The topic of Ride Quality is more subjective than our other test sections, but we will try to paint a picture of what it is like to ride the Mokwheel Granite. This section will cover elements such as sizing/fit, motor engagement, the user interface, comfort and suspension, handling, etc.
The Granite is recommended for riders from 5’0” to 6’2”. At 5’11”, I felt this to be generally appropriate; I had both the handlebar and saddle height maxed out during my testing. With 4.5” of adjustment in the former, I found it comfortable with the trike’s upright riding position, though I was not able to reach full leg extension with the 6” range in the seatpost.
Usually, this would be cause for concern, but we do not consider it a problem on an e-trike with a cadence sensor. The Granite does not require active pedaling, so maximum efficiency is not essential; its ride is instead relaxed and low-effort (if the rider chooses to pedal at all). Those seeking an effort-free experience can simply use the throttle.
In fact, pedaling the Granite was somewhat tough due to its large (but quite comfortable) saddle and non-adjustable backrest. The shape of the saddle impeded the motion of my legs when sitting fully against the backrest; I had to perch on the edge to be able to pedal. We’d prefer the backrest to be adjustable forward-backward for more comfortable pedaling.
Generally, the ride was comfortable due to the aforementioned saddle, ergonomic grips (faux leather with gel support), and the trike’s suspension. The Granite features a suspension fork with 80mm of travel to reduce the impact of bumps on the handlebars. Ours also included a suspension seatpost (an optional but recommended accessory).
Handling was an area that suffered; we noticed a significant amount of flex from the Granite’s frame, particularly when cornering. Whether caused by the battery cutout in the down tube, the hinged frame itself, or something else, the steering felt loose and imprecise. We encourage Mokwheel to strengthen the frame to improve its stiffness in the future.
As indicated by our Speed Test and Hill Test, the Granite’s motor is plenty powerful. Its engagement was somewhat inconsistent, varying between near-immediate and over ½ turn of the cranks, but it did not feel too quick or delayed. We’d have liked a reverse-throttle function to make navigation easier, but this feature seems rare in our experience.
The trike’s user interface was welcome and familiar; Mokwheel’s custom color display is always pleasant to see and use. The readout is clean, well-organized, and easy to read, though the control panel’s buttons can be difficult to distinguish between when wearing gloves or going simply by feel.
We were pleased to note the bike’s integrated headlight, tail/brake light, and fenders, as well as the included cargo basket. With up to 350 lbs of capacity, including the rider (up to 220 lbs in the rear basket and up to 55 in the optional front basket), the trike is well-equipped for hauling right out of the box.
In summary, the Granite’s ride quality was good overall—with comfort and ease of use being some of its highlights—though it was not without room for improvement.
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#Mokwheel #Granite #Review #ETrike #Solid #Rock
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