Blix Vika+ Electric Folding Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
Blix recently updated their eBike line up with new features like more power and range along with many cargo carrying options.
The new Blix Vika+ is a good example of these features in a compact & portable electric folding bike.
In addition to its easy going compact design it also has a low step-thru area that makes getting on and off the Vika+ very easy.
Some of the spec highlights are a 500 watt motor, high capacity 48V 14ah lithium Samsung battery, Tektro disc brakes, pedal assist & throttle, and much more.
The Blix Vika+ is priced at $1,699 with monthly payment options.
In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.
Part 2 of the Blix Vika+ review will give you info on the ride characteristics, results from the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this eBike.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at the Blix Vika+!
The Blix Vika+ comes in 3 different colors: Black, Racing Green, or Cream.
Now let’s take a closer look at the details of the Blix Vika+.
First of all we will take a closer look at the folding aluminum frame that is designed to fit riders in height from 4’10” – 6’3″. The handlebar and seat height have a lot of adjustability to dial in your ride fit and preferred riding position.
Even though the Vika+ has a compact look it can support up to a 240 pound rider and it has a total payload capacity of 270 pounds (rider + cargo).
The low step-thru area (16.5″ off the ground) makes the Vika+ very easy to get on and off.
Folding the bike takes less than a minute and its compact size is good for storage and/or transport. More details on the folding in a bit.
The downtube swoops down to create the low step-thru area that is 16.5″ above the ground to make it easy to get on and off this bike.
At the headtube is the bolted connection for the front rack that Blix offers in addition to other accessories.
This is a nice feature because it provides a stable connection for front loaded cargo.
Blix offers accessories for many different cargo options for the front and back of the Vika+.
There is a reinforcing gusset under the downtube at the head tube connection for additional strength at this high stress area.
Like the frame the fork is aluminum and it features connection points for the front alloy fender that comes stock on the Vika+.
At the low step-thru area is the frame hinge point that is secured with a quick release lever and safety lever.
The 48V 14ah lithium battery (Samsung cells) is housed just behind the seat tube of the frame for a good central location for bike handling and the balance of the bike.
This high capacity 672 Wh provided impressive range in the tough range test. Check out Part 2 for more information.
On the upper right side of the bike is the battery on/off button and charge port.
On the left side of the battery is a charge level indicator (bottom) and the battery lock (top).
Removing the battery is accomplished by unlocking it with one of the supplied keys (2 supplied) and pulling it up and off the bike.
This is a look at the frame once the battery has been removed. The bike weighs 49.0 pounds without the battery. The total bike weight is 56.3 pounds.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike with the included charger. Estimated charging time for 100% charge is about 5.5 hours.
The battery weighs 7.3 pounds.
Now let’s take a closer look at the drive system.
There are guard rings on each side of the 52 tooth front chainring to keep the chain on the chainring and they provide some pant leg protection as well.
A Shimano Tourney rear derailleur shifts through the 7 speed 14t-28t cogset.
Here is a closer look at the 500 watt geared rear hub motor that gives the Vika+ some kick! It provides pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph.
The Blix Vika+ is a Class 2 electric bike which is pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph and 750 watts max.
Slowing down the Blix Vika+ is handled by Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors. Also in this view is the magnetic connector that holds the front and back of the frame together when the bike is folded.
This is the Tektro mechanical disc brake with 160mm rotor on the 500 watt rear hub motor. Also visible is the magnetic frame connector.
CST 20″ x 2.0″ tires with Kevlar puncture-resistant casing give the Vika+ an efficient ride with their smooth tread pattern.
There are reflective stripes on each side of the tires that help with being visible while riding at night.
Now let’s take a look at the control center of the Blix Vika+.
Adjusting the handlebar height is easily accomplished with the quick release at the top of the handlebar mast. This is helpful for quickly dialing your preferred riding position.
On the left side of the handlebar is a faux leather grip with ergonomic shape for wrist support, the thumb throttle, front Tektro disc brake lever with integrated bell, and control pad.
The thumb throttle can be used with or without pedaling and in the lower pedal assist levels it is helpful for adding a quick boost to get through an intersection or over a hill.
The pedal assist levels are adjusted with the up and down arrows on the control pad and the lower mode button turns the bike on/off and cycles through information on the display.
The front and rear lights are turned on/off by holding the up arrow for a few seconds and the walk mode is activated by holding the down arrow for a few seconds.
The Tektro brake levers have a rubber surface to help with gripping the brake levers in any conditions. There are sensors that will stop the assist as soon as either brake lever is engaged.
The LCD display is located in the center of the handlebars and provides the following information:
- Battery level
- Odometer & trip distance
- Current speed, average speed, max speed
- Pedal assist level. There are 5 levels of pedal assist.
When the front and rear lights are on the display has a backlight for better visibility in low light conditions.
A USB charging port is located under the display so that you can charge your smartphone, tablet, or other USB device when you are out and about.
The right side of the handlebar includes the faux leather grip with ergonomic shape for wrist support, twist grip Shimano 7 speed shifter, and rear Tektro brake lever.
The Selle Royal seat has a wider profile for a comfortable ride style.
There is a handle on the back of the seat to make it easier to pick up and maneuver the bike.
Additionally there is a quick release lever on the seat post that allows the seat to tilt forward to provide more area to easily remove the battery.
The headlight is powered by the eBike battery and it provides a good beam of light for seeing the road and for being seen on the road. The attachment to the front fender is a nice style highlight.
The taillight is also powered by the eBike battery and it features braking lights that are activated when either brake lever is engaged.
Now let’s take a look at folding the Blix Vika+. This is the quick release lever at the handlebar mast that is opened to fold the handlebar.
Once the quick release mechanism has been opened the handlebar mast folds to the side.
This is the handlebar and mast folded to the right side of the bike.
The frame is folded by opening the frame hinge quick release lever after the safety lever has been opened.
In this view the frame has been folded in half at the central hinge.
Here is a look at the foldable Wellgo aluminum platform pedals.
Each pedal folds by pushing the platform in and down.
And here is the Blix Vika+ folded for storage or transport. The handle on the back of the seat is helpful for moving the bike around in the folded scenario.
Blix Vika+ Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: Aluminum low step folding frame
Fork: Aluminum
Motor: 500W geared rear hub motor
Battery: 48V 14Ah (672Wh) with Samsung cells
Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels (12 magnet cadence sensor) and thumb throttle
Speed: Pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph which makes this a Class 2 eBike
Display: Backlit LCD with battery level indicator, current speed, max speed, average speed, odometer, trip distance, pedal assist level
Drivetrain: 52t chainring, Shimano rear derailleur, 7 speed freewheel 14t to 28t range, Shimano 7 speed RevoShift grip shifter
Brakeset: Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors
Tires: CST 20″ x 2.0″, Kevlar puncture-resistant, reflective sidewalls
Seat: Selle Royal
Sizes: One frame size designed to fit rider heights: 4’10” – 6’3″
Colors: Black, Racing Green, Cream
Accessories: Integrated front and rear lights, front and rear alloy fenders, rear rack, bell, kickstand.
Weight: Bike without the battery = 49.0 pounds. Battery = 7.3 pounds. Total bike = 56.3 pounds.
Price: $1,699 USD with monthly payment options
Now check out Part 2 of the Blix Vika+ testing & review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!
-Pete
Review Note: Each company pays a fee for a review on Electric Bike Report because of the considerable amount of time that it takes to provide an in-depth review of each eBike. A lot of time is spent on the full range test with distance & elevation profile, the wide variety of detailed pictures, in-depth video, and the write up with the specifications, ride characteristics, pros, cons, and overall thoughts. The reviews on Electric Bike Report are focused on providing you with a detailed “virtual” look at each eBike to help you determine if it is the eBike for you or not.
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Groucho says
Some really good design features on this bike. They seem to have the same designers as Rad Power! We just don’t get this sort of bike at this sort of price in the UK. Central battery, front mounting for a rack. If the motor was in the front and a 3-speed rear hub, it would be perfect!