Mokwheel Asphalt: Overview
Brace yourself for the Mokwheel Asphalt, a revolution in affordable urban commuting. Imagine cruising through city streets on a bike that combines style, functionality, and comfort without putting you in the poor house. Priced under $1,500, the Asphalt is a steal for anyone seeking a reliable commuter e-bike.
It’s decked out with essentials like full-coverage fenders, powerful integrated lights, and, instead of a bell, the Asphalt includes a horn that commands attention. The sturdy rear rack adds a whole other level of practicality, while the ultra-efficient torque sensor and large battery promise an extended range.
The real cherry on top? Those swept-back handlebars – they’re not only stylish; they’re the key to making every ride exceptionally comfortable.
Assembling the Mokwheel Asphalt
Getting the Mokwheel Asphalt ready for its first ride is a bit of an adventure. It’s not just a simple unbox-and-go; you’ll spend some time with it. You’ll need to attach the fenders, handlebars, and rear rack – don’t worry, all the tools you need come in the box.
While it’s a bit more hands-on than some might prefer, it’s a great way to get familiar with your new ride. And, if DIY isn’t your thing, there’s always the option to take it to a local bike mechanic. Any bike shop would be happy to put this thing together for you (for a fee, of course).
Components of the Mokwheel Asphalt
Get ready to dig into the components that make this e-bike a standout option for urban commuters and casual riders alike. From its robust frame to the high-functioning drivetrain, every element is designed with performance and comfort in mind.
Let’s explore what makes the Mokwheel Asphalt tick.
Frame: Robust and Ready for Action
The frame of the Mokwheel Asphalt is a testament to strength and safety. It’s thicker and beefier than it appears in pictures and provides a super-solid, dependable feel while riding. The integrated brake lights are a smart feature, enhancing your visibility and safety in traffic.
The Asphalt is available in three vibrant colors – Dark Blue (with sparkles), vivid Orange, and sleek Tan – and is designed to accommodate a wide range of riders from 5’5” to 6’5”. This frame’s hefty construction might add a bit to its weight, but it also adds a huge amount of confidence on the road. This commuter is best for riders with a garage or shed to store the Asphalt in. Those facing stairs or limited storage might find lifting this bike challenging.
Controller: Intuitive Command Center
The controller on the Mokwheel Asphalt is all about simplicity and accessibility. Positioned within easy reach, the PAS +/- buttons are straightforward for effortlessly adjusting your riding experience. This user-friendly controller is the heart of the Mokwheel Asphalt, providing a ride that’s both enjoyable and under your control at all times.
Motor: Smooth Power, Smart Performance
The motor of the Mokwheel Asphalt is a quiet achiever. It’s a 500W powerhouse that provides just the right amount of oomph without being too aggressive, and it’s particularly quiet because who wants extra noise distractions when trying to enjoy yourself?
The bike’s torque sensor adds another smart touch, delivering efficient power when needed – not too much or too little.
This motor proves you don’t always need the highest wattage to get a satisfying, responsive ride.
Battery: Long-Lasting Energy on the Go
The battery of the Mokwheel Asphalt is a true powerhouse. It’s equipped with quality LG cells, so you know that it’s made to be long-lasting and reliable. A 48V 14.7Ah capacity provides ample energy for extended rides up to 60 miles on a single charge.
The sleek and non-bulky design allows the Asphalt to maintain a more normal, traditional bike appearance. It’s detachable for convenient charging but can also be charged while in the frame, offering flexibility based on your needs.
Drivetrain: Ready for the Road
The drivetrain on the Mokwheel Asphalt is all about reliable performance. It features a Shimano 7-speed derailleur and cassette, providing enough versatility for various riding conditions, including uphill climbs.
It’s nothing flashy, but it’s dependable and incredibly easy to maintain, thanks to its well-known brand. This drivetrain ensures a smooth ride no matter what the city streets throw your way.
Brakes: Confident Stopping Power
The Tektro hydraulic brakes on the Mokwheel Asphalt ensure you stop safely and smoothly every time. These high-quality brakes give you the confidence of great stopping power, especially on steep descents or in heavy traffic. Their reliable performance and the renowned brand behind them mean you can expect longevity and less frequent maintenance.
These brakes are designed to easily handle the bike’s heft and give peace of mind on every ride.
Wheels: Smooth Sailing on Every Surface
The wheels of the Mokwheel Asphalt are designed for comfort and stability. Featuring 27.5” x 2.4” tires, they ensure a smooth ride over various terrains. The larger size helps in gliding over bumps and potholes with ease. The reflective stripe on the side helps boost your visibility, while the broader tires provide superior grip and stability.
Another excellent feature is that the front wheel is supported by a 100 mm hydraulic front shock, which absorbs road vibrations beautifully. It even has a lockout feature that can be switched on the fly for extra efficient power transfer when hill climbing.
Mokwheel Asphalt: Hill Climb Test
In our hill climb test, the Mokwheel Asphalt impressively tackled a lengthy, steep incline (11% grade avg.). Given the challenging nature of the hill, we didn’t try the climb without pedal assist.
With a 200 lbs rider, the bike performed wonderfully, and the assistance was especially noticeable at PAS level 4, where it gave a significant boost. Even while using only the throttle, there was plenty of power to coast up the hill.
This test underscored Asphalt’s capability to easily manage tough uphill climbs and is a dependable choice for riders needing to tackle gradients.
Attempt # | Pedal Assist Level | Avg. Speed (mph) |
---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 6.8 |
2 | 2 | 6.9 |
3 | 3 | 7.3 |
4 | 4 | 13.6 |
5 | 5 | 13.8 |
6 | Throttle only | 11.2 |
Mokwheel Asphalt: Braking Test
The Mokwheel Asphalt underwent a real-world braking test on steep descents, at times reaching up to 45 mph with a 200 lbs rider! While our standard braking test wasn’t conducted due to location constraints, the bike’s performance was impressive.
The Tektro hydraulic brakes delivered outstanding stopping power, providing a secure and controlled braking experience. This downhill brake test confirmed the bike’s stopping reliability, even under the most challenging conditions.
Final Thoughts on the Mokwheel Asphalt
The Mokwheel Asphalt stands out as a highly capable and affordable electric commuter bike. Its blend of smart and essential features like full-coverage fenders, bright lights, and a loud horn, combined with a comfortable and sturdy design, make it a perfect choice for city riding. While assembly may require some effort, the end result is a reliable, safe, and enjoyable ride.
The Mokwheel Asphalt proves you don’t have to compromise quality for affordability.
Reasons to Buy the Mokwheel Asphalt
The Mokwheel Asphalt is a top pick for a reliable and affordable commuter e-bike. Its standout features, like full-coverage fenders, integrated brake lights, and a loud horn, cater to the needs of urban riders. The comfortable, swept-back handlebars are a unique touch, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Its sturdy frame and efficient torque sensor delivers power and comfort in one package. Perfect for budget-conscious commuters, the Mokwheel Asphalt offers a great balance of price and performance.
Things to Consider
While the Mokwheel Asphalt is a great e-bike, its weight and size are worth considering. This beefy electric bike might pose a challenge for those who need to carry the bike upstairs or for those who find handling heavy objects difficult. The larger frame size may not be the best fit for shorter riders.
These aspects are essential to consider based on your needs and riding environment.