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We borrowed a Blix Vika+ foldable electrical bike from Skagit Cycle Heart in Washington, and put it via its paces. Right here is our assessment!
Washington State is a phenomenal place to check out ebikes, so we had day of it. However first, Jim Pope on the Skagit Cycle Center confirmed us how simply the Blix Vika+ foldable ebike folds up, and highlighted a few of its key options for us. You may see that on this video:
After that, Maggie and I each took the folding ebike for a trip, and had a good time. Right here is Maggie driving the bike, and giving her impressions of the Blix Vika+.
Associated Publish: Blix Updates its Award-Winning E-Bike Lineup
Trip High quality on the Blix Vika+ Ebike
I’ve by no means been a fan of folding bikes, though they make good sense for versatile commuting. That’s simply because I at all times assumed they might not supply trip. How may they, with such small wheels? Nicely, I used to be in for a cheerful shock once I rode the Vika+. After all, the 20 inch wheels do make for a special trip expertise. Notably, cornering feels totally different, and is way tighter. However wow, I had a blast on this bike. It simply zips alongside, accelerating very quickly with each throttle energy and pedal help modes. I felt snug and relaxed, and simply had full enjoyable with it. Maggie had the identical response. Requested to sum up her impressions of driving the Vika+, she stated:
“I appreciated it. It felt nimble. It was the primary folding bike I ever rode, and I used to be actually fairly shocked by the standard of the Trip.”
That was precisely how I felt as effectively. If in case you have by no means tried a folding bike, however know that it will make sense on your way of life, I urge you to present this one a attempt. Like me, you might be pleasantly shocked. The upright driving fashion is effectively fitted to driving in site visitors, making this ebike choose for city commuting.
The Vika+ doesn’t have shocks, so you might really feel the potholes, particularly given the small dimension of the wheels. Alternatively, it does have springs on the saddle to take in a few of the bumps.
Fashionable Good Appears to be like of the Blix Vika+
We actually appreciated the trendy beauty of the Blix Vika+. All Blix bikes goal to be good trying, and this one has nailed it – though it’s a foldable bike! The traces are modern and sleek, and there are nice touches, such because the faux-leather hand grips and saddle. Maggie discovered the grips so snug that she didn’t want gloves.
Jim on the Skagit Cycle Heart informed us that that is their best-selling ebike, interesting to a variety of individuals – from individuals who need some assistance on the hills after they commute, to folks with accidents and disabilities who simply want some assist whereas biking. In brief, the standard patrons for sorts of electrical bikes: various individuals who have some frequent wants, akin to attending to work in a wholesome however environment friendly manner, or discovering a approach to make the enjoyable of biking a bit extra accessible.
Trip Help on the Blix Vika+
The motor is powered by a Panosonic lithium ion battery, out there in a selection of 36V/11Ah or 36V/17.5Ah. These supply claimed ranges of as much as 35 miles per cost or as much as 55 miles per cost. After all, vary depends upon a number of elements, as I clarify in my post on how to calculate ebike range. The battery slides neatly in behind the down tube.
The hub-drive motor is 350 Watt, which explains the responsive, highly effective really feel of the trip. I do know some folks favor 500 Watts and even 750 Watts, however personally, I nonetheless need to really feel like I’m driving a motorbike when I’m on an ebike. My present ebike has simply 250 Watts, and I’ve by no means owned a motorbike powered by greater than 350 Watts. I prefer to get some help once I trip – if I needed the bike to do all of the work, I’d return to the motor bikes I cherished driving in my teenagers!
To trip the bike, you utilize the straightforward to see and function show console on the handlebars. That is again lit at evening. It took us about 4 seconds to determine learn how to use it. You employ the show to decide on your degree of help. It additionally provides you suggestions, akin to what number of miles you might have ridden, and the way far you’ll be able to go together with your present cost.
Mainly you should use pedal help at 4 totally different ranges, or you’ll be able to entry energy with a throttle. With the throttle, you don’t have to pedal – even on up-hills. With pedal help, you do after all have to pedal! You can too trip the bike with no help in any respect. Nonetheless, like most ebikes, that isn’t very straightforward. At 49 kilos, this bike takes numerous pedaling with out help. Personally I’d use it with not less than degree 1 pedal help. And to be trustworthy, I used most pedal help for many of my check trip, as I loved the zippy velocity!
For those who do select to trip with out help generally, you may be assisted by the 7-speed Shimano Acera gears.
Extras on the Blix Vika+
There are some pleasing extras on this ebike, such because the built-in entrance and rear LED lights, so that you don’t have to fret about charging batteries. It additionally has an built-in rack for attaching panniers.
Advantages of a Foldable Ebike
A foldable ebike presents energy help in your commute, with the choice to modify to different modes of transport if it’s good to – for instance, your automobile, or a bus or a practice. It additionally removes one of many largest complications bike commuters have: the place to maintain your bike if you are working. With a folding bike, you might have the choice to only fold it up and take it into the workplace. And you may see from the video close to the start of this submit simply how straightforward it’s to fold the Blix Vika+.
As an increasing number of folks transfer in the direction of various, greener, and more healthy modes of transport, it isn’t stunning to see so many individuals shopping for foldable electrical bikes.
Worth Level
At $1,649, I feel this bike may be very pretty priced. The Blix website presents the choice to finance their bikes, so that you may need to examine that out. And if you happen to occur to be in Washington state, the Skagit Cycle Center has a spread of ebikes and common bikes, plus pleasant and educated workers that will help you out.
Backside Line on the Blix Vika+ Folding Ebike
This can be a nice foldable ebike at an inexpensive worth. The motor energy and battery vary are larger than the typical folding ebike. The Vika+ presents a superb trip, and is comfortable and enjoyable. The 4 ranges of pedal help, plus choice of throttle help, make it adaptable sufficient for all types of motorcycle commuting – whereas on the identical time you’ll be able to nonetheless get as a lot or as little train as you need. If you’re available in the market for a classy, zippy folding ebike for commuting, you owe it to your self to take this one for a check trip. See if you happen to prefer it as a lot as Maggie and I did! Find out more by clicking here.
Technical Specs of the Blix Vika+ Foldable Ebike (from the Blix web site)
- 18 mph prime velocity
- As much as 35-55 miles per cost
- Highly effective 350 W rear-hub motor
- Throttle as much as 18 mph
- 4 ranges of pedal-assist energy
- LCD show with velocity, vary, journey meter, odometer
- V-brakes
- 7-speed Shimano Acera gears
- 49 lbs
- Folding Dimension: 34” x 27” x 20”(LxHxW)
Sizing
- 15.5” seat-tube & 20” wheel dimension
- Really helpful rider: 4’10” – 6’3”
Motor and Electrical System
- Rear-Hub Motor, 350 W
- Throttle for Energy on Demand
- Responsive 4 ranges of electrical pedal help — select how a lot assist you want!
Battery
- Panasonic Lithium-Ion cells 11aH Battery, vary as much as 35 miles / cost
- Improve out there: 17.5aH, vary as much as 55 miles / cost
- Centrally positioned battery for low heart of gravity means a extra secure and protected trip
- Battery may be eliminated or locked on bike with key
- Charger included, 3 hours required for full cost
Show
- See present, common & prime velocity
- Simply select from 4 ranges of help
- Journey-meter and battery life visibility
- Backlit for night-time driving
- Auto shut-off when not in use
Guarantee
- 3-year guarantee on frames
- 2-year guarantee on all tech
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