A value priced hardtail electric bike that's trail ready with a basic suspension fork, knobby tires and 21 speeds
Average sized 350 watt motor paired with slightly larger 36 volt 13 amp hour battery pack, offers pedal assist and throttle mode but throttle is limited in power to whichever assist level you choose
The cockpit is a bit crowded, only one brake lever includes a motor inhibitor, battery is difficult to charge on-bike due to the port location at the base of the pack
Beautiful purpose built frame with integrated battery design, only one color and size, one year warranty
Basic SR Suntour XCT Suspension with 100 mm Travel
Attachment Points:
Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses
Gearing Details:
21
Speed 3x7 Shimano Tourney TX
Shifter Details:
Shimano SIS Index Triggers on Left and Right Bar
Cranks:
Shimano
Pedals:
Wellgo C127, Aluminum Alloy Platform
Headset:
Neco, Oversized, Tapered
Stem:
Promax
Handlebar:
No-Rise
Brake Details:
Tektro Mechanical Disc with 180 mm Front Rotor and 160 mm Rear Rotor, Artek Levers with Motor Inhibitor
Grips:
Flat Rubber
Saddle:
Selle Royal (Magnum Branded)
Seat Post:
Promax
Seat Post Diameter:
30.9 mm
Rims:
Double Walled
Tire Brand:
Schwalbe Smart Sam, 27.5" x 2.25"
Wheel Sizes:
27.5 in (69.85cm)
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Optional Metal Fenders ($29), Optional Metal Carry Rack ($39) with 25 kg Max Weight, Single Side Adjustable Length Kickstand, Integrated USB Charging Port
Other:
Locking Removable Battery Pack, Quick Release Front Wheel, Replaceable Fuse on Battery
Power (Current), Battery Level (6 Bars), Speed, Assist Level (0-6), Odometer, Trip Distance, Trip Time
Drive Mode:
Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle
Top Speed:
22 mph (35 kph)
Written Review
Magnum electric bikes are relatively new to the US but they’ve been successful in Israel and parts of Europe for several years. The Mi5 is an “mountain” model with “integrated battery” offering “5th generation” technology… to call it a true mountain bike is a bit of a stretch in my mind because many of the components are entry level (Tektro mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Tourney drivetrain, Suntour XCT fork). It works great for light trails and zipping around town… thanks to the seat stay bosses you could easily add a carry rack and commute with this thing. You’re not getting a super powerful motor or battery here but it’s kept relatively light weight, similar in size and power to the very popular line of 2015 trail and mountain models from Easy Motion but for half the price. There are a few issues with the bike including limited access to the charging port and USB outlet (specifically when the battery is mounted), only one brake lever with a motor cutoff switch (the left lever), and a crowded cockpit that limits the viewing angle of the LCD display and forces you to reach pretty far to press the trigger throttle. Also, the control systems on this e-bike cap power output in throttle mode based on the level of assist you choose. Still, given the very reasonable ~$1,699 price point, purpose built frame, balanced weight distribution, clean wire integration and solid one year warranty this could be a great fit.
The motor powering the Magnum Mi5 is a 350 watt internally geared hub mounted in the rear wheel. It’s extremely normal, a piece of hardware I see more and more frequently on value priced electric bikes because it’s produced in such large quantities by Bafang in China. I like that for the Mi5 they chose a black version to match the rims, crankset and battery. The motor whirs a bit depending on the level of power you’re applying but it’s not super loud, nor is it very heavy. I like that this e-bike has a quick release on the front wheel but you’ll need tools to access the rear. There’s a seven speed cassette there with entry-level Shimano Tourney TX derailleur and a quick-disconnect in the power cable so you can completely remove the wheel and motor together without any loose wires getting in the way. With 21 speeds total this bike is very capable around town and even going off road where climbing may become more rigorous. Even though you’re dealing with some lower end parts, if you keep the chain lubed and drop in for an occasional tuneup at the local bike shop everything should last. Because the motor is a hub drive and the wheels are 27.5″ vs. 26″ or smaller you’re just not getting the same kind of torque and low end power so I’d recommend pedaling into hills and shifting down so you can help out. Mid-drives are better for this kind of thing but they aren’t as immediately satisfying or smooth as internally geared hubs and they tend to wear chains, sprockets and derailleurs more quickly.
Powering the Magnum Mi5 electric bike is a beautifully integrated Lithium-ion battery pack. The downtube is cut away in order to sink the pack “inside” part way which provides more security and strength while simultaneously lowering the center of mass. It’s not quite as clean as the packs on Easy Motion or Stromer models but for a “value” offering it’s one of the best I’ve seen to date. Inside the pack are 18650 sized cells manufactured by Samsung. They are known for being long lasting, light weight and efficient in transferring power and I usually see them on mid to high-end models. Not only are you getting quality cells here, you also get more of them… I usually see 36 volt 10 amp hour ebikes at this price level but this one offers 13 amp hours for increased range. A few other “extras” with this battery design include an integrated LED power level indicator (that isn’t especially useful when mounted to the frame because it’s not very bright and is blocked by the downtube) and a USB charging port. I know I’ve stressed this earlier and in the video review above but it would be nice if the outlet was placed at the top of the pack instead of the bottom so it could be reached and used more safely while riding. As it stands, the port is precariously close to the front three chainrings and crank arms. I’m not sure you can even charge the pack on the bike based on how close the port is to the seat tube.
Activating this ebike is a two step process once the battery is charged and securely locked to the frame. First, you press a rubber power button at the top end of the pack and then you press a second power button on the display panel. It takes an extra second or two to do but the big drawback is that it makes forgetting to switch the pack “off” after completing a ride much easier. The display panel is one I’ve seen on other brands including Pedego and features four buttons. Just below power, set allows you to change from odometer to trip distance and trip time while up and down allow you to select different power levels for pedal assist. The higher you go (up to 6) the faster the bike will ride but the more juice you’ll use in the process. To easily go from zero to six you can keep arrowing up and that’s kind of neat because it saves time going from high to low or vice versa. I do like that you’ve got a throttle and pedal assist option with the Mi5 but the throttle just isn’t as useful as it could be. Firstly, it’s difficult to reach because the shifter window on the right bar pushes it in towards the stem. Second, you can only activate power up to the level of assist you’re in which means that level zero is very slow, one is a bit faster, two is decent and so on. It would be nice to be able to set the bike in assist level two (for improved efficiency when pedaling) and then quickly override with extra juice using the throttle for short periods. This sort of control is one of the big benefits of having an ebike and I often use it to climb short hills or pass a fellow cyclist on the trail and with the Mi5 it’s more difficult and time consuming because you have to click up, up, up, up and then throttle. I also found that the pedal assist sensor on this model was a bit delayed. I’d call it average… I do like the design of the sensor because it’s so small and well sealed against dirt and water (great for trail riding) but there must be fewer magnets inside because it just didn’t start or stop as quickly as some 12 magnet designs I’ve demoed recently. It sort of depends on which gear you’re in because your cranks tend to turn slower in high gears at low speed than they would if you were in a lower gear starting out.
I love the matching paint, integrated wires and upgraded batteries on this bike but if it wasn’t so cheap the score would be lower. It works and it looks good but it’s not as easy to use or as enjoyable to ride due to the pedal assist throttle interaction and far reach and view angle drawbacks discussed earlier. I much prefer the urban Ui5 from Magnum because it includes lights and isn’t trying to be an off-road machine like this. In truth, it’s probably just a style play (and I do like this style) but the Mi5 will be best suited to urban rides with some packed dirt trails here and there. The frame is only available in one size at ~19 inches but I like the sloped top tube and unique tube designs. The suspension fork adds a lot of comfort but isn’t especially adjustable, a lockout for city riding would be nice here. At 52 pounds the Mi5 is about average in terms of weight and the removable battery and front wheel help if you’re taking it to a trail or using it to commute with busses or trains. I do like that disc brakes were included but feel that a second motor inhibitor is warranted and if they upgraded the cadence sensor to a 12 magnet unit it would be a little tighter in terms of drive performance. This is the first year that Magnum electric bikes are available in the US and I’m sure they will optimize some of their features over time.
Pros:
The battery secures to the frame well, looks good and is easy to take on and off, secure and protected by the frame in case of tips
Oversized tapered head tube adds strength, it looks beautiful with the internally routed cables and color matched fork
Very affordable for a purpose built electric bike with a one year warranty, upgraded battery size and brand name Samsung cells
Optional carry rack and fender set are sturdy and very well priced, the rack mounts to the top of the seat stays to keep the rear dropout area clean
Basic suspension fork adds comfort and the rebound adjust could be handy but requires extra effort to setup correctly (two dials should be adjusted similarly for even response)
Nice color, even the suspension fork and grips match, this is not always the case with lower priced electric bikes
The motor and battery offer “average” power for a US electric bike but the battery is actually slightly larger than standard with 13 amp hours vs. just 10 on most models
Cons:
The battery charging port and USB charging port are located at the lowest end of the battery pack very near where the downtube intersects with the seat tube, it is difficult to plug anything in here while the battery is on the frame, basically you have to take it off to charge and can use it as a backup battery for portable electronics but they would not connect easily while riding and the wires would be dangerously close to the crankset
The throttle can be difficult to reach while riding due to the shifter placement, it pushes the throttle ring out but Magnum is working to improve this design
Only available in one standard size with one color option, it fit me alright and I’m ~5’9″
Throttle mode can work in tandem with pedal assist but does not fully override assist because power output is still limited by the assist level you select, in zero the throttle is very weak and slow
No bottle cage bosses, you can add storage by purchasing the fitted rear carry rack for $39 and getting a trunk bag or panniers
Because there are two sets of trigger shifters (for a total of 21 speeds) the cockpit gets a bit more crowded, the display panel was tipped forward on the demo model because its mounting bracket was colliding with the shifter window
The battery pack has to be switched on before the bike is turned on, this takes extra time and makes it easy to forget to tun off the battery which can slowly drain the battery due to an LED indicator built in, this LED indicator isn’t visible when riding due to a dark filter cover
Only the left brake lever features an integrated motor inhibitor, if you squeeze the right lever to stop it will still activate the rear disc brake but the motor may continue because pedal assist is a bit delayed
An approachable fully-equipped electric bike available in four colors, sold direct and through a large network of dealers. The step-thru frame is approachable, but felt very stiff and capable. Large 3.0" wide plus-sized tires add comfort and stability to the smaller 20" wheel size. Impressive 180mm hydraulic disc brakes provide smooth and powerful stopping.. While only available in one frame size, the extra long 390mm seat post and adjustable…...
A comfort oriented mid-step fat tire ebike complete with fenders, a rear cargo rack, optional front rack, and integrated lights. The mid-step frame is easy to mount and stabilize while providing good stiffness and strength for light off-road use. Adjustable angle stem, riser handlebar, and low minimum saddle height provide a good range of fit.. Premium look and feel with all-black hardware, including the spokes and suspension fork stanchions. Four…...
The Summit is the latest hardtail electric mountain bike from Magnum with upgrades to the drivetrain, suspension, and electronics integration, available in four tasteful accent colors and two wheel size options, available online or from a wide US dealer network. Continued use of high quality Samsung cells for the high capacity battery pack, now fully…...
A sturdy feature-rich fat tire electric bike complete with fenders, a rear cargo rack, and optional front rack. Four color options include unique urban and desert camo, as well as black and desert tan. Integrated lights are powered by the rechargeable ebike battery, both have two LEDs for increased brightness, the rear light blinks when braking. Reflective tires further increase your visual footprint.. Premium look and feel with all-black hardware, including the spokes and suspension fork stanchions. Vast…...
The Voyager is the latest fully-equipped commuting ebike from Magnum, with a high-step frame but otherwise identical to the step-thru Navigator, standard one-year warranty and two eye-catching accent colors. Excellent rack with plenty of mount points and included bungee, sturdy alloy fenders are expertly…...
A long-tail speed pedelec cargo ebike from Magnum that is also feature rich with fenders, rear long rack, front cargo basket, suspension seat post, tool-free adjustable stem, competitively priced at just $2,499, and uses a powerful drivetrain and electrical system. Driven by a powerful Das-Kit rear hub-drive motor that is rated at a 500 watts,…...
A feature complete folding electric bike available in two frame styles, mid-step straight bar or curving step-thru, available in black or white, long telescoping seat post with adjustable suspension element, upgraded suspension fork with lockout and preload adjust, large comfortable Schwalbe tires, padded grips, and oversized gel saddle smooth out the ride. Folding ebikes tend to be lower to the ground, so the addition of reflective tires…...
An all new motorcycle-esque fat-tire cruiser ebike from Magnum that is also feature rich with fenders, rear rack, included lights in the front and rear, front suspension fork, wide comfort saddle, competitively priced at just $2,499, and uses a powerful drivetrain and electrical system. Driven by a powerful Das-Kit rear hub-drive motor that is rated at a 750-1000 watts,…...
A value priced step-through electric folding bike from Magnum that comes in two colors, is also feature rich with fenders, rear rack, included lights in the front and rear, front suspension fork, suspension seat post, competitively priced at just $1,599, and uses a reliable drivetrain and electrical system. Driven by a powerful Bafang rear hub-drive motor that is rated at a 500-700 watts,…...
A value priced hardtail electric bike that's trail-ready with a front suspension fork, knobby tires, and 21 gear combinations, available at a vast network of shops for great support and service. Features an upgraded 500 watt planetary geared hub motor paired with a high-capacity 48v 13ah…...
A beautifully designed, purpose built, affordable electric bike well suited to urban riding or commuting. Step-thru frame is easy to mount but relatively stiff thanks to a double tube mid-section,…...
A comfortable, powerful, and approachable step-through style low and long cruiser bike with brand name components and utility like lights and rear rack. Great features like front suspension fork, stitched grips, wide comfort saddle with rubber bumpers, and…...
A beautifully designed, purpose built, affordable electric bike well suited to urban riding or commuting. Step-thru frame is easy to mount but relatively stiff thanks to a double tube mid-section,…...
A versatile electric bike conversion kit with a ton of features, priced at $1,099, comes in multiple wheel sizes so you can make most any conventional bike into a rear hub motor ebike. A complete kit with battery, geared rear hub motor, functional rear rack that holds the…...
A sturdy high-step commuter style electric bike offering up to 28 mph pedal assist and 20 mph throttle on demand, uses the same 500 watt motor and 48 volt battery as Magnum's Peak mountain bike. Mid-level eight speed drivetrain with Shimano Acera derailleur, metal guard protects the derailleur and motor…...
A powerful, relatively affordable, hardtail cross country style electric bike that's capable of 28 mph pedal assist and 20 mph trigger throttle operation, offers 24 gears vs. 10 or 11 on most competing products. This particular model (with 29" wheels) is available in one large frame size and color,…...
A handsome, cruiser style electric bike with neatly integrated cables, strong alloy fenders, a clean plastic chain cover, and uniquely designed rear cargo rack, everything matches. Emphasis on comfort for the rider with soft Big Ben balloon tires, an extra-wide saddle…...
An approachable, mid-step, high-speed, urban electric bike with six levels of pedal assist plus throttle mode that can override with full power. Fairly comfortable with larger tires, a basic suspension fork, and cheap seat post shock... the…...
A feature-packed folding electric bike with lots of accessories and multiple color options, great price point and warranty, available through dealers or the Magnum online store. Sturdy folding mechanisms with security locks emphasize safety, reflective tires and LED lights keep you…...
A high speed electric hardtail with with throttle on demand, hydraulic disc brakes and an extra large battery for $2k, all around good value with a 24 speed drivetrain. Optional rear rack for $50 transform the Peak into a sporty commuter, only one frame…...
A folding speed pedelec (capable of ~25 mph) that also offers throttle on demand, you get plenty of power from a 500 Watt hub motor and 48 Volt 13 amp hour battery pack. Two frame styles and four color choices let you personalize the product a bit, folding…...
A beautifully designed, purpose built, affordable electric bike well suited to urban riding or commuting. Step-thru frame is easy to mount but relatively stiff thanks to a double tube mid-section,…...
Hi Court, Great work with the website and reviews, the most comprehensive I have found to date. I’m looking to get an entry level bike for a commuting to work, currently with a 20 min uphill return trip. I’ve been looking at the Magnum Mi5, Ui5, Juiced CrossCurrent and Cross Current Air, and BH Evo Jet as they are all around the same price point for me in NZ (2300-2600 NZD). Could you give your thoughts on which bike would be the best for hill work out of these? I’ve talked to a couple of bike shops here and anecdotally the Magnum’s have been favoured for hills but I’m wondering whether the lighter Juiced options would be better. I’ve been riding for 20 years, MTB and road, and commute on a Cannondale Quick, so I’m used to pushing, but would like to have the option of an easier ride home once in awhile!! Keep up the great work, Mike.
Hi Mike! Honestly, I think any of these could work for you but I’d probably lean towards the CrossCurrent for the comfortable fork, the Evo Jet is sweet and has a nice step-thru design and Magnum is relatively new to NZ but has a large and growing network of dealers in the US and globally. I feel like they are going to be the most stable in the short run because they are focused on your market… AND they have a new more powerful bike called the Metro that’s just like the UI5 but more powerful and slightly nicer. I’m going to review it very soon on the site so keep an eye out :D
I have had my MI5 for nearly a year and have experienced the bike surging on it’s own at the beginning of a ride… so when I have wheeled it along the footpath before getting on the bike. I mentioned it to the retailer and took my bike in and he advised that this sometimes happens if the cable connections get wet??? As a novice, I watched him unplug stuff and spray it with something and he said should all be fine. However, just recently, it has happened at least 4-5 times and the weather has been fine.
Hmm, that’s interesting… Maybe someone else will chime in with a tip, or you could post in the Magnum ebike forums asking for help. It would be nice to know what the shop sprayed in there. I have encountered some issues with wet displays/connectors in the past too, they try to make them water resistant, but this stuff is electronic and does vibrate and get dirty etc. so there is potential for wear. Maybe they could replace the display, controller, connectors etc. to see if that fixes it? Hope these ideas help.
Hi Willie! That’s awesome, I’ve always been interested in Thailand, I heard the people are wonderful and very happy, lots of smiles :) anyway, I cannot tell you what the options are because I do not work for Magnum… I think you should email them directly through their official website here. This way, they can help you out! If this doesn’t work, leave another comment here and I’ll try to find a shop that is willing to ship one overseas. My friend Sam is actually moving to Thailand with his wife (who is from there) so maybe he knows a way to get you a battery. His website is here if that helps and you want to reach out directly.
Hi Sir Scott! Perhaps you could look at kits if you just want a motor? I have created a category here, and one company that does well is Electric Bike Outfitters. They have lots of options, including very powerful ones :)
Mike Harman
7 years agoHi Court, Great work with the website and reviews, the most comprehensive I have found to date. I’m looking to get an entry level bike for a commuting to work, currently with a 20 min uphill return trip. I’ve been looking at the Magnum Mi5, Ui5, Juiced CrossCurrent and Cross Current Air, and BH Evo Jet as they are all around the same price point for me in NZ (2300-2600 NZD). Could you give your thoughts on which bike would be the best for hill work out of these? I’ve talked to a couple of bike shops here and anecdotally the Magnum’s have been favoured for hills but I’m wondering whether the lighter Juiced options would be better. I’ve been riding for 20 years, MTB and road, and commute on a Cannondale Quick, so I’m used to pushing, but would like to have the option of an easier ride home once in awhile!! Keep up the great work, Mike.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Mike! Honestly, I think any of these could work for you but I’d probably lean towards the CrossCurrent for the comfortable fork, the Evo Jet is sweet and has a nice step-thru design and Magnum is relatively new to NZ but has a large and growing network of dealers in the US and globally. I feel like they are going to be the most stable in the short run because they are focused on your market… AND they have a new more powerful bike called the Metro that’s just like the UI5 but more powerful and slightly nicer. I’m going to review it very soon on the site so keep an eye out :D
ReplyTrish
6 years agoHi Court,
I have had my MI5 for nearly a year and have experienced the bike surging on it’s own at the beginning of a ride… so when I have wheeled it along the footpath before getting on the bike. I mentioned it to the retailer and took my bike in and he advised that this sometimes happens if the cable connections get wet??? As a novice, I watched him unplug stuff and spray it with something and he said should all be fine. However, just recently, it has happened at least 4-5 times and the weather has been fine.
Is this common? Thanks
ReplyTrish
Court
6 years agoHmm, that’s interesting… Maybe someone else will chime in with a tip, or you could post in the Magnum ebike forums asking for help. It would be nice to know what the shop sprayed in there. I have encountered some issues with wet displays/connectors in the past too, they try to make them water resistant, but this stuff is electronic and does vibrate and get dirty etc. so there is potential for wear. Maybe they could replace the display, controller, connectors etc. to see if that fixes it? Hope these ideas help.
ReplyWillie Williams
5 years agoI have the Mi5 bike and I need a new battery. I live in Chiang Mai Thailand. Can you tell me the price for the battery and shipping costs please?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Willie! That’s awesome, I’ve always been interested in Thailand, I heard the people are wonderful and very happy, lots of smiles :) anyway, I cannot tell you what the options are because I do not work for Magnum… I think you should email them directly through their official website here. This way, they can help you out! If this doesn’t work, leave another comment here and I’ll try to find a shop that is willing to ship one overseas. My friend Sam is actually moving to Thailand with his wife (who is from there) so maybe he knows a way to get you a battery. His website is here if that helps and you want to reach out directly.
ReplySir scott
2 years agoI need a frunt motor or a higher capacity back motor
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Sir Scott! Perhaps you could look at kits if you just want a motor? I have created a category here, and one company that does well is Electric Bike Outfitters. They have lots of options, including very powerful ones :)
Reply