Mokwheel Tarmac ST vs Ariel Rider X-Class 60V
Two off-road e-bikes at a similar price, compared on the same normalized specs. Both scored by us, both reviewed in full.
The verdict
This is a torque-and-battery-vs-weight-and-price trade-off: pay $99 more for the Ariel Rider's stronger pull and bigger battery, or save that and go lighter with the Mokwheel's geared drivetrain.
Buy the Mokwheel Tarmac ST
Buy the Tarmac ST if you want a lighter bike you can actually carry up steps, plus gearing (Shimano 8-speed) for varied terrain and a slightly lower price.
Buy the Ariel Rider X-Class 60V
Buy the X-Class 60V if you want more torque for hills and stops, more battery capacity, and don't mind a single-speed fat-tire moped-style build that's 51 lb heavier.
The differences that matter
- Mokwheel Tarmac ST costs $99 less.
- Ariel Rider X-Class 60V pulls harder from a stop and on hills, by 35 Nm of torque.
- Ariel Rider X-Class 60V carries 480 Wh more battery, which is the main thing that sets how far you get.
- Mokwheel Tarmac ST is 51 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.
Who each one is for
Mokwheel Tarmac ST
Riders who bounce between dirt paths and city streets and want genuine off-road capability without the bulk of a heavy fat-tire bike.
Ariel Rider X-Class 60V
Riders who want genuinely capable all-terrain range and climbing power for mixed off-road days, and who'll actually put the throttle and torque to use off pavement.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Mokwheel Tarmac ST | Ariel Rider X-Class 60V |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,700 | $1,799 |
| Motor (nominal) | 750W | 750W |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Battery | 720 Wh | 1,200 Wh |
| Claimed range | 60 mi | 65 mi |
| Weight | 57 lb | 108 lb |
| Max payload | 300 lb | 350 lb |
| Motor type | hub | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 3 | Class 2 |
| Brakes | TEKTRO TKD171 Hydraulic Disc Brakes | 4-piston hydraulic, 203mm |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 8-Speed | Single-speed (KMC S1) |
| Tire size | 27.5" x 2.4" | 20 x 4.5 front / 20 x 5.0 rear |
Highlighted values are the better of the two where both brands publish the number. Where a spec isn't published we leave it blank rather than guess.
The short version on each
Mokwheel Tarmac ST
What's good
- At 57 pounds it's one of the lighter off-road e-bikes around, so a solo lift onto a hitch rack or up a flight of stairs is realistic.
- 75 Nm of torque from the 750W motor handles moderate climbs and loose ground with confidence.
- A throttle lets you cruise up to 20 mph without pedaling, and pedal assist takes you all the way to 28 mph.
What to know
- Real-world range is the soft spot here; the 720Wh battery won't reliably deliver the full 60 miles once dirt, climbs, and throttle use enter the picture.
- The 2.4-inch tires run narrow for a trail bike and Mokwheel doesn't publish suspension travel, so rocky, technical singletrack is likely to feel harsh.
Ariel Rider X-Class 60V
What's good
- A huge 1,200Wh battery gives it real all-day range, so you can ride hard off-road and still get home without watching the gauge.
- 110 Nm of torque from the 750W hub motor climbs steep, loose terrain and pulls a loaded bike without bogging down.
- A throttle lets you ride up to 20 mph without pedaling, which is a real help getting a heavy bike moving from a stop or up a hill.
What to know
- At 108 pounds it's heavy even for a fat-tire off-roader, so loading it or moving it by hand is a two-person job.
- The single-speed KMC S1 drivetrain gives you no gears to shift, so the motor does all the work and there's no easy ratio to spin if you ever ride without power.
Full Mokwheel Tarmac ST review → Full Ariel Rider X-Class 60V review →