Mokwheel Basalt ST Review 2024

Intro

All-terrain e-bikes aim to be the Swiss Army knives of the e-bike world. They feature big tires that allow them to roll on-road or off; a comfortable, upright position; and the power necessary to serve as a commuter or utility e-bike. And, increasingly, they come in both traditional frames and in step-thru versions. We will be looking at the step-thru version Mokwheel Basalt in our review.

The Mokwheel Basalt ST hews to our usual expectations for an all-terrain e-bike in the sub-$2000 price range. The cornerstone of this e-bike is its ginormous 948Wh (19.6Ah) battery. Mokwheel is known for spec’ing some of the largest batteries found on e-bikes. Next up is its 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces 90Nm of torque. It’s one of the more powerful hub motors on the market that can still conform to the three-class system. Helping riders uphill as well as downhill is a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. Hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro handle stopping duties.

What makes the Mokwheel Basalt ST a bit different from many of its competitors is the presence of a component that’s not visible—a torque sensor. The torque sensor changes how the motor dials up the horsepower, making for a more integrated and engaging riding experience. More on that in a bit.

Also worth noting about the Mokwheel Basalt ST is that Mokwheel makes the Basalt ST in two sizes, not to mention a version with a more traditional frame design featuring a top tube.

Mokwheel includes a terrific accessory package with the Basalt ST. It ships with front and rear lights, fenders, a rear rack with wood inlay and a kickstand. Mokwheel buyers are often attracted to the brand thanks to other accessories they offer. Arguably, the most popular among these is an inverter that fits in a case that attaches to the frame. The inverter allows someone to use that gargantuan battery as a power source for a phone, camping gear like an electric camp stove, lights, a refrigerator and more.

All-terrain e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular with people who like to camp as once someone is out in nature, an e-bike makes for a terrific way to explore more remote locations. Let’s dig into what makes the Mokwheel Basalt ST one of the more intriguing all-terrain e-bikes to enter the market.

E-Bike Category: All terrain

Who the Mokwheel Basalt ST Electric Bike Is for: This e-bike is well-suited to a rider looking for a ride that opens up possibilities, rather than limits them.

Mokwheel Basalt ST E-Bike Specs

• Battery: 948Wh Lithium-ion
• Expected Range: up to 80 mi. estimated
• Charger: 3A
• Motor: 750W brushless, geared hub motor, 90Nm torque
• UL Certification: 2271 (battery only)
• Pedal Assist: 5 PAS Levels
• Throttle: Thumb button
• Display: LED
• Headlight: Included
• Taillight: Included
• Frame: 6061 hydroformed aluminum
• Fork: 110mm-travel suspension fork
• Fenders: Included
• Kickstand: Included
• Handlebars: Alloy, 720mm wide
• Grips: Rubber, ergonomic
• Drivetrain: 7-speed Shimano
• Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors
• Pedals: Alloy, with reflectors
• Saddle: Customized comfort
• Tires: 26 x 4-in., puncture-resistant

In-Depth Mokwheel Basalt ST Review

Mokwheel Basalt ST Review: Comfort, Handling, and Ride Qualities

Step-thru frames are not all created equal. Just how low the top of the down tube sits (that does sound a little confusing, but give it a second) determines the e-bike’s overall standover height. The lower an e-bike’s standover height, the more it can accommodate people who have a limited range of motion. The Mokwheel Basalt ST gives riders a standover height of 16.9 in. That’s not the lowest we’ve seen, not by a longshot, but it is low enough that many people who have a stiff pelvis or knee may be able to get on this e-bike. This is an especially helpful detail for anyone coming back from hip or knee replacement. Pedaling an e-bike is great for recovery.

Mokwheel makes the Basalt ST in two different sizes, but the reach doesn’t change much between the “Normal” and “Large” sizes, just .4 in. The reach on the Normal is 23.2 in., which will pose a challenge to smaller riders. The smaller the rider, the more difficult the reach will be. The flip side of this is that tall riders, right up to at least 6 feet 5 will enjoy the reach to the handlebar.

The handling on all-terrain e-bikes tends to be on the calm, even leisurely side, which is great for riding on natural surfaces, rough roads and for anyone who wants to ride an e-bike but doesn’t consider themselves a thrill-seeker.

With 4-in.-wide tires and a 110mm-travel suspension fork, the Mokwheel Basalt ST ranks among the most comfortable rides out there. Not only will this handle well and cushion the rider in off-road riding, it will smooth even the roughest roads.

Mokwheel Basalt ST Review: Motor, Battery, and Drivetrain Performance

All-terrain e-bikes tend to be on the heavier side of the e-bike world. Those big wheels, ginormous tires and the combination of a frame and fork big enough to hold those wheels results in an e-bike that usually weighs more than 70 lbs.—the Mokwheel Basalt ST tips the scales at 77 lbs. There’s nothing wrong with that; this isn’t a criticism. We see it as a cost-of-doing-business thing. What it does mean, though, is that all-terrain e-bikes need a powerful motor in order to give the rider sufficient acceleration and climbing power, not to mention keeping the e-bike at speed when cruising.

The Mokwheel Basalt ST is equipped with a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces a very muscular 90Nm of torque. What that means is that it is very quick to accelerate from a dead stop, and doesn’t struggle to climb hills, in part due to all that torque.

Also aiding the Basalt ST’s performance is Mokwheel’s decision to include a torque sensor in the Mokwheel Basalt ST. A cadence sensor is designed to judge whether or not the rider is pedaling. It’s a binary judgment—yes or no. A torque sensor samples how hard the rider is pedaling thousands of times a second, which results in the motor responding to the rider’s effort. Pedal harder and the motor accelerates more. Ease off the pedals before a turn, and the motor backs off instantly, not a second later. The result is a more seamless experience and leaves the rider with the sense that they have superpowers, rather than riding a bike with a motor bolted on. It’s a thrilling experience, one that never fails to put a smile on the rider’s face.

If there’s one thing that Mokwheel is known for, it is their preference for spec’ing big batteries. They are a go-to brand for anyone who suffers from range anxiety. The Mokwheel Basalt ST is equipped with a 948Wh battery, which is double the size we see on some e-bikes. Srsly. Mokwheel estimates that this battery will give riders between 60 and 80 mi. per charge, depending on PAS level used, rider weight, terrain and wind. Even if their estimate isn’t super-accurate, there’s no denying that this big battery will give a rider hours of riding before needing to be charged.

Mokwheel chose a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain for the Basalt ST—a fairly common setup, but what this e-bike benefits from his a trigger shifter rather than the more common thumb shifter. It’s easier to operate and doesn’t require moving the thumb above the bar to execute the shift.

Mokwheel Basalt ST Review: Braking, Safety & Warranty

Mokwheel spec’d the Basalt ST with Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disc brakes. We don’t always call out specific model numbers where components are called, but we are mentioning that the Basalt ST uses the HD-E350 disc brakes because these are some of the most popular disc brakes we see on e-bikes; we see these on other all-terrain e-bikes as well as commuters, folders and utility e-bikes. There isn’t much that can instill trust in a component like knowing that a number of e-bike makers use the same part. Mokwheel pairs the Tektro disc brakes with 180mm rotors for solid braking power.

According to Mokwheel, their batteries use a combination of Samsung cells in their batteries, which are gold standard for lithium-ion e-bike batteries. Mokwheel says that their batteries are UL tested, but they don’t say they are UL certified, and testing is different than certification—a battery can be tested, but not pass the test; any battery that passes the test is certified. We’re obligated to point that out, but at the same time, considering they use Samsung cells, we are inclined to trust this battery as much as one certified by UL.

Mokwheel’s warranty is a definite cut above. First, the warranty covers their e-bikes for two years. That’s double many warranties we see. Also, Mokwheel’s e-bikes are covered as long as the customer has the receipt and can verify their contact information. That’s a much lower bar to service than making sure that the e-bike has been registered within a short post-purchase timeframe.

Mokwheel Basalt ST Review: Recommendation/Final Verdict

In our experience, of the many e-bikes that can be equipped with mammoth battery, an all-terrain e-bike equipped with a hub motor makes the most sense. Several reasons drive this. The first is that hub motors, especially powerful hub motors like the 750W, 90Nm one spec’d with the Mokwheel Basalt ST, draw lots of current to do what they do. The second is that hilly terrain and natural-surface terrain will both draw more current than riding on a flat, paved road. Those two details erode potential range, so when we add the reality that going out to explore the countryside can result in detours and getting off course, if not outright lost. Any ride in a large park or forest is best undertaken with a margin of error, so that one wrong turn doesn’t turn into a slog home in PAS 0.

Mokwheel estimates that a single charge may assist a rider for 60 to 80 mi. of range. That’s an impressive estimate, but supposes that the rider isn’t especially large (imagine someone trim and athletic), the road is flat and the pavement is smooth as fresh asphalt. What this means is that a 200-lb. rider exploring hilly dirt roads and trails can hope to ride for four hours before needing to head back to camp.

Campers are likely to enjoy the ability to power a camp stove refrigerator and charge their smart phone with the help of the optional inverter while still enjoying a couple hours of riding. With the addition of the solar array, someone can hope to enjoy multiple days in nature, off the grid.

The thumb-button throttle is a handy addition to this e-bike, and offers a kind of insurance against tired legs should someone go for an especially rangey ride.

What makes the Mokwheel Basalt ST a real standout among all-terrain e-bikes is its torque sensor. Its presence will change how the Basalt ST accelerates, delivering power in response to how hard the rider is pedaling. It also makes the motor’s response instantaneous, eliminating the pause prior to acceleration that is inherent to e-bikes with cadeance sensors. Torque sensors carry yet another benefit: They tend to use the battery more efficiently, which means that e-bikes with a torque sensor tend to give riders more range than those with cadence sensors, all things being equal.

With the Mokwheel Basalt ST, the buyer gets something like the Swiss Army Knife of e-bikes. Want to explore a big forest or a state park? It’s great for that. Want to commute? It’ll handle that. Want to get some exercise after work? Ideal for that, too. Opportunity is rarely higher with an e-bike than with one equipped with fat tires, like the Mokwheel Basalt ST.

Thank you for reading through our review of the Mokwheel Basalt ST. Still have further questions? Wondering how it compares to a similar e-bike we’ve reviewed? Let us know in the comments below!