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Head to head

Mokwheel Tarmac 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

The Tarmac is the better all-rounder for lighter, geared riding, while the X-Class 60V trades weight and simplicity for raw torque and battery, so pick based on whether you value carrying it or climbing with it.

Buy the Mokwheel Tarmac

Buy the Mokwheel Tarmac if you want a lighter bike you can actually carry up steps or lift onto a rack, plus Class 3 pedal-assist speed and gears for varied terrain, all for $99 less.

Buy the Ariel Rider X-Class 60V

Buy the Ariel Rider X-Class 60V if you want more low-end pull for hills and stops (110 Nm vs 75 Nm) and more battery capacity for longer days, and you don't mind hauling 42 lb more bike with no gears.

The differences that matter

  • Mokwheel Tarmac 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 is 42 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.

Who each one is for

Mokwheel Tarmac

Riders who want a do-it-all off-road bike for trails, gravel, and back roads, and who keep their outings within a comfortable range of home.

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 TarmacAriel 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 66 lb 108 lb
Max payload 350 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 8-Speed Shimano Single-speed (KMC S1)
Tire size 29" x 2.35" 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

What's good

  • 75 Nm of torque and a 750W motor give it real climbing muscle, so steep fire roads and loose dirt don't stall you out.
  • A throttle lets you launch from a stop or crawl up a hill without pedaling, which is genuinely handy when the terrain turns tricky.
  • Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver confident stopping on steep descents, and the 8-speed Shimano gearing gives you a wide spread for both climbs and flats.

What to know

  • The 720Wh battery is modest for an off-road bike, so it gives up range to rivals carrying a bigger pack.
  • The 29" x 2.35" tires suit gravel and dirt roads, and with no published suspension spec, rocky and technical trails will 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.