Mokwheel Obsidian ST Review: An All-Terrain, Solar-Powered Beast

Mokwheel Obsidian ST Profile 2
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Motor 3
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Hero 1 1
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Display
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Drivetrain
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Battery
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Headlight
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Seat
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Cockpit
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Motor 3
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Hero 1
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Profile 2
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Motor 3
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Hero 1 1
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Display
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Drivetrain
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Battery
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Headlight
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Seat
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Cockpit
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Motor 3
Mokwheel Obsidian ST Hero 1

Summary

  • The Obsidian ST comes with a 1000W rear hub motor packing 105 Nm of torque, giving it serious power for hill climbing and quick acceleration. The torque sensor helps deliver a more natural pedal-assist feel by adjusting motor output based on how hard you pedal.
  • Equipped with a front coil suspension fork and RC38 rear air shock all paired with 26x4” off-road tires, this bike is ready to tackle rougher terrain without sacrificing comfort. The step-through frame design is surprisingly stiff, giving a solid and confident feel on the trail.
  • With a hefty 940Wh battery, Mokwheel claims a range of 60-80 miles on a single charge. And if you're into off-grid exploring, Mokwheel offers an optional 1000W inverter and solar panels for charging on the go.
  • The bike has an easy-to-read color display with adjustable settings for speed, power, and pedal-assist sensitivity. It comes with front and rear fenders included, plus mounting points for racks and gear.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Mokwheel

Model:

Obsidian Step-Through (ST)

Price:

$2,299

Suggested Use:

Exploring, Casual Rides, Unpaved Roads

Electric Bike Class:

Class 3
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

Factory Warranty: 2 Years Optional Purchase: 1, 2 or 3 Year Options

Availability:

October 2024

Model Year:

2024

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

77 lbs (34.92 kg)

Battery Weight:

12 lbs (5.44 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

Geometry Measurements:

Fits Riders 5’2” to 6’4”

Frame Types:

Step-Through

Frame Colors:

Blue and Grey, Red and Black or Desert Camo

Frame Fork Details:

Unbranded w/Lockout

Attachment Points:

2: Downtube and Front Rack mounting Points

Gearing Details:

8

Shifter Details:

Trigger Shifters

Cranks:

12-32T

Pedals:

Alloy Platform Pedals w/ Reflectors

Stem:

75mm Zoom Stem (Non-Adjustable) - Confirm This

Handlebar:

26.75” (680mm)

Brake Details:

Tektro Branded: 2-Piston Calipers with 180mm Rotors (1.8mm thickness)

Grips:

Ergonomic Leather Grips

Saddle:

Mokwheel Branded Saddle - Spring Supported and Cushioned

Seat Post:

Lever Actuated Dropper Post - Check Travel in dropper and the post itself

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9mm mm

Wheel Sizes:

26”AluminumAlloy in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

26x4.0" Chao Yang Hippo SkinPuncture Resistant Fat Tire (Get Brand)

Accessories:

Free with Purchase: Front and Rear Fenders

Other:

Optional Accessories:
  • 1000W Power Inverter
  • 100W Solar Panels
  • Front Rack
  • Phone MOunt
  • Wider Seat
  • Rearview Mirror
  • Bike Bag
  • Water Bottle Cage
  • Suspension Seatpost
  • Helmet

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Rear Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

1000 watts

Motor Torque:

105 Newton meters

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

19.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

940 wh

Display Type:

Color Display

Readouts:

Speed, Battery Level, PAS Level, Trip Meter, Odometer

Drive Mode:

PAS 1 through 5

Top Speed:

28MPH mph (45 kph)


Written Review

Mokwheel first grabbed attention with models like the Basalt fat tire e-bike, which gave the Aventon Aventure.2 a run for its money, and the popular folding Slate. Now, they’re back with the Obsidian ST—a fat tire, all-terrain e-bike built for riders ready to go beyond just the daily commute. Priced at $2,299, it packs a serious punch with a 1000W rear hub motor pushing 105 Nm of torque and hitting speeds up to 28 mph. The 60-80 mile range is pretty impressive, but what really sets it apart are the extras: a 1000W power inverter for charging your gear on the go and foldable solar panels to top off the battery while you explore. Let’s see how it stacks up on the trail and if it’s worth the investment.

My Experience Riding The Mokwheel Obsidian ST E-Bike

Mokwheel Obsidian ST hero

The 19” low step-over height made getting on and off this bike a breeze, especially given its tested weight of 82 lbs. If you’re worried about managing a heavier e-bike, this design definitely helps with stability. The riding position is a nice hybrid of upright comfort, thanks to the flat bars and the bike’s geometry, making it easy to settle in for longer rides without feeling cramped or stretched out.

The saddle was surprisingly comfortable, and when paired with the bike’s full suspension—featuring a 130mm coil fork and an RC38 rear air shock—it soaked up the bumps and rough terrain like a champ. I was especially impressed by the stiffness of the step-through frame. Usually, these types of frames have a bit of flex, but Mokwheel seems to have nailed this one. My guess is that the extra frame material supporting the rear shock plays a big role in that added stiffness, giving the bike a more confident, solid feel when riding.

The display is user-friendly and lets you limit your speed to 20 mph or unlock the full 28 mph if you want that extra kick. The 1000W rear hub motor with 105 Nm of torque packs a serious punch. You can adjust the motor’s sensitivity from 1 to 5 on the display, where 1 is more reserved and 5 gives you full power. It came set to 3 out of the box, but I played around with the settings. On 1, the power delivery is nice and mild, which I think new riders will appreciate. Crank it up to 5, though, and you’re in for a wild ride—it’s got enough power to lift the front wheel off the ground from a standstill with my 180 lbs in the saddle! It’s the kind of torque that might catch you off guard at first, but soon has you grinning ear to ear as you blast down the road.

The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes were solid, featuring 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors. They provided reliable stopping power, whether in routine braking or during those unexpected short stops. The Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain was sufficient, but I have to say the Altus derailleur felt out of place on a bike with this off-road adventure theme. Without a clutched derailleur, there was noticeable chain slap on the chainstays, and at one point, the chain even came off the chainring.

Despite that hiccup, riding off-road was a blast. The full suspension handled the chunky trails here in southern Utah with ease, making for a fast, fun, and surprisingly comfy ride. Overall, the motor lets you pick how mild or wild you want to go, and Mokwheel’s claim of 60-80 miles on a single charge is the icing on the cake for those long adventure days.

Range

Estimated Range (from Mokwheel): 60 – 80 miles
Mokwheel Obsidian ST  battery

Mokwheel advertises the Obsidian ST with an impressive 60-80 miles of range on a single charge. A big factor contributing to that range is the torque sensor. Unlike a basic cadence sensor that just sends out a fixed amount of power whenever you pedal, the torque sensor adjusts the motor’s output based on how hard and fast you’re pedaling. So, if you’re cruising at a steady pace on flat terrain, the motor doesn’t need to work as hard, which helps conserve battery life and contributes to that higher range number.

That said, real-world range can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. The terrain you’re riding on makes a big difference—riding on flat, smooth pavement will obviously use less power than climbing steep, rocky trails. Rider weight and the amount of gear you’re carrying also play a role; a heavier load will make the motor work harder and drain the battery faster. Your chosen pedal-assist level has a significant impact too. Riding on PAS 1 or 2 will stretch the range, while higher settings or frequent throttle use will drain the battery more quickly. Weather conditions, like headwinds, can also sneak in to eat up more battery than you might expect.

In my own experience, I found that mixing in throttle use and higher pedal-assist levels did shorten the range, but I was still able to cover a lot of ground before needing to recharge. So, while 60-80 miles is achievable, you’ll likely get closer to that lower end if you’re using the bike’s power more aggressively. For most riders, though, this setup should easily handle a full day of adventuring without needing to worry about running out of juice.

Power (Motor & Battery)

Mokwheel Obsidian ST  motor

The Obsidian ST packs a 1000W rear hub motor that delivers a solid 105 Nm of torque. That’s plenty of power for an all-terrain e-bike and translates into strong acceleration and solid hill-climbing capabilities. During my rides, the motor had no trouble handling steep climbs or providing a quick start, even with the bike’s 82-pound heft. With 5 pedal-assist levels, you can dial in the power to match your ride—whether you want to take it slow and steady or go all out for a bit of fun.

The bike comes with a torque sensor, which is a nice touch for those who want a more responsive feel from the pedal assist. While torque sensors are becoming more common in e-bikes, it’s still good to see here. It basically adjusts motor power based on how hard you’re pedaling, making the ride smoother and less jerky compared to basic cadence sensors. If you need an instant boost, the throttle is also there to give you power on demand.

Powering all of this is a hefty 940Wh battery (48V, 19.6Ah). Mokwheel advertises a range of 60-80 miles, which seems reasonable for a motor of this size. Of course, real-world range will depend on factors like terrain, rider weight, and how aggressively you use the pedal assist or throttle. In my rides, mixing throttle use with higher pedal-assist levels drained the battery faster, but it still provided enough juice for a solid day of riding.

As for the battery itself, it’s not yet UL certified, but Mokwheel mentioned they’re in the process of getting UL 2271 certification. They reassured that it’s the same battery used in the Mokwheel Basalt, which is already UL certified.

Overall, the motor and battery setup on the Obsidian ST give you enough flexibility to tackle a variety of riding conditions, from easy cruising to more demanding off-road trails.

Components

Mokwheel Obsidian ST drivetrain

The Obsidian ST comes equipped with an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, which is a fairly standard setup for an all-terrain e-bike. The trigger shifters provide smooth and precise shifting, and the 12-32T cassette paired with a 44T alloy chainring gives you a decent gear range for both flat cruising and moderate climbs. It’s not a high-end drivetrain by any means, but it gets the job done for the type of riding this bike is meant for. One thing to keep in mind is that the Altus derailleur doesn’t have a clutch, so you might experience some chain slap on rougher terrain.

Up front, you’ve got a 75mm Zoom stem that’s non-adjustable, paired with 26.75” (680mm) handlebars for a comfortable, slightly upright riding position. The ergonomic leather grips are a nice touch, providing a bit of added comfort for longer rides.

One interesting choice here is the dropper post. Usually, dropper posts are reserved for more aggressive riding, like mountain biking, where you need to get the seat out of the way for descents or technical terrain. That’s not really what this bike is built for. Instead, Mokwheel opted for a dropper because the frame’s linkage design doesn’t allow for a full-length seat tube, so this was a practical middle ground. The dropper offers 50mm of travel plus another 4 inches of seat tube adjustment, which gives you enough range to find a comfortable position. The saddle itself is Mokwheel-branded, spring-supported, and cushioned, which pairs well with the bike’s full suspension to smooth out the ride.

For stopping power, the Obsidian ST uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors (1.8mm thickness). The hydraulic system offers reliable and consistent braking, whether you’re rolling through city streets or hitting some light off-road trails. The alloy platform pedals with reflectors provide a solid base for your feet, though they’re pretty standard and could easily be swapped out for something more grippy if you prefer.

Overall, the components are thoughtfully chosen to match the bike’s versatile nature, offering a mix of comfort and functionality for a range of riding conditions. They’re not top-tier, but they’re solid and do what they’re meant to without any unnecessary frills.

Screen / User Interface / App

Mokwheel Obsidian ST  display

The Obsidian ST comes with a color display that’s surprisingly easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The contrasting colors make all the information pop, so you’re not squinting to see your stats while you’re riding. The home screen shows all the essentials: odometer, speed, battery level, ride time, headlight indicator, and your current pedal-assist level. It’s a clean layout that gives you what you need at a glance, without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.

Navigating the settings is pretty intuitive. If you want to tweak some basics, like changing units of measurement or adjusting the screen brightness, just long-press the up and down arrows on the PAS control pad. It’s a straightforward setup that makes it easy to dial things in. But if you’re someone who likes to customize your ride experience further, pressing the up, down, and light button all at once takes you into the more advanced performance settings.

This is where you can really tailor the bike to your preferences. You can adjust the pedal-assist levels between 3 or 5, depending on how many speed variations you want while riding. There’s also an option to change the wheel size and set the max speed, which can go up to 28 mph.

One feature I found useful is the ability to control the motor’s sensitivity. In the settings, you can adjust it from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most punchy and responsive. This gives you a lot of flexibility, whether you prefer a more laid-back, gradual power delivery or you want the motor to kick in with some serious torque right from the start.

Overall, the display and controls offer a good balance of simplicity for new riders and depth for those who like to fine-tune their ride.

Mokwheel Obsidian ST Model Options

The Mokwheel Obsidian ST keeps it straightforward with a one-size frame designed to fit riders from 5’2” to 6’4”. Now, I know a single frame size might raise some eyebrows, but the bike’s geometry and adjustable components, like the seat post, make it surprisingly adaptable.

In terms of color, Mokwheel gives you some cool options. You can go for the sleek Blue and Grey, the bold Red and Black, or rock the Desert Camo if you’re into that rugged, off-road vibe. It’s nice to have choices that add a bit of personality to your ride.

The frame comes with a couple of attachment points—one on the downtube and another for a front rack. That’s handy if you’re planning to haul gear or want to set it up for some bikepacking. Speaking of extras, Mokwheel throws in front and rear fenders right out of the box. A lot of brands make you pay extra for those, so it’s a nice touch that shows they’re thinking about real-world riding.

If you want to kit it out further, Mokwheel offers a solid lineup of optional accessories. The 1000W power inverter and foldable solar panels are clutch for anyone planning on going off-grid and needing to charge up devices—or the bike itself. For more day-to-day utility, you’ve got options like a front rack, phone mount, or bike bag. If comfort’s your thing, you can swap in a wider seat or upgrade to a suspension seat post. And don’t forget practical add-ons like a rearview mirror and water bottle cage. They’ve even got a helmet to round out the package.

Is The Mokwheel Obsidian ST Worth Buying?

Overall, the Mokwheel Obsidian ST offers a pretty solid package for an all-terrain e-bike. The 1000W motor packs a serious punch, giving you plenty of power and torque for climbing hills and blasting down the road. The full suspension and stiff step-through frame make for a comfortable ride with easy access, especially on rougher trails, while the color display is easy to read and packed with useful settings for dialing in your ride.

On the flip side, the Shimano Altus drivetrain is a bit basic for a bike of this caliber, especially without a clutched derailleur to keep the chain secure on bumpy trails. And while the one-size frame works for a wide range of riders, it might not provide a perfect fit for everyone. The dropper post is a bit of a workaround due to the frame design, but it’s a practical solution that ends up working just fine.

Pros

  • The motor’s 105 Nm of torque provides strong acceleration and hill-climbing ability.
  • The torque sensor delivers a more natural pedal-assist experience, adjusting power based on how hard you’re pedaling.
  • The coil fork and rear air shock coupled with 26×4.0” all-terrain tires make for a comfortable ride, even on rougher trails.
  • The step-through frame makes for easy access and more importantly the frame is stiff, avoiding the usual flex ST frames sometimes have.
  • Optional accessories like the power inverter and foldable solar panels cater to riders looking for more off-grid utility.
  • The 940Wh battery can potentially cover 60-80 miles on a single charge, offering enough range for a full day of riding.

Cons

  • The Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain lacks a clutch, which can lead to chain slap on rough terrain and occasional chain drops.
  • The taillight is a simple, USB-charged, rubber-strap design that may not hold up well in sun and weather.

So, who is this bike for? If you’re looking for a versatile e-bike that can handle everything from daily commutes to off-grid adventures, the Obsidian ST is definitely worth a look. Its mix of power, range, and off-grid charging options makes it especially appealing to riders who want to explore beyond the city limits.

In simple terms, the Mokwheel Obsidian ST gives you a lot of power and versatility for its price. If you want a do-it-all e-bike with some adventure-ready features, this one could be a solid pick.

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