Blix Ultra E-Bike Review, 2024

To get an idea of the Blix Ultra’s range under real-world conditions, we performed two tests wherein we rode the bike continuously until the battery expired. In the first test, we pedaled with only minimal assistance from the motor, allowing us to gauge the maximum distance the bike can travel. In the second test, we kicked the pedal assist level up to its highest setting, which gave us a good estimate of its minimum distance potential. We then compare this to the range stated by the manufacturer, either validating or refuting (more like debating) that claim. Our test results are a ballpark figure, since there are so many factors that affect range: rider/cargo weight, terrain, weather, etc.

The Ultra is a bit of an unusual case. Blix’s marketing focuses on the extended range granted by the dual battery option, while the bike that we received for our testing was the single-battery configuration. With either model, the batteries are the same. Both the front and rear batteries are specked as 48V, 672 Wh capacity, with a combined claimed range of up to 80 miles. A quick note here: we noticed when charging the battery we received that its label listed a capacity of only 640 Wh. We have reached out to Blix about the discrepancy, and will include an update to this review once we get clarification.

For the purposes of our testing, we cut the claimed range evenly in half to 40 miles, since we were dealing with only a single battery. The absence of weight from a second battery could potentially impact the accuracy of that split, but again, we’re going for a ballpark figure. Note also that we did not measure results with any added cargo weight on the bike.

Ultimately, we were impressed with the results we saw – so much so that we awarded the Blix Ultra as the best long-range fat-tired e-bike. The unladen, cargo-rack-equipped, single battery Ultra traveled a distance of 24.26 miles in PAS 5, and 51.7 miles in PAS 1. Considering that the bike is absolutely functional in PAS 1, this suggests that with the additional second battery, the bike could substantially exceed the claimed 80 mile range.

Another thing to note: in higher PAS settings, the battery does deplete relatively quickly since you are traveling so fast. Fortunately, with the aforementioned functionality in lower settings, the only time we felt the need to go above PAS 3 was when climbing hills.

Our test hill, described in the graphic above, proves a real challenge to many e-bikes. While short, it is certainly on the extreme end of something a rider would encounter in the wild. Because of this, we consider a bike to have reliable hill climbing ability if it successfully makes it up the slope.

On both of our tests, one using only the Ultra’s throttle, and the other in PAS 5, the Ultra definitely passed – though this result may be slightly misleading. This is not to say that the bike struggles to get uphill; it doesn’t. But it does offer the rider a bit more control over the uphill experience.

I mentioned previously that the Blix Ultra feels like a bike first, and an e-bike second; this is most apparent when dealing with hills. The bike absolutely has the capability of handling hills well, as demonstrated during our testing, but in anything except PAS 5, the Ultra does make you work for it. The bike seems optimized for speed on flat ground in the lower levels, but the torque for climbing steep hills doesn’t fully seem to kick in until the PAS 4-5 range.

Personally, I don’t want to work very hard when pedaling uphill, so I would most likely switch up to PAS 5 or hit the throttle when in lower PAS levels. I learned to look at the Ultra’s approach to hills as a feature, and not a bug; it is easily adjusted to your own riding style, and has power where and when you need it.

With the Blix Ultra’s cargo hauling capability, good brakes are at the top of the list of requirements when it comes to safety. E-bikes already travel at higher speeds than traditional bicycles, which makes them more difficult to slow and/or stop. Adding additional weight compounds that problem even further. The Ultra features ZOOM hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors and motor cutoff functionality, which we appreciate seeing as a standard feature.

When assessing the Ultra’s performance in our Brake Test, we again kept the bike in Class 2 mode with no cargo, pedaled it up to 20 miles per hour and then came to a complete, controlled stop. We repeated this process three times and measured the stopping distance for each run, then averaged the results. With an average stopping distance of 22’8”, the Ultra was a bit on the high/slow end when comparing it to similar bikes we have tested. That said, it doesn’t feel like it has any trouble. The bike maintains its very solid and stable feeling regardless of the force applied to the brake levers.

Outside of our measured tests, I did load up the Ultra with some cargo to get a feel for its braking capabilities when under duress. The added weight did, as expected, extend the bike’s slowing, though it was still able to maintain its stability and controlled feel.

Additional safety features include reflectors, the integrated front LED headlight and the handlebar-mounted bell. For ease of use, the headlight can be activated with either the control pad on the left handlebar or the Blix Bike phone app. While I did not test the headlight at night, the 80 Lux rating seems adequate. Much of our testing is done on a series of local bike paths that are shared with pedestrians, so I appreciated the inclusion of the bell for signaling others on the trail. With the minimalistic cockpit layout (more on that below), it was also easy to access from the right handlebar grip.

With the Blix Ultra’s heavy lean on functionality, it would have been easy for the bike to sacrifice some level of comfort. Fortunately, this is not the case; across the board, the Ultra was extremely comfortable even on longer rides.

The padded saddle felt great, offering support without impeding movement or creating too much friction when pedaling. The ergonomic sweep of the handlebars was similarly excellent, offering a natural feel that complemented the Ultra’s handling. Additionally, the bike’s riding position felt appropriate, being mostly upright with a slight forward angle.

The Blix Ultra both presents itself and ultimately succeeds at being a multipurpose e-bike. Its design, tuning, integrated features, and accessories all combine to create a machine that can be highly customized to the preferences of its rider. Over the course of my personal experience with the bike, I have often been reminded of the saying “A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one,” and I think this truly exemplifies the Ultra.

The Ultra can go the distance with dual batteries, or it can just as easily stay closer to home with one. It can ride like a traditional bike at lower PAS levels, or swiftly carry its rider along at PAS 5 or on throttle alone. It can stick to restricted paths as a Class 2 e-bike, or fly along the road as a Class 3. It can haul camping gear across dirt and grass, or allow a friend to ride along through downtown. Its flexibility is key, and opens up a world of possibilities.

While I can’t say that the Ultra is a perfect bike, all in all, our critique is minimal. We would prefer to see a larger central display for a more easily visible, full spectrum of data, or at least an included phone mount when considering that the bike seems to encourage use of the highly functional Blix app. The Ultra’s carrying capacity is appreciated, and again, adds to the bike’s flexibility, but the high center of gravity is something to be aware and cautious of, especially when mounting (and even more especially with precious cargo).

Overall, the Blix Ultra boasts an impressive degree of potential. I had a lot of fun when taking advantage of its top speeds in Class 3 mode, but also appreciated the bike’s cargo capability and notable range under lower assistance settings. I happily recommend the Ultra for anyone who really wants a bike that can do a little bit of everything, and maybe anyone looking for that wind-in-your-hair, hands-in-the-air (don’t actually do that!) thrill. Yes, it’s a very different style than the Blix Aveny Skyline, Sol Eclipse, and Vika+, but we really like the addition to the Blix e-bike family.

Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Blix Ultra.