Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 Review | Great Power, Fast Speeds

Mokwheel advertises a range of up to 80 miles, so that’s establishing a fairly high bar for expectations. The Basalt ST 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. However, a quick caveat: due to some of the issues outlined in the Speed Test, our team had to consciously avoid pushing the pedals too hard, as the bike tended to exceed its programmed speed limits. Keep this in mind, as your results may vary.

In our Max Pedal Assist Test, where we aimed to maintain 20 MPH, our test bike achieved an impressive 36.8 miles. This places it in the upper tier of fat-tire bikes (with at least 3” tire width) we’ve tested with 750W motors. For comparison, the current average for this category is 31 miles.

The Min Pedal Assist test was equally solid. We recorded a range of 63 miles, which is also above average, with the current benchmark at 58 miles. Notably, because the bike performed slightly faster in low PAS (as detailed in the Speed Test), it had the potential for an even greater range. Despite this, the 63-mile result is impressive, especially considering its higher-than-usual speed at PAS 1.

So we didn’t quite hit the 80 mile claim, but I feel that may have been a bit high to start 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; when pedaling or using throttle, the bike beat the averages. It achieved a throttle performance of 1:32 seconds for an 11.8 MPH average (two seconds faster than the current average) and, with a little help from pedaling, a 1:13 time at a 14.9 MPH average (15 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 if you have a head of steam going into the hill, and it 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.

In our brake test, conducted as outlined above, the Basalt ST 2.0 came to a stop in an average of 21’8”. Coincidentally, that’s the same as the average stopping distance of all the bikes I’ve tested—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 82-lb e-bike is a great secondary way to deter potential thieves.

The bike comes in two sizes and four colors. While this might sound like a 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. This felt like a comfortable ride on a largely solid ST frame. It’s not quite in the same tier as the full suspension Mokwheel Obsidian ST we tested, but for a hardtail, it holds it’s own.

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 afterall and versatility and balance played a big part in that.

I always appreciate adjustable stems, as they help you find a comfortable reach and hand placement. While my upper body was happy, my legs felt a bit cramped. I’m 6’1” with a fairly standard 32” inseam, and I found myself getting about 80–90% of the leg extension I would have preferred with the seatpost fully maxed out. Taller riders like me might find the sizing on the high-step model more suitable for frequent pedaling. However, if you’re more of a throttle user or a light pedaler, this sizing might work fine.

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 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 ST 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.

Taller riders might be better suited for the high step frame (coming soon to the 2.0 model), and the bike can be a touch too fast at lower PAS levels than we typically prefer, but if you’re a fan of bikes with lots of power and plenty of battery life, then the Basalt ST 2.0 is worth a closer look!

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 ST 2.0 down in our comments section.