Mokwheel Basalt E-Bike Review, 2023

Mokwheel advertises a staggeringly huge range of between 60-80 miles with the Basalt – which would seem outrageous were it not for the bike’s absurdly high-capacity 48V, 941 watt-hour (Wh) battery!

We tested the bike’s range using both the maximum and minimum amount of motor assistance and measured a bracket of roughly 36 to 74 miles as shown in the infographic above. While the low end of our bracket is just over half of what Mokwheel advertises, it is still a tremendous amount of overall potential, and it is reasonable to assume that riders who vary their level of assistance will end up well within Mokwheel’s bracket.

Based on our testing, the Basalt’s motor and battery pairing seems to be efficient, though this is likely helped by its torque sensor. Using the method explained in our article on calculating the range of an e-bike, we estimated our travel time in PAS 5 to be roughly an hour and 15 minutes, but traveled for about an even two hours in that mode – all while conquering nearly 1000 feet of elevation gain. Since the bike’s torque sensor requires rider input, the Basalt is able to conserve some energy and extend its battery life.

In comparison to other similar e-bikes we tested previously, the Basalt is a champion! Its PAS 1 results didn’t quite beat the distance we measured on the previous version of the bike (again – torque sensor) but its performance is otherwise the best we’ve seen from a fat tire e-bike.

The Mokwheel Basalt is equipped with Tektro E350 hydraulic disc brakes and 180 mm brake rotors, which we evaluated through the process described above. We measured an average stopping distance of 25’-4”, which is significantly longer than we expected.

Interestingly, the Basalt’s performance in this test measured far slower than the previous version of the bike (23’-3”) and even the new ST model we tested recently (23’-11”). For perspective, the average stopping distance across all of the fat tire e-bikes we’ve tested is, at time of writing, 21’-9”. This places the current version of the bike two feet beyond the older model and over three feet beyond the fat tire average.

These results were surprising, especially considering that we’ve enjoyed great performance from the Tektro E350 line of hydraulic disc brakes. Their performance does vary naturally based on the type, weight, tires, etc. of the e-bikes they are used on, but there is a reason we see this model regularly across e-bikes of all types and makes.

Ultimately, I believe the Basalt’s results in this test were affected by a failure on our part; we did not check to make sure that they were at their best. In my experience outside of this testing, they felt a bit “mushy” and in need of a bleed, though they still felt like good, effective – and most importantly, SAFE – brakes. The bike, however, felt remarkably stable and rock solid when braking overall. For the sake of fairness, I’ll refer to the Basalt ST’s results of 23’-11” which is certainly within our expected range.

Our expectations were high for the Basalt in our Hill Test, which is explained in the graphic above. Fat tire e-bikes have a well-earned reputation for power due to their typical 750W motors and high torque ratings. With its 90 Nm of torque, the Basalt performed as expected in both its throttle-only and PAS 5 tests.

With just its throttle – relying solely on motor power – the Basalt gave one of the better performances we’ve measured, with a time of 1 minute and 14 seconds and an average of 14.7 mph. Its results in PAS 5 were more average, but consistent with other fat tire bikes with torque sensors, with a time of 1 minute and ten seconds at an average of 15.5 mph.

The Basalt proved capable both in this formal test and in my own separate evaluation. As expected, the bike has the power and torque to conquer the toughest of hills, which means that its ride is even more comfortable on average slopes that riders are likely to encounter more often in the wild.

Aside from a few small (and easily changed) elements, I found the Basalt’s ride quality to be excellent! This is, once again, a typical and defining feature of fat tire e-bikes; they tend to be well-suited to longer rides due to their comfortable riding position and contact points.

The Basalt features a wide, thickly padded saddle that can be easily adjusted in height through the use of its quick-release clamp, or adjusted in angle with an allen wrench. The bike comes in a single frame size to accommodate riders between 5’-8” and 6’-4”, but its adjustable stem allows the handlebar height and reach to be tailored to the rider. It also allows for a change in positioning; for me, the bike’s initial setup included more of a forward lean than I wanted, but the stem allowed me to make it much more upright and comfortable.

It’s important to note that the bike does not have a rear suspension, so for off-road use, it can feel somewhat stiff. The front suspension fork has a respectable 110 mm of travel that soaks up bumps, but if I were to own the bike, I’d surely consider a suspension seatpost – or at the very least, a vibration-absorbing gel saddle – before going on any long adventures in the wild.

The bike’s handlebars do lend it to navigating rougher terrain, however; 720 mm is wider than we typically see on fat tire e-bikes, and they offer excellent control! I personally wasn’t the biggest fan of the ergonomic grips, though these would be an easy thing to replace.

In terms of handling, the bike is large but maneuvers well even at higher speeds. As expected, the 26”x4” Chaoyang puncture-resistance tires performed well on pavement and dirt, and their girth made the ride much more comfortable. Fat tires naturally provide stability that I personally find myself missing on bikes with narrower tread.

On its own, the Basalt is a good fat bike, but it’s the unique and functional accessories Mokwheel offers that push it into exceptional territory. There’s a reason this bike has been on our list of the Best Fat Tire e-bikes since we reviewed the first model; when combined with its optional power inverter and solar panels, riders no longer need a home base to return to! Adventuring potential is only limited by the quantity of supplies the bike can hold (but there are accessories to expand that as well).

In terms of performance, the Basalt’s range and motor power were some of its most impressive elements. We’d like to see it follow the legal limitations of Class 2 and/or 3 e-bikes in terms of maximum velocity, but if I’m being honest, we did enjoy tearing around at top speed. Improvements to the bike’s gearing – namely, a cassette with a wider range of cogs – would help riders to reach the Class 3 limit of 28 mph, however, as it is currently challenging to pedal above 24 mph with the current setup.

As it stands, the Basalt remains a fantastic option for campers, weekend adventurers, and urban explorers alike; it can handle most environments confidently and does it all in style and comfort.

‘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 Mokwheel Basalt.