Continuing our strong overall experience with the Santa Monica, ride quality is an area where the bike excelled. Its look and feel are fitting for an e-bike in the cruiser category. As I touched on in the introduction, it is both comfortable and well-equipped, making long rides and daily use practical and enjoyable.
AIMA offers the bike in two frame sizes: the Regular is intended for riders from 5’1” to 5’10”, while the Large is intended for those between 5’6” and 6’3”. At 5’11”, I was technically just above the recommended range for our smaller-size test bike, but it adapted quite well to my fit and comfort preferences—largely thanks to the bike’s seatpost and adjustable stem.
With over 6 inches of saddle height adjustment and 80 degrees of rotation in the stem, riders within the recommended range should be able to get decent leg extension and set the handlebar height and reach at a comfortable position. With the saddle at its highest position, I didn’t quite reach full leg extension, but the sensitivity of the PAS and the powerful motor made this a non-issue.
The ride was made comfortable by a combination of factors. These included the bike’s fit, its contact points (a thick, wide spring saddle and hexagonal ergonomic rubber grips), its 75-mm travel SR Suntour suspension fork, and its 2.6” wide tires. The combination of elements resulted in an ergonomic, upright riding position with plenty of shock absorption.
As is common with many e-bikes of its style, the Santa Monica is predictable and relatively relaxed in its handling, making it appropriate for both casual cruising and daily commuting. The frame’s sub-16” standover height makes getting on and off the bike easy, and while I did feel some frame flex when maneuvering, the bike felt sturdier than most with a step-thru design.
I appreciated the bike’s package of useful and user-friendly features. As one might expect for a commuter-friendly ride, the Santa Monica has integrated lights, fenders, and a cargo rack, but AIMA added some thoughtful extras and upgrades.
For example, the bike’s cargo rack, which can carry an impressive 59.5 lbs, is MIK-HD-compatible. This feature makes it able to be equipped with a range of optional accessories that lock into place, including cargo baskets, storage bags, pet carriers, and even a child seat.
Additionally, the bike’s tail lights include turn signals operated by a toggle switch on a module mounted to the right handlebar. This module, which activates a helpful alarm when the signals are on (so you don’t forget to turn them off), also includes a push-button toggle for the lights and an unmissable (some might say relatively ear-splitting) electronic horn.
The bike’s user interface is also a highlight due to its overall simplicity. While I appreciate e-bikes with many customization options and robust apps, I understand that some riders prefer less complex products. The Santa Monica is simple and straightforward, with the ability to activate a security PIN upon startup being one of its most elaborate options.
Overall, the Santa Monica is simply a nice bike, with my initial impression of its classic-inspired appearance carrying through to its user-friendly operation and overall comfort level.
