Mokwheel Granite Review | Is This E-Trike Solid as a Rock?

In our Range Test, we tested the efficiency of the Granite’s 500W motor and 720-Wh battery by pedaling the trike along a network of paved shared-use paths until it ran out of charge. Thanks to its high-capacity battery, the Granite gave us what is (at the time of writing) the longest high-power range test we’ve seen from a trike!

In most reviews, we perform two tests: a high-power trial to find a minimum range and a low-power test to determine a maximum range. Our testing methods were somewhat different in this case. Riding a trike for 50-100 miles at ten mph across multiple days can be expectedly not fun, so we decided to do only the high-power test on trikes going forward.

We also tested the Granite in PAS 3 for its high power test instead of PAS 5—primarily due to the speed concerns I mentioned in the Speed Test above, but also so that we could better compare its results to those of other trikes we’ve tested.

With its speed limited to 16 mph in PAS 3 (as determined above), our result of 40.7 miles should be achievable by most riders when not carrying cargo. Based on our test, we think it’s reasonable for those who choose to use a lower and slower assist level to reach Mokwheel’s advertised range of between 45 and 55 miles.

Our testing shows that the Granite can certainly go the distance! And even when you burn through the battery charge, it won’t take long to recharge thanks to the included 3-amp fast charger. This unit can top up the 720-Wh battery in roughly 5 hours.

As shown in the graph above, the Granite successfully completed our Hill Climb Test at Hell Hole Trail using both its throttle and pedal assist system. While we don’t focus on speed when discussing e-trikes (slower is safer) and instead prioritize completion, the Granite did a great job.

Compared to similar e-trikes we’ve tested, it finished the throttle portion 19 seconds faster than the category average of 2:08. It finished the pedal test 22 seconds faster than the electric trike average of 1:56.

Both results were a little unexpected considering that, at a hefty 100 lbs, the Granite weighs about 20 pounds more than average. Additionally, neither its motor’s peak of 860W nor its 65 Newton-meter (Nm) torque is anything outside of the norm.

It is possible that Justin, our rider for this test, got some extra momentum with the Granite’s faster-than-average maximum speed. It’s also possible that Mokwheel’s programming allows the trike’s motor to reach its peak output faster and sustain it for a longer period of time when compared to similar models we’ve tested.

To ensure that the Granite was capable of moving extra weight effectively, I personally tested the Granite with and without a 57-lb sandbag in its cargo basket at our secondary test location called Pilot Hill. This location is not as extreme as Hell Hole, but it’s similar; most riders would likely choose to walk instead of pedal.

First, I tested the trike in PAS 4 and PAS 5 with no cargo. Considering that the Granite’s speeds in both settings were the same on flat ground, my goal was to discover whether the two settings had different power levels. I finished the PAS 4 test in 1:23 and the PAS 5 test in 1:30 with a 1.1 mph difference in speed, so there was a noticeable increase in power.

Next, I tested the trike with the sandbag in PAS 5. I saw a difference of only 8 seconds in the throttle test (1:28 unladen vs. 1:36 with cargo) and 6 seconds in the pedal test (1:23 vs. 1:29). In both cases, the trike felt nearly the same; clearly, it is plenty capable of moving extra weight even up a steep hill.

We used the method described above to find the Granite’s average stopping distance in our Brake Test. After three tests, this figure turned out to be 13 feet and 2 inches.

It is important to note that the Granite’s top speed of 20 mph is significantly faster than the 14-16 mph maximum of most other models we’ve tested. For consistency, we tested the Granite using its 3rd level of pedal assist, which tops out at 16 mph. Keep in mind that the stopping distance will be extended when traveling faster.

Another thing to mention is that the pool of other trikes we’ve tested is relatively small, and about half of the others used mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulics. This small data set with significant differences in brake systems makes comparison difficult.

To keep things simple, I’ll compare the Granite directly with the top-selling Lectric XP Trike I mentioned previously. Impressively, the Granite’s average stopping distance tied that trike in this test, so it clearly has effective stopping power, but its differences are also worth mentioning.

As I mentioned in the intro, Mokwheel’s trike uses three rotors vs. the two that are more common in the other models we’ve tested. Its rear brake line makes use of a splitter so that both rear calipers can be operated with the same lever. To balance out this difference, it also uses 160-mm rotors instead of the more common 180-mm rotors.

Ultimately, this system proved to be highly effective at controlling speed and stopping the trike both with and without cargo. The brakes felt great during my testing, allowing me to stop quickly in a controlled manner without feeling too aggressive.

Our verdict? The Granite is equipped with safe and effective brakes that are well-suited to its heavier-than-average weight and cargo capacity.

The topic of Ride Quality is more subjective than our other test sections, but we will try to paint a picture of what it is like to ride the Mokwheel Granite. This section will cover elements such as sizing/fit, motor engagement, the user interface, comfort and suspension, handling, etc.

The Granite is recommended for riders from 5’0” to 6’2”. At 5’11”, I felt this to be generally appropriate; I had both the handlebar and saddle height maxed out during my testing. With 4.5” of adjustment in the former, I found it comfortable with the trike’s upright riding position, though I was not able to reach full leg extension with the 6” range in the seatpost.

Usually, this would be cause for concern, but we do not consider it a problem on an e-trike with a cadence sensor. The Granite does not require active pedaling, so maximum efficiency is not essential; its ride is instead relaxed and low-effort (if the rider chooses to pedal at all). Those seeking an effort-free experience can simply use the throttle.

In fact, pedaling the Granite was somewhat tough due to its large (but quite comfortable) saddle and non-adjustable backrest. The shape of the saddle impeded the motion of my legs when sitting fully against the backrest; I had to perch on the edge to be able to pedal. We’d prefer the backrest to be adjustable forward-backward for more comfortable pedaling.

Generally, the ride was comfortable due to the aforementioned saddle, ergonomic grips (faux leather with gel support), and the trike’s suspension. The Granite features a suspension fork with 80mm of travel to reduce the impact of bumps on the handlebars. Ours also included a suspension seatpost (an optional but recommended accessory).

Handling was an area that suffered; we noticed a significant amount of flex from the Granite’s frame, particularly when cornering. Whether caused by the battery cutout in the down tube, the hinged frame itself, or something else, the steering felt loose and imprecise. We encourage Mokwheel to strengthen the frame to improve its stiffness in the future.

As indicated by our Speed Test and Hill Test, the Granite’s motor is plenty powerful. Its engagement was somewhat inconsistent, varying between near-immediate and over ½ turn of the cranks, but it did not feel too quick or delayed. We’d have liked a reverse-throttle function to make navigation easier, but this feature seems rare in our experience.

The trike’s user interface was welcome and familiar; Mokwheel’s custom color display is always pleasant to see and use. The readout is clean, well-organized, and easy to read, though the control panel’s buttons can be difficult to distinguish between when wearing gloves or going simply by feel.

We were pleased to note the bike’s integrated headlight, tail/brake light, and fenders, as well as the included cargo basket. With up to 350 lbs of capacity, including the rider (up to 220 lbs in the rear basket and up to 55 in the optional front basket), the trike is well-equipped for hauling right out of the box.

In summary, the Granite’s ride quality was good overall—with comfort and ease of use being some of its highlights—though it was not without room for improvement.

Electric tricycles are a quickly expanding segment of the electric vehicle/e-mobility device market, with more and more e-bike brands venturing into the space. Considering our previous positive experiences testing and reviewing Mokwheel e-bikes, we are excited to see the brand branching out from its roots.

The Granite’s spec sheet piqued my interest at the beginning of this review, but its performance impressed me throughout our testing. It proved to have a generally well-programmed pedal-assist system, solid range for its battery size, great stopping power thanks to its hydraulic brakes, and excellent climbing ability with its capable, quiet motor.

This shows that Mokwheel is on the right track with the Granite, though we identified a few key areas with room for improvement. We recommend that the brand reduce the trike’s maximum speed (though this can be done by the user), reinforce its frame for added stiffness, and opt for a saddle with a more adjustable backrest.

Otherwise, the Granite may be a good option for riders seeking stability, the ability to cover long distances, and the power needed to tackle hills and carry a load of groceries or other cargo. With a few tweaks, it could be even better.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in our comments section in this review of the Mokwheel Granite.