Blix Vika+ Flex Review

This review was provided for free, but Blix split the cost of travel with me so I could meet the team and spend more time with the bikes. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Blix products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Blix electric bike forums.

Observations:

• I covered the 2019 Vika+ and noticed the following differences when studying the 2022 Vika+ Flex: Although it costs $100 more money, it offers improved tires, folding design, magnet clasp design, the controller is now integrated into the battery base mount vs. a metal box near the bottom bracket, the wire connectors are more accessible, it has nicer lights, the fenders have been upgraded, and it now has bottle cage bosses!
• Blix is based in Santa Cruz, California and has been operating since 2006. I feel that they offer some of the best value in the industry, keeping prices low but using high quality parts like Panasonic battery cells and Spanninga lights with brake activation. While Blix used to sell through dealers, they have transitioned more to a direct online model in recent years. This means that you may have some unboxing and assembly to deal with.

Pros:

• Great value for your money. The bike is not cheaply made and comes with matching fenders, rear rack, and premium integrated lights. It could be used for casual neighborhood riding or commuting. It should perform well rain or shine, day or night, and can fit a wide range of riders.
• As with most step-thru folding ebikes, the frame is easy to approach and mount… especially given the smaller wheel size which bring it closer to the ground. I appreciate the narrow design of the main folding joint, because it’s less likely to block your knee or leg while pedaling. Petite individuals may appreciate the Vika+ Flex regardless of the folding feature, simply because it’s so approachable.
• I like the adjustable kickstand that they chose because it’s mounted just far enough back to stay clear of the crank arms when deployed, so you don’t get pedal lock when backing the bike up!
• In addition to four classy color choices that this electric bicycle comes in, the matching grips and saddle look beautiful. Blix has this vintage European style that is timeless, in my opinion, and they make sure all of the supporting hardware matches. Note the silver spokes, rims, hubs, chainring, cranks, pedals, seat post, stem, and handlebar.
• Blix offers some nice accessories for their ebikes, including touch up paint, a suspension seat post, and storage options. You could get a set of pannier bags or one of the bolt-on top baskets to add lots of utility. I believe that you could also use a child seat with the rear rack, given the higher 55lb (25kg) max weight rating.
• The rear rack has a Yepp! child seat window on top, standard gauge pannier hangers on both sides, and bungee loops! It’s awesome, and it also works with their optional basket that can be positioned length or width wise.
• I love that Blix has updated their throttle behavior to allow for full power output at any level of assist, even zero! This is handy for getting started from stop signs or traffic signals, catching up with friends, or focusing on balance vs. pedaling when transporting kids and other cargo. The trigger throttle offers variable power output, so you can be gentle by only pressing part way for a smooth start.
• Updated battery pack design! Blix is using very high quality Panasonic cells and spacing them apart in the casing for improved air flow and durability. The 48 volt system provides efficiency and also increases the potential power output. This combines with the high power 500 watt hub motor to produce up to 50 newton meters of torque output.
• Blix redesigned their controller to fit into the battery slide mount, it’s no longer housed in a metal box at the bottom bracket. This new design looks much nicer, and I was told that the controller is still very powerful, offering 11 amps continuous and 20 amps peak for strong starts and continuous climbing.
• I like how the battery seems really secure, mounted on the flared metal seat tube section of the frame, and how their replacement packs are less expensive since the controller is separate. There’s also an on/off toggle switch built into the side of the battery pack, so you can disable it completely when transporting or storing for long periods. Ideally, keep the battery in a cool dry location and try to maintain 50%+ when you aren’t riding the bike. Fully draining the pack can stress the cells.
• Battery weight is positioned low and center on the frame, behind the seat tube so the pack won’t get kicked when you step onto the bike. They also included a pair of braze-on bottle cage mounts on the front side of the seat tube! I like that they actually welded on the threaded eyelets here vs. screwing directly into the tubing, because it adds strength and might allow the seat post to go lower.
• Note the color matched IP66 rated Julet Mini cables that are water resistant and easy to reach and connect if a part is disconnected during transport or needs replacement. The display, throttle, and lights are all designed to be modular and easy to service. Good external cable routing and wrap protection, making them easier to reach and service while reducing pinching that internal routing can cause, balanced aesthetic and utility here.
• Blix is using a high resolution cadence sensor with 12 magnets, so pedal assist feels very responsive. The sensor is compact and appears to be well sealed against water and dust.
• 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
• Folding this bike is fairly intuitive, and they’ve chosen a saddle with an integrated handle for secure grip. There are two magnets that attract, keeping the front axle secured to the rear axle, helping to reduce rattling and accidental unfolding during transport. The RevoShift half-grip shifter is less prone to damage than trigger shifters. The frame has been overhauled and is now sturdier than prior generations, the axles are inline so the bike is more stable when rolling in the folded position (as shown in the video review above).
• A plastic guide on the chainring helps keep the chain from falling off track, whether you’re riding on rough terrain or folding and laying the bike on its side. Although the derailleur is entry-level in the Shimano groupset, it still shifted well during my tests. The full sized crank arms felt natural, and the enlarged aluminum alloy folding pedals from Wellgo felt stiff and stable… much better than the typical plastic folding pedals I’ve tested.
• Safety is a big deal to me, especially on a folding ebike that might be used to explore unfamiliar locations. Note that the bike does sit a bit lower to the ground, due to the smaller wheels. So having puncture resistant tires that have reflective stripes on the side as well as a two-LED rear light with brake activation and headlight with side windows really come in handy. For those who want to stay as visible as possible, consider the Cream color which will reflect more light in dark conditions.
• The LCD display panel is center mounted and fairly large, making it easy to read. Most of the controls on this ebike are intuitive, including the half-grip twist shifter that switches gears. It has an optical window on top that displays the gear you’re riding in. I also love the integrated bell that’s built into the left brake lever!
• I think it’s neat that the LCD display panel has a 5 volt 1 amp USB charging port built-in! This could be useful for charging portable electronics, like a smartphone, speaker, or additional lights, while riding.
• Blix has left the display panel unlocked, so you can adjust the settings… including top speed! You can lower the top speed to improve range and add some safety, or raise it a bit and operate the bike more like a Class 3 speed pedelec to keep up with automobiles or get to work faster. They ship the system set at 20mph 32kmh to comply with legal framework for Class 2 ebikes. You could even unplug and remove the throttle to ride this as Class 1 if you wanted.
• Geared hub motors are known for being compact, lightweight, and efficient. I’m familiar with the Shengyi brand used here. This bike felt very satisfying, and I was able to test it out by climbing some of the steeper hills in Santa Cruz California, using throttle only (no pedaling). It seems like a solid choice, based on what I’ve observed from competing hub motor powered folding ebikes.
• Blix has been in business since 2014, I’ve reviewed a bunch of their products and met the founder on many occasions. They seem to offer great customer support, especially for the low price point.
• I appreciate the one year comprehensive warranty that Blix offers, along with their optional $160 one-year extension so you can basically have a two year warranty that covers all sorts of things. That’s good peace of mind when you’re buying direct vs. in a local shop.

Cons:

• Folding bikes often use the smaller 20″ wheel size as Blix has done here. This raises the attack angle of the tire which results in cracks, potholes, and other obstacles feeling more jarring. There’s no suspension fork or suspension seat post here… but the ergonomic grips, name brand gel saddle, and wider 2.4″ tires offer some relief.
• Note that the fork is made from steel, so if it gets scratched up you might develop some rust. I believe that Blix sells touch up paint, or you can use clear fingernail polish or car paint pens :)
• Due to its sturdy build with higher than average 270lb max weight limit, aluminum alloy fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights, as well as the high powered 500 watt geared motor and high capacity 614.4 watt hour battery pack… this folding ebike weighs more than average. Consider removing the 7.2lb battery before lifting. I’ve heard it is best to store the battery in a cool dry environment at 50% to maximize lifespan, and avoid discharging below 20% in general.
• It can be a little tricky to remove the battery pack because it’s surrounded by a section of frame tubing. This is especially true if the seat is positioned low, you may even need to raise the seat post or take it off completely for easier access.
• There’s no metal guard to help protect the sensitive derailleur and motor power cable on the right side of the rear wheel. If you lay the bike on its side, be sure to keep these parts facing up and avoid bending or snagging them!
• The bike has seven speeds, but the gear range is fairly limited with a 14 to 28 tooth spread. Without a super low gear or high gear, pedaling cadence is optimized for casual neighborhood riding… but the powerful motor and throttle override really help to overcome slow starts and steep climbs.
• Mechanical brakes require a bit more hand effort than hydraulic, especially the rear brake due to the longer cable length. Note that the cable runs downward into the housing, so the rear brake could get sticker over time with dust and water settling inside. The 160mm rotors used here are good, considering the small wheel diameter. Both the hub motor and brake rotors get a mechanical advantage vs. a full sized bicycle wheel.
• If you get the optional front tray rack system the light stays fixed to the fork (so it points where you steer), but it’s a bit less visible from the top and sides due to the platform above.
• This is a direct-to-consumer electric bike, meaning that most customers order online and have to receive and unbox it themselves. There aren’t too many steps (especially with a folding ebike), but there’s definitely some extra time required, and packaging to be disposed of or recycled. I was told that they work with some shops to showroom their bikes, but ordering is still direct, and that’s part of how they keep the price so low.
• The display isn’t removable for protection at public bike racks or from inclement weather, but at least it can be angled to reduce glare while riding. I was surprised that the battery charge level readout is actually split into 5 bars even though there are more lines… it would be more precise if you actually had smaller increments or a range estimator menu type of thing. I was also a bit surprised that the charge level readout drains from the left vs. the right.
• The charger looks awesome because it’s super compact, it feels high quality and is light weight… however, it only puts out two amps and this means it takes longer to fully charge such a high capacity battery pack.
• I didn’t see a clear sticker slap guard on the chain stay, which means the chain could bounce down and mar the paint. You can find these for sale aftermarket or just use some clear box tape to avoid chips and make the grease easier to clean off.
• Minor consideration here: in order to improve the magnet clasp design, Blix has removed quick release on the front wheel. Servicing and flat fixes requires a bit more time and tools since both bikes have nuts vs. quick release as you might find on a mid-drive folding ebike.

Useful Resources:

• Blix electric bike dealers.
• Official Blix website.