Nexx LEV NX1 First Ride: A Modular High-Power E-Bike That Actually Feels Dialed
December 6, 2023
There’s been a lot of chatter in the e-bike community about the Nexx LEV NX1, and after getting seat time on both versions, I get why. The headline feature is the modular drivetrain concept: one bike platform, two distinct powertrain options you can swap depending on how (and where) you want to ride.
I rode the NX1-S (hub motor) and the NX1-R (mid-drive). Instead of getting lost in spec-sheet flexing, I focused on what matters when you’re actually on the bike: how it pulls, how it turns, how controllable the power feels, and whether the whole “one bike, multiple personalities” idea makes sense in real life.
Real-World Setup: Two NX1 Personalities
The NX1 platform comes in two configurations:
NX1-S: hub motor setup that’s positioned more for street riding and stealth.
NX1-R: mid-drive setup that’s positioned more for torque-heavy riding like off-road, steeper climbs, and aggressive use.
One detail I really like is that both versions use the same sine wave controller form factor. That matters because it supports the modular story: you’re not buying into two completely different ecosystems.
Nexx also leans hard into personalization. The bike can be set up with pegs or pedals (simple swap), different tire kits (street vs dirt), and there’s mention of optional add-ons like a fender kit.
The Modular Drivetrain Idea (And Why It’s Interesting)
The pitch is simple: instead of buying multiple high-power rides for different use cases, you swap drivetrains.
If you want a quieter, lower-maintenance ride for street cruising, you run the hub drive.
If you want more of that mid-drive punch and trail capability, you swap to the mid-drive.
In theory, that’s a smart way to stretch your dollars—especially in a category where people often end up owning more than one bike because one setup never covers every scenario.
That said, modular is only a win if it doesn’t feel like compromise when you ride it. The good news: neither version felt half-baked.
First Ride: NX1-S Hub Drive (Quiet, Stealthy, Surprisingly Easy to Handle)
The first thing I noticed on the hub-drive NX1-S was how quiet it is. That stealthy, smooth hub-motor vibe is exactly why some riders swear by hub setups.
Rolling out in the lower power level, it felt immediately manageable and easy to control. When I bumped the power up, the bike delivered torque right off the line in a way that felt strong without being chaotic.
Handling-wise, it surprised me. Even though it’s a bigger bike, it didn’t feel like a heavy, awkward machine in tight low-speed riding. It felt easy to turn and easy to place—like the weight is sitting where it should be.
The overall impression I came away with: the NX1-S feels refined. It didn’t give me “prototype energy.” It felt like a real production bike in how it responded to inputs.
First Ride: NX1-R Mid-Drive (More Aggressive, More “Surron-Like”)
Hopping on the NX1-R mid-drive, the vibe immediately shifted toward what I’d call a more familiar high-power e-moto feel.
What stood out to me here was the throttle tune. In the lower power level, it ramps up smoothly and predictably—exactly what you want on a bike that can make real power. It didn’t feel like it was trying to buck me the second I rolled on throttle.
As I stepped up the power level, the NX1-R got serious fast. It has that “be ready for it” kind of pull where you can absolutely get yourself in trouble if you aren’t braced and paying attention.
Even so, it still felt easy to maneuver and corner in tight spaces. I also liked the riding position—it put me in a spot that felt confident and centered, not like I was perched awkwardly on top of the bike.
If you like the idea of one bike that can swing between street-friendly and more aggressive riding, the mid-drive configuration is the one that made me think, yeah, this could be my go-to.
Pedals, Pegs, and That Legal Gray Area
I like that Nexx is thinking about real-world ownership, not just performance.
The pedals vs pegs swap is quick and straightforward, and it’s clearly designed to let riders choose how they want the bike to present itself. Depending on where you live, that matters—whether it’s for trail access, neighborhood scrutiny, or just reducing hassle.
There’s also talk of providing a VIN and MCO so you may be able to register it as a moped (always depends on your local laws). I can’t stress this enough: check your state or country rules before you assume anything.
Battery Access and Future Tech Promises
The battery is removable, and the bike design makes it feel like it’s meant to be accessed and handled regularly rather than “hidden away” as an afterthought.
The more forward-looking stuff—AI-assisted battery/motor management, cloud connectivity, and an app for tracking and potentially adjusting ride parameters—sounds genuinely exciting.
But for me, that category of features lives in the “prove it” bucket. It’s promising, and it could be a real differentiator once it’s mature, but the value only shows up after it’s been tested in the messy reality of daily riding.
How the NX1 Feels Compared to Other Popular Rides
On the road (even in a limited testing area), the NX1 gave me a blend of familiar feelings from some of the most popular high-power e-bikes out there.
The hub-drive version leaned into stealth and smoothness.
The mid-drive version leaned into that aggressive, torque-forward experience that a lot of riders chase.
What I didn’t expect was how nimble the bike felt considering the overall size. That comes down to weight distribution and tuning—two things you only really understand once you’re turning, braking, and modulating throttle for yourself.
What We Like
Modular drivetrain concept that actually makes sense if you ride both street and off-road.
Hub-drive NX1-S is super quiet and feels stealthy in the best way.
Mid-drive NX1-R feels strong and controlled, with a smooth ramp in lower power levels.
Handling feels more nimble than you’d expect from the bike’s size.
Personalization options (pedals/pegs, tire setups) make it easier to tailor to your use.
The platform feels refined rather than experimental.
Things To Consider
Interchangeable drivetrains won’t appeal to everyone. Some riders want a bike that’s designed around one motor setup, period.
The AI/cloud/app features sound great, but their real value depends on how they perform long-term.
High power always comes with responsibility. The mid-drive especially can get spicy quickly as you step up power.
Registration and legality depend heavily on your location—even if a VIN/MCO is included.
Final Thoughts
After riding both versions, the Nexx LEV NX1 feels like a genuine attempt to push this category forward rather than just another “same bike, different sticker” release.
The hub-drive NX1-S is the one I’d want for stealthy street cruising and lower-maintenance vibes.
The mid-drive NX1-R is the one that felt closest to how I’d personally ride day-to-day when I want that more aggressive, torque-heavy experience.
If Nexx delivers on the software and connectivity side in a way that’s stable and useful, the NX1 could end up being one of the more interesting platforms in the high-power electric bike space—especially for riders who don’t want to own multiple bikes just to cover different ride styles.
Links
Nexx LEV: https://www.nexxlev.com
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Onvian Wireless Bike Alarm: https://amzn.to/42KUgyE
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