Mokwheel Onyx: E-Bike ROI Beats Solar Panels

One of the best investments I've made related to solar isn't a new panel or battery, but rather the Mokwheel Onyx e-bike. While it doesn't directly generate power, it significantly boosts my overall return on investment by cutting down on transportation costs – especially since I charge it with my solar setup.

Disclosure: Mokwheel sent this unit for testing. All opinions and test results are my own.

What I Built

The Mokwheel Onyx arrived mostly assembled, securely packed in foam. Unboxing revealed the main frame, wheels, and a well-organized assortment of accessories: a user manual, headlight, tail light, a small toolkit, zip ties, kickstand, hardware packets, pedals, an air pump, and two fenders. Assembly was straightforward, primarily involving attaching the front wheel, handlebars, seat, pedals, and fenders. Once assembled, the Onyx presents a robust and sleek profile, ready for action.

Why It Works

The Onyx features a powerful mid-drive motor, which is a game-changer for hill climbing. Unlike hub motors that apply power directly to the wheel, a mid-drive motor works through the bike's drivetrain, allowing it to leverage the gears. This means impressive torque and efficiency, particularly on inclines. The full air suspension, both front and rear, provides an incredibly smooth ride, absorbing bumps and cracks with ease. This combination makes navigating varied terrain a joy, whether it's a rough sidewalk or an off-road trail.

Mokwheel also excels with its combination of cadence and torque sensors. While I typically prefer torque sensors for their responsive, natural feel, Mokwheel has dialed in this combo to deliver a silky-smooth power delivery that feels intuitive and effortless. The integrated display is clear and easy to read, even in bright daylight, though I would appreciate a battery state of charge in percentage rather than just bars.

Parts & Specs

• Model: Mokwheel Onyx
• Motor: Mid-drive (750W nominal, unlockable from Class 2 to Class 3)
• Transmission: Shimano CUES 10-speed derailleur system
• Suspension: Full air suspension (front and rear)
• Brakes: Large Tektro disc brakes (2-piston calipers)
• Battery: Massive integrated battery
• Seat: Super comfortable, adjustable height with air system
• Display: Integrated, sleek handlebar display
• Grips: Gel-padded handlebars for comfort
• Lights: Powerful powered headlight, battery-powered USB-rechargeable tail light (not integrated with main power/brakes)
• Accessories: Toolkit, fenders, air pump, pedals, charger included

Math & Run-Time Numbers

I put the Onyx through several real-world tests. On a gravel hill, it powered up effortlessly on pedal assist 1. For more challenging grassy hills, on gear 3 and full throttle (no pedaling), it maintained 10 mph up my standard test hill. On an even steeper, more challenging grassy incline, it climbed at a steady 5 mph. The mid-drive motor proved its worth, picking up speed where many hub-drive bikes would struggle.

On flat asphalt, I reached 30 mph with full pedal assist and about 25-27 mph on throttle only. The range test, conducted mostly on pedal assist 5 with significant hill climbing, yielded an impressive 37 miles. I started with 5 miles on the odometer and finished at 42 miles, barely making it home with the battery flashing low. Charging the massive battery from 0% to 100% took 6 hours, 39 minutes, and 6 seconds.

My personal ROI calculations, based on commuting 65 miles per week and charging with my solar setup, show significant annual savings. I avoided $815 in gas (213.25 gallons at $3.82/gallon) and $373.15 in car wear (3,380 miles at $0.1104/mile). With solar charging, there's no additional electricity cost. Even accounting for a $200 annual maintenance reserve, my net savings are $988.15 per year. This means the e-bike pays for itself significantly faster than many other investments, including some solar projects.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Incredibly quiet and smooth ride thanks to full air suspension.
• Powerful mid-drive motor excels at hill climbing and varied terrain.
• Strong Tektro disc brakes provide confident stopping power.
• Comfortable seat and gel-padded handlebars enhance ride comfort.
• Sleek, integrated display and powerful headlight.
• Fenders included, a practical addition for messy rides.
• Excellent value for the features and performance.

Cons:

• The tail light is battery-powered and not integrated with the main battery or braking system, requiring separate charging.
• The bike is large, and while the seat is adjustable, shorter riders (like my 5'8" height) might find the adjustability somewhat limited.

When To Use This vs. Alternatives

The Mokwheel Onyx is ideal for riders looking for a powerful, comfortable e-bike capable of handling diverse terrain, from urban commutes to off-road trails. Its mid-drive motor makes it particularly suitable for hilly areas where maximum climbing power is needed. If you're a shorter rider, consider Mokwheel's step-through models for easier mounting and dismounting. While mid-drive motors are fantastic for torque and hill climbing, hub-drive motors sometimes offer slightly better performance at very high, consistent cruising speeds on flat ground. However, the Onyx's combined cadence and torque sensors offer a balanced and enjoyable ride across the board.

Bottom Line

The Mokwheel Onyx is an outstanding e-bike that delivers on performance, comfort, and, most importantly, financial return. When paired with a solar charging setup, it transforms into a highly economical mode of transport, significantly reducing daily expenses. Its robust build, powerful motor, and smooth ride make it a joy to use, proving that smart investments in personal mobility can pay dividends faster than you might expect.

Final Wrap-Up

I'm always looking for the best bang for our buck, and the Mokwheel Onyx truly delivers. If you're considering an e-bike, especially if you have solar to charge it, I highly recommend checking this one out. For more details, links to Mokwheel products, and any available coupon codes, check the description below. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube to help nudge that algorithm and get this content to more people. Stay tuned for more epic content!