AIMA Key West 2.0 Review | A Ride as Smooth as Calm Seas

Our Range Test process is simple: we start with a fresh charge, then ride until the battery is fully depleted. We perform one test using the highest PAS level and a second using the lowest setting that still delivers practical power.

With its 48V, 672-Wh power pack, our test riders traveled 32 and 56.6 miles on a single charge. Similar mid-weight city cruisers we’ve tested covered somewhat higher results of 34.5 and 66 miles from batteries averaging 640 Wh.

It is easy to wonder why the Key West 2.0 traveled fewer miles than its peers despite having a smaller battery. While we don’t have exact figures in terms of motor output, we can consider the bike’s energy efficiency when dividing its battery’s capacity in watt-hours (Wh) by its mileage (mi) in our tests.

In short, the group of comparison models, which includes many of the best cruiser-style e-bikes we’ve tested, proved to be more energy efficient. On average, this group used 10 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) in their low-power range tests and 19.1 Wh/mi in their max-assist tests. The Key West 2.0 used 11.9 Wh/mi and 21 Wh/mi, respectively.

Touching back on the results of our Speed Test in the section above, the bike’s motor puts out an ample amount of power by default. Riders looking to extend the bike’s range may want to consider lowering its output, but given the fact that the lower assist levels are plenty useful, we expect most riders to land near the far end of our results.

Realistically, a range of 32 to roughly 57 miles should cover multiple leisure rides or even a few relatively long commutes on a single charge. With this potential, the Key West 2.0 offers serious practicality to a variety of riders using the bike for exercise, enjoyment, or everyday rides to work or school.

One thing to note is that we performed our testing in the bike’s torque-sensing mode with Class 2 speed limits. Those using higher speeds and/or cadence mode will likely see reduced range. Riders who alter the default settings may also have different results.

We were pleased to note that the Key West 2.0 includes a 3A fast charger, which isn’t always a guarantee on e-bikes in its price range. This charger should fill a fully-drained battery in under 5 hours.

The Key West 2.0’s rewarding pedal assist system was front and center in our Hill Test. To evaluate its climbing power, we tested both its throttle and highest pedal assist level at our test hill, the Devil’s Backbone, as explained in the graphic above.

Our test rider, Justin, recorded a throttle result of 2:07 with an average speed of 14.3 mph. His pedal time quickened to 1:55 with a faster speed of 15.8 mph. These results straddled the averages we’ve recorded from similar models; our comparison group finished the test in 2:03 on throttle and 1:58 using pedal assist.

Where the bike was strongest was in its feel; pedaling uphill was active, but it required only light effort. Justin was impressed by the smoothness of the pedal assist system; as I touched on previously, it delivers power intuitively and responsively while still feeling steady.

My experience at our secondary test location, called Pilot Hill, lined up well with Justin’s perspective and his test results. There, I tested the Key West 2.0 in much the same way, though I also added a pedal test using cadence mode, whereas Justin stuck to the default torque-sensing mode.

As with our formal test, my throttle result was the most leisurely; I climbed the hill in 1:30 at 12.6 mph. Unusually, my torque-mode result was the fastest at 1:18 and 14.5 mph. My cadence-mode result fell between the other two scores, though it didn’t differ significantly in feel from my torque-mode test.

All of this boils down to the following: the Key West 2.0 is well-equipped to help with hills. Riders who want to handle them fastest will want to pedal, but they shouldn’t expect to feel tired or out of breath when the job is done. Those who prefer a more relaxed experience can rely entirely on the throttle, though doing so may add a few seconds to the climb.

The AIMA Key West 2.0 did a great job in our Brake Test, where our tester, Michael, brought it to 20 mph before applying the brakes. In each of three test runs, he measured the distance the bike traveled before stopping. We averaged those results for a score of 18’9″, which falls nearly three feet shorter than the category average of 21’8″.

It’s relatively obvious why AIMA’s city cruiser performed so well in comparison to many of its peers. While its brakes, the two-piston Tektro HD-E3520 hydraulic system, are not uncommon on e-bikes we’ve subjected to this test, the rotor size stands out. Many other e-bikes use 180mm rotors, but AIMA equipped the Key West 2.0 with larger 203mm rotors, which provide more leverage and are more effective at dissipating heat.

Ultimately, when compared with many similar models, the Key West’s brakes are stronger and perform more consistently with repeated use.

In my experience, the brakes felt powerful and highly effective without seeming aggressive. When riding downhill, modulating speed required steady, moderate pressure on the levers. Stopping on flat ground was quick and predictable.

All in all, this setup is well matched to the Key West 2.0’s speeds and weight, easily counteracting its momentum. Its score is among the shortest we’ve seen from e-bikes of this style, so it easily earns our approval for brake safety and performance.

E-bikes like the Key West 2.0 often prioritize comfort and agility, but AIMA’s model is among the most successful in these areas. Its relaxed geometry, adjustable fit, included suspension seatpost, and balanced weight help it to be nimble and enjoyable to ride.

AIMA offers the bike in two sizes: a Regular that fits riders from 4’11” to 5’10”, and a Large that accommodates those between 5’4″ and 6’1″. We tested the smaller model, and despite being outside the recommended height range (I’m 5’11”), I found the ride comfortable and ergonomic.

The bike offers a fair amount of adaptability, with a seatpost that has around 6″ of adjustment in saddle height and an adjustable stem that alters handlebar height and reach.

Since our test bike was a bit on the small side, I set the stem to roughly 45 degrees and set the saddle somewhat lower than I typically would to keep the riding position comfortable. I was relieved that the motor offset the difference in leg extension by giving me enough power to prevent any strain.

The wide, swept-back handlebars, ergonomic rubber grips, and supportive spring saddle felt great, keeping me in a comfortable and relaxed upright position. I found myself easily slipping into the cruiser mindset, pedaling at a casual pace so I could enjoy my surroundings and the ride experience.

Thanks to the suspension seatpost and 27.5″ wheels, rolling over bumps felt smooth—more like gliding or floating than anything else. Steering was relaxed but also responsive, so the bike was easy to control without feeling sharp or aggressive. Accelerating was fast and efficient, feeling well-suited for both commuting and cruising.

Speaking of those two uses, the Key West 2.0 is decidedly a cruiser first, but it still has plenty of commuter DNA. In addition to its place in the mid-weight category, it’s well-equipped for functionality. The bike includes integrated lights, fenders, turn signals, and a high-capacity MIK-HD cargo rack, so it’s set up for utility in addition to daily transport.

As I’ve mentioned previously, I was impressed by how seamlessly and quickly the motor engaged; it felt intuitive and dialed-in.

The Key West’s level of customization was appreciated, though I do have one area of critique. Adjustments to the bike’s Class setting must be made by authorized technicians at AIMA dealers, which means that riders who make a change but want to return to previous settings will need to go through the ordeal of going back to the bike shop. This may present an inconvenience to those who live far from a dealer location.

Otherwise, I appreciated that many changes can be made from the display’s settings menu, including switching between torque and cadence modes.

Additionally, the Bafang Go app is worth a mention. In addition to also offering motor tuning and serving as a hub for important ride data, it also can be used to track rides or get turn-by-turn navigation to specific destinations.

Overall, the experience of riding, using, and customizing the Key West 2.0 was great, and I’m impressed with how much the bike offers at its price point between $1,500 and $2,000.

Alongside a handful of other e-bike companies, AIMA is firmly in the camp of brands that simply do things right. As a professional tester and reviewer, this makes my job easy—and it’s truly a delight when I have the opportunity to review one of AIMA’s products.

Considering that the brand only recently released the original Key West, I was surprised to see a follow-up so quickly, but the update is worthwhile. We considered the brand’s first city cruiser to be a great bike, but this version offers a much smoother and more comfortable ride along with a more rewarding experience via pedal assist.

This e-bike did an excellent job in most areas of our testing, with smooth, responsive, and ample power, practical range, solid climbing power, and safe braking. The Key West 2.0 proved to be well-specced, outfitted properly for both comfort and daily use, and visually appealing to boot.

There is only one area of critique worth mentioning: AIMA’s e-bikes are sold only through brick-and-mortar dealers, and any adjustments to the Key West’s speeds must be done on-site by the company’s technicians.

Otherwise, the Key West 2.0 is remarkably easy to recommend for urban and suburban riders seeking a highly comfortable cruiser-style e-bike with a manageable weight.

It would also be a great fit for those who want a maneuverable and easy-to-pedal daily-use commuter, as well as for buyers who want a smooth, enjoyable leisure bike. Finally, it’s great for those who need an e-bike that’s easy to mount and riders who enjoy diving into settings menus and customizing their ride to match their preferences.

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 AIMA Key West 2.0 down in our comments section.