MOKWHEEL Slate Folding Fat-Tire E-Bike Review

When I first saw the MOKWHEEL Slate E-Bike, I was immediately attracted to this bike because it has a lot of powerful features at a very affordable price. After spending some time with it, I can say that the Slate absolutely delivers but it’s probably not exactly the portable folding bike that some might expect.

Unboxing & Assembly

Product Images

Design & Comfort

Out of the box, the MOKWHEEL needs some assembly before you can start riding. It took me about an hour for the whole process which is totally acceptable. Basically, you will need to attach the handlepost, seat, front wheel, fender, light, and display. It is quite straightforward and I didn’t have to read the manual since it is the same process as my previous bikes.

The Slate looks sleek and rugged. All parts like the folding joints and latches are well-built and I like the solid frame. It doesn’t have the flimsy feel found on some cheaper e-bikes. The build quality makes me confident that the bike can handle rough use. It is really heavy at around 67 lbs including the battery.

However, I’m very disappointed with the folding mechanism of this bike. This is probably the worst among all bikes I’ve ever used. While the folding mechanism itself is straightforward, actually handling the bike is a different story. I fold down the handlebar first, then open the latch to fold the bike in half; In the meantime, I need to turn the front wheel so that the handlebar doesn’t sit between the 2 wheels. I also have to deal with the pedals which are always there to block the way. In the end, we have a bulky folded bike that sometimes can’t stand on its own. The stand on the bottom doesn’t work properly in this case and the bike stands on the pedals most of the time.

Lifting or carrying the Slate is not easy, especially when I need to take it to my car. It’s not something I’d want to do often. The weight and bulk make it hard to lift up. That said, once it’s folded, it is actually quite compact. Even though my car trunk is relatively small, the bike still fits inside without issue. So if you only need to transport it occasionally and don’t mind lifting a 67-lbs bike, it should be fine.

The folding part is probably the only disadvantage of the Slate. I like the natural riding position with a slightly upright posture that makes long rides easy on the back and shoulders. The seat is decently padded, and when combined with the front suspension and the fat tires, the overall riding experience is enjoyable even on longer trips. The fat tires absorb a lot of the shock from uneven surfaces, while the suspension helps smooth out rough patches. I can still feel some bumps on the road, especially over potholes or cracks on the road, but it’s far more comfortable than most e-bikes without suspension.

Performance

The most exciting feature of the Slate is the torque and cadence sensors. They work together to deliver a smoother and more natural riding experience. You can see the difference when starting from a stop or navigating tight spaces; there’s no sudden speed boost like you often get with bikes that rely only on cadence sensors. Therefore, the Slate feels safer, smoother, and much easier to handle; There is no jerky or delayed power delivery as I’m aware of. On flat roads, it glides effortlessly, and the motor kicks in when needed. I can climb hills without needing to pedal hard.

When it comes to power and speed, the Slate provides a strong boost. I can reach high speeds quickly, and even when climbing hills, I never feel like the bike is struggling. You can twist the throttle to reach the max speed of 20 mph or pedal with assist. I really appreciate the fast, responsive, and quiet motor.

In terms of battery life, it has a range of 50-60 miles, which is long enough for several rides before needing a recharge. The battery is integrated into the frame which makes the bike look clean and modern.

The Slate has an unusual theft-protection feature. The display detaches easily, and once you park the bike, you can remove the display to cut off power instantly. That means a thief can’t just hop on and ride away easily. Without the electric boost, the bike turns into an unpowered heavy frame that’s much harder to steal quickly. So, you can leave the bike momentarily unattended. Having said that, I still recommend you to use a quality lock to fully protect the bike.

Conclusion

In summary, the MOKWHEEL Slate is a powerful, comfortable, and well-built e-bike that offers an excellent riding experience. It performs great on a wide range of terrain while still being able to fold for storage or transport. However, you should be aware that it’s not light or easy to carry. The weight and bulky design make it impractical for commuters who need to lift it onto trains or upstairs. If you have no problem carrying that much weight, it won’t be an issue, but for anyone looking for a highly portable folding bike, this isn’t it. The bike is currently available for around $1,500 on its official website.