NAKTO Folding OX Electric Fat-Tire Bike Review – An Overpriced Budget Bike

Fat-tire ebikes have become so popular this year and this is really good news for consumers because we now have more choices for every budget. The NAKTO Folding OX is in the low price range of around $1,000 but I still think it is overpriced as its offerings are disappointing.

Unboxing Video

Specifications & Features

Product Images

Performance

The NAKTO Folding OX is a cruiser ebike which is made for recreational cyclists living in cities. It features a classic vintage look with a low step-thru frame, a curved handlebar, and an oversized saddle. Normally, cruiser bikes are designed for short trips around town, short commutes to work, or running errands; However, the OX is much more versatile and users can absolutely use it for off-roading or touring; This is made possible by the additions of an electric motor, fat tires, and front suspension fork. It manages to offer a relaxed and comfortable ride on almost all terrains. My posture when riding this bike is also more up straight and relaxed. In fact, I could ride the NAKTO for a few hours on urban as well as gravel roads without feeling any discomfort.

Since the OX is equipped with a heavy steel frame, it would be very tiring if you don’t have the additional power from the rear hub motor. Although this is just a 500W motor, it is still more than enough to help you ride effortlessly in cities. It also manages to tackle some low inclines with ease. My biggest problem with the motor is that the electric boost is too powerful when I just start pedaling; This speed boost often surprises me and it could be dangerous when there are pedestrians or vehicles around. Even when I set the pedal-assist level at 0 or 1, the motor still kicks in violently to push the bike forward. A safer way to start the bike is using the thumb throttle to get the bike moving and then start pedaling; Then you will have better control of the motor.

The OX is a folding bike but the folded dimensions are not really compact because the handlebar can’t be folded down. We just can fold the frame in half and there is a balance stand on the bottom, so the bike can stand on its own. Fortunately, it still fits in my car trunk although I have to lie it down. The bike is really heavy at 75 lbs and it is really not easy to carry it up or downstairs, then put it into my car; Therefore, I don’t really like taking the bike during road trips. Another concern is that the folding latch doesn’t feel safe as I’ve seen it open by itself a few times.

Another issue is that the motor is cut off occasionally when riding the bike. To fix this, I often have to turn off and turn on again with the key to reset it. I guess this is just a safety feature to protect the battery but it happens too much and ruins my riding experience. The battery range is just average at less than 20 miles and could be lower when you use it in full throttle mode.

Conclusion

Pros

• Comfortable and relaxed riding
• Motor is powerful enough for casual riding
• Good-performing gears and disc brakes

Cons

• Motor starts and stops abruptly
• Bulky frame
• Overpriced

Thanks to a few upgrades, the cruiser ebike has a lot more usages other than casual riding. Once getting used to the bike, I really enjoyed it because of the superb comfort. It would be great if the electric boost is smoother. Overall, I think that the NAKTO Folding OX is overpriced and we at BikeFolded only recommend it when the price drops to around $700.