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VIVI MT20UL Electric Bike Review (2025): Compact Fat-Tire Folding Step-Thru for Relaxed Cruising

The VIVI MT20UL is a 20″ x 3.0″ fat-tire, step-thru folding ebike designed as a small beach cruiser that can still handle daily commuting and light trails. With a 1000W peak hub motor, a 48V 10.4Ah (499.2Wh) battery, and a claimed max range up to 50 miles, it’s built for riders who want an easygoing, confidence-boosting ride rather than a high-speed race bike.

The low step-thru frame, 3.0″ anti-puncture tires, and mechanical disc brakes make it approachable for newer riders, while the folding frame and integrated rear rack keep it practical for apartment living, RV trips, and errands.

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👉 See the official VIVI MT20UL specs and current availability here.

TL;DR – VIVI MT20UL at a Glance

CategoryDetails
Bike Type20″ x 3.0″ fat-tire, step-thru, folding electric bike
Motor1000W peak brushless hub motor, 65 Nm torque
Battery48V 10.4Ah, 499.2Wh removable lithium-ion battery
Top SpeedRegular 15.5 mph, max 21.7 mph (Class 2, per spec)
Claimed RangeUp to 50 miles max, 22–25 miles throttle, 44–50 miles PAS under ideal conditions
Realistic RangeRoughly 20–35 miles for most riders, depending on speed, terrain, and assist level
Tires20″ x 3.0″ anti-puncture fat tires
SuspensionCoil spring suspension fork, 40 mm travel
Brakes160 mm front and rear mechanical disc brakes
WeightAbout 64 lb (29 kg)
Max Capacity330 lb (150 kg) load rating
Best ForRiders wanting an easygoing, step-thru, folding cruiser for city paths and casual trails

👉 Check the VIVI MT20UL product page for latest colors, specs, and bundle options.

Key Specs: VIVI MT20UL Technical Overview

Spec CategoryMT20UL Details
ModelVIVI MT20UL
Frame TypeStep-thru, folding
Frame MaterialHigh-carbon steel
Motor1000W peak brushless hub motor, 65 Nm torque
Battery48V 10.4Ah (499.2Wh) removable lithium-ion
Controller48V 18A brushless controller
Display48V intelligent digital LCD
E-Bike ClassClass 2 (per VIVI spec)
IP RatingIP54 water resistance
Top Speed (Spec)Regular 15.5 mph (25 km/h), max 21.7 mph (35 km/h)
Max Range (Spec)50 miles (80 km) max
Throttle RangeAbout 22–25 miles (35–40 km)
PAS RangeAbout 44–50 miles (70–80 km)
PAS Levels5-level pedal assist
ThrottleHalf-twist throttle + thumb throttle
Bike Weight29 kg / 64 lb
Max Load150 kg / 330 lb
Tires20″ x 3.0″ anti-puncture fat tires
Brakes160 mm front and rear mechanical disc brakes
Fork & TravelCoil spring suspension fork, 40 mm travel
DrivetrainShimano 7-speed (RD-TZ500 derailleur, SL-TX50 shifter, 14–28T freewheel)
Rack & FendersRear rack included (up to 55 lb / 25 kg), full-coverage fenders included
Lights48V integrated LED headlight + rear reflector
CertificationSGS | UL 2849/2271, GCC, CPSC 1512

Design & Frame: Step-Thru, Beach-Cruiser Feel in a Folding Package

The MT20UL is positioned as a small beach cruiser that folds. The step-thru frame makes it easy to get on and off, especially if you don’t love swinging a leg over a high top tube or you’re frequently stopping in traffic.

Key design choices:

  • High-carbon steel frame for a solid, planted feel
  • Step-thru geometry for easier mounting and dismounting
  • Folding frame and stem for more compact storage or car/RV transport
  • Integrated rear rack and full fenders for daily practicality

It’s not trying to be an ultra-light, minimal commuter. Instead, it leans into comfort and stability in a compact form factor.

👉 See the geometry chart and frame details on the official MT20UL product page.

Motor & Speed: 1000W Peak Hub Motor, Class 2 Behavior

VIVI equips the MT20UL with a 1000W peak brushless hub motor rated at 65 Nm of torque.

From the spec sheet:

  • 1000W peak motor, brushless hub
  • E-bike Class 2
  • Regular speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
  • Max speed: 21.7 mph (35 km/h)

In practice, that means:

  • You get stronger acceleration and hill support than a basic 250–350W folder.
  • The bike is tuned to stay in Class 2 territory, with the ability to nudge toward around 22 mph depending on settings and conditions.
  • For city and path riding, that’s usually plenty, especially if your priority is comfort and control over raw speed.

In everyday use, that Class 2 profile means you’ll be cruising mostly in the mid-teens to low-20 mph range—plenty fast for city paths and casual rides without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

It’s a motor aimed at confident cruising, not aggressive off-road or high-speed road riding.

Battery, Charging & Realistic Range

The MT20UL uses a 48V 10.4Ah (499.2Wh) removable battery, paired with a 54.6V 2A smart charger and advertised 4–6 hour charge time.

VIVI’s own range claims:

  • Max range: 80 km / 50 miles
  • Ebike (throttle) range: 35–40 km / 22–25 miles
  • PAS range: 70–80 km / 44–50 miles

Those numbers are based on ideal conditions:

  • ~176 lb (80 kg) rider
  • Flat ground, mild temperatures
  • Lower PAS levels and moderate speeds

For most real-world riders, a grounded expectation is:

  • About 20–35 miles per charge, depending on:
    • Rider + cargo weight
    • Terrain and wind
    • How often you use higher PAS or throttle-only
    • Tire pressure and start/stop traffic

Used as a daily city or neighborhood ebike, that’s typically enough for a full day of errands or commuting with a single overnight charge.

Ride Comfort: 3.0″ Fat Tires and Front Suspension

Comfort is one of the MT20UL’s main selling points. VIVI combines:

  • A coil spring suspension fork with 40 mm travel
  • 20″ x 3.0″ anti-puncture fat tires

Together, these give you:

  • Softer hits over potholes, curbs, and rough pavement
  • More grip and stability on gravel paths, grass, or packed dirt
  • A more relaxed, forgiving feel compared to narrow 1.75–2.0″ commuter tires

You’re not getting rear suspension, so it’s not a full-suspension mountain bike—but for leisure cruising, boardwalks, bike paths, and light trails, the setup strikes a good balance between comfort and simplicity.

Brakes, Safety & Certification

Stopping is handled by 160 mm front and rear mechanical disc brakes, with alloy brake levers that include motor cutoff for added control.

Safety and visibility features from the spec sheet:

  • Mechanical disc brakes (front and rear), 160 mm
  • Integrated LED headlight (48V)
  • Rear reflector
  • Waterproof integrated wiring harness
  • IP54 water resistance rating
  • Electrical system certified via SGS | UL 2849 / UL 2271, plus GCC and CPSC 1512 compliance

For buyers concerned about electrical safety, the UL 2849/2271 callouts and integration-focused wiring are meaningful pluses, especially in the budget-friendly ebike category.

Controls, Display & Ride Modes

The MT20UL gives you a sensible set of controls for day-to-day use:

  • 48V intelligent LCD display showing:
    • Speed
    • Battery level
    • Assist level
    • Trip/odometer
  • 5-level pedal assist (intelligent cadence-based system)
  • Half-twist throttle + thumb throttle (VIVI provides both interfaces)
  • Walk assist, cruise control, and support for:
    • Pure electric
    • Pedal assist
    • Normal (no assist)
    • Assist push / walk
    • Cruise mode

That flexibility lets you ride it like:

  • A traditional bike when you want more exercise.
  • A relaxed scooter-style cruiser on throttle.
  • A range-optimized PAS bike for longer rides.

Portability, Payload & Everyday Use

Even though it folds, the MT20UL is built as a real-world utility bike, not an ultralight travel toy.

From the specs:

  • Bike weight: 29 kg / 64 lb
  • Max load capacity: 150 kg / 330 lb
  • Rear rack load: up to 25 kg / 55 lb
  • Package size: about 53″ x 9.5″ x 25″

What that means in practice:

  • You’ll probably roll it more than carry it, but it can still fit into many SUVs, vans, and RVs.
  • The higher load rating makes it suitable for:
    • Heavier riders
    • Riders carrying a bag, groceries, or a child seat (within rack limits)
  • The folding frame and stem make storage in tight urban spaces or hallways much easier than a full-size non-folding bike.

For many riders, this is a “keep it by the door and go” bike for short-to-medium trips around town.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Step-thru folding frame that’s easy to mount and store
  • 1000W peak hub motor with 65 Nm torque for confident starts and neighborhood hills
  • 48V 10.4Ah (499.2Wh) battery with realistic 20–35 mile range for everyday use
  • 20″ x 3.0″ anti-puncture tires and front suspension for a comfortable, stable ride
  • Mechanical disc brakes (160 mm) with motor cutoff for predictable stopping
  • Includes rear rack, full fenders, kickstand, and integrated headlight out of the box
  • Electrical system certified to UL 2849 / UL 2271, plus GCC and CPSC 1512 compliance

Cons

  • At about 64 lb, it’s not a lightweight folder—carrying it up multiple flights of stairs will be a workout
  • Mechanical discs require more hand effort and occasional adjustment compared to hydraulic systems
  • 3.0″ tires are great for comfort but add some rolling resistance vs narrow commuter tires
  • Class 2, low-20 mph speed profile may feel modest if you’re used to faster Class 3 bikes

Who the VIVI MT20UL Is Best For

You’ll likely be happy with the MT20UL if you:

  • Want an easy-on, easy-off step-thru that feels approachable and friendly.
  • Need a folding ebike for apartment, RV, or trunk storage, but still want fat-tire comfort.
  • Plan to ride mostly city streets, bike paths, and light gravel, not technical off-road trails.
  • Prefer comfort and stability over high speed, with a relaxed cruising style.
  • Value the peace of mind of UL-certified electrical components in a budget-conscious ebike.

Who Might Want a Different Bike

You might want to look at other models if:

  • You need an ultra-light, ultra-compact folder to carry frequently on stairs or dense transit.
  • You regularly ride above 20 mph and want a Class 3 commuter with higher sustained speeds.
  • You’re planning aggressive off-road riding and would benefit from wider 4.0″ tires and rear suspension.
  • You specifically want hydraulic disc brakes for steeper descents or very heavy loads.

Final Thoughts: Is the VIVI MT20UL a Good Fit?

The VIVI MT20UL delivers a lot of what casual riders and urban cruisers care about: step-thru access, folding practicality, fat-tire comfort, and a UL-certified electrical system, all in a compact package that’s easy to live with day to day. It’s less about going as fast as possible and more about making every ride—commute, errand, or boardwalk cruise—feel relaxed and approachable.

If you’re looking for a comfort-first, step-thru folding ebike with enough power for neighborhoods and small hills, and you like the idea of 3.0″ fat tires on a smaller frame, the MT20UL is a strong contender to put on your shortlist.

👉 Take a closer look at the VIVI MT20UL on the official product page for the latest specs, colors, and availability.