The Blix Vika+ Flex is a folding electric bike that offers a lot of style and pep in a small package. It has a powerful 500 watt motor, a decent 14 Ah battery, and a sleek design with silver accents and paint-matched fenders and rack. It also has hydraulic disc brakes, an 8-speed drivetrain, and a large and easy-to-read display. In this review, I will go over the pros and cons of this ebike, and share my riding experience and impressions.
Blix Vika+ Flex Video Review
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,599, a competitive price point in the $1-$2K range |
| Design | Petite, classy, less intimidating with thinner frame tubing |
| Weight | 55 lbs with battery, 47.5 lbs without |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah, External, contributing to lower weight |
| Motor | 500 watts |
| Tires | 2.35″ tires, balancing size and portability |
| Aesthetics | Silver accents, paint-matched fenders, brown grips, and seat |
| Electronics | Simple, informative display |
| Brakes | Zoom hydraulic disc brakes |
| Drivetrain | 8-Speed MicroShift with twist shifter |
| Support | US-based customer support |
Introduction
Even in the crowded segment of folding ebikes, the Blix Vika+ Flex makes a notable entry. Priced at $1,599, it’s a serious contender, not for its price alone but for its unique blend of style, functionality, and portability.
Design, Frame and Aesthetics
The Vika+ Flex is a visually appealing ebike, with a petite and classy appearance. The thinner tubing of the frame, aided by the external battery, gives it a less intimidating look and feel compared to bulkier ebikes. This design choice significantly impacts the bike’s overall weight, making it a standout feature in the folding ebike category. Another benefit, it’s good for riders 4’10” – 6’2″ though riders on the taller end of the height range may feel like they are towering over the Vika.
Weighing in at 55 lbs with the battery and 47.5 lbs without, the Vika+ Flex is lighter than many of its counterparts like the Lectric XP 3.0 and Ride1Up Portola. This reduced weight, void of heavy suspension forks, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking portability in their ebike. It resembles more of a Brompton when folded than the traditional popular folding ebikes. Folded, it’s just 36″ x 21″ x 28″. Magnets attached to the front and rear wheels help keep the bike together when folded.
The Vika+ Flex has a lot of attention to detail and aesthetics, with paint-matched metal fenders and rear rack, silver components, and brown grips and saddle. It also comes in four unique colors: burgundy, racing green, nu cream, and steel blue.
Tire Selection
The choice of 2.35” tires on the Vika+ Flex strikes a balance between bulk and efficiency, differentiating it from the typical 3” or 4″ tires found on similar models. This decision not only aids in reducing the bike’s weight but also increases range and caters to different riding preferences – namely a more nimble one.
Vika+ Electronics and Performance
The 500 watt motor packs a surprising punch, delivering more power than expected for its size. It even outperformed models like the Lectric XP 3.0 and Portola in our hill climb test. New riders should approach the left-hand thumb throttle cautiously due to its responsiveness. The throttle gives full access to the motor power at any time, regardless of the pedal assist level. Whether you’re pedaling or using the throttle, the top speed is 20 mph.
The 14Ah battery, mounted externally to the frame, is average for this price range. Blix opted for a display that is large but simple. It does offer a USB port to charge a device.
A key consideration is that this bike is using a cadence sensor and the pedal assist is speed-based. Each pedal assist level is tied to a specific speed and after that speed, the motor cuts off unless you increase the pedal assist level. Many companies use a current-based system which allows for a more natural riding experience.
Components
The Vika+ Flex features Zoom hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power, although 180mm instead of 160mm rotors would have been a preferable addition. The Microshift drivetrain with a twist shifter performs well, though is something less common on electric bikes. Some may like the twist shifter for its intuitiveness and others may prefer a trigger shifter. In our experience, the MicroShift components perform well.
Gearing is 11-32 in the rear with 8-speeds and a large 52T front chainring can be found up front. And yes, it’s silver too.
Key Considerations
One notable downside of the Vika+ Flex ebike is its lack of suspension though this does keep down on the weight. This absence can lead to a bumpy and uncomfortable ride on rough terrains so it’s best suited for urban environments.
The placement of the kickstand on the Vika+ Flex raises practical issues. Positioned at the rear and protruding, it can interfere with the rider’s heels when pedaling depending on foot position. (I’m a size 10 shoe).
Support and Alternatives
Blix’s US-based support is a strong point for the brand, offering peace of mind to customers. For those not in the market for a folding ebike, Blix offers other models like the popular Dubbel. Blix is a US-based company that offers customer support via phone, and email. Blix also sells a range of accessories and cargo options for their ebikes, such as front baskets, child seats, and panniers.
Conclusion
The Blix Vika+ Flex is a folding e-bike that offers a lot of style and pep in a small package. It is lightweight and portable, powerful and classy. It’s a fun and nimble ebike that is easy to ride and maneuver. The low step-through frame makes it accessible to riders of different heights and abilities.
The Vika+ Flex is best suited for urban riding, as it can handle flat or hilly roads, and fold and store easily. It is not very comfortable or stable on rough or uneven terrain, as it lacks suspension and has narrow tires.
