Moped-style Ebikes are named as such for a reason. Often, the riding experience is very different from a traditional Ebike – in several ways. First, these kinds of bikes aren’t designed with the pedaling experience in mind. Instead, the throttle is the main event. You can pedal the X7, but the riding position isn’t favorable to full leg extension. As a result, turning the cranks on moped style bikes can feel a bit cramped, and the X7 is no different – generally speaking, this just comes with the territory.
Macfox lists the size range as suitable for riders 5’1″ and up. The low end of that feels accurate, but I would introduce a cap around 5’9″. At about 6’3″, I felt solidly out of the range for the bike, even while accounting for the unique riding position that moped style bikes have. Macfox does offer an X7 Large that is described as suitable for riders from 5’3″ and up. A quick look at the specs here shows that there’s actually not much difference in geometry between the two – the handlebar and standover height are about 1.5 inches taller – but that’s the only change. My gut instinct is that a larger size gap would open up the bike to taller riders, but we haven’t tested the large version.
Beyond the sizing, the X7 feels very nimble and playful. The BMX style bars lend themselves to great maneuverability even with the ultra-fat tires and coil suspension fork. This is what the X7 is really about; it’s a fun and lighthearted way to get around. This bike also seems to have a quality, confidence-inspiring construction. Macfox did their homework, and there’s nothing that feels cheap or poorly made. It’s a sturdy and quiet bike.
Style is another big selling point for moped-style Ebikes, and there’s no doubt the X7 has this covered. The frame is available in four colors: Black, Tan, Blue and Purple. There’s other design details, too – the grips are fashioned to reflect the knobby tread on the tires, and there’s a fox themed bar pad in the cockpit.
Despite its moto-inspired look, safety is a key piece of the X7’s package. The moped-style genre sometimes gets confused with full-on e-motorcycles. This bike is limited to class 2 speeds and adheres to Ebike guidelines. There’s also an integrated headlight and tail light for nighttime cruising. So, while it has the cafe-racer appearance, it’s still a street legal E bike.
All in all, the X7 checks all the ride quality boxes we’d expect from a moped-style Ebike. It’s well-built, stylish, and fun.
