Mokwheel Obsidian Review, 2024

Mokwheel advertises a range of 60-80 miles with a single charge of the Obsidian’s 48V, 941 watt-hour (Wh) battery. To evaluate this claim, we performed two Range Tests using the bike’s maximum and minimum levels of pedal assistance, where we rode the bike until its battery expired.

Using Strava to collect ride data from our tests, we measured 33.5 and 60.4 miles in PAS 5 and PAS 1, respectively. Our results clearly differed significantly from the brand’s advertisements, but they exceeded our expectations based on the bike’s specs – and the Obsidian did well in comparison to similar e-bikes we’ve tested.

Based on the bike’s 1,000W motor and 941 Wh battery, we expected our PAS 5 test to result in roughly 26 miles of range and a duration of 57 minutes. Our real-world results suggest that the Obsidian’s motor is relatively efficient, though there were likely two factors that contributed to this efficiency.

First, with a torque sensor, the motor is able to mete power in proportion to the rider’s effort; it only puts out its full 1,000W when the rider is applying significant effort. Second, during our PAS 5 test, we noticed that when pedaling with a relaxed pace, the motor quickly “caught up” to the level of power needed to sustain our speed and then turned off until we slowed by about 0.5 mph. This granted a somewhat inconsistent feel to the motor output and the ride itself, though it had the benefit of reducing the draw on battery power.

Compared to similar e-bikes we’ve tested, the Obsidian’s Range Test results appear to be relatively average, but in truth, are likely above average for an e-bike with a rear-hub motor. Our pool of similar e-bikes is relatively small, as there simply aren’t many e-bikes out there with 1,000W rear-hub motors and torque sensors. As such, we have included similar e-bikes with 1,000W mid-drive motors (which leverage the rider’s effort) and 750W rear-hub motors (which have lower power requirements).

While its battery capacity would be enormous for an e-bike with a less-powerful motor, we’d prefer to see the Wh rating of the Obsidian’s battery (currently 941 Wh) meet the nominal wattage of its motor (1,000W) at a 1-to-1 ratio. The bike performed well given its specs, but a larger-capacity battery would help it to achieve the advertised range from Mokwheel.

As it is, however, the bike proved that it can deliver an impressive amount of range from a single charge. Riding in highly demanding and rough environments will burn through power faster than when riding on smooth, flat ground, but regardless, riders should expect to ride for a significant amount of time before needing to recharge.

Using its throttle, the Obsidian made the climb steadily in 1 minute 7 seconds, and maintained an average speed of 16.2 mph. Its performance in PAS 5 was even better; we recorded a time of 1 minute and 1 second at 17.8 mph.

As with our Range Test, the pool of similar e-bikes we’ve tested is relatively small, but all-terrain e-bikes are a relatively small segment of the market. Its performance in the throttle portion of the test was relatively average in comparison to other all-terrain e-bikes we have data for, but the Obsidian is one of the best performers we’ve seen when it comes to its pedal test in PAS 5.

This is no surprise considering the Obsidian’s massive and powerful 1,000W motor, which peaks at 1500W and has a torque output of 105 Nm. This is a significant amount of power, which is clearly enough to overcome any rolling resistance from the tires and push beyond the capabilities of most of the (hundreds of) other e-bikes we’ve tested.

In short, the Obsidian has the power to conquer nearly any hill you might encounter. With knobby fat tires and a full suspension, it shouldn’t matter much if that hill is made of dirt, grass, rock, or all three.

The Obsidian is equipped with the ubiquitous, e-bike-rated Tektro E-350 hydraulic brake system, using 2-piston calipers on 180mm front and rear rotors. We evaluated this system’s performance using the process described above, with a resulting average stopping distance of 22 feet, 7 inches.

This is an excellent result that is both better than average and well within the range that we consider safe and effective. The current running average for all the fat tire and all-terrain e-bikes we have tested is 23’-3”, including a number of e-bikes with the same brake system.

Judging solely by the feel of the brakes during our testing, this result matched well with our experience. The Obsidian’s brake system felt powerful and responsive with good modulation, allowing us to easily control our speed in more difficult situations.

Bottom line: the Obsidian is specced well and its brakes performed better than expected.

The bike is available in a single frame size that is recommended for riders between 5’-6” and 6’-8”. My height of 5’-11” places me near the middle of this range; I experienced a generally comfortable and appropriate fit. The bike’s standover height is 45.2”, which was noticeably high for our shorter and average-height riders, though it did not interfere with operation. On the opposite end, I was surprised to note that the Obsidian’s seatpost offered only 5” of adjustment in saddle height; taller riders will be likely to experience a lesser degree of leg extension even with the saddle at its highest.

In terms of contact points, the Obsidian was largely comfortable; the plastic pedals were accommodating in their size, as was the saddle. Being nitpicky, the faux leather grips include gel bumps that I found less appealing, but fortunately, these are simply a covering over standard ergonomic rubber grips that are easily removed.

The bike’s suspension was easily a highlight; with 130 mm of travel on the front suspension, the bike rode comfortably over rocky ground when testing it on desert roads. The rear suspension, while certainly an affordable component, greatly enhanced the smoothness of the ride with its 50 mm of travel. When we previously reviewed the Mokwheel Basalt, one of our main concerns for such an off-road capable e-bike was its absence of a rear suspension – the Obsidian solved this problem and added in more power to boot.

While we don’t consider it an outright downside to the bike, prospective owners should be aware of the Obsidian’s legal limits; as an unclassified e-bike, it is unlikely to be street-legal in most US cities. The bike’s design and power is appropriate for primarily off-road use – and it generally feels and functions well for such scenarios – but those looking to use it as a street vehicle will likely need to obtain registration.

Overall, we liked the Obsidian’s feel and performance, though there were a few minor areas that could be improved. Primarily, we’d like to see a more responsive torque sensor to provide more immediate re-engagement of the motor.

Additionally – and while it’s not a true negative – riders should be aware of their local laws regarding e-bikes of the Obsidian’s power level; as an unclassified e-bike with a 1,000W motor, it is likely to be limited in where it can be legally ridden without registration.

The Obsidian was an incredibly fun e-bike to ride and test (who doesn’t love riding at full tilt?)! We recommend this bike for thrill seekers, explorers, and campers looking for an all-terrain e-bike with the power to handle just about anything.

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 Obsidian down in our comments section.