components enhance your riding experience. The bike’s lighting system is impressive, with a cool rear light design that’s highly visible. The adjustable front headlight ensures good visibility in low-light conditions. Unique side lights add to the bike’s aesthetics. The LCD display is user-friendly, showing your current trip information, speed, and battery status. It’s easy to read in various lighting conditions, whether it’s a cloudy day or full sun. With a few button presses, you can also access the total odometer, enter settings, and make technical adjustments to suit your preferences.

Ride Experience

After covering over 100 trouble-free miles on the Mokwheel Asphalt, I’ve gained valuable insights into its performance. The bike has a commendable range, capable of reaching up to 60 miles with eco-level 1 assist. During my rides, I experimented with both pedal-assisted and electric-only modes. The 500W motor exceeded my expectations, delivering swift acceleration and a higher top speed than anticipated, thanks to the 48V LG Battery. Unlocking the speed limiter allowed the bike to smoothly accelerate up to 24-26mph without pedal assistance.

In pedal-assist mode, I found that level 5 provided overly abrupt assistance, resulting in constant on/off cycling. Level 3, on the other hand, offered a more balanced and stable cruise speed, allowing for smooth pedal strokes without frequent acceleration and deceleration. While the bike’s seat isn’t the most comfortable, it’s suitable for most rides and features rubber shock absorbers for added comfort. The handlebars, with their unique shape, took some adjustment, but relocating the shifter and brake lever improved grip comfort.

Pros:

1. Sturdy Packaging: The Mokwheel Asphalt arrives in a robustly packaged box, ensuring that the bike reaches you in pristine condition, free from damage during shipping.
2. Clear Assembly Instructions: The included instructions for bike assembly are straightforward and easy to follow, making the setup process hassle-free.
3. Secure Components: The bike components are thoughtfully secured with protective coverings and zip ties, ensuring that nothing shifts during transit, reducing the risk of damage.
4. Impressive Braking: Equipped with TEKTRO hydraulic brakes, the bike offers excellent stopping power, making it suitable for riders of various weights and ensuring safety in urban environments.
5. Smooth Gear Shifting: The Shimano 7-speed Tourney gear shift system, despite arriving with a slightly crooked attachment, delivers efficient gear changes, enhancing the overall riding experience.
6. Powerful Motor: The 500W motor, with a torque of 65Nm, provides robust acceleration and a higher top speed than expected, ensuring a swift and enjoyable ride.
7. Long-Lasting Battery: The 48V 22Ah LG battery, combined with advanced battery management, offers a commendable range of up to 60 miles with eco-level 1 assist.
8. User-Friendly Torque Sensor: The torque sensor allows riders to adjust the level of assistance, making it easier to conquer hills and rough terrain while conserving energy.
9. Adjustable Front Fork: The front fork with adjustable preload and lockout dial allows riders to customize their suspension, ensuring a comfortable and stable ride on city streets.
10. Effective Lighting System: The bike features a well-designed lighting system, including a highly visible rear light and an adjustable front headlight, enhancing safety during day and night rides.
11. Informative LCD Display: The LCD display provides essential trip information, speed, and battery status. It’s easy to read in various lighting conditions and allows for technical adjustments.

Cons:

1. Assembly Challenges: Turning the handlebars in the right direction during assembly can be tricky and may require extra effort. Some wrenches provided may not fit all components, necessitating the use of personal tools.
2. Minor Build Imperfections: The bike’s frame, while durable, exhibits minor imperfections, especially in the upper front part where two major pieces are welded together. The fitment of the battery compartment could be better, as it slightly protrudes from the frame.
3. Plastic Components: Several plastic components, such as the mounting bracket for the digital display, throttle control, and fenders, detract from the bike’s overall quality and aesthetics.
4. Seat Comfort: The bike’s seat, while functional for extended rides, may not be the most comfortable for all riders. Adding a cushioned seat cover could improve rider comfort.
5. Handlebar Adjustment: The unique shape of the handlebars may require some adjustment, and relocating the shifter and brake lever may be necessary for a more comfortable grip.

Conclusion

Transitioning from mountain biking to electric cycling, I found the Mokwheel Asphalt to be a captivating option for city commuting, priced at $1799.00. Unboxing revealed secure packaging that shielded the bike from potential shipping damage. While the assembly process was generally straightforward, I did encounter minor challenges with handlebar alignment and wrench compatibility. The design impressed with pleasing aesthetics and good build quality, with minor frame imperfections and the presence of some plastic components. As I explored the critical components, the TEKTRO hydraulic brakes, powerful 500W motor, and user-friendly torque sensor stood out. In conclusion, for urban commuters seeking an electric bike that is budget friendly, delivers solid performance and features, the Mokwheel Asphalt offers a compelling choice. To learn more or to make a purchase, visit www.mokwheel.com.