Magnum Wave Review | Sit Back & Low, Pedal Forward, Then Go

While Magnum advertises a range of up to 50 miles with the Wave’s removable but fully-integrated 48V, 720Wh battery, our testing showed the bike capable of even longer rides from a single charge. We tested the bike on two real-world rides using the method explained above.

In these tests, our riders covered 50.1 and 73.4 miles in their max-PAS and low-assist settings, respectively. Similar e-bikes we tested averaged 35.7 and 70.2 miles, respectively, making the Wave’s capabilities average to significantly above average in comparison to its peers.

The Wave had two primary advantages in this test, including a larger-than-average battery and a more energy efficient motor.

The battery, which has an additional 51 Wh of capacity when compared to the 669 Wh cruiser average, seems to have played into the Wave’s Eco mode results the most. When calculating the amount of energy its motor used per mile in this test, the Wave’s result of 9.8 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) is right on par with the cruiser category average, giving it a small amount of extra fuel to travel beyond the average distance.

In its Turbo mode range test, the Wave was much more conservative in its energy consumption. While other e-bikes in this category averaged 18.8 Wh/mi, Magnum’s cruiser used just 14.4 Wh/mi, allowing the bike to stretch its charge well beyond many of its peers.

We tested the Wave in its Class 2 mode, which limited its speed to 20 mph. Additionally, we used its default torque-sensing mode, which is more efficient than the cadence mode due to its variable power output. Riders who set the Wave to Class 3 and/or cadence mode should expect to travel fewer miles per charge, though the difference will vary.

The bike’s results were excellent in both tests. Considering the Wave’s impressive energy efficiency, however, there is less reason to be concerned with conserving power; riders who enjoy using high assist levels should find the bike well-suited for their style.

A realistic range of 50-70+ miles gives riders plenty of flexibility in how they use the Wave. Whether used for short leisure rides, longer day trips, or regular commuting, most riders should expect multiple round trips from a single charge. Magnum packages the bike with a 2A charger, which can recharge the battery in roughly 7.5 hours.

One of an e-bike’s greatest appealing factors is its ability to assist riders when dealing with hilly terrain. To test the Magnum Wave’s climbing power, we used the method and location described above. The bike performed well, with a throttle result of 2:13 at 13.6 mph to the top of the Devil’s backbone. Its pedal test results were faster, at 1:55 and 15.8 mph.

These results place the Wave relatively average to above average in relation to its peers; similar bikes, including many of the best cruisers we’ve tested, averaged a slightly faster 2:08 when throttling up the hill and a somewhat slower 2:02 when pedaling.

Overall, the bike met and slightly exceeded our expectations based on its specs. Its motor power is similar to the average in our comparison group (800W peak with 65 Nm of torque, versus the category’s 900W, 65 Nm average). At 74 lbs, however, it is heavier than average and more difficult to move uphill, so we would not have been surprised with slower times.

I performed a series of my own tests at our secondary location, called Pilot Hill. My throttle and max-assist pedal tests in the Wave’s torque-sensing mode aligned well with our formal test results at the Devil’s Backbone; the throttle was steady and capable, but the bike was noticeably faster and felt more powerful in Turbo.

I also tested the bike in Turbo using its cadence-sensing mode. Interestingly, while many e-bikes that offer swappable sensor modes are often faster in their cadence modes, the Wave was somewhat different. Pedaling still felt easy, but this was the slowest of my three tests, with my throttle result between the two pedal times.

Our test results speak for themselves: the Wave is more than capable of climbing hills, whether running solely on throttle power or assisting its rider when pedaling. It may be somewhat on the heavier side for a cruiser-style e-bike, but it proved every bit as powerful as many of its peers—even if its spec sheet might suggest otherwise.

The Magnum Wave proved very capable of safe, rapid braking when we tested it using the method above. Our three test results averaged to a stopping distance of 19’7” — over a foot and a half shorter than the 21’3” cruiser category average.

Once again, reasons for the Wave’s success are not obvious; the bike is somewhat heavier than average but uses a familiar hydraulic brake system (Tektro’s HD-E3520) that is common among similar models we’ve tested previously. Based on its weight, we would expect slower-than-average braking, but the bike proved more capable than anticipated.

Part of the bike’s impressive braking performance may be related to its geometry and riding position. While this is speculation, it makes some sense to me that with 26-inch wheels, a slackened seat tube, and a naturally more forward-leaning riding position than many cruisers, less weight would be transferred to the front wheel when applying the brakes. If this is accurate, the rear brake would share more in contributing stopping force.

Regardless, in my experience, braking felt strong, confidence-inspiring, and safe. As expected, the system modulated speed well when riding downhill and provided rapid deceleration with steady pressure on the levers. As a result, the Wave earned our stamp of approval in this test.

A bike’s ride quality is a summary of how it feels to ride and operate. Ride quality takes into account many factors, including its style, geometry, comfort, user interface, motor responsiveness, and more. Overall, I found the Magnum Wave easy to ride and use, though there are a handful of considerations prospective buyers should keep in mind.

I found the bike well-sized and generally comfortable for my height and weight (5’11” and 210 lbs, respectively). Magnum advertises that the Wave’s single-size frame fits riders as low as 4’10”, and our contact confirmed that the top end sits around 6’2”, depending on the rider’s inseam measurement.

The bike offers a fair amount of adjustability, with 7 inches of adjustment in saddle height and an adjustable stem for handlebar height, reach, and riding position changes. Buyers considering the bike should be aware that the riding position may be naturally more forward-leaning than expected for the Wave’s style, though this is somewhat flexible.

I found a generally comfortable fit with the handlebars raised almost to their full height, which brought my posture to a more upright position. I enjoyed the ergonomic, strain-free nature of the pedal-forward geometry. I couldn’t help but feel somewhat C-shaped upon first riding the bike, but I became much more used to it after a moderately-long test ride.

As I’ve come to expect from many cruiser-style e-bikes, the Wave’s ride was smooth and cushy, thanks to the combination of its suspension fork, spring saddle, and 26×2.4” tires. All three help to reduce the force of impacts and absorb road vibrations, while the tires also aid in riding stability and traction.

Handling felt expectedly relaxed, meaning that the bike generally steers predictably, neither sluggish nor remarkably nimble. It feels appropriate for low-stress commuting, leisure riding, and other situations where users can take their time and appreciate their surroundings.

The Wave does a great job of balancing ease of use and functionality. It comes equipped for regular use, with features like integrated lights and turn signals, fenders, a throttle, and a cargo rack rated for 55 lbs. It also includes a sleek stem-integrated full-color display, though this could be somewhat difficult to see.

As a side effect of the bike’s geometry and riding position, riders who want an upright, comfort-centered posture will likely need to angle the stem to a near-vertical orientation. Doing so places the display at a low, potentially downward-facing position; an adjustable, handlebar-mounted screen would likely be a more user-friendly solution.

Otherwise, I appreciated the Wave’s handful of impactful customization options, which were accessed through the display’s settings menu. In addition to basic system and screen options, riders can switch between sensor modes with a few button presses or select different Class settings after entering a security code.

One final aspect of the bike that’s worth mentioning is its appearance. Magnum recently adopted a more unified design style with a handful of relatively unique color options that set their bikes apart. We were partial to our test bike’s shifting, chameleon-like Ocean color, but all blend classic and modern aesthetics effectively.

Overall, the Wave is a comfortable, approachable e-bike with an appealing design, useful features, and a charming feel. Like all e-bikes, it has some areas with room for improvement, but it generally succeeds at what it sets out to be—a relaxed cruiser that’s user-friendly and fun to ride.

At first glance, it may be tough to decide which of Magnum’s e-bikes is right for you. After all, many of their latest models share a similar cruiser-influenced design and appearance, with small—but important—details that change their feel and target audience. The Wave is likely the brand’s most cruiser-feeling cruiser, with a laid-back approach to pedaling.

In our experience, Magnum’s lineup has been consistently solid, and the Wave followed the same pattern. It performed well in all areas of our testing, showing intuitive and well-balanced power levels, excellent max-assist range, strong climbing power, and rapid, safe braking.

Additionally, the bike’s ride felt relaxed, smooth, and controlled, making it well-suited for consumers seeking the benefits and characteristics of a cruiser-style e-bike.

Our largest critique was related to the display, which may be difficult to read for riders who prefer an upright seating position—but likely fine for those comfortable with a sportier forward lean. Additionally, our test bike showed some inconsistencies in programming and speed, which could probably be fixed with a quick software update.

Otherwise, we’d bet that many riders looking for a stylish, approachable, accessible, and well-outfitted yet easy to use e-bike would find the Wave appealing. Its pedal-forward design complements its relaxed vibe, while its customization options and adjustability make it able to be tuned for a variety of riders and riding styles.

If you’re seeking an easy-pedaling but not overpowered cruiser for getting around, enjoying your local scenery, breathing fresher air, and living a more active lifestyle, the Magnum Wave might just be the ticket.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Magnum Wave down in our comments section.