QuietKat Lynx Review, 2024

When we do our range test, we prefer to stick to our network of bike paths near our office. There are some hills, but not so big as to give a more modest range than what most riders would see. And we also harbor strong convictions about being good neighbors, so we performed the QuietKat Lynx’s range test with it set to Class 2 operation.

We performed our range test twice—once with it set to its maximum assist level and once set to its minimum assist level.

For our max test in Boost mode, the QuietKat Lynx gave us 24.62 mi. of riding. In Eco mode, we saw an increase to 36.75 mi. With a 1000W motor and a 960Wh battery, we had anticipated about an hour of riding in Boost. Our real-world test resulted with 1:17 of riding, essentially 25 percent more than we expected, a fine performance.

With our Eco test, I was surprised with our result. If you recall, the difference between Eco and Boost in our speed test was only 1.5 mph, so I didn’t expect the Eco test to see us cover more than 30 mi. Achieving 36.75 mi., for a roughly 50 percent increase in range was a terrific surprise.

When I compare the QuietKat Lynx’s performance to that of other moped-style e-bikes, its overall range doesn’t match what we’ve seen for similar motor/battery setups. However, the Lynx differs in a couple of important ways. At 100 lbs., this e-bike is one of the heaviest we’ve ever reviewed and an extra 20 or so pounds will have an effect on range. Also, the other moped-style e-bikes we’ve reviewed have featured 20-in. wheels, while the QuietKat Lynx rolls on 24-in. wheels with 4.5-in.-wide tires. Those wheels and tires will require more energy to accelerate up to speed, but once at speed, they will provide a smoother ride as well as a more stable and confident feeling for the rider.

All things considered, this is a solid result, though anyone expecting the 60 mi. range QuietKat says riders should see will be in for a surprise; it would be nice if they did a better job of right-sizing buyers’ expectations. For anyone who is especially range-conscious, QuietKat does offer two options to improve range. First, they offer a solar array that you can use to recharge the battery during stops, and they also sell spare batteries that would allow someone to swap them out when one is depleted.

With Justin’s first ascent of Hell Hole, on throttle alone, the QuietKat Lynx climbed the hill in 1:38 for an average speed of 11.1 mph. When he went up a second time, pedaling and with the Lynx set to Boost, he shaved 8 seconds off, for a time of 1:30 and an average of 12.1 mph.

Among the moped-style e-bikes we’ve reviewed, this is a mid-pack performance. When the motor shifted gears, we felt some vibration, but when running it on throttle alone, if we backed off on the throttle a bit, the vibration passed and we continued to accelerate once back on the throttle.

The motor produces 83Nm of torque, which is a respectable level of power. The bottom line is that the QuietKat Lynx has power enough to get you up any hill.

The first thing we like to remind people about a fast e-bike (or e-moped) is that you won’t feel safe going fast if control is an issue. Every e-bike needs good handling and brakes that will stop quickly as well scrub speed for turns.

With the QuietKat Lynx, we performed our typical brake test where I accelerated to 20 mph and then braked to a stop three times. Once averaged, we got a result of 22 feet 7 inches. That’s a bit longer than what we’ve been seeing with other moped-style e-bikes. When we averaged the performances of the other moped e-bikes we’ve reviewed, we got a result of 20 feet 10 inches. So, yes, the QuietKat Lynx didn’t perform as well as those other e-bikes we tested, but the difference we see is roughly 10 percent, which is not only not a huge difference, it is still well within safe parameters.

To be completely candid, the QuietKat Lynx performed better than I expected. At 103 lbs., this is one of the heaviest e-bikes we’ve ever reviewed, and while all that weight probably contributed to the stopping distance, that weight also helps to account for the sturdy feel of this moped-style e-bike.

I have one more reason to declare the QuietKat Lynx performed well. It performed reliably. That is, I never got any surprises when I braked; its performance was consistent, and having an e-bike meet your expectations is a big piece of feeling secure and confident when riding.

The other factor that helped is that while the seat on the Lynx is a motorcycle-style bench, it’s not as wide as those on most moped-style e-bikes. Pedaling is easier if you don’t have to keep your knees 6 in. apart.

That it offered great handling and a nice feel on bike paths thanks to a suspension fork, rear coil suspension and the 4.5-in.-wide tires is no real surprise. It also handled well when I took it off-road. That said, the double-crown fork doesn’t permit as tight a turn radius as we see with most other forks, so twisty singletrack trails may pose an extra challenge. But on dirt roads, fire roads and other unpaved access roads, the QuietKat Lynx will provide a very fun ride.

Its off-road abilities will also be curtailed by the relatively low-profile tires. While it’s not a road-specific tire, it is also not a motocross tires. I’d call it versatile, but not all-purpose. The weight of the Lynx and the fact that the tires have a huge footprint thanks to their 24 x 4.5-in. size will give it better traction than we often see.

With 50mm of travel in the rear suspension, the QuietKat Lynx will give a gentler ride than we usually see. This is a point to consider for anyone who will either be riding on rough roads or unpaved roads with regularity. The 203mm-travel KKE suspension fork gives more suspension travel than we typically see. In fact, I can’t recall the last time we reviewed an e-bike with more than 160mm of travel. The downside here is that adjustment is limited and it doesn’t offer the same level of performance as a fork with an air spring.

Another point worth mentioning is that we fix a great many flats here in our office. It’s hard to say just why that is, but what stands out with the Vee Mission Control tires on the Lynx is that we’ve yet to suffer a single flat despite all the miles we’ve put on this e-bike. Not getting flats probably shouldn’t be the deciding factor in choosing an e-bike, but I do like that I haven’t had to fix a single flat.

When pedaling becomes a backup, not an option, it makes sense to design a ride with a more comfortable seat, greater stability at speed and bigger tires with more traction. That said, on those occasions when you do choose to pedal, it’s nice not to have your knees bumping your chin and I’m not sure I’ve ridden an e-moped that gave me a more comfortable seated position. We’re all going to misjudge range at some point and find ourselves a mile or two from home. The e-bike that makes pedaling home as easy as possible is going to cause less range anxiety, and that’s one thing the QuiteKat Lynx has going for it. I wouldn’t have guessed I could go nearly 10 mph on a 100-lb. e-bike with the motor off. So, kudos and all.

QuietKat’s Variable Power Output (VPO) is one of our favorite features. The unlimited mode is great fun when no one else is nearby, but in traffic or on a bike path, it’s helpful to be able to switch this to Class 3 or Class 2 operation in an effort to be a good neighbor.

QuietKat’s app improves the user experience with features like GPS tracking both while riding and when parked, locking and unlocking the Lynx and more.

With UL-certification becoming a must-have, we were glad to see that QuietKat secured UL 2849 certification for the Lynx. That means the full electronics system including battery, charger and motor has been certified safe.

QuietKat’s warranty is a little more stringent than we usually see as it covers the Lynx for one year or 1000 miles, though the frame carries a lifetime warranty. Those wanting additional coverage that includes accident protection can purchase a one-, two- or three-year supplemental warranty at the time of their purchase.

I’ve reviewed a number of e-bikes from QuietKat at this point and this one is a standout, memorable in a good way. It looks great, offers terrific comfort and had better-than-usual handling for an e-moped. The motor was solid as well, and our complaints about the lack of difference in the various assist levels isn’t an issue with the motor, but one of the software, and it can be corrected.

Shoppers looking for a powerful moped-style e-bike will find the QuietKat Lynx to be an exciting alternative to the other options out there. It’s got great power, excellent handling and offers greater comfort for taller riders.

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 QuietKat Lynx down in our comments section.