Mokwheel Slate Folding E-Bike Review
The Mokwheel Slate is a folding electric bike that aims to impress with its long-range capabilities and feature set. Ideal for commuters and casual riders, the Slate boasts a 500W rear hub motor, a 48V 15Ah battery (720Wh), and a claimed range of up to 60 miles. But how does it fare in real-world situations? Let’s delve deeper into the Slate’s specs, performance, and its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right e-bike for you.
Mokwheel Slate Ebike Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 500W rear hub |
| Battery | 48V 15Ah (720Wh) |
| Display | Full-color LCD (detachable for security) |
| Pedal Assist Levels | 5 |
| Throttle | Yes |
| Range (claimed) | 50-60 miles |
| Top Speed (with pedal assist) | 20 mph |
| Brakes | Logan HD-E500 hydraulic disc brakes |
| Tires | Chaoyang 20″ x 3.0″ |
| Weight | 64 lbs (claimed), 67 lbs (tested) |
| Rider Height Range | 5’0″ – 6’2″ |
| Price | $1,499 |
Pros
- Long Range: The Slate’s impressive range of up to 88.94 miles (achieved during reported testing at low pedal assist level) makes it a great option for longer commutes or recreational rides.
- Powerful Brakes: The hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, keeping you safe on the road.
- Comfortable Ride: The adjustable front suspension fork and large tires help to smooth out bumps and provide a comfortable ride.
- Full-Featured: The Slate comes with a full set of fenders, lights, a rear rack, and integrated turn signals, making it a practical choice for everyday riding.
- Detachable Display: The full-color display can be removed for security, offering peace of mind when parking your bike.
- Solid Gears: The wide gear range allows you to tackle hills and maintain a comfortable pedaling cadence.
Cons
- Awkward Folding: The Slate folds easily, but it lacks a strap or latch to secure it in the folded position, and its weight can make it difficult to carry.
- High-Speed Torque Sensor: The torque sensor feels jerky at higher pedal assist levels, providing a less natural riding experience.
Unboxing and Assembly
The Mokwheel Slate arrives mostly assembled, requiring minimal setup. The handlebars and pedals need attaching, and the front wheel might need some minor adjustments to ensure proper alignment. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes for even novice riders.
Mokwheel Slate Specs Breakdown
- Motor: 500W rear hub motor with 65Nm of torque. This motor provides enough power for tackling hills and maintaining a comfortable cruising speed on flat terrain.
- Battery: 48V 15Ah (720Wh) battery. This high-capacity battery is a major selling point of the Slate, offering a significant advantage in terms of range over many competitors.
- Display: A full-color LCD display provides vital information like speed, battery level, pedal assist level, and odometer. The unique feature here is the detachable display, which can be removed for added security when parking your bike in public spaces.
- Pedal Assist: The Slate features 5 pedal assist levels, allowing you to customize the amount of motor assistance you receive. This is great for adjusting to varying terrain or managing battery consumption.
- Throttle: Yes, the Slate includes a thumb throttle for riders who prefer not to pedal or want an extra boost of power.
- Brakes: Logan HD-E500 hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes offer excellent stopping power in all weather conditions, a crucial safety feature for any e-bike.
- Tires: Chaoyang 20″ x 3.0″ tires. These wide tires provide good grip and comfort on various terrains, from city streets to light off-road paths.
- Weight: The Slate is listed at 64 lbs, but reported testing revealed a weight of 67 lbs with the battery installed. This can make lifting the folded bike a challenge, especially for shorter riders.
- Rider Height Range: Mokwheel states a rider height range of 5’0″ to 6’2″ due to the step-through frame design and adjustable seat post and handlebar.
Ride Quality: Comfort and Handling
The Mokwheel Slate offers a comfortable riding experience thanks to several factors:
- Adjustable Suspension Fork: The front suspension fork with 90mm to 110mm of travel helps absorb bumps and road imperfections, making your ride smoother.
- Upright Riding Position: The step-through frame design and upright handlebars promote a relaxed and comfortable posture, reducing strain on your back and shoulders.
- Wide Tires: The large 20″ x 3.0″ tires provide good traction and stability, especially on uneven surfaces.
While the Slate isn’t designed for aggressive off-road riding, it handles city streets, bike paths, and light gravel trails with ease.
Range: How Far Can You Really Go?
The Mokwheel Slate’s impressive range is a major selling point. Reports of testing exceeded the claimed range, achieving a remarkable 88.94 miles on a single charge with the pedal assist set to the lowest level. Even at higher assist levels, the range remains quite respectable, making the Slate a great choice for longer commutes or extended recreational rides.
Speed: Keeping Up with Traffic
With a top speed of 20 mph (with pedal assist), the Slate can keep pace with traffic on most city streets and bike paths. The 5 pedal assist levels allow you to adjust your speed based on your needs and comfort level.
Braking Performance: Confident Stopping Power
The Logan HD-E500 hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power in all weather conditions. They offer good modulation, allowing you to control your braking precisely, which is important for safe riding in traffic.
Folding Mechanism: Easy to Fold, But Awkward to Carry
The Mokwheel Slate folds easily with the help of hinge points that allow the frame to fold in half. However, it lacks a strap or latch to secure it in the folded position, making it awkward to carry, especially considering its weight (67 lbs). This could be a drawback for riders who need to store the bike on public transportation or carry it for short distances.
Lights, Turn Signals, and Fenders: Ready for the Road
The Mokwheel Slate comes equipped with several features that enhance its practicality and safety for everyday riding:
- Front and Rear Lights: A built-in headlight and taillight ensure you’re visible during low-light conditions.
- Integrated Turn Signals: The rear light doubles as turn signals, operated by handlebar controls, making it easier to communicate your intentions to other road users.
- Fenders: Metal fenders keep you and your bike dry when riding through puddles or wet roads.
These features make the Slate a great option for commuting, allowing you to navigate city streets safely and confidently in most weather conditions.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The Mokwheel Slate has a modern and clean design with a step-through frame that makes mounting and dismounting the bike easy. The aluminum frame feels sturdy and well-built, and the components appear reliable. The tan sidewall tires add a stylish touch to the overall look.
Is the Mokwheel Slate Right for You?
The Mokwheel Slate is a compelling option for:
- Commuters: With its long range, comfortable ride quality, and integrated lights and fenders, the Slate is well-suited for daily commutes.
- Casual Riders: If you’re looking for an e-bike for recreational rides on paved paths or light off-road trails, the Slate offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and features.
However, there are a few things to consider before you buy:
- Weight and Folding Mechanism: The Slate’s weight (67 lbs) and lack of a secure folding mechanism might be drawbacks for riders who need to carry the bike for short distances or store it on public transportation.
- Higher Speed Torque Sensor: The torque sensor feels less natural at higher pedal assist levels, providing a slightly jerky acceleration.
The Verdict: A Strong Contender with Room for Improvement
The Mokwheel Slate is a solid folding e-bike with a lot to offer, particularly for commuters seeking a long-range and feature-rich option. The comfortable ride quality, excellent brakes, and impressive range are definite highlights. However, the awkward folding mechanism and less refined high-speed torque sensor experience are shortcomings to consider.
Alternative E-bikes to Explore
Here are two alternative ebikes to consider before making your decision:
- Schwinn Elm: This folding e-bike boasts a more powerful 750W motor and a smoother torque sensor. However, it has a shorter range than the Slate.
- Rad PowerBikes City 5+: This non-folding e-bike offers a comfortable upright riding position, a powerful 750W motor, and an even longer range than the Slate. It’s not as portable as the Slate, but it might be a good option if you prioritize power and range over foldability.
Ultimately, the best e-bike for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. The Mokwheel Slate is a strong contender, especially for commuters, but it’s always wise to consider your options before making a purchase.
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
