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Mokwheel Tarmac Review (2025): Flagship Torque-Sensor Commuter Ebike for Fast, Daily City Riding

The Mokwheel Tarmac is a flagship urban commuter ebike built for riders who want real speed, smart assist, and full commuter-ready hardware right out of the box. With a 750W rear hub motor (920W peak), torque + cadence sensors, a 48V 15Ah battery, hydraulic disc brakes, and 29″ x 2.35″ fast-rolling tires, it’s designed to turn daily rides into quick, confident trips instead of grindy commutes.

Compared to fat-tire all-terrain bikes, the Tarmac is slimmer, lighter, and more efficient on pavement—closer to a sport sedan than an SUV.

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👉 Check current pricing, colors, and bundle offers for the Mokwheel Tarmac here.

TL;DR – Mokwheel Tarmac at a Glance

CategoryDetails
Bike typeUrban/commuter ebike with integrated rack and lights
Motor750W rear hub (continuous), 920W peak, 75 Nm torque
Battery48V 15Ah (≈720Wh) battery that complies with UL standards
Claimed range50–60 miles per charge (PAS, ideal conditions)
Realistic rangeRoughly 25–50 miles for most riders, depending on speed, terrain, and PAS level
Speed class20 mph (throttle) / 28 mph (PAS)
Weight & payload66 lb bike, up to 350 lb payload
Tires29″ x 2.35″ city/commuter tires
BrakesTKD171 hydraulic disc brakes
FitStep-over frame, Standard (5’5″–6’6″) & Large (5’7″–6’7″) sizes
Best forRiders who want a fast, full-feature city commuter with smooth torque-sensor assist

👉 See the latest Mokwheel Tarmac specs and colors here.

Key Specs: Mokwheel Tarmac Technical Overview

Performance

SpecTarmac Details
Top speed (PAS)Up to 28 mph
Top speed (throttle)20 mph
Speed class20 mph throttle / 28 mph PAS
Claimed range50–60 miles per charge (PAS, ideal use)
Payload capacity350 lb
Pedal assist levels1–5 PAS levels
GearingShimano 8-speed drivetrain
Recommended rider heightStandard: 5’5″–6’6″; Large: 5’7″–6’7″

Power System

SpecTarmac Details
Motor typeRear hub motor
Continuous power750W
Peak power920W
Torque75 Nm
Battery48V 15Ah battery that complies with UL standards
Charger48V 3A
SensorDual torque + cadence sensor
ThrottleThumb throttle

Frameset & Components

SpecTarmac Details
Frame6061 aluminum alloy step-over frame
Fork80 mm adjustable suspension fork
Tires29″ x 2.35″ commuter tires
BrakesTKD171 hydraulic disc brakes
DisplayDetachable high-definition display
Crankset46T cassette, 170 mm crank
HandlebarAluminum alloy 31.8 mm, 680 mm width
Kickstand6061 aluminum kickstand
RimsAluminum alloy
SaddleCustomized comfort leather saddle
SpokesHeavy-duty 13G carbon steel (size-specific lengths)
Bike weight66 lb

Geometry (Reference Data)

Mokwheel offers the Tarmac in Standard and Large frame sizes:

MeasurementLargeStandard
Rider height5’7″–6’7″5’5″–6’6″
Reach17″16″
Top tube length25″24″
Standover height32″31″
Wheelbase47″46″
Min saddle height36″34″
Max saddle height44″42″
Total length76″75″
Head tube length6″6″

If you’re around 5’5″–5’8″, Standard will usually be easier to manage; taller riders closer to 6’0″+ will likely prefer the Large.

👉 You can compare Tarmac sizes and fit recommendations directly on Mokwheel’s product page.

Design & Frame: Sleek Step-Over Commuter, Not a Bulky Fat Bike

The Tarmac is built as a dedicated commuter platform, not a do-everything fat-tire rig:

  • Step-over 6061 aluminum frame with internal battery for a clean, modern look
  • 29″ x 2.35″ tires that roll faster and quieter than 4.0″ fat tires while still handling rough streets well
  • Integrated rear rack and full lighting package, including a smart tail light with brake and turn-signal functions

The overall impression is refined and purpose-built: it looks like a serious daily machine rather than an off-road toy. If you’re riding mostly pavement, bike paths, and light gravel connectors, this layout makes more sense than hauling around a heavy all-terrain bike every day.

Motor & Power: 750W Hub, 920W Peak With 75 Nm Torque

At the heart of the Tarmac is a 750W rear hub motor with 920W peak output and 75 Nm of torque. On paper, that puts it firmly in the “strong commuter” category rather than entry-level city bikes.

On the road, that translates to:

  • Brisk acceleration away from lights and stop signs
  • Enough torque to make moderate hills feel smaller, especially in higher PAS levels
  • Comfortable cruising in the low-20s mph on PAS 2–3 for many riders

Because it’s a hub motor, you don’t have to think much about shifting to protect the drive unit the way you do with mid-drives—but the 8-speed drivetrain still helps keep your cadence comfortable over a wide range of speeds.

Dual Sensors: Torque + Cadence for Smoother Assist

One standout feature for a city commuter at this price is the dual sensor system:

  • The torque sensor measures how hard you’re pushing on the pedals
  • The cadence sensor measures how fast you’re spinning

The controller blends both, so power delivery feels smoother and more proportional than basic cadence-only setups. In practice:

  • Starts feel more natural and less on/off, especially in lower PAS levels
  • The bike responds better to your effort, adding more punch when you push harder
  • You can dial in easy spinning or more active riding depending on mood and terrain

If you’ve only ridden cadence-only hub ebikes before, the Tarmac’s assist will likely feel more refined and confidence-inspiring in tighter urban traffic.

Battery, Charging & Real-World Range

The Tarmac uses a 48V 15Ah battery that complies with UL standards, for about 720Wh of capacity. Mokwheel lists a 50–60 mile range per charge under ideal pedal-assist conditions.

Realistically, range will depend heavily on:

  • Rider weight and cargo
  • Wind, hills, and temperature
  • How fast you ride and which PAS levels you prefer

Rough planning numbers for most riders:

ScenarioTypical UseRealistic Range*
Mixed commuting, mild hillsPAS 2–3, 15–23 mph~30–50 miles
Heavier rider or hillier routePAS 3–4, more frequent boosts~25–40 miles
Lots of full-power or high speedPAS 4–5, aggressive riding~20–30 miles
Throttle-heavy riding20 mph throttle, minimal pedalingOften under 30 miles

*Actual range depends on rider weight, elevation gain, temperature, wind, and how hard you push the motor.

For a typical urban schedule, many riders can charge every 1–3 days, not necessarily after every commute, unless you’re stacking long rides back-to-back.

Brakes, Tires & Safety

For an ebike that can legitimately hit 28 mph on pedal assist, control hardware matters as much as the motor:

  • TKD171 hydraulic disc brakes provide stronger, more consistent stopping power than mechanical discs, especially in wet conditions or on long descents.
  • 29″ x 2.35″ tires roll quickly on pavement but still have enough volume to mute cracks, potholes, and rough edges.
  • The full lighting package, including integrated headlight and tail light with brake/turn-signal functionality, is a major plus for early-morning or late-evening commuters.

For riders upgrading from rim brakes or non-assisted bikes, the combination of hydraulic brakes plus smart lighting is a meaningful safety upgrade, not just a convenience feature.

Ride Comfort, Handling & Fit

The Tarmac is tuned for upright, stable city riding rather than ultra-aggressive performance:

  • 80 mm adjustable front suspension fork takes the sting out of broken pavement and curb cuts.
  • Comfort saddle and higher-volume 2.35″ tires help reduce fatigue on longer rides.
  • The geometry and relatively long wheelbase favor straight-line stability and predictable cornering over super-twitchy handling.

Fit considerations:

  • Two sizes: Standard (5’5″–6’6″) and Large (5’7″–6’7″) give more flexibility than one-size ebikes.
  • 31–32″ standover height and 34–36″ minimum saddle heights mean very short riders or riders with short inseams should double-check measurements before buying.

If you’re within the stated height ranges, the Tarmac should feel like a confident, planted commuter that still maneuvers well in bike-lane traffic and around slower riders.

Everyday Utility & Use Cases

The Tarmac is clearly built with day-to-day life in mind:

  • Integrated rear rack for panniers, baskets, or strapped-down cargo
  • Optional full fenders and accessories to keep road spray off your clothes and expand carrying options
  • Detachable HD display that’s easier to secure when locking up outside
  • 350 lb payload capacity, enough for a solid-sized rider plus daily gear

Where it shines:

  • City and suburban commuting with a mix of bike lanes, multi-use paths, and neighborhood streets
  • Errand running and grocery trips, especially when you add panniers or a rear basket
  • Fitness + transportation rides, where you want exercise but also appreciate the safety net of assist on windy or hilly stretches

👉 If you’re picturing work commutes, errands, and weekend rides all on the same bike, the Tarmac’s feature set is worth a close look.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 750W hub motor (920W peak) with 75 Nm torque for confident acceleration and hill support
  • Dual torque + cadence sensors for smoother, more natural pedal assist than cadence-only systems
  • 48V 15Ah UL-compliant battery with realistic, usable range for daily commuting
  • 66 lb weight, lighter than many fat-tire ebikes with similar power
  • Hydraulic disc brakes and integrated lights with signals, ideal for busy urban environments
  • 29″ x 2.35″ tires balance speed, comfort, and durability for pavement-first riding
  • Two frame sizes cover a wide range of rider heights better than many one-size competitors

Cons

  • Step-over frame only on this version—riders who prefer super-easy mounting may be better off with the Tarmac ST step-through
  • Higher standover and saddle heights may be intimidating or impractical for riders on the shorter end of the spectrum
  • Range claims assume moderate PAS and speeds—regular high-speed or throttle-heavy riding will noticeably reduce them
  • Not designed for serious off-road or sand/snow use like a true fat-tire all-terrain bike
  • Payload rating (350 lb) is solid for most commuters, but below some cargo-focused or heavy-duty models

Who the Mokwheel Tarmac Is Best For

The Tarmac is a strong match if:

  • You want a fast, refined commuter ebike with real 28 mph capability on pedal assist
  • You ride mostly on pavement, bike paths, and light gravel, not deep sand or technical off-road
  • You value smooth, responsive pedal assist and don’t love the jerky feel of basic cadence-only systems
  • You’re within the 5’5″–6’7″ height window and comfortable with a traditional step-over frame
  • You want a bike that can handle daily commuting, errands, and fitness rides without feeling overbuilt or sluggish

Who Might Want a Different Bike

You might be better served by another model if:

  • You prefer a step-through frame for mobility, convenience, or clothing reasons (the Mokwheel Tarmac ST exists for exactly this use case).
  • You’re significantly under ~5’5″ or very sensitive to standover and saddle height.
  • Your riding is mostly off-road, deep gravel, or sand, where a fat-tire all-terrain bike would be a better fit.
  • You need very high cargo or rider weight capacity beyond 350 lb.
  • You prioritize ultra-compact storage or frequent bike-carrying on stairs, in which case a lighter, smaller-wheel option could be more practical.

Final Thoughts: Is the Mokwheel Tarmac Worth It?

If you’re shopping specifically for a commuter-first ebike that feels quick, smooth, and ready for daily duty without a bunch of upgrades, the Mokwheel Tarmac hits a very compelling mix:

  • Enough power and torque to make hills and headwinds manageable
  • A dual-sensor assist system that feels more natural than budget ebikes
  • Hydraulic brakes, integrated rack, and full lighting, including turn signals, that make real-world commuting simpler and safer
  • A 29″ wheel, 2.35″ tire platform tuned for speed and comfort on the terrain most commuters actually ride

If your goal is year-round urban mobility with a bike that feels like it was designed for the job—not just a generic ebike with a rack bolted on—the Tarmac deserves a serious look.

👉 Check current Tarmac pricing, available sizes/colors, and accessory bundles here.