MOD Bikes Berlin Electric Bike Review – 2024

Powering the MOD Berlin is a 48V, 12.8Ah (614Wh) battery that’s partially sunken into the downtube of the frame.

We did two real-world range tests on the Berlin to see how its battery stood up, and we got some solid results. In PAS 5, the bike’s highest assist setting, we rode 29.29 miles before the battery gave out. And in PAS 2, the second-lowest assist level and the first in which the bike really felt like an e-bike, power lasted for 51.88 miles before running out.

These are some great results that really demonstrate the efficiency of the mid-drive motor system. Since they require less wattage, mid-drive motors can operate off smaller batteries than their hub-drive counterparts. In this case, we’re seeing a nearly 2:1 battery to motor ratio (a 614Wh battery and 350W motor), which helps give the bike it’s great range.

Compared to other e-bikes, the Berlin’s results chalk up right in line with some of the more popular e-bikes we’ve tested, such as the Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus, Aventon Level and Blix Aveny Skyline.

Uphill the MOD Berlin’s 90Nm of torque and pedal-forward riding position makes it a solid performer.

On our test hill, the aptly-named Hell Hole, we set the Berlin to its max power setting, PAS 5, and let it rip. It cleared the top in 1:22.00 with an average speed of 13.2 mph, a roughly mid pack result.

Though on paper that result blends somewhere into the middle of the bikes we’ve tested on Hell Hole, it really only tells part of the story. The ease with which the Berlin climbed even the steepest sections of the hill, some of which pitch over 12 percent, was impressive. The bike asked little of my legs and instead let the motor do most of the talking, all I had to do was keep turning the cranks.

As the motor transfers its power through the drivetrain, I did have to pay attention to which gear I was in and shifted several times up the hill. But other than that it was impressive how little input I had to give the bike to get the result it did.

The MOD Berlin performed better than average in our brake test, coming to a stop at an average distance of 15-feet-10-inches.

MOD specs the Berlin with a set of Zoom hydraulic disk brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear. Zoom is a brake brand we’ve seen increasingly often over the past year as parts shortages have made more common brands — such as Shimano and Tektro — harder to source.

Despite their newness, Zoom brakes have proven consistent performers and the sets on our MOD Berlin review bikes are no exception.

While the Zoom brakes were a known factor going into this test, I did have questions about how well the narrow CST commuting tires would perform under hard braking, especially once the wheels inevitably locked up and the bike began to skid. I was pleasantly surprised that they performed very well, helping me control the skid and bring the bike to a stop quickly and safely.

Overall, I’ve been a big fan of how the Berlin rides. MOD bills the bike as a thoroughbred electric commuter, and I think they’ve hit that mark on the dot.

Though in general the Berlin is a relatively upright, comfortable and efficient-feeling commuter, the riding experience does change slightly depending on if you choose the traditional diamond frame or mid-step frame.

The diamond frame comes with MTB-style riser bars, which puts you in a slightly more forward, slightly more athletic riding position. This in turn quickens the handling and generally gives the bike a more physical ride quality. In the mid-step variation, a pair of swept-back handlebars places you more upright into a more relaxed riding position.

The differences between how the two styles ride are subtle, but I found myself gravitating towards the mid-step frame style more. I like the feel of the more swept handlebars and I have a fast-growing appreciation for step-thru style e-bikes.

Comfort wise, the Berlin scores high marks from me. The suspension fork and suspension seatpost combination works well, taking the edge off most road vibration and major bumps. It’s not quite the plush magic carpet ride you’d get from a true full-suspension e-bike, but I think MOD has struck a nice balance between weight, efficiency and comfort. It’s certainly more comfortable than a rigid commuter but it doesn’t feel wallowy, I like it.

As for extras, the Berlin comes stock with a set of integrated front and rear lights, alloy full-coverage fenders and a rear rack rated for 55 lbs. That rack is also compatible with child seats, such as the super popular Thule Yepp Maxi.

In many respects, the MOD Berlin is another option in a growing sea of well appointed and well priced commuter bikes. But while the components, ride quality and looks are on par with its competitors, the Berlin has a trump card: It’s motor.

Powerful mid-drive motors have long been a feature only found on e-bikes with prices much loftier than the Berlin’s. It’s exciting to see that technology trickling down to more affordable e-bikes.

The Berlin itself is a very comfortable and nice looking e-bike that’s going to suit die-hard commuters and city riders well. It’s fast, efficient and smartly equipped. I also cannot stress just how impressed we’ve been with the Shengyi motor, which feels notably torquey and boasts a responsiveness that would compete with some of the best mid-drives on the market.

I do think the motor justifies a nicer drivetrain and I also think the display could be more visually appealing, but I’m overall incredibly impressed with the Berlin. It’s an e-bike that punches above its weight class; that I think can reasonably compete with mid-drive equipped e-bikes that are much more expensive.

If you like the MOD Berlin it can be bought online on the MOD website from the button above and shipped to your door or delivered (fully built) by a bike courier service like Velofix.

‘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 MOD Berlin review.