Mokwheel Basalt 2.0 Review | Power, Comfort & Surprising Features

Mokwheel advertises a range of up to 80 miles, so that’s establishing a fairly high bar for expectations. The Basalt 2.0’s battery is a big boy, though, so theoretically it should be up to the task. At 941Wh, it provides ample capacity to fuel its motor, as demonstrated in our range test results.

In our Max Pedal Assist Test, conducted on our local bike path, our test bike achieved an impressive 33.5 miles. That’s about spot on for this style of bike, as the full-size fat tires with a 750W motor club averages 33.2 miles.

The Min Pedal Assist test was equally solid. We recorded a range of 73.8 miles, which is significantly above the class average, currently at 60.7 miles.

So we didn’t quite hit the 80 mile claim, but for a bike this large and powerful, I still think this is plenty of range to work with.

The bottom line is the big battery delivers extended range compared to the average of similar bikes. Adjusting the bike’s sensitivity settings could help optimize mileage further if desired, but as it stands, the performance is good.

The bike delivered solid performance in both tests. It achieved a throttle performance of 2:01 seconds for a 15 mph average (one second faster than the current average) and, with a little help from pedaling, a 1:45 time at a 17.3 mph average (20 seconds faster than the current average).

Either of these times is impressive for a bike that weighs over 80 lbs. Not only were the times strong, but the motor didn’t appear to strain too much during the effort.

From my experience testing the bike around town and off the beaten path, it handles hills well and has a gear range broad enough to let you find a comfortable pedaling effort when climbing. Or, you know, you can take it easy, hit the throttle, and let the bike do the work—whatever you prefer.

I was particularly pleased with the results of the brake test, largely due to my prior experience. The original Basalt models stopped quickly enough to be considered safe but were generally worse than our overall e-bike average. That’s no longer the case this time around.

In our brake test, conducted as outlined above, the Basalt 2.0 came to a stop in an average of 21’10”. That’s much closer to our current all-bike average of 21’7”, and it beat the fat tire category average of 22’6”—so it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

The Tektro two-piston hydraulic brakes aren’t new this time around, but other tweaks—such as changes to the tire choice, frame design, or more—could have helped the Basalt achieve this improvement.

The test results provide a useful benchmark, but the real-world performance felt great too. The brakes have enough power to slow down the heavier bike and confidently ease you into stops, whether you’re braking on a longer downhill stretch or slowing quickly in a hurry. Importantly, the brakes avoid fishtailing or locking up, providing smooth, controlled stops.

The display is certainly unique. It’s a sharp, color display that offers plenty of customization options (choose between three or five PAS levels, adjust the torque sensor’s sensitivity, etc.). However, its best feature is its ability to detach easily, which locks the bike’s electrical system. Bike locks are a great first line of defense, but shutting off the motor on an 80-lb e-bike is a great secondary way to deter potential thieves.

The bike comes in three total sizes and eight different colors. That’s no small detail; most bikes in this price tier typically offer just one frame size (or maybe one high step and one ST option) and only two or three colors. Score one for optionality.

If you’re curious about what’s new and different from the 1.0 model, all the updates are positive. The display is one upgrade, but the new chainring is another. It’s now 52T, up from 48T, which significantly reduces ghost pedaling at higher speeds.

The new integrated brake lights are a nice touch, and they now include turn signals. This means you have three points of illumination to signal riders or cars behind you, enhancing safety on the road.
The front fork is unbranded, so longevity is uncertain, but it features 110mm of adjustable spring travel. The performance exceeded my expectations; I often bottom out on no-name forks in this price range going off a meager curb, but I was able to set this one up to largely avoid that issue. It did a great job soaking up bumps instead.

The tires have held up well so far, with no flats across nearly 200 miles of riding. Thanks to their chunky tread pattern, they allow for some fun in the dirt. This bike is perfect for romping around campsites or enjoying mild off-road rides. Overall, the added balance from the wider tires is a bonus too—there is a reason fat tires caught on after all, and versatility and balance played a big part in that.

The contact points are all okay. The standard seat and pedals are useful, but I wasn’t a fan of the grips, which feature a gel-like bubble in the faux leather. That said, to each their own—you might like them more than I did.

I like the practical inclusions, such as the fenders and rear rack. While fat-tire bikes can handle some off-roading, they’re predominantly ridden on paved areas, and these features boost the bike’s appeal for everyday use.

Finally, one of the more interesting accessories I’ve seen any e-bike brand offer is the optional power inverter. This allows you to charge electronics using your e-bike’s battery. I tested it with small devices like a portable speaker and a phone, but Mokwheel claims it can handle microwaves, TVs, and more. Pair it with the optional solar panels to recharge your bike’s battery, and you’ve got a setup brimming with weekend camping potential.

The Step-Thru comes in two frame sizes (Standard and Large) with four exclusive colors—white, orange, olive green, and crystal pink—plus a shared Jungle Camo option. The high-step has its own palette with dark blue, phantom black, grey, and the same Jungle Camo.

Drivetrain setups differ as well. The Step-Thru runs a 7-speed with a 14-28T freewheel, while the high-step uses an 8-speed with a 12-32T range. Both are paired with a 52T chainring, and each pedals fine up to higher speeds, though I felt the torque sensor meshed a little better with the 8-speed high-step.

Handlebars vary slightly too: the high-step gets a wider 720mm bar, while the Step-Thru uses a 680mm bar for a bit more compact handling.

Fit and payload are where the frames really diverge. The Step-Thru fits riders from 5’2” to 6’4” and supports up to 350 lbs. At 6’1” with a 32” inseam, I tested the Medium ST and found leg extension lacking—taller riders should definitely size up to the Large. The high-step, on the other hand, accommodates riders from 5’7” to 6’9” with a 400 lb payload. Thanks to the adjustable stems on both versions, dialing in bar height and reach is pretty straightforward.

Personally, I preferred the high-step for its stiffer frame and better off-road feel. That said, the Step-Thru impressed me more than most other ST fat bikes—it feels solid and confident, making it a strong choice for riders who don’t want to swing a leg over the top tube.

The fork is solid, and with the fat tires and the knobby tread, you can bring along the inverter and solar panels on your next overnight campout and have a blast.

Even if you don’t tack on the optional accessories, the base foundation of what you get with the Basalt 2.0 is good all-around value with a lot of battery life to fuel several days of riding, and the practical features you need like racks, fenders and lighting to make getting around town that much easier.

It’s been one of the best fat tire e-bikes for a while now, and performance and value for your dollar play a huge part, which is why this is one of the more popular rides today.

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 Mokwheel Basalt 2.0 down in our comments section.