Mokwheel Obsidian ST Review | All-Terrain Accessibility

To evaluate the Obsidian ST’s range, we performed two tests using the method described in the graphic above. The results shown were achieved with 2 hours and 4 minutes of ride time in the PAS 5 test, while the PAS 1 test lasted 4 hours and 59 minutes.

As a disclaimer, our testing was performed on paved surfaces; we expect that riding off-road would yield fewer miles as such environments are typically more demanding on the motor.

We were satisfied with the Obsidian ST’s range despite not reaching Mokwheel’s advertised range of up to 80 miles. In the big picture, the bike performed well based on its specs and when compared with similar all-terrain e-bikes we tested previously. For perspective, the all-terrain category averages 27.9 and 50.7 miles of range (at the time of writing).

There is no single reason that points to why the bike gave us 8 to 10 miles more than average. The small pool of similar bikes used for comparison varied in their battery capacity (between 672 Wh and 1008 Wh), sensor type (some had cadence while others had torque ses), and motor type (mid-drive vs. rear-hub), etc.

Based on its 941-Wh battery and 1,000W motor, we expected our PAS 5 test would last roughly 56 minutes and yield 16-17 miles. The Obsidian ST’s real-world test gave us roughly 20 additional miles, which is likely a result of its torque sensor. Additionally, we did our best to adhere to the 20-mph speed limit on our local bike paths.

As with the Range Test, the testing method for our Hill Test is explained in the graphic above.

I won’t beat around the proverbial bush with this one: the Obsidian ST gave us one of the best results in this test from among the hundreds of e-bikes we have reviewed. Its throttle result is the 3rd fastest we have recorded, while its PAS 4 result is tied for 4th place.

For perspective, the other all-terrain e-bikes we have tested averaged 1:12 in the throttle test and 1:08 in the pedal test, though again, the pool of bikes used for comparison differed in their motor type. E-bikes with mid-drive motors are usually slower than those like the Obsidian ST with hub motors, so these bikes likely reduced the category average.

Regardless, the Obsidian’s full motor output is a force to be reckoned with. The rear hub can produce a total of 1500W of peak power and 105 Newton meters (Nm) of torque, both of which are impressive figures that back up the bike’s test results.

In my personal testing of the bike, I took it out to the nearby desert, where a series of rough dirt roads and paths seemingly goes on forever. There, the Obsidian ST had no trouble conquering steep hills made of loose earth. Like anything, it has its limits, but it handled some less-extreme areas frequented by dirt bikes with relative ease.

In our experience, the Obsidian ST can make normal hills feel like flat ground—and big hills feel inconsequential. The bike gives riders the option to choose their level of effort; pedaling can be an active or nearly effortless experience, while the throttle allows users to sit back, relax, and let the bike do all the work.

The Mokwheel Obsidian ST is specced with the Tektro TDK171 hydraulic disc brake system, which pairs 2-piston calipers with 180mm rotors. Using the method described above, we calculated the Obsidian ST’s average stopping distance to be 24’10”.

Compared to the other all-terrain e-bikes we have reviewed, the Obsidian performed relatively well, though this distance is admittedly on the longer side in the grand scheme. This style of bike typically takes longer to stop than many other categories simply because of size and weight; all-terrain bikes are among the largest and heaviest on the market.

Our data for other all-terrain e-bikes shows an average stopping distance of 24’4”, so the Obsidian ST was slightly beyond average but within our normal and expected range of results. This makes sense considering the bike’s brake specs; the Obsidian’s brakes are extremely similar on paper to those of similar bikes we have tested.

In my personal testing on both pavement and dirt, the brakes were effective and felt safe. They stopped the bike quickly when riding off-road but didn’t seem to have quite as much bite on the street or bike path. In my experience, this isn’t unusual for this style of bike, but it’s worth mentioning; I recommend getting a feel for the brakes where you plan to ride.

We wouldn’t mind if more brands specced all-terrain e-bikes (including but not limited to the Obsidian ST) with more powerful 4-piston brakes. Regardless, we give the Obsidian a pass, considering both its performance by the numbers and its brakes’ feel.

Ride quality is a complex subject comprised of many smaller elements. These include sizing and fit, overall comfort, handling, motor engagement, the user interface, etc. Together, these factors determine how a bike feels to ride and operate.

The Obsidian ST is offered in a single frame size advertised for riders from 5’6” to 6’8”. I found a comfortable ride with my height of 5’11”, but considering the bike’s limited range of adjustment—the saddle height has a range of 6 inches—Mokwheel’s advertised height range seems hopeful.

We appreciate that they added a quick-adjust dropper seatpost with 50mm (roughly 2”) of travel to add an extra inch of saddle height over the HS model, but taller riders may still experience less leg extension than expected. The bike’s motor and torque sensor will likely help to offset this to some degree, but it is something to be aware of.

In terms of ride comfort, there are two main aspects to consider: the bike’s suspension and its contact points (grips, saddle, and pedals). With a full suspension including 130mm of travel from a lockout suspension fork and a rear shock with 50mm of stroke, the ride felt extremely smooth and enjoyable even with riding over rocky, bumpy terrain.

I liked the bike’s wide, thickly padded saddle and was happy to see locking ergonomic grips. The grips themselves are covered by faux leather and include a gel pad, which I did not find well-suited to off-roading. Fortunately, this is a cover that can be removed to reveal standard rubber grips beneath.

As mentioned previously, the Obsidian ST is a large and heavy e-bike, so its handling is not as nimble as something lighter would be. It cornered and steered well for its size, and it has the benefit of stability and plantedness, so I found its overall handling to be good.

The bike’s knobby 26×4” Chaoyang tires performed well on- and off-road; they felt stable, grippy, and could add an extra layer of cushion when set to have relatively low tire pressure.

One critique I have is with the speed of the motor’s re-engagement after coasting or braking. At times, it could take a full rotation of the cranks to re-engage the motor, and the bike’s torque sensor required somewhat of an initial “shove” against the pedals to read my effort. I’d have preferred it to feel a bit more responsive.

I mentioned previously that it is possible to adjust the force and speed of the bike’s acceleration. In the highest of the five available levels, the motor felt noticeably punchier with faster acceleration. This helped the bike to feel more responsive—and I recommend this setting for off-roading—but I think there is still room for improvement.

I liked the bike’s user interface; as with Mokwheel’s other e-bikes, the Obsidian uses a custom color display that is appealing and generally easy to read. The bike’s settings menus allow users to customize the bike’s feel and functions, including throttle speed, the number of PAS settings (3 or 5), and the availability of throttle power from a standstill—in addition to the motor intensity.

To summarize, I thought the Obsidian ST generally felt great to ride, especially when off-roading, where the bike’s full power could be appreciated. It has a few areas with room for improvement, but these did not overshadow how much fun it could be to effortlessly and comfortably power through areas where other e-bikes don’t dare to go.

Personally, I always look forward to testing all-terrain e-bikes, as they allow me to ditch the usual stretches of paved bike paths in favor of more thrilling and varied dirt roads and trails. To be clear, the Obsidian ST is not a mountain bike by any stretch of the imagination, but it proved to be extremely fun and capable in more open off-road environments.

Like its high-step sibling, the Obsidian ST demonstrated great performance in most areas of our testing. The bike showed intuitive programming that complemented its speed and power, along with excellent range, tremendous climbing power, and solid stopping ability.

We identified a few points of critique that prospective buyers should be aware of. While the bike’s advertised height range extends up to 6’8”, we found the seatpost length potentially limiting for those above 6’, depending on their inseam. Additionally, we appreciated the ability to alter motor intensity but found the motor’s re-engagement somewhat sluggish.

Critique aside, we are pleased that the Obsidian ST offers the raw power and comfort needed for unrestricted off-road adventuring to those seeking accessibility. In an e-bike category where step-thru frames are rare, Mokwheel succeeded in building a sturdy, sold-feeling all-terrain machine that felt at home in rough terrain.

We feel the bike is well-suited for most types of long expeditions in the wilderness, including hunting, camping, fishing, overlanding, etc. It’s also equally tailored for shorter romps in the dirt.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Obsidian is affordably priced when compared to many of the other all-terrain e-bikes we’ve reviewed. Riders seeking a budget-friendly bike packed with power, comfort, and stability should be well satisfied with what the Obsidian offers.

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 ST down in our comments section.