I recently got a chance to test out the Macfox X7 electric bike, and after spending some time riding it around, one thing became immediately clear: while this model isn’t trying to be a traditional e-bike, it still sticks the landing with a legal and fun moped-like ride.
And that’s exactly why a lot of riders are going to love it even more.
As much as I love a good, old-fashioned, bicycle-feeling electric bicycle, we can’t ignore that it’s the more motorcycle-like models that are all the rage these days. Young riders are in search of the coolest-looking models, but that often means leaning towards companies that skirt the rules or cut corners on safety. So I was glad to see that Macfox is offering something that actually touches on those important points.
And yet it does it without sacrificing style points.
The $1,599 Macfox X7 definitely still leans hard into that moped-style, with a full-on mini electric motorcycle vibe. From the long bench seat to the chunky frame and oversized tires, it feels much closer to a lightweight e-moto than something you’d expect to pedal around like a typical bicycle.
A surprisingly comfortable (and planted) ride
One of the standout features for me was just how relaxed the bike felt.
The long, cushioned seat makes it easy to cruise for extended periods, and the riding position is relaxed and upright. It’s also got a set of passenger pegs that fold down, just in case you want to put a second rider behind you on that long bench seat.
Even though the X7 only uses front suspension, the ride doesn’t feel harsh thanks to those massive tires – 20×4.5 inches up front and an even wider 20×5.0 inches in the rear.
That extra-wide rear tire, in particular, gives the bike a really planted feel. It’s the kind of setup that makes you feel stable and confident, especially when riding over rough pavement or light off-road terrain.
It’s not a nimble, flickable bike, but it’s not trying to be.
Just note that the extra-wide tires take a long time to pump up, so if you’re used to more typical city or hybrid tires, be prepared to keep pumping for a while.
In fact, I recently got a new Airbank A10 Smart Tire Inflator, and it made quick work of those tires. I find electric pumps much nicer to use than manual floor pumps (or heaven forbid, mini hand-operated pumps with short strokes). The A10 feels more solid and definitely has a longer battery for more pumping than other electric pumps I’ve tried. After getting both of these tires up from the out-of-the-box 7-8 PSI to around 20 PSI for street riding, the battery had barely decreased on the pump. In fact, you could probably pump a few cars’ tires on one charge.
I’ve also got their Airbank Pocket 2 Pro Mini pump in for testing, and it’s a great little electric pump that fits in your palm – or your pocket – and is built with a solid aluminum shell. It will take longer to pump up big tires like these, but it’s handy for on-the-go. More on both coming soon, but let’s just say that when you have a set of HUGE tires like these, a solid electric pump is your best friend.
Power that feels stronger than the spec sheet suggests
On paper, the Macfox X7 is fairly modest: a 500W motor with 750W peak output, paired with a 48V 13Ah battery, for a total capacity of 624 Wh. That’s decent, but not outrageous by today’s standards.
But in practice, the bike feels punchier than those numbers might suggest.
Acceleration is smooth but confident, and the throttle response makes it easy to cruise without much effort. It’s capped at 20 mph (32 km/h), which keeps it firmly in Class 2 territory, but it gets there easily and holds speed well.
For riders looking for a relaxed but capable cruising experience, it hits a nice sweet spot.
When it comes to the battery though, keep in mind that 624 Wh is not huge, and so if you’re riding at top speed all the time or you’re a heavier rider, it is unlikely that you’ll reach the rated range of 35-70 miles (56-112 km). I found that pushing harder gets you closer to 25 miles (40 km) of range, and I’m not even a heavy rider. But of course if you take it a bit easier, or somehow manage to pedal the bike a bit, you’ll do better on range.
There’s also a double battery option if you’re worried about it, though it costs an extra $499, so you better really want it.
A true Class 2 e-bike (and actually UL listed)
One thing I really appreciated – and something that’s becoming increasingly important – is that Macfox is clearly taking compliance seriously here.
The X7 is limited to 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle, making it a legitimate Class 2 e-bike, not one of those gray-area “wink wink” bikes that blur the line into e-moto territory.
Even better, it’s actually UL 2849 certified, complete with the holographic UL sticker on the bike. That’s something we’re seeing more regulators and cities start to care about, and it’s a big plus for riders who want peace of mind (or just want to avoid potential headaches down the line).
In the spirit of trust-but-verify, I dug into the numbers a bit on the UL sticker. While it’s got all the correct holographic doo-hickeys on it to look legit, I wanted to make sure the bike was actually in the system.
When searching for this UL report, I found the bike listed under another name (E-LINK TECHNOLOGY), but it does appear to have the correct model number. So it looks like this is one of many examples where an e-bike has been designed, built, and certified, then sold under multiple brands. Thus, it appears that the UL testing comes from the original manufacturer.
Hydraulic brakes and solid hardware upgrades
Macfox also made some meaningful upgrades here compared to earlier models.
The hydraulic disc brakes are a welcome addition, offering noticeably better stopping power and modulation than the mechanical setups we often see in the budget category. These may not be the highest quality hydraulic brakes out there, but they seem to stop the bike just fine and I don’t have any complaints about them.
On a bike that weighs around 87 lb (39 kg), hydraulic brakes are a near necessity to ensure even smaller-handed riders can safely bring the bike to a stop without needing to apply crazy amounts of grip strength on the brake levers.
And yes, speaking of the weight, you’ll definitely feel it.
The tradeoff: it’s heavy, and it rides like it
At roughly 87 lb (39 kg), the Macfox X7 is not a lightweight bike. In fact, it’s not even close. You’re not going to be carrying this upstairs or tossing it on a rack without thinking twice.
Part of the weight comes from the heavier steel frame, but it’s also just from the bulkier design. Even the chunky tires add some significant poundage.
There are trade-offs that come with heavier bikes, though it also makes the thing feel more planted.
That weight, combined with the geometry and overall design, reinforces that motorbike-like feel. It’s stable and comfortable, but not particularly agile, and pedaling it without assistance isn’t something you’ll want to do for long. Your quads would be screaming if you tried to pedal it up a slight hill with a depleted battery.
Final thoughts
The Macfox X7 isn’t trying to win over traditional cyclists or e-bikers who want light assist for a relaxing exercise-style ride. It’s built for riders who want something that feels closer to a small electric motorcycle – but still fits within the legal definition of an e-bike. And since so many companies are forgetting the last part there, about keeping things legal, I’m glad to see Macfox focusing on it.
And in that specific role, it works surprisingly well.
It’s comfortable, stable, and more fun to ride than the spec sheet might suggest. Add in the fact that it’s actually UL certified and truly Class 2 compliant, and it stands out in a segment that often plays a bit fast and loose with the rules.
But it’s also heavy as sin and not exactly the best-looking moped-style e-bike out there, so you’ll have to look past the weight and the looks. But for those who can, it’s likely to be a fun ride at a modest price.
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