AIMA Key West Review | Laid-Back & Charming

We often like to see a 1:1 ratio between a motor’s nominal wattage and the battery’s watt-hour capacity. That pairing typically provides a solid day-to-day range; enough capacity for quick errands, leisurely rides, or a decent-length commute without anxiety.

The Key West’s 500W motor and 614Wh battery hit that mark nicely, and the use of a torque sensor helps stretch things even further. Because the motor responds proportionally to your pedaling effort rather than simply turning on and off, torque-based systems tend to be more energy-efficient than cadence sensors. For that reason, we used the torque sensor mode for our range testing.

Our results actually beat AIMA’s quoted range of 24 to 50 miles. We recorded 32.3 miles in Turbo mode and an impressive 73.2 miles in Eco.

Of course, those numbers will vary depending on how you ride. Using cadence sensor mode or cruising at Class 3 speeds will bring the range down a bit and lineup more closely with AIMA’s quote. But even so, those are great results that suggest you won’t need to charge too often.

When you do, the included 3A charger quickly refills the 614Wh battery, reaching a full charge from empty in about five hours.

Bafang is one of the largest e-bike motor manufacturers in the world, and their catalog runs the full spectrum from high-powered speed demons to more modest, budget-friendly options. The one AIMA chose for the Key West falls squarely on the pleasant end of that spectrum. It’s quiet, smooth, and well-synced with your pedaling, yet it can still punch above its weight when the road tilts upward.

On our Devil’s Backbone hill test, the Key West posted a throttle-only time of 2:05, averaging 14.5 mph. With pedal assist, that time improved to 1:52, for a 16.2 mph average.

Those numbers stack up nicely. Across all the bikes we’ve tested on this climb, the current averages are 2:01 (throttle) and 2:06 (pedal). That puts the Key West right around or slightly better than our all-bike average.

Narrowing it down further—comparing only to bikes with 500W hub motors or cruiser-style frames—it performs roughly 10 seconds faster than the category norm.

The bike’s lighter weight likely contributes to that efficiency, as does its 793W peak output and 59Nm of torque. It’s got enough juice to keep things fun without sacrificing smoothness or control. Whether tackling the steep grades of Backbone or rolling suburban inclines, the Key West climbs with confidence and composure.

Not all 500W cruisers handle hills equally well. The Key West definitely finds itself on the stronger side of that comparison.

It’s been a few years since my college business classes, but I still remember professors emphasizing how every brand should be known for something—whether that’s great customer service, sleek design, or even a signature touch (like Chick-fil-A’s “my pleasure”). I like that AIMA seems intent on being known for oversized brake rotors—because that’s a great thing to hang your hat on.

The Key West uses Tektro 2-piston hydraulic brakes paired with big 203mm rotors. That extra size gives the brakes more leverage, helping the bike slow down faster while also reducing brake fade on longer descents where you’re feathering the levers more frequently.

And the results back it up: we recorded an average stopping distance of 20 feet, 11 inches in our brake test. That’s about a full foot better than our current average across nearly 280 bikes tested with me as the rider.

Tektro’s components have a solid reputation for reliability, so you can expect plenty of miles before needing replacements. You may need to bleed the system eventually, which is doable with some YouTube guidance. However, since AIMA sells exclusively through a dealer network, you can always bring it back to your local shop for quick and professional service.

I was pleased with the testing numbers, but the real standout of the Key West is how it feels on the road. To be fair, our test bike came in a regular frame size, which I would’ve ideally ridden in a large—but even with that small fit handicap, the ride quality impressed me.

The frame feels remarkably solid for a step-through. It’s planted and confidence-inspiring, tracking straight as an arrow. Sure, there’s some flex—it comes with the territory when you lose the top tube—but the Key West still feels well-built and composed.

I liked the boxier downtube design and the clean finish with minimal visible welds. The bike looks tidy and refined, especially in the Coral colorway we tested (and that bright blue option online looks great too). The cable management is neat, and the included headlight and integrated taillights not only complement the design but also add real-world visibility and practicality.

There’s no suspension, true, but that’s intentional. The rigid fork keeps the weight low and handling crisp, while the geometry and adjustable stem help riders dial in a comfortable, upright position.

The supporting components all perform well. Shifting is crisp, the gear range is appropriate for casual cruising or moderate hills, and the narrower tires help with agility and rolling efficiency. They can get a little slick in wet conditions, so it’s best to corner with care when the roads are damp. The included fenders, however, make those rainy rides a bit easier to handle.

I was also pleasantly surprised by how useful the Bafang Go app has become. My last experience with it was limited, but it has clearly evolved. Paired with the Key West’s bright 4” TFT display, the app now supports turn-by-turn navigation and even text notifications right on the screen. You can disable those alerts if you’d rather ride distraction-free, but it’s nice to have the option—and it adds a layer of connectivity you don’t often see in this category.

AIMA is still a relatively new brand to me, but they’re quickly making a strong impression. Much like the Santa Monica we previously reviewed, the Key West hits its intended mark with confidence. It’s lightweight and nimble, rides with a solid, well-built feel, and gives you the flexibility to tailor your power delivery for a gentle cruise, a brisk commute, or anything in between on paved roads.

The bike blends charm and practicality nicely. It’s got style to spare and some genuinely thoughtful tech features: turn signals that chirp to remind you when they’re still on, integrated navigation and message alerts through the app, and multiple engagement modes so you can fine-tune your ride feel. It’s all functional, not gimmicky.

The component package suits the price point well, and the sizing should accommodate most riders comfortably. There really aren’t many serious drawbacks here. If you have an AIMA dealer nearby, the Key West is absolutely worth a test ride—it’s a smooth, capable, and quietly impressive cruiser that lives up to its easygoing name.

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 down in our comments section.