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Mokwheel Basalt ST Review: Is This the Ultimate Electric Bike for Adventurers?

  • Writer: Jared Sturtevant
    Jared Sturtevant
  • 4 days ago
  • 4 min read

Tested by Mud Lake Ranch in Nags Head, NC (Outer Banks)

There’s something about taking a rugged, electric fat tire bike like the Mokwheel Basalt ST and pushing it to the limit where the land meets the sea. Mud Lake Ranch packed up and headed east to the wild sands of Nags Head, in the legendary Outer Banks of North Carolina, to put the Jungle Camo edition of this beast through its paces. Here's our full review — surf, sand, salt, and all.

Unboxing and Assembly

Packaging for the bike was robust and showed no sign of damage in shipping which was a suprise considering the size of the box and weight of the package. Assembly was a snap and you can see that unboxing and assembly video here.


First Impressions

Rolling the Basalt ST (Step-Through) out of the box, we were immediately impressed. The Jungle Camo paint job is sharp without being tacky — it’s rugged, clean, and fits the Outer Banks vibe perfectly. Build quality feels substantial: thick 26x4" Kenda fat tires, hydraulic brakes, and a stout, semi-integrated Samsung battery locked into the downtube. Assembly was straightforward, with good instructions and packaging.

At 79 pounds fully loaded, it's a hefty machine, but it looks every bit ready to take on beach riding, dunes, and whatever else we could throw at it.

Features and Specs Overview

  • Motor: 750W brushless rear hub motor (peak ~1000W)

  • Battery: 48V 19.6Ah (Samsung cells)

  • Range: 60-80 miles claimed (real-world closer to 50-60 with mixed riding)

  • Tires: 26x4" Kenda fat tires

  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotors)

  • Gearing: Shimano 7-speed

  • Suspension: Front hydraulic suspension fork with ABS controls

  • Throttle: Half-twist throttle

  • PAS (Pedal Assist): 5 levels

  • Payload Capacity: 400 lbs (!)

  • Extras: Rear rack, fenders, front light, and rear brake light integrated upgrade


    Mokwheel Basalt ST shown in parked on OBX Beach positioned below Jennette's Pier, Nags Head, NC

Unique Mokwheel Feature:One standout that separates Mokwheel from a lot of other fat tire brands? Optional inverter setup — meaning you can plug an inverter into the battery and power small appliances, making this an actual mobile generator. We didn’t have the inverter on hand for the beach test, but that’s a HUGE plus for camping, overlanding, or even hurricane season preppers in the OBX.

Performance on the Beach

We tested the Basalt ST during a mix of low and high tide conditions. Sand performance was a major point of focus:

  • Hard-packed wet sand (low tide): The Basalt ST absolutely flies. At PAS 3–5, it cruises easily at 18–22 mph without much motor strain.

  • Dry, loose dunes: Like any fat tire bike, it struggled a little in super soft sand. You have to air down the tires (we dropped to about 8-10 psi), and even then, expect a workout unless you're leaning hard on the throttle.

  • Inclines and beach access ramps: The motor pulled impressively well, even up steep wooden access ramps and soft beach exits. No overheating issues, even after 2 hours of heavy throttle use.

  • Wind: OBX beaches are notoriously windy. Even with 15–20 mph headwinds, the Basalt ST kept pushing forward. It wasn’t fast, but it was steady.

    Mokwheel Basalt ST shown in parked near OBX Beach positioned on ramp to Jennette's Pier, Nags Head, NC

Comfort and Ride Feel

The step-through design made mounting and dismounting a breeze — helpful when carrying fishing gear or a beach chair on the rear rack.The wide saddle, adjustable handlebar, and suspension fork soaked up bumps and washboarding in the sand surprisingly well. However, standing up and hammering over very rough patches revealed the bike’s weight — it’s more of a cruiser than a trail smasher.

We’d call the ride posture "upright casual" — perfect for sightseeing, surf checks, and beach town commuting.

Battery and Range Test

Real-world numbers during our Outer Banks ride:

  • Ride conditions: 70% beach riding, 30% paved path and side streets

  • Rider weight: 235 lbs + gear

  • PAS level: Mostly 2-4, frequent full throttle

  • Intensity Level: 3-5

  • Wind: Moderate

Result: Around 30 miles before getting down to 10% battery.That's impressive given the soft sand, heavy load, and throttle usage.

Charging: Takes about 2-3 hours for a full top-off aftter the first charge


Watch our first impressions video review

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Motor Power: Strong, reliable 750W that doesn’t bog down easily

  • Battery Life: Real-world usable range for beach and town rides

  • Ride Quality: Comfortable, upright posture perfect for casual adventuring

  • Step-Through Design: Super practical when loaded down with beach gear

  • Looks: Jungle Camo paint job is rugged and stealthy, perfect for our outdoorsy lifestyle

  • Utility: Rear rack and optional inverter setup extend its versatility

Cons:

  • Weight: 79 lbs is heavy; lifting into a truck or up stairs is a chore

  • Throttle Delay: Minor lag when you twist the throttle but very responsive at highest intensity level

  • Soft Sand Limitations: No fat tire bike can fully conquer deep dunes without major effort

  • Price Point: It’s priced a bit higher than some direct competitors (~$1799-2399)

  • Affililate Link: Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0:https://bit.ly/3R6WT9B Code: JSMW50


Final Verdict

Mud Lake Ranch Rating: 8.5/10

The Mokwheel Basalt ST in Jungle Camo is a seriously capable adventure e-bike, tailor-made for places like Mud Lake Ranch and the Outer Banks where ruggedness and range matter as much as looks. It’s a perfect machine for beach town cruising, fishing trips, sunrise surf checks, and lazy exploration along the dunes.

If you're hunting for a fat tire e-bike that can double as an all-terrain workhorse and a mobile power station, the Basalt ST should be at the top of your list. Just be prepared for the heft — and know you’ll need to air down those tires when the sand gets deep.

This bike didn’t just survive the beach — it thrived.


Mokwheel Basalt Shown in Use on OBX Beach positioned under the Outer Banks Fishing pier


Article by Jared Sturtevant 5/7/2025

Commision may be earned for purchases attributed to links in this review.


All articles on this website may have been assisted by AI or using information readily available on the product website

Photos, videos, written content Copyright Jared Sturtevant 2025


 
 
 

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