To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Blix. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Blix products.
Today I had the opportunity to check out the new 2019 version of the Blix Vika+. The bike is similar to last years model, so you if you read that review you may see some parallel information, however, there are upgrades here too, so I will try to call those out as we go along. The Blix Vika+ is a classically styled, step-thru, folding electric bike with upgraded drivetrain hardware, a full accessories package, and a powerful geared hub motor drive system. It’s one of my favorite folding models on the market right now because it hits a reasonable price point but is still sold through dealers. That means you can go for a test ride, see the three different colors in person, and get help with maintenance and support down the road if needed. Folding electric bikes tend to be easier to mount and stand over, for petite riders, because they often use 20″ wheels, as is the case here. The tires have been upgraded too, they are now thicker at 2” and have reflective sidewall stripes for visibility. The thicker width means more cushion, comfort, and stability overall. The Blix Vika+ is built around a wave “step-thru” frame that is much lower than the average folding electric bike, but they have reinforced the downtube with a gusset plate near the head tube and a mini top-tube near the bottom bracket. This increases strength and stability, it also helps to balance out any rear cargo you might add to the back rack. I appreciated the plastic chain guide, which will prevent chain drops and also keep your pant legs or dress ends clean and snag-free. The kickstand is positioned out of the way on the left, so it won’t collide with the crank arm when walking the bike backwards. The stem offers adjustable height, so the bike can comfortably accommodate a wide range of riders, but don’t go too high or it will stretch the cables! I think Blix has chosen their cable wrap solution really well here because it looks clean and didn’t get in the way when folding… they utilize threaded metal connectors with rubber washers vs. the cheaper plastic press fit plugs. One of my favorite features is actually the Wellgo metal folding pedals; they match the silver accents and provide more strength and surface area than the majority of other pedals I see on folding products. The bike isn’t perfect, they have made some trade-offs to save weight or money, but overall it works very well. Some of the trade-offs that I perceive are mechanical rim brakes vs. hydraulic, which would be easier to actuate. Some folding ebikes use disc brakes, but the rotors can get bent more easily when folding and transporting, so the rim brakes are a decent choice here. There’s no suspension fork up front, but the sprung saddle and stitched faux leather ergonomic grips felt decent and this keeps the bike more steady and definitely lighter. Blix has added mounting points in the front and rear this year, so you can put baskets, racks or other accessories on the bike. Do be aware though, adding some may interfere with the folding or folded outcome. The rear rack that is included here is stiff and holds panniers and child seats well. Part of that stiffness comes from the rack being mounted to both the frame and the fenders. The aluminum paint matched fenders are also new this year and look great.
Driving this e-bike is a new stronger 500-watt nominally rated Shengyi hub motor, spoked into the rear wheel. It has both pedal assist and a thumb throttle on the left, so it make this bike a Class 2 category bicycle. The smaller 20-inch wheel size provides a mechanical advantage for both the motor, pedaling, and braking, which I really appreciate. With the centrally mounted battery pack, the bike is very steady and even front to rear. Hub motors usually offer the advantages of instant power, efficient freewheeling (so they won’t slow you down when coasting), they don’t interfere with the pedaling drivetrain, and they can be used more easily with throttles. With the assist and throttle, you have many ways to ride and eliminates the need for pedaling at all if you get tired or need to focus on balancing. The throttle is live as soon as the display panel is activated on and it overrides zero, 1, 2, 3, and 4 assist, so be careful mounting, dismounting, and folding the bike if you don’t turn it off first! If you utilize the throttle and the highest levels of assist frequently, it will cut down on your maximum potential range since the pedal assist mode dictates your throttle top speed. Mechanically, the bike uses a Shimano Tourney setup with a grip twist shift on the right handlebar. The gearing uses a 14-28 tooth system in the back with a large 54 tooth chain ring in the front, so more torque for hilly areas. Stopping the bike is a set of 160mm rotor mechanical disc brakes from Tektro. It works really well with that small diameter wheel size and is easy to adjust and maintain.
Powering the bike is an upgraded 48v 14ah lithium ion battery pack. The previous battery was a 36v version with just 11ah. So this bike will have more power and more range than the previous model year. Really a big win! This is what I would consider a high capacity battery and compliments the system well… when you are hauling kids around and need to engage that electric motor to the max, a battery like this is just what you want. Although we don’t do range tests at EBR, I would imagine it should easily be able to go 30 miles or so with all the optional accessories and child attached at max power as it seemed to do during my review. It is secured via lock and key and mounts behind the seat post on the bike. This keeps the weight very centered and is appreciated for stability. There is an LED charge level indicator here on the battery too and charging is done through this 2amp charger. To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.
Operating the bike is simple. Once the battery is mounted, start by turning the key in the on position. From there, the display will come to life and give you the read outs. The battery is shown across the top in 16 ticks. These ticks are in an infographic that somewhat resembles a ruler. Shown below that is you speed in MPH and the various levels of pedal assist you might be in, 0-5. To change the pedal assist, simply hit up or down on the arrow controls mounted on the left handle bar. Keep in mind, the pedal assist level controls the throttle too. This is great so if you are in a parking lot, or need to take it slow, you can have it… let’s say at level 2, and the throttle will go nice and easy without fast acceleration and keeps the top speed limited. Similarly, if you want to go full out, you can put it in level 5 and the throttle will act accordingly. Anyways, there is an odometer readout below that and pressing the mode button will change that to display max speed, average speed, and trip set. Some versions of this setup allow you to hold the up and down arrows together for a moment and that will unlock the deep drive menu. Here you can mess with top speed as well as other electrical power configurations to really get the setup how you want it. I was unable to check with Blix if this feature was going to be available in the production version on this bike.
Blix is doing a great job growing their dealer network and refining their product line. The Vika Plus is one of their most popular bikes, and I can definitely see why. It’s beautiful but not overpriced, the components are all upgraded, and safety and strength have really been taken into consideration. Many women and smaller riders opt for folding bikes like this for everyday use, because of how approachable they are. The step-thru frame is incredibly low but weight is positioned well and the battery is easy to remove for charging or transport because of the flip-up saddle mount. As I was learning about this updated model, I asked Pontus about the name of the company and some history. He’s originally from Sweeden and was inspired by the vintage European bicycle designs that he saw growing up. The name Blix means lightening and Vika means fold. It was cool to see how much attention he and his team have paid to user experience here, including a nicer tool set and a canvas carrying bag. I’ve heard that some busses and subways won’t allow bikes onboard unless they are bagged. When you combine the easy folding, magnetic clasp design, and utilize the bag, this bike becomes very easy to transport. Just be careful with the display and the motor power cable on the right side, so they won’t get scratched up or bent. These are standard considerations with nearly every folding e-bike I’ve tested. It’s worth noting that the base of the frame, below the bottom bracket, is very well protected by a metal support strut that will keep the plastic chain guide from making contact with the ground. We didn’t show it in the video (sorry) but the Vika Plus can be towed around when half-folded, and that’s a lot easier to do than lifting it up since the bike does weigh nearly 50lbs. I would like to thank Blix for giving me the chance to check out the new Vika+ and look forward to seeing the rest of their lineup.
As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own a previous version of the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the Blix ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)
Pros:
- Deep step-thru frame is low and approachable, the folding joint doesn’t get in the way of your shins or knees when pedaling like some other folders I have tested over the years
- Good weight distribution, the battery pack is centered on the frame vs. the rear rack, I also like how Blix has added a short top tube near the center of the frame and a gusset near the head tube to reduce flex
- Easy to fold and transport, you can actually push or pull the bike around using the handlebar when it’s nearly folded… this could be handy for trains, I love that they include a protective cover and carrying bag for clean transport and storage (some busses won’t let you on with a bike unless it’s stored in a bag)
- I like the little magnets that help to keep the bike from coming unfolded, you could also use adjustable bungee cords to reduce vibration and the possibility of unfolding, or the bag :)
- Wires are managed very well, there are extra wires for the display, throttle, and motor inhibitors on the brake levers, but they are wrapped cleanly and stay out of the way when folding/unfolding
- Despite not having a suspension fork and utilizing more efficient hybrid tires, the Vika+ feels pretty comfortable thanks to the sprung saddle, faux leather stitched grips, and adjustable-height stem
- I absolutely love the flip-up saddle mount because it allows for quick and easy removal of the battery pack, this is great for reducing the weight of the bike when lifting or charging/storing the battery separately to protect it
- The tires have been upgraded, they are now thicker at 2”, the thicker width means more cushion, comfort, and stability overall
- Safety is a priority for me, especially when traveling through new environments, so I love that Blix has included a front and rear light that both run off the main battery pack, that they offer a more visible cream frame color, and that the tires are reflective… folding ebikes tend to sit lower to the ground too, so anything to stay more visible is a good thing in my book
- Excellent kickstand position, you can walk the bike backwards (or pedal backwards) with the kickstand down and now get pedal locked… it seems minor but is something I really appreciate in tight conditions
- This is one of the only folding electric bikes I have ever seen with a high capacity battery, an upgraded 48v 14ah lithium ion battery pack, the previous battery was a 36v version with just 11ah, so this bike will have more power and more range than the previous model year
- The electrical connectors for the display, throttle, and motor inhibitors are a bit tougher and well sealed against water, they are metal threaded connectors verses plastic press-fit on many other products
- The Blix Vika+ and smaller Travel model have bells built into the left brake lever, I really like that feature! It’s easy to reach and sounds good, I also like the rubberized brake lever grip
Cons:
- The display panel is not removable, this means that it could get scratched at the bike rack or when folding and transporting, it may also take additional weather wear over time if you leave the bike outside, also, it sticks out more than last years, so be careful when folding and carting around
- This isn’t the lightest folding ebike at 54.8lbs, but it does have one of the higher capacity batteries, a rear rack, integrated lights, and fenders… and that adds utility but also adds to the weight
- Minor gripe, there are no bottle cage bosses on this electric bike, you’ll have to use the side bag, purchase a trunk bag with a bottle holster, or a bar mount cup holder
- Riding the bike is very agile and nimble, however, you want to keep two hands on the narrow bar as much as you can because it can also dip into a twitchy feeling territory
Resources:
Smokey
5 years agoCan you recommend a couple of bike racks that will handle the weight of two Vika+. It is very difficult to find a rack that works with heavy bikes with fenders. I know the THULE EASY FOLD will work but it is too pricey at $750.
ReplyMark
5 years agoThe Saris Freedom, is $279, and holds two 60 lb ebikes. Works well for folders and ebikes with fenders, since the tires rest in cradles, and the upright support can hold the bike by its downtube, or a high cross tube. Nothing touches the fenders. The other benefit is the rack itself weighs less than 30 lbs.
ReplyLooking
5 years agoWow. The weight went up along with the charging time while the range went down. This update seems like a step backwards. My search for a electric folder for my RV continues.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoWe do our best… but our range details are an estimate. The weight is something quantitative that we actually measure, charge time is also just a rough estimate. Thanks for your feedback, you can also ask for feedback from people in comments or in the forums.
ReplyLooking
5 years agoI would like to see a capable lightweight folder and yes, you all do a great job with all the information and insight provided here. I am grateful.
bob
4 years agoI live in Arkansas which has a high sales tax, do you add tax to purchase?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Bob! I just review the bikes, you’d have to ask Blix directly about this. I think they are based in California and you can visit their website here or call them at 855-655-2549
ReplyLaurel
4 years agoQuestion, during the Vika+ bike ride I could hear a sound which I assume is generated when using the electric power. It was not mentioned in the segment. I don’t think I heard it when the bike was being peddled without the electric assist. It sounded similar to when a tire is rubbing on something. Can someone comment on this. It sounded annoying to me.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Laurel! If you could provide a timestamp, I’ll review the video and try to explain what I think it is… but here are a few possibilities. It could be the motor “whirring” because there are gears inside that rub to convert fast spinning into higher torque output. It could be one of the fenders touching the tire a bit. It could also be the tires (as you mentioned) or Mikey’s pant leg touching the side of the tire. Here’s an older review of the bike that I conducted, so you could compare the audio during the ride test :D
ReplyBob trotter
4 years agoI have seen a few different sizes of the Vika+ when folded. What is the actual height? Can it be reduced if I took the seat off? I have very limited space in my SUV.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Bob, same thing! I measured the dimensions very carefully and do take off the seat to get as small as possible. I do add about a quarter or half inch to be safe… I hope this helps and that their latest version of the bike is very very similar or exact to what I saw when I did this review a year ago :)
ReplyTy
4 years agoAnecdotal, but we can fit 2 Vika+ in my wife’s Hyundai Tuscon with 1 seat folded down. I wouldn’t consider the Tuscon a “large” SUV. Also car seat and burley trailer for what it’s worth.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoGreat input, thanks Ty!
Tod Fitzpatrick
4 years agoI bought a Blix Vika+ bike. The bike is ok, but service is non-existent. Blix has a Better Business Bureau rating of “F”. That is not eady to get. I would look to other brands.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoOh man, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry to hear that they haven’t gotten back to you. I’m actually surprised, because they have been very good to work with for reviews over the years, and most shops seem to have good things to say. I hope they follow up :/
ReplyDave
3 years agoAny thoughts on the cruising speed? High gear is 14 teeth back. Front gear is 52 teeth front. I have a non-electric folding bike that was 14 back / 48 front, and needed to change it to a back gear with 11 teeth on high gear otherwise the pedaling speed was uncomfortably fast at a cruising speed of maybe 15 mph which was typical on a level road or a very slight downhill.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Dave, the bike felt pretty comfortable to me during the reviews. Most ebikes cut out around 20mph, so I find that I’m not spinning super fast. I like the standard length crank arms here, so pedal strokes feel natural.
ReplyDave
3 years agoThanks for the reply and thoughts. The Citizen Miami also had a 170mm crank arm. Maybe the 52T vs. 48T chainring is enough of a difference, even though it’s just an 8% increase versus a 27% increase changing the back from 14T to 11T. I notice that the review says the front is 54T while the Blix site says it is 52T, maybe a misprint or maybe they changed it since the review.
Sue Rizzi
3 years agoWhen are you going to review the new Vika+ Flex model?
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Sue! Thanks for the request, I actually filmed it recently and should have it up within a month. Great bike, awesome value, keep your eyes peeled :D
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Sue! I just published the Vika+ Flex model and wanted to let you know. Here’s the link, hope you enjoy it!
ReplySavannah G
2 years agoBefore I purchased the bike, I consulted with them on brake options and what kind of bike I was going to get. They explained the difference between the hydraulic and mechanical brakes. They upsold me on the hydraulic brakes and explained that it would a couple more weeks and I would get the bike toward the end of September instead of the beginning.
On August 17th I ordered and paid $1,983.00 for the Nu Cream Vike-Flex bike with hydraulic brakes. I was contacted by Blix September 30th stating they had sold out of the bike with hydraulic brakes. They offered me the bike with mechanical brakes instead.
They never gave me a refund for the difference in price as the hydraulic brakes were $100 more than the mechanical. The bike arrived October 6th damaged. I emailed Blix’s support team. October 12th, the brakes started squeaking. I reached out again. October 13th I received an email that they are busy and they will get back to me. October 15th the bike would not turn on. I charged it the day prior and troubleshooted with their website and the bike still did not turn on. I called Blix and left a message as they said they were busy and would get back to me.
I am at a loss with what to do to get my bike up and running again. I have not yet heard back from Blix about any of these problems. I’ve had the bike for 9 days. I dropped $2,000 on a bike that does not work and the company cannot bother to assist me.
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Savannah! Gosh, I’m really surprised that their support team has been difficult to reach, and that they overcharged you for the mechanical brake version. I assume that you raised this concern. Obviously it’s not great business to upset a patient customer… especially for such a small amount of money. I cannot speak on their behalf, but I’m sorry that it hasn’t been a smooth situation and they haven’t been straightforward with you. As for the brakes squeaking… yeah, this can happen on all disc brakes. Try to avoid touching them, getting them dusty or wet, and consider searching Amazon for some disc rotor cleaner. If you use soap or other cleaners it could absorb into the brake pads and cause more squeaking and possibly damage their stopping strength. Try calling Blix again and asking for Pontus, he’s the founder. Perhaps if you patiently explain the situation again and ask him for help, he will realize that the staff didn’t help you the way they should have and offer some solutions and refund the $100. In my experience, he’s a genuine and kind person. Perhaps his staff was just struggling or something? Again, sorry to hear about all of this considering the price paid, time waited, and potential for something fun to become a chore.
Reply