2019 AddMotoR Motan M-450 Review

Video Review

Written Review

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike is an off-road capable fat tire step thru that comes stock with great features like suspension, integrated lighting and a rear rack.

AddMotoR has a large number of electric bikes to choose from; this one, the MOTAN M-450, is a fat tire step thru electric bike geared for the trails but is also suitable for city rides. The fat tires help it glide through soggy terrain like sand, snow, mud and gravel and the suspension helps soaks up the bumps and jumps and smooths out the ride, while the rear rack offers flexibility for stowing gear on extended rides.

Power — 500 nominal watts, 750 peak watts

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike has a Bafang hub motor that can crank out a continuous 500 watts of power with the ability to ratchet things up to 750 peak watts of power for hill climbs and quicker acceleration. This motor has 80 Newton meters of torque which also helps with accelerating and climbing hills, and comes in handy for muddy and sandy trails.

Speed  — 25 mph

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike has a top speed of 25 mph, which can be reached using the throttle or pedal assist, making this a class 3 electric bike. There is an option to keep it in a more street legal 20 mph mode, making the M-450 a class 2 electric bike.

Battery and Range — 48 volt 10.4 ah, 30 miles

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike runs on a 48 volt system and has a 10.4 ah battery for an estimated max range of 30 miles with pedal assist. The battery is located behind the downtube, which helps to balance the bike since the motor is in the rear wheel. The battery can be removed for charging and storage. 

Pedal assist sensor — Cadence sensor

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike is equipped with a cadence sensor that measures the rotation of the cranks. Like most cadence sensors, there is some delay from the time the rider starts and stops pedaling to the time the motor activates and deactivates.

Display — Bafang, LCD

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike uses a Bafang display located on the center of the handlebars with an independent button pad located on the left of the handlebars. This is a good display with plenty of electronic feedback including speed, distance, battery level, wattage output and more.

Frame and weight — 6061 Aluminum alloy, 71 pounds

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike has a one frame size and a curb weight of nearly 71 pounds, which is a bit heavier than average for an electric bike. However, the step thru frame design makes it incredibly easy to mount and dismount the bike, and it’s also easy for riders to place their feet flat on the ground when at a complete stop.

Suspension —  Mozo spring suspension, 100 mm of travel

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike has a Mozo spring suspension that offers 100 mm of travel. It also has compression adjust, preload adjust and lockout, as well as boost hub spacing. This suspension does a good job at mitigating moderate shocks but it’s not well suited for extreme downhill trails or big air. The M-450 also has a seat post suspension with approximately 20 mm of travel.

Gearing — Shimano, 7 speed

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike has a Shimano Tourney derailleur with a 7-speed cassette. It uses a Shimano SIS Index thumb shifter on the right side of the handlebars.

Brakes — Tektro, mechanical disc

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike has Tektro mechanical disc brakes with a 180 mm rotors in the front and rear, offering plenty of stopping power. The brake levers are equipped with motor inhibitors, which instantly cut power to the motor whenever the brake levers are depressed.

Warranty — 1 year comprehensive

The AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike has a 1 year comprehensive warranty.

Price — Starting at 1,599

Starting at $1,599, the AddMotoR MOTAN M-450 fat tire electric bike is near the affordable price point and the integrated headlight, suspension, steel fenders, rear rack and fat tires help justify the price.

Who’s it for — Trail riders with comfort and ease of use in mind

This feels like a good choice for those who want to be able to hit the trails but also want an electric bike that’s easy get on and off of. The step thru frame eliminates the need for swinging a leg all the way over the saddle, and instead riders can simply step through the frame. The rear rack and fat tires and suspension also increase the use of this bike making it a capable trail rider that can stow extra gear for longer treks. This would also work well for city rides where the fat tires and suspension would really smooth out rough roads.