 This Product
Blix Vika X | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Overall Folding Electric Bike |  Best for a Smooth Ride |  Best Bang for the Buck Folding Electric Bike | Best Folding Electric Adventure Bike | |
| Price | $1,799 List $1,299 at Blix Bikes | $1,699 List $1,399 at Aventon Bikes | $999 List $999.00 at Lectric eBikes | $1,195 List $1,095 at Ride1up | $1,599 List $1,099 at Rad Power Bikes |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A folding electric bike that piles on the comfort features without adding much additional weight | Showing off exceptional ride quality and range in style, this bike looks and feels great | An incredibly useful and versatile little bike that won't cost you an arm and a leg | Value, convenience and utility come together in this foldable model with enough power for two people | Turn up the adventure with this fat tire folding e-bike built for going off-road as much as it handles pavement |
| Rating Categories | Blix Vika X | Aventon Sinch Step-... | Lectric XP 3.0 Step... | Ride1Up Portola | Rad Power RadExpand 5 |
| Ride (25%) | |||||
| Range (25%) | |||||
| Power (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Interface (10%) | |||||
| Assembly (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Blix Vika X | Aventon Sinch Step-... | Lectric XP 3.0 Step... | Ride1Up Portola | Rad Power RadExpand 5 |
| Battery Size (Wh) | 614 | 672 | 500 | 643 | 672 |
| Measured Weight | 55 lbs 9 oz | 67 lbs 13 oz | 62 lbs 8 oz | 62 lbs 9 oz | 64 lbs 8 oz |
| Folded Dimensions | 35 x 20 x 26 in | 46 x 28 x 30 in | 37 x 18 x 28 in | 42 x 18 x 37 in | 41 x 25 x 29 in |
| E-Bike Class | Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3) | Class 2 (Can be configured Class 3) | Class 3 (Can be configured Class 2) | Class 2 (Can be configured Class 1 or 3) | Class 2 |
| Motor Size | 500W | 500W | 500W | 750W | 750W |
| Number of pedal assist settings | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Top speed throttle | 20 mph | 20 mph | 20 mph | 20 mph | 20 mph |
| Top speed pedal-assist | up to 28 mph | up to 24 mph | up to 28 mph | up to 28 mph | 20 mph |
| Measured Distance Range | 24.7 miles | 30.1 miles | 24.5 miles | 26.7 miles | 31.2 miles |
| Sensor | Torque | Torque | Cadence | Cadence | Cadence |
| Frame material | Aluminum | 6061 Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | 6061 Aluminum |
| Wheel size | 20-inch | 20-inch | 20-inch | 20-inch | 20-inch |
| Weight Limit | 312 lbs (270 lb rider) | 300 lbs | 330 lbs | 300 lbs | 275 lbs |
| Drivetrain | MicroShift 8-speed (electric) | Shimano Acera 7-speed | Shimano Tourney 7-speed | Shimano Altus 8-speed | MicroShift 7-speed |
| Brakes | Blix Hydraulic disc | Mechanical disc | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc | Mechanical disc |
| Additional features | Fenders, rear rack, front and rear lights, turn signals, electric shifting, folding design, front rack mount, | 45mm suspension fork, folding pedals, Aventon app | Fenders, rear rack, front and rear lights, folding design, front suspension, mounting points for front rack, kickstand, IP-65 rated for water resistance | Fenders, rear rack, front and rear lights, folding design, 80mm front suspension, mounting points for front rack, kickstand, IP-65 rated for water resistance | Fenders, rear cargo rack, lights, bell |
Blix Bikes is “rooted in Swedish heritage” but operates in Santa Cruz, California. They've been building compelling electric bikes since 2014, and the Vika X is their latest folding electric bike that employs some fancy technology. Like the Vika + Flex that it follows, this bike has a similar frame, fork, motor, and battery. The Vika X employs a new user interface that allows automatic power selection, electric shifting, and some enhanced functionality. Features like a brake light, turn signals, a horn, and a rack that can carry 60 pounds are now standard. Blix branded hydraulic disc brakes, an informative digital display, and 2.4" reflective sidewall tires give this bike enhanced usability. So, how does it ride?
The Vika X may have added a page of features, but it kept its weight fairly low, picking up less than 4 pounds from the Vika + Flex. Nothing about the ride quality would indicate that the Vika X can fold up and fit in your car's trunk. The bike feels comfortable and remarkably stable for its 1130mm wheelbase. We measured the headtube angle at 70 degrees, which is a touch slacker than is listed on Blix's website, and it gives the Vika X a composed feel that isn't too twitchy. 20" wheels are pretty standard on folding bikes, and as with other folding models, the ride is a little bumpy. 2.4" tires with an inverted tread pattern strike a balance of traction and range. We appreciate the reflective sidewalls and puncture protection belts, but the overall comfort is less than some of the larger three and 4-inch tires provide.
Blix lists the geometry of the Vika X with a 71-degree headtube angle, but we measured it at 70 degrees, which keeps the front end from feeling twitchy or unstable. We measured the seat tube angle at 72 degrees, the same that Blix lists. That angle will push taller riders back further, providing a less ideal power position, but the bike's motor mostly negates the lack of power you might be able to generate. The somewhat relaxed seat tube angle gives the bike a relaxed and roomy feel that makes it feel less compact. There is no suspension, but the bike's steel fork and supple tires give it an agreeable ride feel. You don't notice any discernible flex, but the overall feel is quite comfortable.
The step-over height is 16.5", making the bike easy to get on and off of. We had a 4'7" rider pilot the bike, and while able to pedal and control the bike, it wasn't ideal. Similarly, we had a 6'2" rider who felt they were too big for the bike but made it work. Blix recommends the bike for riders between 4' 10" and 6' 2"; we agree with the lower figure, but the bike will likely feel a bit cramped for riders at the upper end of this range. The saddle can be adjusted 9.8" from a minimum height of 30.75" from the ground. The stem has 5.9" of vertical adjustability with a noticeable amount of flex at full extension.
The tires use a directional inverted tread that works well on pavement in the wet and dry. There is just enough tread to transit off the beaten path, but just barely; this bike isn't made to be ridden off-road. Traction was generally good from the rubber, and the reflective sidewalls gave the bike increased visibility from the sides.
Three ride modes give varying levels of assistance. Eco Mode has the lowest level of motor assist, with the rider needing to contribute more power, but it gives the bike the most range. Tour Mode gives a fair bit more assistance, allowing for a brisk ride with low effort. Turbo Mode provides the most assistance and feels sporty to ride but puts downward pressure on the bike's range. In Turbo mode, you're treated to quick and seamless power transmission that provides quick transit while your legs move somewhat symbolically. The bike also feels perfectly usable with the motor turned off, but you'll need the bike's power to be on in order to power the electric shifter.
We appreciated how the Vika X came ready to ride and fully equipped for commuting. The rear rack is rated for 60 pounds and is MIK (Mounting is Key) compatible. This gives you the option to install a number of bags, baskets, and accessories that simply click into place. The rack also houses an integrated brake light and turn signals, which increase your visibility from the rear. PVC fenders keep your feet dry and remain quiet while shielding you from debris. The headlight, which is now mounted high on the handlebar, produces 70 lux on low beam and 120 lux on high.
The Vika X uses the same 614Wh battery found on the Vika+Flex but gets slightly less range. The new bike weighs a couple of pounds more and has slightly wider/heavier tires, which may account for the slight decrease in range. We test all of the folding bikes on the same course with mixed surfaces, steep hills, and minimal stops using a rider at the same weight each time.
In our range test, the Vika X clocked 24.7 miles on throttle power alone while also climbing over 1200 feet. The bike gets to its top speed quickly and maintains momentum well, sometimes cresting large climbs at close to its maximum speed. At 20% of the remaining power, the bike lost much of its pep but carried on until it registered 0%. With no battery power remaining on the screen, the bike was still able to power its electronic shifter.
The Vika X is pushed along by a 500W hub motor that feels more potent than its numbers might suggest. Using the “Turbo” power setting, the bike hits 20 mph on flat ground in just 11.5 seconds. More impressive than its acceleration time is how fluid the acceleration feels; the bike doesn't lurch, pull, or undulate in its delivery of power. Testing the bike's power on GearLab hill, the Vika shot up to 19.7 mph and slowed to 15.5 mph on the course's steepest grade.
When we tested this bike on the dynamometer, it was able to put 1010 watts to the rear wheel, generating 38.4Nm of torque. Keep in mind, this is coming from the Vika's 500W motor; it's producing more power and torque than the 750W motor on the Ride1Up Portola. All of our power tests are performed using only the throttle. This allows us to compare power and torque figures in a way that doesn't rely on rider input or atmospheric variables. The Vika X can be used in Class 2 or Class 3 settings, the latter allowing you to reach pedal-assisted speeds of 28 mph. Changing the bike's class setting requires using the Blix app and connecting to the bike via Bluetooth.
As stated above, Eco, Tour, and Turbo modes give you different levels of assistance and inversely corresponding range estimates, but the bike also has an Auto mode. In the Auto setting, the appropriate level of assistance is selected for you based on your torque input, speed, and incline. Riding in Auto, the adjustments feel seamless, and it's quite effective. You don't notice large changes in power, and it feels well-engineered. To relieve the rider of having to make adjustments further, the bike has an auto-shift mode that controls not only the power input but also selects the proper gear based on cadence and torque. We were dubious of this feature but found no real downside to the bike making our gear selections. It might be different if we rode aggressively or spent time out of the saddle, but that's just not what the Vika X is made for.
Portability is of crucial importance to our rating and ranking of a foldable electric bike. Many of today's foldables have leaned too far into comfort, power, or long-range and, in the process, become too large, heavy, and cumbersome to be convenient. The Vika X has certainly added some features, but it also kept its weight in check. With the 7-pound battery removed, the bike weighs 48 lbs 9 oz, which means lifting it into the trunk of a car or storage space in an RV isn't too difficult. Blix hasn't lost sight of what makes a foldable bike convenient, and that bodes well for the Vika X.
To fold the bike as small as possible, we start by lowering the handlebar and seat to their lowest position. Next, the middle of the Vika's frame folds in half with a quick-release handle guarded by a safety switch. The handlebar and stem assembly fold at the top of the headset, and a quick release with a fail-safe button is also used. The pedals fold inward, and the bike becomes a tight cube of metal and wheels measuring just 35 (L) x 20 (W) x 26 inches tall. This all happens with no tools and takes less than a minute. The bike's rear rack can be used as a handle for lifting the folded machine, and there is a welded stand below the bottom bracket for the bike to rest on. The ends of the axles have magnetic caps that stick to each other, helping to keep the bike from unfolding itself.
When we ordered our test bike, there was a promotion that included a couple of accessories, so we received the Vika carrying bag with our bike. The Vika carrying bag is a bit more useful than we originally thought and allows you to lift and carry the 55+ pound bike easily. It doesn't exactly make it easy, but it does make it less awkward. We did find that removing the battery before folding the bike made the whole package a lot more manageable.
The overall interface is quite impressive and easy to use. The bike's display is top-notch, measuring 80mm from corner to corner, but there is no longer a USB outlet for charging a phone while you ride. Your right hand controls a twist throttle, while your thumb has quick access to the headlight switch and turn signals. In lieu of a bell, the Vika has a push-button horn. Your left hand sits next to a shifter that also controls the bike's pedal assist modes and allows you to move into Automatic shifting. The electric shifter is exceptionally easy to use, but while folding and unfolding the bike, the wire to it came loose and shut the bike's power off while riding. It took us a few minutes to troubleshoot the loose wire and restore the bike's power; taller users should be particularly mindful of the limitations of the cables and wires extending from the front end. On the shifter itself, the “+” button shifts the bike up, and the “-” button shifts down; holding the “+” button for two seconds while in Auto mode turns on the Vika's automatic shifting. If you depress the “-” button for two seconds, walk mode is initiated, and the bike will propel itself at walking speed.
The Vika's 85mm color display is centered in the middle of the handlebar and features a single button that allows you to toggle through a wealth of data, including moving time, cadence, speed, and power. Another screen shows averages of your speed, cadence, and power, as well as the maximum speed. On the main screen, you can see your current speed, ride mode, current gear, the battery's state of charge, estimated range, and a clock. We loved having a clock on the main screen since there is no USB for your phone to plug into. All of the controls feel intuitive and easy to use, and if anything, there is more data than the bulk of users will ever want to access, like calories burned and Wh per mile.
The Blix 614Wh removable battery has an LED charge indicator that allows you to check its level of charge off the bike. The battery locks into place with a key on the left side of the bike; the key doesn't turn the bike on or off. Charging the battery off of the bike is incredibly convenient, and you don't need to park near an outlet or run an extension cord to the bike's storage spot. The battery attaches to the back of the seat tube, and depending on your saddle height, you may need to raise or remove the seat and post to remove the battery.
The Vika X arrives mostly assembled. After opening the box, removing the foam packing, and unfolding the bike, we just needed to put the handlebars into the stem, install the pedals, and inflate the tires. In the 13 minutes it took us to assemble the bike, we also checked the torque on important bolts and adjusted it to our size.
Lifting the bike out of the box is probably the hardest step. The bike weighs 55 lbs 9 oz on our scale, but with its packaging and tight fit, it felt a little awkward. We could have avoided that by cutting the side of the box open. Our battery was about half-charged when it arrived, so we charged it to full and took it for a ride. Overall, this is a very simple bike to assemble.
The Vika X is packed full of features that you might not expect to find on a folding bike. If this is going to be a bike that gets full-time use, these features will likely pay for themselves, but if you're seeking a folding bike for occasional use, the features add cost that you might not need. We find this bike particularly well suited for urban duty with its bright lights, horn, and turn signals. If your intended use is on less than smooth surfaces, the 2.4" tires offer less vibration dampening and comfort than we've found on other models with three or 4-inch tires. At less than 56 pounds, the bike is still manageable when folded, so getting it into the back of a car or cargo hold of a plane isn't too arduous. The maximum weight capacity of this bike is 312 pounds, but the rider maximum is 270 pounds, and the rack can hold up to 60 pounds.
If you prioritize comfort on the bike, check out the Aventon Sinch Step-Through with its suspension fork and 4" tires. The Sinch was easily the most comfortable model we tested, but it's also quite heavy at almost 68 pounds. The weight of the bike cuts into its convenience and can make loading and folding more difficult. If price and versatility are your guiding lights, the Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 is a great little bike with an attractive price tag. One thing that sets the Lectric apart is its welded rack that is capable of carrying 150 pounds or a passenger.
