Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Igor Karni
Mokwheel is known for its goal-oriented approach to e-bikes, and its latest offerings have been generating quite a buzz. In 2023, Mokwheel introduced the Mesa Lite, which is priced perfectly for those new to the world of e-bikes. This e-bike has a standard design and is tailored to meet the everyday needs of city commuters.
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Mokwheel has chosen a captivating range of colors to make the Mesa Lite stand out in the market of lightweight e-bikes. Its affordability has earned it a strong position in the e-bike industry. If you’re considering a city e-bike, this review will help you make an informed decision. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the Mesa Lite’s technical specifications, features, and performance in independent tests. Let’s get started!
Mokwheel Mesa Lite Specifications
| Mesa Lite | |
| Motor | 350W |
| Battery | LG 36V 14.7Ah |
| Top Speed | 28 mph / 45 kph |
| Range | 40-50 miles per charge (80 km) |
| Brakes | Mechanical Brake ZOOM-DB-680 |
| Tires | 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires |
| Pedal Assist | 5 |
| Throttle | Thumb-throttle |
| Weight | 57 lbs / 25.8 kg |
| Rider weight | 300 lbs / 136 kg |
Mesa Lite is designed for e-bike riders who want a convenient city travel solution. It weighs about 57 lbs (25.8 kg), which is similar to other lightweight e-bikes, and it can handle a maximum weight of 300 lbs (136 kg). Mesa Lite includes a free rear rack and fender, offering you extra storage space.
The e-bike’s frame is crafted from standard 6061 Aluminum, with an upright structure that provides a cruiser-like riding posture. The front-end balance, like other Mokwheel e-bikes, makes steering effortless.
Additionally, it features a stainless steel crankset, Shimano gears, and a derailleur. The leather seat is well-stitched and ergonomically cushioned to prevent discomfort during long rides. The central LED display on Mesa Lite’s handlebars shows all the essential information.
In terms of fundamentals, the e-bike is equipped with a 350 W rear hub motor, which can reach a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph) in PAS 5 and 20 mph (32 kph) in throttle mode. The thumb throttle, cadence sensor, and well-placed gears enhance the e-bike’s ease of use.
Mokwheel claims that Mesa Lite has a range of approximately 50 miles (80 km), which is 10% better than other popular lightweight e-bikes. It’s powered by an LG 36V 14.7Ah battery, which is removable, allowing you to charge it separately or while it’s attached to the e-bike.
Mesa Lite is fitted with efficient and responsive mechanical brakes, and these are complemented by high-quality tires designed for optimal city performance.
Now, let’s discuss the pros and cons of this e-bike.
Pros
- Exciting color options: Mesa Lite is available in three exciting colors that set it apart from other city commuter e-bikes. The high-quality paint finish enhances its aesthetics, giving it a sleek and attractive appearance.
- Stylish Look: Mokwheel uses its signature design with contrasting colored linings on the crankset and central body, creating an appealing look. The side-tail lights also add to the e-bike’s style.
- High Affordability: Mesa Lite is one of the most affordable city commuter e-bikes, making it an excellent choice for those starting their e-bike journey. Its features are on par with other lightweight e-bikes, providing great value for money.
- Extended Battery: Mesa Lite comes with a 36V-529Wh electric battery, offering a substantial range of 40-50 miles (80 km), which is considerably better than most city e-bikes.
- Quick acceleration: Mesa Lite can reach a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 kph) in PAS 5, making it faster than other lightweight electric bikes and allowing for a comfortable ride in city traffic.
Cons
- The e-bike lacks built-in suspension for off-road riding.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Mesa Lite is marketed as a city commuting e-bike that caters to your everyday needs. The specifications look impressive on paper, especially for an affordable city e-bike. In our testing, we aim to find out if these stats hold up in real-world scenarios.
Mokwheel Mesa Lite Review: Speed Test
The Mokwheel Mesa Lite features a 350W rear hub motor, similar to other lightweight e-bikes. During our testing, we evaluated its performance under various pedal-assist levels and in throttle-only mode.
Without any pedal assistance, the e-bike reached speeds of up to 12 mph. At PAS 1, the speed increased to 14 mph, at PAS 2, it rose to 17 mph, and at PAS 3, it reached approximately 19.8 mph. The e-bike achieved a top speed of 28 mph at PAS 5. In throttle-only mode, it took an average of 20 seconds to reach the maximum speed of 20 mph (32 kph).
The motor provided consistent and smooth power, enhancing the overall acceleration experience. Mesa Lite’s acceleration is impressive compared to similar e-bikes. Riders don’t need to exert excessive effort to reach top speed, and the cadence sensor contributes significantly to the riding experience.
Mokwheel Mesa Lite Review: Range Test & Battery Performance
A range test is crucial for any city e-bike as it determines its practicality. The Mokwheel Mesa Lite comes equipped with an LG 36V 14.7Ah battery, which is higher rated than other e-bikes in its price range. Mokwheel claims a maximum range of 50 miles (80 km), but this estimate may vary based on the rider’s weight and other factors.
Independent tests showed that the Mesa Lite’s range was consistently impressive, covering approximately 43-45 miles (72 km) on average at PAS 1 and around 26 miles (42 km) at PAS 5. Charging the battery with the e-bike’s default charger took an average of 3-5 hours.
Mokwheel Mesa Lite Review: Brakes and Tires
Interestingly, the Mokwheel Mesa Lite boasts better tire treads than other e-bikes in its category. It features a 2.4-inch wide tire that makes maneuvering through garden grass and hills easier, ultimately enhancing the overall driving experience.
In terms of braking, the Mokwheel Mesa Lite performed well. During three tests, the bike’s average braking distance from a top speed of 20 mph (32 kph) was approximately 9.5 feet (2.9 meters), with the best result at 9 feet. The e-bike is equipped with Zoom mechanical brakes, exceeding expectations. Most city e-bikes typically have a braking distance of about 12-13 feet (4 meters).
Mokwheel Mesa Lite Review: Ride Quality
The overall riding experience for Mesa Lite depends on a combination of factors including speed, braking, and comfort. This e-bike has a compact structure and an ergonomic seat, allowing city commuters to maintain an upright posture throughout the day.
The central LED display is standard and conveniently placed, offering crucial information about your trip, speed, and pedal assist level. In general, the ride on this e-bike is quite smooth. Despite the lack of a suspension system, the e-bike’s tires and aluminum frame effectively absorb bumps, eliminating any rattling. The Shimano gearing and derailleur also contribute to a smooth transition to higher speeds.
Final Takeaway
Mokwheel Mesa Lite is an exciting city e-bike, especially considering its affordable starting price of $899. It offers more value for money compared to similar, and often more expensive, e-bikes. The high payload capacity and availability of both step-over and step-thru models make it suitable for a broader audience.
The e-bike’s 350W motor provides ample speed and acceleration to keep pace with city traffic, and the braking system is reliable. Overall, it’s a solid choice for urban commuters seeking a long-range e-bike. If you’re interested in purchasing or obtaining more information about the e-bike, please visit Mokwheel’s official website. The company is currently offering exciting free items as part of its New Year sale, making an early purchase a great option.
Read also: E-bike brands, manufacturers, models, countries: complete list (560+).
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
